Xuan Phu commune aims for green tourism development

Xuan Phu is a locality where agriculture serves as the main economic sector, with favorable conditions for developing eco-tourism models linked to the area’s agricultural strengths.

Phu Tran grape garden (Xuan Phu commune) is in full bloom, serving tourists during the Lunar New Year. Photo: Vuong The

To gradually become an ideal destination for tourists seeking a green, tranquil, and culturally rich rural tourism experience, Xuan Phu commune (Dong Nai province) is implementing various measures to boost the local economy, including attracting investment and developing sustainable tourism models.

Much potential for tourism development

Xuan Phu commune was established by merging the former Xuan Phu and Lang Minh communes of the old Xuan Loc district. From Xuan Phu, it takes just one hour via expressway to reach Ho Chi Minh City or the coastal areas of Phan Thiet and Vung Tau. In addition, the commune is located near the Chua Chan Mountain spiritual tourism site, giving it an advantage to develop into a satellite destination focused on ecological and experiential tourism.

Xuan Phu commune also benefits from abundant, flat, and nutrient-rich agricultural land, along with a mild climate suitable for a wide range of crops, including rice, corn, dragon fruit, pomelo, and jackfruit. A distinctive feature is the rice fields lining both sides of the provincial road, resembling a rice valley embraced by mist-shrouded mountain ranges, creating a poetic, peaceful landscape of a rural area.

Small-scale eco-tourism sites have begun to take shape, attracting visitors from both within and outside the province. Notable models include lotus ponds, grape gardens, strawberry gardens, dragon fruit orchards, mangosteen, pepper and flower gardens, and fishing ponds combined with Anh Tu culinary services; the "The Lua" check-in point, known for its rustic countryside charm; and leisurely walks along flower-lined rural roads, paired with mountain climbing and scenic viewing activities.

As the Lunar New Year of the Horse 2026 approaches, the Phu Tran grape garden under the care of Tran Phu is entering its peak ripening season, with hundreds of plump grape clusters ready to welcome visitors for sightseeing, photography, and springtime outings. Originally from Ho Chi Minh City, Tran Phu has been living in Xuan Phu commune for the past two years to pursue agricultural work. His vineyard spans three separate areas and features a variety of grape types, including Ha Den grapes and finger grapes, creating diversity and allowing the vines to bear fruit in rotation so that grapes are available year-round to serve tourists.

According to Nguyen Trong Quang, Vice Chairman of Xuan Phu Commune People's Committee, relying solely on agricultural production would waste the landscape and fail to fully tap into the locality’s potential. The commune is actively promoting the development of agricultural-based tourism. The goal is to encourage farmers to combine agricultural production with tourism activities, providing the motivation to shift toward organic farming, thereby improving the ecological environment and ensuring safe production. At the same time, key products such as fruit and rice can be sold directly to tourists without intermediaries at higher prices, while the scenic rice fields can also be used for tourism.

Xuan Phu commune has a 5.8-kilometer section of National Highway 1 and a 3.5-kilometer stretch of the Phan Thiet - Dau Giay expressway running through it. In addition, Provincial Road 773, which connects to Long Thanh International Airport, is scheduled for construction, making trade and travel more convenient for residents in the locality.

Developing agricultural economy associated with green tourism

Despite its considerable potential, the development of the agricultural economy, in general, and of tourist attractions, in particular, in the commune remains underwhelming. Businesses that previously invested in Xuan Phu focused mainly on agriculture, and the area has yet to attract investment in the deep processing of agricultural products and tourism.

Lai The Thong, Secretary of the Party Committee and Chairman of the People's Council of Xuan Phu commune, shared that from the beginning of the term, the commune has prioritized economic development initiatives, including tourism. It has developed a plan to expand transport infrastructure linked to key projects, construct main roads across the commune, and upgrade village and field roads to facilitate travel and attract investment in both the economic and tourism sectors.

Notably, the commune has organized guidance for farmers, especially garden owners combining agriculture with tourism, on organic farming techniques. The Design Thinking Community has partnered to organize activities that spark innovation, helping farmers generate new ideas in both agricultural production and tourism development. In addition, the commune has collaborated with Ho Chi Minh City University of Technology to support farmers in modeling ideas and content for implementation, enhancing production processes, communication, and promotion for existing tourist destinations.

Alongside local efforts, Xuan Phu hopes to receive support from the province to attract investment in infrastructure, preservation facilities, and processing plants for agricultural products, including 200 hectares of dragon fruit, more than 2,000 hectares of rice fields, and over 4,000 hectares of corn. This goal is what agricultural production facilities are eagerly awaiting.

According to Tran Quang, Director of Xuan Tien Agricultural Trade and Service Cooperative, in recent times, the unit has consistently sought out new methods and models suited to production needs. The cooperative has connected with its members to focus on large-scale rice fields for cultivating specialty rice varieties ST24 and ST25. The main challenge is the absence of a large-scale rice milling and processing plant in the area, especially during peak harvest season, when preserving the product becomes extremely difficult.

By Vuong The – Translated by Mai Nga, Minho