Phu Tho

Phu Tho exists because Vietnamese civilization originated here—the Hung Kings established the first Vietnamese state on Nghia Linh mountain around 2879 BCE, creating a sacred geography that now draws 13+ million annual pilgrims and tourists to temples UNESCO recognizes for intangible cultural heritage. Meanwhile, the same Red River location that anchored ancient kingdoms now hosts modern industry growing at 15.32% annually.

The formation story bridges mythology and manufacturing. The Hung Temple complex enclosing Ha Temple (15th century), pagodas, and the Hung Kings' tombs marks Vietnam's founding narrative. UNESCO has recognized three cultural heritages from Phu Tho: Xoan singing, Hung King worship practices, and Ca tru. The annual Hung Temple Festival (10th day, 3rd lunar month) concentrates national identity in a single location.

The modern economy layers industrial production atop cultural tourism. Phu Tho's Industrial Production Index jumped 47.3% in Q1 2025. The province maintains position in chemicals, textiles, and new materials production. Viet Tri Paper Joint Stock Company produces 500+ tonnes daily, targeting VND 1,800 billion in 2025 revenue. GRDP reached VND 412.4 trillion in 2025—up VND 55.5 trillion from 2024.

The 2025 administrative merger with Vinh Phuc and Hoa Binh created a mega-province of 4+ million people with three development centers: Viet Tri, Vinh Yen, and Hoa Binh city. This consolidation combines Phu Tho's cultural heritage, Vinh Phuc's manufacturing, and Hoa Binh's hydropower into a unified northwestern economic bloc.

By 2026, Phu Tho aims to receive 14.5 million visitors while expanding industrial capacity. The Long Coc and My Thuan tea hills add agricultural tourism to the mix. The mountain where Vietnam began now anchors a diversified economy spanning pilgrimage, production, and plantation agriculture—ancient patrimony financing modern development.