Xin Man district is determined to not affect the core area, only developing services in the outer part and at the same time it considers the plan on future tourism development in the direction of experiential tourism, without motorized vehicles in or out.

Lots of potential for tourism development

As a mountainous district located in the west of Ha Giang province, Xin Man District is blessed with many wonderful landscapes by nature, a place that preserves the unique historical and cultural values of indigenous peoples. These are considered valuable resources and strengths to promote local tourism development.

This is a long-standing settlement of people of 16 ethnic groups, of which the Nung, Mong, Tay, and La Chi people make up the majority.

Located on the road connecting the East and Northwest regions, with magnificent natural landscape and unique cultural features that are well preserved by the local community, Xin Man has a lot of potential to develop tourism, especially community-based eco-tourism.

There are 10 recognized tourist attractions, relics, and scenic spots in Xin Man, including 5 national monuments, 3 provincial-level relics, 2 national intangible cultural heritages. The district also has advantages for development of other types of tourism, like resort tourism, eco-tourism, community tourism. Xin Man is home to unique traditional cultural festivals such as: Khu Cu Te Festival, Dinh Muong Festival, Gau Tao festival, Than Hoang Temple festival, cap sac ceremony of the Dao ethnic group, forest worshiping ceremony of Nung ethnic group, Phu La ethnic group, along with traditional crafts such as embroidery and weaving products, Nung U ethnic silver products; rattan and bamboo...

Besides Suoi Thau Steppe, Xin Man district has many other unique tourist attractions, such as Nam Dan ancient stone beach, Tien Deo Gio Waterfall, Quang Nguyen mineral spring. When the rice is ripe, the terraced fields here are covered with the yellow color, making visitors fascinated.

These are great advantages for Xin Man to develop its tourism industry.

In Ha Giang's tourism development strategy in general, Xin Man district aims to make tourism a key task. Therefore, the district determines that tourism must be associated with agriculture, ecology, preserving national identity, scenic spots and inherent landscapes.

According to Chairman of the People's Committee of Xin Man district Pham Duy Hien, the province and district's viewpoint is to preserve the landscape of the Suoi Thau Steppe, because currently there are not many areas like this, with majestic landscapes and beautiful landscapes, stretching lawns, green rice fields and corn fields.

Xin Man district is determined to not affect the core area, only developing services in the outer part and at the same time it considers the plan on future tourism development in the direction of experiential tourism, without motorized vehicles in or out.

Instead, there will be a service to pick up tourists by rudimentary vehicles of local people. The purpose is to both preserve the natural landscape and create jobs for local residents.

In the first 6 months of 2023, the number of tourists coming to Xin Man reached over 100,000. This result has initially contributed to changing people's awareness about economic development from tourism and services.

Transport infrastructure still unfavorable

However, tourism development in Xin Man in general and Suoi Thau Steppe in particular is facing a number of obstacles. Although traffic infrastructure exists, it is not really favorable.

According to Mr. Pham Duy Hien, perhaps Xin Man is currently the most difficult district in Ha Giang province in terms of transport infrastructure and connectivity, because the road is available but does not really meet the needs of means of transport of passengers as well as goods. The travel journey is difficult, leading to a situation where tourists may have to spend more money to get to the district.

The good news is that recently, the People's Council of Ha Giang province has passed a resolution approving the planning of Suoi Thau Tourist Area. These will be the basis for local authorities to strengthen management and promote investment attraction.

With the attention of the Party Committee, local authorities and the positivity of the people, the tourism sector of Xin Man district will continue to develop in the coming time, contributing to creating jobs and increasing income for people.