From heyday to revival: Ham Rong attracts tourists back!

From heyday to revival: Ham Rong attracts tourists back!

Ham Rong Mountain in Sa Pa is not only a destination for nature lovers, but also a place with rich mythology and a variety of attractions. In recent years, the ecotourism area has changed significantly and now appears in a new light.

Mr. Malcolm, a tourist from Australia, visited Sa Pa with his wife for three days and was amazed by the beauty of the landscape and the pleasant climate of the Ham Rong Mountains. The temperatures here only rise to 15 to 18 degrees Celsius, creating ideal conditions for growing many types of flowers. The mountain rises over 1,800 meters above sea level and offers breathtaking panoramic views of the city of Sa Pa from its top.

Cultural and geographical highlights

The name “Ham Rong” means “Jaw of the Dragon” and is surrounded by several legends. One story tells of two dragons playing during a flood, one flying away and the other petrifying as a mountain. Geographically, Ham Rong Mountain is particularly distinctive, with steep terrain and an altitude of between 1,450 and 1,850 meters. Access to the mountain is easy as it is only about 3 kilometers from Sa Pa city center.

Popular attractions on the mountain include an orchid garden with over 200 species, a Japanese peach garden and the Garden of the 12 Zodiacs. Visitors can also reach the “Sky Bridge,” which offers impressive views of the Sa Pa Valley. A special highlight is the central flower garden, which was designed in a European style.

Challenges and new beginnings

Despite the area's popularity, tourism facilities have suffered from dilapidated infrastructure and a lack of investment, particularly in the wake of the Covid-19 pandemic. However, in recent years there have been a number of renovations and investments that have helped to revitalize the area. Clean stone streets and newly planted flower gardens were created to increase the area's appeal.

How Vietnam.vn reported, more than 4,000 tourists visited Ham Rong during the holiday period from April 30 to May 1, 2024, an increase of 30 percent compared to last year. Despite these positive developments, Ham Rong Mountain often lags behind other attractions such as Fansipan Peak or Cat Cat Village in the minds of many tourists.

Tourism developments and future prospects

The local government and the Tourist Area Management Board are working hard to revitalize the area. According to Sa Pa's 5-season tourism development plan, Ham Rong receives special attention. Future plans include extensive renovations, landscaping improvements and increased advertising through various media. Visitors' positive feedback on the mountain's natural beauties makes it clear that Ham Rong remains a valuable ecotourism destination.

However, visitors should be prepared to wear comfortable shoes and respect local customs during their stay in the mountains. With the new developments and restoration of the area, Ham Rong has the potential to regain its former following and continue to be an intriguing destination in Vietnam. For many, the stay remains a unique opportunity to experience the diverse beauty of nature up close.