Kim Anh offers travelers a fresh eco escape just outside Hanoi

THE HANOI TIMES — Just beyond the hum of the urban core, the commune offers forests, lakes and rolling hills that blend with villages shaped by centuries of tradition.

But what truly excites travelers now is Kim Anh Commune’s rapid rise as one of Hanoi’s most promising eco-escapes, as new retreats, forest experiences and community-led projects begin drawing weekenders and international visitors in growing numbers.

New community-led initiatives and eco-tourism activities are turning this quiet landscape into a vibrant destination while preserving its green identity.

Untapped potential

Long known as the “northern green lung” of the capital, Kim Anh Commune has all the ingredients of an eco-tourism destination. But to turn these natural assets into a fully developed product, local authorities and tourism businesses say the commune needs a unified and well-designed development plan.

This goal guided the recent conference titled Improving Service Quality and Linking Kim Anh Commune’s Tourist Destinations with Hanoi Travel Businesses in 2025.

Speaking at the event, Tran Trung Hieu, Deputy Director of the Hanoi Department of Tourism, underlined Kim Anh’s exceptional natural and cultural resources. With more than 60 historical relics, 30 traditional festivals and a rich ecological landscape, the commune offers strong potential for cultural exploration, environmental education and outdoor activities.

To assess these opportunities, a delegation of travel companies and tourism experts visited key sites, including Thang Tri Temple, Thien Phu Lam Ecotourism Area, Thu Thoan Probiotic Chicken Cooperative, and forest-based retreats such as Latitude 21 Soc Son Retreat and Fifth Season Retreat.

Their findings show that Kim Anh can develop interconnected tourism products that combine spiritual heritage, eco-experiences, organic agriculture and recreational sports.

Hieu stressed that the next priority is improving service quality and ensuring a safe, friendly environment while building professional management models that meet the expectations of new visitor groups, especially international tourists and Hanoi’s expatriate community.

Representing the local government, Doan Hiep, Vice Chairman of the Kim Anh People’s Committee, outlined the commune’s rapid tourism growth. Covering more than 52 km² and home to nearly 49,000 residents, Kim Anh is emerging as one of the most dynamic leisure and eco-tourism hubs in Hanoi. With over 130 accommodation facilities already operating, the area is attracting visitors seeking greenery, rural calm and authentic cultural experiences.

To meet rising demand and guide development sustainably, the commune has built a strategy around four product lines, such as eco-leisure tourism, forest-based activities with environmental education, community-based tourism and outdoor sports.

This is supported by a three-zone spatial planning model that protects forest resources, manages accommodation growth, and ensures quality services for residents and visitors. Hiep said collaboration with travel agencies will be key to standardizing services, designing attractive tour routes and turning Kim Anh’s natural assets into lasting tourism advantages.

Sharpening tourism identity

Although Kim Anh has a strong foundation, experts said its success as a leading eco-destination will depend on product refinement and clear branding. Tourism advisor Dr. Vu Van Tuyen noted that its suburban eco-leisure direction fits well with its forest-centered planning, and highlighted wellness retreats, forest meditation, biodiversity education and hiking as especially appealing to visitors from Japan, South Korea, Singapore and international professionals living in Hanoi.

To tap into these markets, Dr. Tuyen recommended developing standardized tour packages such as Forest & Culture, Green Weekend for Expats, and Kim Anh Heritage Discovery with multilingual promotion and digital platforms to position Kim Anh as a leading eco-destination near Hanoi.

Phung Quang Thang, Chairman of the Vietnam Green Tourism Association, urged building a green tourism ecosystem based on circular economy principles. Kim Anh’s forests, lakes and farming villages can support cycling, stand-up paddleboarding, zero-waste camping, environmental education and seasonal farming, but issues such as plastic waste, uneven standards and weak infrastructure must be resolved through eco-zoning, “3 No” forest tourism rules and a trained green workforce.

Experts noted that Hanoi’s growing expat community is seeking nature escapes close to the city. Properly managed cycling trips, forest tours and camping services could become flagship products. A case of a tourist spending 15 days in nearby Phu Dong highlights the strong potential for long-stay suburban tourism.

To attract investors, Kim Anh needs clearer land policies, consistent support mechanisms, effective promotion programs and a distinct tourism brand that avoids overlap with surrounding areas.

Sustainable growth

Experts said conservation must remain the core of Kim Anh’s tourism strategy. The challenge is to welcome more visitors without harming its forests. Strict limits on construction, daily trekkers and guiding standards—together with ecological trails, forest passes and fire-warning systems will help protect the ecosystem while opening it to international travelers.

For 2025-2030, Kim Anh is building a stronger tourism identity through a trilingual website, the Visit Kim Anh app, a QR-code digital map and new annual events such as the Kim Anh Forest Run and the Green Day Festival.

Kim Anh People's Committee Vice Chairman Hiep said the commune will work closely with travel businesses and local communities to build a professional tourism chain. It is on track to become one of the capital’s leading suburban eco-destinations.

With strong natural assets, a clear development plan, firm conservation rules and rising service standards, Kim Anh is ready to welcome visitors seeking peace, culture and fresh air.