I’m not sure when water from 99 streams came in to fill the hollows between the low hills, forming the enormous lagoon known as “Ao Chau”. The lagoon’s green mountains and blue water are related with the history and culture of the area that was once an ancient conflict zone, and they contribute greatly to socioeconomic growth, particularly tourism in Ha Hoa and the Dat To region as a whole.
Ao Chau Lagoon is regarded as a vivid, magnificent, and lyrical “natural painting”.
On the small boat winding through the dark green hills that were packed together like bowls, we enjoyed the fresh air and mild spring weather of Ao Chau lagoon. In the vastness of the forest, amidst the immense waves of water, our boat is like a sketch in the center of a watercolor picture.
Ao Chau Lagoon contains a diversified and abundant flora and fauna, including over 700 plant species with important timber and medicinal materials, 22 animal species, 71 bird species, 29 fish species, and uncommon species such as golden turtles. Determine the relevance and impact of the Ao Chau lagoon on socioeconomic life and the biological environment, as well as its tourism potential. In recent years, the “Community-based Ao Chau Lagoon Biodiversity Protection Project” has been launched, helping to ensure the long-term growth of biodiversity and natural resources. The Ha Hoa District Party Committee has also concretized in the Resolution of the XXIII District Party Congress, term 2015-2020, on tourist development in Ha Hoa district, including the development of eco-tourism in Ao Chau lagoon during the 2015-2020 period and subsequent years.
Mr. Ngo Anh Vu, Vice Chairman of the Ha Hoa District People’s Committee, stated that in order for Ao Chau to become worthy of the term “Green Pearl,” the district has chosen tourism as a stage in the socioeconomic development festival. In the short future, the district will establish policy procedures and open the door to inviting enterprises to invest in Ha Hoa. Complete the thorough planning for the Ao Chau lagoon tourism area, as well as the 7-kilometer-long corridor from the IC11 highway interchange to the Goft Stadium Urban and Housing Area Project, which is incorporated into the province’s overall planning.
Recently, Ha Hoa has promoted propaganda to protect tourism resources in the Ao Chau lagoon area, raising people’s awareness about the meaning and importance of protecting the landscape and ecological environment of Ao Chau lagoon, especially the current state of land, water surface, vegetation, organizing waste collection, dismantling works and architectural objects and returning them to the site, ensuring a clean site and all the best conditions for handover for investors. Encourage publicity and investment in tourism, as well as educating tourism personnel to increase service quality. Increase connections between tours and tourist routes with other districts and provinces, and concentrate on developing traditional handicrafts to provide items for visitors.
Mr. Nguyen Ngoc Dung, owner of SenHomestay beside Ao Chau lagoon, stated: My family also invests in several recreational activities on the lagoon, like Vietnamese hotels, restaurants, boating, fishing... However, because it is dependent on several conditions, this service struggles to attract a large number of travelers. We also anticipate that municipalities and provinces would have orientations to attract investors for tourist development on the Ao Chau lagoon.
Visitors may enjoy boating, fishing, sightseeing, and resting on the lagoon.
Ms. Vu Thi Hoai Phuong, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports, and Tourism, confirmed that Ha Hoa is one of five localities identified as the province’s key tourism development, and Ao Chau lagoon is one of the places with charming natural landscapes, lots of potential, and favorable conditions for the development of various types of eco-tourism, relaxation and entertainment associated with cultural tourist attractions, and secondary eco-tourism close to Au Co Mau, Ao Gioi Suoi Tien, Van Hoi lagoon, Chu Hung temple... As a result, the province has been attracting investment projects to expand Ao Chau lagoon tourism, in accordance with the authorized plan. The Ao Chau urban, cultural-sports area, and golf course project will be executed soon, along with three additional ecotourism and golf course projects in the district. Implemented initiatives will capitalize on and promote Ao Chau lagoon’s assets, so contributing to a tourist breakthrough in Ha Hoa District.
Ao Chau lagoon is located between Ha Hoa town and the communes of Y Son, Am Ha, and Phu Khanh, 70 kilometers from Viet Tri city. It is compared to “Phu Tho’s Ha Long Bay”. With a sea surface area of around 300 hectares and over 100 big and small islands, Ao Chau is quickly becoming an appealing ecotourism destination. Phu Tho has specific plans for the Ao Chau lagoon tourist region, which spans around 1,500 hectares and will be developed into an eco-tourism destination that includes relaxing, boating, fishing, and climbing.
Dinh Tu