Panhou Retreat has been proudly named “Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025” by the World Travel Awards (WTA) during the Asia-Pacific ceremony held on 13 October. This recognition marks a significant milestone not only for Impression Asia Travel Co., Ltd. but also for Vietnam’s growing commitment to sustainable tourism.

“Being recognized as Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025 by the World Travel Awards is an immense source of pride for us,” shared Mr. Kien Le, representative of Panhou Retreat. “This award is both a recognition of over two decades of dedication to eco-conscious tourism and an inspiration for us to continue our sustainable journey. We are deeply grateful to the Hoang Su Phi community and everyone who has stood by us in spreading positive values and achieving this success.”

Panhou Retreat - the “Green Oasis” of Hoang Su Phi

Nestled amid the misty mountains and lush forests of Hoang Su Phi, Tuyen Quang Province, Panhou Retreat stands as one of Vietnam’s pioneering eco-resorts. For over 20 years, it has embodied a model of sustainable tourism that harmoniously connects people, nature, and indigenous culture.

Designed as a true “green oasis,” the resort’s architecture is inspired by nature and constructed entirely from eco-friendly, biodegradable, and locally sourced materials such as bamboo, wood, stone, and rattan - minimizing concrete use and industrial technologies. The open design optimizes natural light and airflow, creating a tranquil environment that blends seamlessly with the surrounding forest landscape.

Panhou Retreat is also among the first 5-star resorts in Vietnam to champion sustainable tourism with a deep sense of community responsibility.

Guided by the 3R philosophy: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, Panhou Retreat eliminates single-use plastics, replacing them with refillable glass bottles and reusable materials crafted from natural resources. Solar energy systems and motion-sensor lighting are integrated into the environment to minimize the carbon footprint while maintaining essential comfort and illumination.

Remarkably, over 95% of Panhou’s staff come from local ethnic communities, primarily the Red Dao people. All are professionally trained in environmental management, hospitality, and foreign languages, ensuring not only high service quality but also sustainable livelihoods and long-term career development for local residents.

Spreading the Journey of Sustainable Tourism

Beyond its green operations, Panhou Retreat celebrates and safeguards local heritage through its Ethnic Heritage Museum, which preserves traditional Red Dao costumes and artifacts. Guests are invited to engage in immersive cultural experiences, such as wood carving, dó-paper painting, tea ceremonies, herbal baths with over 20 indigenous mountain herbs, meditation, and guided trekking through local villages.

According to guest feedback, over 95% of international visitors express their desire to return, reflecting the authenticity and emotional connection that Panhou offers.

To further its mission, Panhou established the Panhou Sustainable Development Fund with an initial investment of VND 200 million, sourced from a portion of revenue from each guest’s stay. This fund focuses on four key goals: supporting local economic development; vocational training for local residents; tree planting to protect the primary forest; and supporting waste collection initiatives in sustainable development projects. Thus, every guest visiting Panhou directly contributes to Hoang Su Phi’s green journey.

From its humble beginnings deep in the ancient forests of Northern Vietnam, Panhou Retreat has remained steadfast in its mission of “slow but steady” growth, preserving cultural identity and empowering the community. Winning the Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025 title not only affirms Panhou’s long-term efforts but also underscores Vietnam’s emerging leadership in sustainable tourism on the global stage.

When nature, culture, and people come together to create meaningful value, Vietnam’s destinations shine brightly on the world tourism map.

 

World Travel Awards (WTA) and the title “Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025” Dubbed the “Oscars of the global tourism industry,” the World Travel Awards (WTA) is one of the most prestigious international accolades with over 30 years of history, honoring organizations with outstanding contributions to tourism in general and to tourism aligned with sustainable development and nature conservation in particular. This year, the category “Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025” featured 9 top nominees from across the continent. Among them, Panhou Retreat - one of three distinguished representatives from Vietnam - successfully met the strict evaluation criteria set by the judging panel in terms of architecture, operational model, and environmental impact, earning the honor of being announced as the winner.

Contact Information:

Panhou Retreat

Address: Giang Village, Thông Nguyên Commune, Tuyên Quang Province, Vietnam

Phone: (+84) 96.661.5050

Website: www.panhouretreat.com

Email: info@panhouretreat.com