Huong Pagoda complex has been recognized as a city-level tourist destination, underscoring its historical and cultural importance in Hanoi's tourism landscape.
The Huong Son special relic complex, also known as the Huong Pagoda, in My Duc District has been officially recognized as a city-level tourist destination by the Hanoi People's Committee. This decision, signed by Vice Chairman Nguyen Manh Quyen, highlights the cultural and historical significance of the site, located about 60 kilometers southwest of downtown Hanoi.

Historical and Cultural Importance
Spanning over 4,900 hectares, the Huong Pagoda complex is a vast network of pagodas, temples, and caves, adorned with intricate stalactites and stalagmites. These structures, built primarily in the late 17th century and renovated multiple times, are dedicated to Buddhist worship as well as deities linked to local agricultural beliefs. The complex’s historical and scenic value has been well-preserved, contributing to Vietnam’s rich Buddhist cultural heritage.

The annual Huong Pagoda Festival, the largest and longest traditional festival in Vietnam, runs from the sixth day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month. It attracts pilgrims from across the country, offering them a spiritual journey through the pagodas, temples, and caves, as they seek the blessings of Buddha. According to the complex's management board, about one million pilgrims attend this event each year, drawn by both religious devotion and the breathtaking landscape.

Future Development and Recognition
In 2023, the Huong Pagoda complex welcomed over one million visitors. To enhance its appeal, local authorities have focused on preserving its natural beauty and cultural significance while integrating it into festive activities and services. Efforts are underway to elevate the site to national recognition, with plans to have the complex declared a national tourist area by 2030, and eventually applying for UNESCO World Heritage Site status.

A representative from the Hanoi Department of Tourism emphasized the site's importance, stating, "Hanoi's Huong Pagoda is a cultural and religious complex that holds great value for the development of cultural and spiritual tourism." The goal is to establish the Huong Pagoda complex as a key tourism center, not only for Hanoi but for the entire country.

Recognition of Hong Van Tourist Site
In addition to Huong Pagoda, the Hanoi People's Committee also recognized the Hong Van tourist site in Thuong Tin District as a city-level tourist destination. Located along the Red River, Hong Van has capitalized on its rural charm, developing cultural, agricultural, and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) tourism. The commune's rural tourism has drawn around 35,000 visitors annually, generating over VND 10 billion (US$406,000) in tourism revenue.

Chairman Tran Quoc Bao of the Hong Van People's Committee expressed optimism about the site's future, aiming to make it a premier destination by 2025, with tourism as a key economic driver.

Criteria for City-Level Tourist Destination Recognition
According to Vietnam’s Law on Tourism 2017, for a site to be recognized as a city-level tourist area, it must fulfill several conditions: possessing natural or cultural tourism resources, offering adequate infrastructure and services for visitors, being well-connected to national transport and telecommunications systems, and ensuring public safety, order, and environmental protection.

Conclusion
The official recognition of the Huong Pagoda complex and Hong Van tourist site as city-level tourist destinations marks an important step in the development of Hanoi's tourism sector. These efforts not only preserve the cultural and historical heritage of the sites but also enhance their potential as significant attractions for both domestic and international visitors.