Central Vietnam province looks to tap tourism potential of Thi Nai lagoon

Binh Dinh is preparing to turn the 5,000-hectare Thi Nai lagoon, with its large marsh, diverse flora and fauna and stunning landscapes, into a major tourism attraction.

The central province’s administration plans to develop the Con Chim-Thi Nai Bay Ecological Area in Phuoc Son commune, Tuy Phuoc district into a tourism zone that covers 765 hectares and organize tourism activities in the lagoon.

To realize its plans, Binh Dinh has granted permission to Ho Chi Minh City-based Vietnam Travel and Marketing Transports JSC, or Vietravel (UPCoM: VTR) to study and implement a a project in the Con Chim (Bird Islet) area.

Vietravel has said it wants to develop unique tours and world-class hospitality and cuisine spots in the area.

In addition, the province has invited potential investors to build the 7.7 ha Nhon Hoi Night Paradise entertainment park at an estimated investment of VND423 billion ($17.4 million).

The park will feature indoor games, a water park, villas, hotels and other amenities.

Tran Van Thanh, director of Binh Dinh’s Department of Tourism, said locals were organizing unlicensed tours of aquaculture farms in the Con Chim-Thi Nai Bay Ecological Area. To better manage and preserve the lagoon’s biodiversit, tourist activities should be reorganized, he said.

From now until 2025, the local government will focus on attracting investments for eco-tourism developments. The province will host the UIM F1H2O and UIM-ABP AQUABIKE Binh Dinh Grand Prix 2024 in the lagoon for the first time, Thanh added.

The F1H2O Championship, which has been held in more than 40 nations to date, will provide a boost to the province’s tourism industry, said Lam Hai Giang, Vice Chairman of Binh Dinh.

He said authorities were hoping that the race will also bring more national and international sports events to the province, opening up opportunities for investments in yachting and other marine sports.