At the conference on “Connecting Tourist Destinations along the Red River with Travel Agencies in Hanoi,” tourism experts and representatives from nearly 50 travel agencies discussed strategies to boost the growth and enhance the quality of river tourism in the city.
Unlocking the Potential of River Tourism
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| Hanoi’s Red River. Photo: Giang Trinh |
The Red River, stretching 556 kilometers across Vietnam, with 160 kilometers flowing through 15 districts of Hanoi, is a vital waterway for the capital city. It is also a treasure trove of culture and history, boasting a plethora of tourism attractions. Along its banks lie nearly 30 historical and cultural sites, such as the Tan Vien Son Thanh Temple in Ba Vi District, Hat Mon Temple in Phuc Tho District, and Dam Temple in Thuong Tin District, to name a few.
Centuries-old traditional craft villages also dot the river’s path, including Ninh So Bamboo and Wicker in Thuong Tin District, Bat Trang Pottery in Gia Lam District, and Yen Thai Do Paper and Nhat Tan Peach Blossom in Tay Ho District. Hanoi can also use the river to access nearby provinces like Bac Ninh and Hung Yen.
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| Delegates on a survey tour along the Red River. Photo: Hanoimoi |
During river excursions, visitors can soak in the beauty of the river and its bridges while observing the local way of life along its banks.
Recognizing the potential of Red River tourism, Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, emphasized the city’s plans to further harness the economic and cultural value of the river, including its potential for tourism. With its historical and cultural significance and the ability to connect destinations, Red River tourism can offer a unique experience that defines Hanoi.
Currently, Thang Long GTC JSC operates six main tours on the Red River, all departing from Chuong Duong Wharf. The “Red River Impressions” tour, for example, takes visitors to various temples and the Bat Trang Ceramics Village. Another tour, “Bridge Spans of Happiness,” showcases the ethereal sunset on the river and the glittering splendor of the bridges, illuminated with the capital’s emblem.
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| A cruise ship on the Red River. Photo: Hoang An |
Other itineraries include visits to a combination of temples, pagodas, and churches along the river, offering a rich cultural experience.
According to Nguyen Thi Hong Minh, Director of the Red River Tourism Investment and Development Company, river tourism has been developing since 2004. After a challenging period, the company has recently invested in additional offerings, resulting in an increase in visitor numbers from 3,000 in 2023 to 7,000 in 2024.
Elevating Red River Tourism as a Key Service
Despite two decades of operation, the development of Red River tourism has not kept pace with its potential, and experiential activities remain inconsistent.
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| Tourists exploring the alluvial plain in the middle of the Red River. Photo: Maii Linh/ Chuyen cua Ha Noi Group |
Deputy Director Hieu acknowledged that the operation of the Red River tourism route has not met expectations. Currently, Thang Long GTC JSC is authorized to manage the Chuong Duong Wharf and Hanoi-Hung Yen routes on the river. However, inadequate transportation systems, technical infrastructure, and river tourism services hinder their ability to tap into the historical and cultural attractions effectively.
Pham Hong Long, Head of the Department of Tourism at the University of Social Sciences and Humanities, emphasized the need to improve the quality of Red River tourism products. While other places in Vietnam have excelled in river tourism, Hanoi has yet to unlock the full potential of its riverine attractions.
Long suggested the importance of a master plan along the Red River to attract infrastructure investment and develop complementary services, ultimately enhancing the quality of tourism offerings.
According to Pham Hai Quynh, Director of the Asian Tourism Institute, an immediate step is for Thang Long GTC JSC to collaborate with other units to invest in attractive, tourist-friendly piers while developing luxurious night cruises. Quynh also recommended that the Red River tourism operator focus on perfecting the destination experience rather than relying solely on traditional sightseeing methods.
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