Pa Phong Bridge, a suspension bridge nestled in the mountainous commune of Huoi So in Tua Chua District (Dien Bien Province), is much more than a mere crossing. Spanning two towering rock cliffs, it elegantly connects Huoi So’s centre to the Huoi Long resettlement area, stretching over a jade-green cove on the serene reservoir of the Da River hydropower dam. The scenic charm of this setting is captivating, with Pa Phong Bridge now emerging as a sought-after destination for travellers drawn to the untouched beauty of Viet Nam’s northwest region, where the land and people enchant with their timeless allure.
Pa Phong Bridge spans a jade-green lake, creating a picturesque landscape and serving as an ideal destination for travellers.
As a highland region with challenging terrain and difficult access, tourism in Pa Phong developed quite late. Typically, visitors would simply pass through, admiring the views from Pa Phong Bridge before moving on across the reservoir, as the area offered no lodging, exploration, or experiential services. However, in recent years, with the rise of social media and the dedicated attention of local government officials in Tua Chua District, Pa Phong has gradually transformed into a must-visit destination for those exploring the rugged beauty of Tua Chua.
Nguyen Van Manh, Director of the Tua Chua District Centre for Culture, Broadcasting, and Television, explains, “With its majestic natural scenery, we have intensified promotional efforts in recent years, turning Pa Phong into a compelling attraction for visitors.” The centre has collaborated with the Tua Chua Youth Union, the Women’s Union, and the Huoi So Commune Youth Association to mobilise social resources for landscape improvement. These efforts include planting trees, constructing stone walls, and creating walking paths around the base of Pa Phong Bridge, offering a picturesque setting for visitor check-ins.
Locals, recognising Pa Phong’s tourism potential, have also invested in complementary services, such as dining and overnight stays, creating a more immersive experience for visitors and adding to the charm of this hidden highland treasure.
In the final months of the year, visitors from all over journey to discover the pristine, picturesque beauty of Pa Phong Bay.
Exploring the beauty of Pa Phong, we visited Pa Phong Homestay, located right at the base of the bridge. It is the pioneering household in developing tourism services in Huoi So. Quang Thi Hoa, the homestay owner, said: "Most visitors come to Pa Phong Bridge at the end of the year, during the high-water season, particularly around Tet. Since 2021, recognising the potential for tourism here, our family has invested in accommodation services."
Today, the homestay’s offerings have gradually expanded, allowing guests to experience local culture, cuisine, relaxation, fishing, and exploration of the reservoir. Each month, Pa Phong Homestay welcomes 11 to 15 groups, with each group ranging from 4 to 25 people, not including solo visitors. Most guests are local residents and international tourists. Thanks to this steady stream of visitors, the family earns around VND30 million per month during peak water season.
As of now, in addition to Hoa’s homestay, five other families in Huoi So Commune have started offering dining, rest stops, and boat trips in the Pa Phong Bridge area, contributing to the growing local tourism scene.
Visitors enjoy feeding fish and catching cage-raised fish on the reservoir.
As one of the five households investing in and developing tourism services around Pa Phong Bridge, Ly A Hop from Hamlet 2, Huoi So Commune, shared: "Although the road from Tua Chua District centre to Huoi So is still under construction, making travel difficult, the number of visitors hasn't declined. Taking advantage of the area's natural beauty, our family has set up a rest stop offering meals and boat trips for exploring Pa Phong Bay." He anticipates that by early 2025, the family’s facility will officially open to serve tourists.
Local families have established rest spots near Pa Phong Bridge to welcome tourists.
At Pa Phong, visitors can relax, explore the reservoir, and immerse themselves in the traditional culture of the local ethnic groups. They can also visit the Pe Rang Ky cave, the Lang Giang stream, and take in the beauty of sunset along the winding roads that follow the Da River reservoir.
With an increasing number of amenities, from fishing activities to rest areas, Pa Phong is becoming a vibrant destination. Here, a boat operated by Pa Phong Homestay offers tourists a unique perspective on the reservoir’s natural charm.
The socio-economic life of residents near Pa Phong Bridge in the highland commune of Huoi So is thriving, thanks to the region’s natural beauty, the scenic landscape, and the support of local authorities. Most importantly, there has been a shift in mindset among the local people, who are now seizing opportunities, ready to invest in and develop tourism, bringing income to their families and transforming the face of their homeland.
Tran Nham