Phuoc An rich in potential for roots tourism

With a vast mangrove forest ecosystem, distinctive riverine landscapes, and revolutionary historical relics, Phuoc An commune in Dong Nai province offers many advantages for developing roots tourism.

Visitors travel by river to visit the Rung Sac historical relic site in Phuoc An commune, Dong Nai province. Photo: Doan Mai

Effectively tapping natural and historical values in association with conservation is expected to open up ample room for the development of the local “smokeless industry”.

A riverine crossroads with many "red addresses"

Established through the merger of Long Tho, Vinh Thanh, and Phuoc An communes from the former Nhon Trach district, Phuoc An commune now enjoys a large development space. It is one of the few localities in the province that boasts a mangrove forest ecosystem, characteristic downstream river landscapes, and numerous revolutionary historical relics. With these inherent advantages, Phuoc An stands before major opportunities to develop eco-tourism linked to nature conservation and the promotion of cultural and historical values.

The most outstanding advantage for tourism development lies in the convergence of riverine landscape and mangrove forests. The area features a dense network of waterways, particularly the confluence of four major rivers, namely Long Tau, Dong Tranh, Thi Vai and Soai Rap. This not only facilitates inland waterway transport but also creates a distinctive riverine landscape imbued with the identity of the downstream Dong Nai River region.

The riverine panorama is further enhanced by stretches of lush mangrove forests lining the waterways. Beyond their roles in environmental protection, climate regulation and biodiversity conservation, mangrove forests also represent a valuable resource for Phuoc An to develop eco-tourism, nature-based experiential tourism and environmental education tourism.

In fact, several eco-tourism sites have already taken shape in Phuoc An, gradually leaving their mark on the provincial tourism map. Notable examples include Bo Cap Vang Eco-tourism Area, with various water-based recreational activities; Phuoc An floating village, which attracts visitors with hands-on experiences and brackish-water seafood tastings; and Ngu Ong Resort, an eco-resort deeply influenced by riverine culture. These models can be further expanded or upgraded to diversify tourism products and services.

Another distinctive and highly valuable asset for tourism development in Phuoc An is its system of “red addresses”. Prominent among them is the Nhon Trach Martyrs’ Temple, located within the Nhon Trach tunnel historical and cultural relic complex, which holds great historical, spiritual and cultural significance. In addition, the Rung Sac Base, situated deep within the mangrove forest ecosystem, features a memorial stele dedicated to cadres and soldiers of Regiment 10, Rung Sac special forces, during the resistance war against the U.S imperialists.

Phuoc An commune, formed through the merger of former communes of Long Tho, Vinh Thanh and Phuoc An, covers an area of more than 170 square kilometres and has a population of over 51,000. The locality is home to two national-level historical relics and two provincial-level relics, along with a dense river system, mangrove forests, and seaports suitable for tourism exploitation.

Alongside existing tourism models and relics, Phuoc An currently has a land area of more than 100 hectares near the Nhon Trach tunnel historical and cultural relic, which the province has planned as an eco-urban complex and themed park. Designed as an urban-scale park, once completed, it will serve as a tourism landscape highlight, contributing to improving residents' quality of life and creating new momentum for local service and tourism development.

According to Huynh Minh Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Phuoc An Commune Party Committee and Chairman of the Commune People’s Committee, when mentioning Phuoc An, many often recall prominent “red addresses” such as the Nhon Trach Martyrs Temple and the Rung Sac revolutionary base. These are historical sites of special spiritual value, serving as spaces for the education of revolutionary tradition and fostering patriotism among younger generations. If harmoniously combined with mangrove forest eco-tourism and distinctive riverine landscapes, these relics will help shape unique tourism products that are both experiential and rich in cultural and historical depth, thereby creating momentum for the sustainable development of local tourism.

Sustainable tourism development

To effectively harness its potential, Phuoc An commune has identified eco-tourism development as an integral part of its overall socio-economic development planning. In this process, protecting mangrove forests, preserving natural ecosystems, and conserving historical relics are identified as consistent priorities. Green, eco-friendly, and environmentally responsible tourism models are being prioritised.

Building on its riverine advantages and historical relics, Phuoc An has favourable conditions to develop a wide range of tourism products, including mangrove forest eco-tourism, river-based tourism, historical and revolutionary tourism, and environmental education tourism for pupils and students. The formation of tourism routes linking ecological sites with historical relics will not only create a distinct identity for local tourism but also enrich the province’s overall tourism map.

On January 16, Vo Tan Duc, Deputy Secretary of the Provincial Party Committee, held a working session with the Phuoc An Commune Party Committee. At the meeting, Huynh Minh Duc proposed several issues related to tourism development, including the early approval of adjustments to the general planning to provide a basis for implementing sub-area plans Phuoc An 2, Phuoc An 3 and Phuoc An 4, with a view to attracting investment projects aligned with socio-economic development orientations, including tourism projects. He also proposed that the provincial People's Committee consider allocating funding for the maintenance and repair of the Nhon Trach Martyrs Temple and related facilities to exploit better local tourism potential, especially eco-tourism and roots tourism.

Vo Tan Duc noted that Phuoc An has significant potential and advantages for the development of industry, logistics, and tourism. Regarding the two tourism-related proposals, he suggested that the commune coordinate with relevant departments and sectors to accelerate the preparation and completion of adjustments to urban and communal master plans, and to integrate them into provincial planning adjustments, thereby laying a foundation for investment attraction and project implementation. At the same time, efforts should be made to promote the development of trade, services, logistics, warehousing and services supporting industry and daily life.

In addition, the Party Committee of the Provincial People's Committee has directed relevant units to study the proposals and recommendations of Phuoc An commune in order to introduce appropriate policies to enhance support for the locality. Issues beyond local authority will be reported to and submitted for consideration by the Standing members and the Standing Committee of the Provincial Party Committee.

By Hoang Loc - Translated by My Le, Thu Ha