VI
EN
“The ‘Leading Green Resort in Asia 2025’ award from the World Travel Awards is a recognition of our more than 20-year journey in tourism development linked to ecological conservation, respect for nature and local culture. We would like to express our gratitude to the local community of Hoang Su Phi and all those who have long-term partners with Panhou Retreat in spreading these positive messages,” said David Le, representative of Panhou Retreat.
Panhou Retreat is known as the "green oasis" of Hoang Su Phi.
Located in Hoang Su Phi (Tuyen Quang), Panhou Retreat is one of the first eco-resorts in Vietnam to develop sustainable tourism, fostering community engagement and preserving local culture for over two decades.
The resort utilizes natural materials such as bamboo, wood, stone, and rattan, minimizing the use of concrete in construction. The open design maximizes natural light and air circulation, creating a tranquil space amidst the mountains and forests. Furthermore, it aims for an environmentally friendly operating model while emphasizing local elements in its architecture and services.
In its operation, Panhou Retreat applies the 3R philosophy (Reduce – Reuse – Recycle), completely eliminating single-use plastics and replacing them with eco-friendly materials such as glass, stone, bamboo, wood, and rattan. The resort also utilizes solar energy, energy-saving sensor lights, and harmoniously integrates with the natural environment to minimize its environmental impact.
Notably, over 95% of the staff here are local ethnic minorities. They receive thorough training in tourism, foreign languages, waste sorting skills, and environmental protection, contributing to stable employment and development opportunities for the Red Dao community and other ethnic groups in the area.
Sustainable travel journey
Panhou Retreat maintains a cultural exhibition space, preserving traditional costumes and artifacts of the Dao people. Here, visitors can explore and participate in experiential activities such as wood carving, painting on dó paper, enjoying tea, meditating in the garden, bathing in herbal remedies made from local herbs, or hiking and cycling to discover the surrounding villages.
Over 95% of international guests who have stayed at Panhou Retreat have stated that they would return to Vietnam if given the opportunity, reflecting the value of the experience connected with nature and local culture that this place offers.
With the goal of engaging the local community, the resort established the "Panhou Sustainable Development Fund" with an initial capital of 200 million VND, derived from revenue generated from each guest stay. The fund aims for four main objectives: supporting local economic development; providing vocational training for local people; planting trees to protect the primary forest; and supporting sustainable waste collection initiatives. Every guest staying at Panhou indirectly contributes to environmental and community activities in Hoang Su Phi.
From a small-scale resort nestled in the mountains of Hoang Su Phi, Panhou Retreat pursues sustainable development at a slow pace, focusing on preserving cultural identity and empowering the local community. Winning the title of “Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025” from the World Travel Awards is recognition of this model and reflects the positive trend of sustainable tourism in Vietnam.
When natural beauty, culture, and people are placed at the center, destinations in Vietnam can make their mark on the international tourism map.
The World Travel Awards (WTA), dubbed the "Oscars of the travel industry," is one of the most prestigious global awards, recognizing outstanding contributions to the tourism industry and sustainable development. With over 30 years of history, the WTA evaluates organizations based on a variety of criteria such as service quality, architecture, environmental impact, and sustainability.
In 2025, the "Asia's Leading Green Resort" category had 9 nominations from Asian countries. Among them, Panhou Retreat – one of three representatives from Vietnam – met the strict criteria of the judging panel and was awarded the prize.
