Trekking boosts green tourism in Hai Phong
Trekking is emerging as a popular choice among young people in Hai Phong, helping shape the city’s green tourism profile.
Green tourism and exploration experiences
On a mild early-summer weekend, Nguyen Van Manh, 24, from Ngo Quyen ward, chose not to visit familiar cafes but instead joined friends on a forest trek across Cat Ba Island.
Starting from Cat Ba National Park, the group selected a nearly 10-km route to Viet Hai village. The journey included sharp limestone slopes and muddy trails under dense forest cover. The effort was rewarded with panoramic views from Ngu Lam peak and quiet moments at Ao Ech, often described as a hidden gem in the forest.
Beyond Manh’s group, the “back-to-nature” trend is gaining traction among local youth. Trips without mobile signals or urban noise, focusing only on footsteps and breathing in nature, are becoming part of a healthier and more environmentally conscious lifestyle.
In Hai Phong, trekking tourism is mainly concentrated in Cat Ba, with two main offerings: half-day and full-day tours. Half-day tours, priced at 300,000–500,000 dong per person, typically cover Trung Trang cave, Kim Giao forest and Ngu Lam peak, and are suited to beginners or families.
Full-day tours cost 800,000–1.2 million dong per person and include local guides, entrance fees, lunch at Viet Hai village and a return boat trip via Lan Ha Bay.
Nguyen Tien Truong, director of Golden Route Travel Company, said the appeal of trekking in Hai Phong lies in its combination of forest and sea, allowing tour operators to design “two-in-one” packages for young travelers seeking exploration.
Stronger management needed for sustainable growth
Despite strong potential, the largely unregulated growth of trekking tourism is posing challenges for management and conservation.
Mai Xuan Thang, chairman of the city’s Tourism Association, said authorities need clear rules on licensing trekking tour operators and stronger oversight of compliance with environmental protection standards.
Professional training for local guides, who have the best knowledge of the terrain, would not only create livelihoods for residents but also help ensure visitor safety.
.jpg)
Hai Phong’s tourism development strategy to 2030 emphasizes diversifying products, with eco-tourism and sustainability at its core, and trekking seen as a key component.
To attract visitors sustainably, tourism products need to be standardized from promotion to operations, avoiding overuse that could damage primary forest ecosystems.
Tour operators also recommend that participants equip themselves with basic skills and appropriate gear before each trip.
With coordinated efforts by authorities, travel firms and visitors, trekking is expected to become a new growth driver, helping raise Hai Phong’s tourism profile and reinforcing its image as a green, dynamic and welcoming city.
Hai Phong News