AAV CEO Nguyen Duc Hanh shares that Ha Giang has yet to make it to the luxury travel map, mostly known to foreign backpackers and renowned for its pristine beauty. However, Ha Giang presents infrastructure challenges with no access to an airport or highways, leaving the company with a daunting task of attracting time-constrained high-end travelers to the region.
An American billionaire prepares to depart Ha Giang for Hanoi by helicopter in 2024. Photo: AAV
Given the lengthy six-hour drive from Hanoi to Ha Giang, AAV utilizes helicopters for transportation, flying from Gia Lam Airport to the training field of the Ha Giang Military Command, taking approximately one hour. Guests are accommodated at a resort in Bac Me, one of the few places in the province that meets the high standards required for luxury travelers. The Ha Giang itinerary for this exclusive clientele typically spans three days and two nights or four days and three nights, with day trips and an overnight stay at the resort.
Mr. Hanh highlights Bac Me as an ideal location for its tranquil atmosphere, pristine air, and scenic landscape of hills and rice terraces. On the first morning, guests embark on a sustainable and much-loved activity—an electric bicycle tour through the villages and rice fields. To ensure that all guests can navigate the mountainous terrain, e-bikes are transported from Hanoi.
Subsequently, guests enjoy a bamboo raft ride on the river with a local rower. Bac Me is also home to “Hang Chim Ngua” cave, adorned with numerous stalactites and rarely visited by tourists, making it an exclusive experience for luxury travelers.
On the second day, guests visit popular destinations such as the Nho Que River and Tu San Canyon. However, these sites are not located near Bac Me, and guests prefer not to spend excessive time traveling. AAV transforms the journey into a spectacular experience akin to a James Bond movie. Guests take a helicopter ride from Bac Me to the ancient town of Dong Van, followed by a jeep ride, with some opting for a sidecar to fully immerse themselves in the atmosphere of the “Happiness Road.”
“It’s like a cinematic experience,” says Mr. Hanh, describing the arrival of the ultra-wealthy in Dong Van.
An American billionaire enjoys jetskiing on the Nho Que River in 2023. Photo: AAV
Privacy is a paramount concern, especially in Dong Van, which attracts many foreign backpackers. The ultra-wealthy guests are escorted to an old boat pier, separate from the new pier used by regular tourists. Instead of a boat, they experience the Nho Que River and Tu San Canyon on jet skis (motorized watercraft), ensuring a unique and private journey.
According to Mr. Hanh, the old tourist boats on the Nho Que River were noisy and unattractive, so the company had to transport jet skis by truck and crane from Hanoi to provide a more enjoyable 40-minute experience for their guests. Other vehicles, such as jeeps and sidecars, are also brought in from Hanoi in a similar manner.
“It’s a short experience, but behind it is a journey of making the impossible possible,” says Mr. Hanh.
Following successful tours for millionaires and billionaires to Ha Giang, AAV is working with the provincial government to create a unique product tailored for this exclusive clientele. Previously, in October, the company also received approval from Quang Ninh Province to operate private beach tours on Ha Long Bay for billionaire tourists. Developing these exclusive products streamlines administrative procedures and enhances their ability to attract this niche market.
The tour operator believes that Ha Giang has untapped potential for ultra-luxury tours. If their proposal is accepted, they plan to expand their programs to Du Gia, home to rare ancient tea forests in Vietnam, and also consider Hoang Su Phi as a potential destination.
“The key is to create an experience that everyone will want to try at least once in their lifetime,” emphasizes Mr. Hanh.
A jeep carrying an American billionaire on a tour of Ha Giang in 2023. Photo: AAV
Mr. Hanh acknowledges that Ha Giang still faces challenges in becoming a truly attractive destination for the ultra-wealthy, particularly the lack of an airport. While helicopter tours have been smooth so far, they are weather-dependent, and some guests prefer not to travel by helicopter or private plane, which limits their access to the region.
The scarcity of high-end accommodations in Ha Giang is another significant hurdle. Additionally, the lack of qualified personnel makes it challenging to rely solely on local staff. The influx of backpackers, while beneficial for promoting Ha Giang’s tourism, can also negatively impact the local environment and culture.
“Ha Giang can aim for quality over quantity, but this is a macroeconomic challenge involving multiple stakeholders,” concludes Mr. Hanh.
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