Tourism, heritage key to Son Tay growing further

Son Tay will keep cultivating its historical and cultural values and see tourism as its main economic driver, said Tran Anh Tuan, Secretary of the city's Party committee, on  August 3.

Foreign visitors in the ancient village of Duong Lam. Photo: nguoihanoi.vn

Speaking at a ceremony to commemorate the 70th anniversary of the town's liberation (August 3, 1954), Tuan said local authorities and people will continue to honor the cultural and historical heritage while pursuing economic development combined with culture and tourism.

The town plans to maintain and enhance its current tourism offerings while introducing new experiences for visitors, he said.

Activities will include hands-on farming, visits to flower and ornamental plant farms, livestock farms, and traditional craft villages, Tuan added.

Son Tay will also seek to cooperate with other localities to form an attractive tourism network in western Hanoi, the official said.

"Urbanization efforts will focus on integrating the urban economy, aiming for a breakthrough that will elevate Son Tay to a tier 2 city," said Secretary Tuan.

Nguyen Quang Han, Deputy Secretary of the city's Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council, outlined a tourism development strategy.

He said the development of Son Tay Ancient Citadel, Duong Lam Ancient Village and Dong Mo and Xuan Khanh eco-tourism zones with sports, entertainment and relaxation will be the main priorities of the local authorities.

Citing an official report, Han said the town's tourism sector welcomed a record high of about 1,175,000 visitors in 2023, including 470,000 visits to the Vietnam National Village for Ethnic Culture and Tourism, 450,000 arrivals to Duong Lam's ancient relics, and 22,400 international visitors.

According to the local government, Son Tay has completed 42 projects to upgrade roads and drainage systems, ensuring better travel conditions and environmental sanitation. More than 31 km of new drainage has been built, another 10 km has been repaired, and lighting has been installed on 168 km of roads.

As one of Hanoi's five designated satellite cities, Son Tay's socio-economic conditions have improved, with annual targets consistently met or exceeded. In the city, all six communes have fulfilled the new rural development plans. Key infrastructure projects, including arterial roads, are being vigorously developed.

Political security and social order are well maintained, and the quality of life for residents continues to improve. The town's urban and rural landscapes are being modernized, while historical and cultural values are being preserved and promoted.

Looking ahead, local authorities will complete socio-economic development plans as projected in the Hanoi Master Plan for 2021-2030 with a vision to 2050 and the adjusted General Development Plan for Hanoi Capital to 2045 with a vision to 2065.