For many travelers, the image of Ha Giang, Vietnam (now within the province of Tuyen Quang) is defined by its breathtaking mountain passes, endless terraced rice fields, and tranquil ethnic life. Here, locals welcome visitors with simplicity and warmth, and many travelers choose to stay in traditional stilt-house homestays to truly experience the spirit of the mountains.
Yet for those seeking a place that combines comfort with nature, where you can still feel the heartbeat of local culture, Panhou Retreat stands apart. Located deep in the highlands of Hoang Su Phi, this property was recently honored by the World Travel Awards as Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025, recognizing its commitment to community and sustainable living. Let’s discover what makes Panhou Retreat not just a conventional mountain resort, but a one-of-a-kind green sanctuary in Northern Vietnam.
All you should know about Panhou Retreat
The history of Panhou Retreat: Born from nature and nurtured by people
Panhou Retreat’s story began more than two decades ago, long before sustainability became a popular term in Vietnam. It was created as a place to reconnect travelers with nature and to bring economic and cultural value back to the remote Dao ethnic communities who have lived in these valleys for generations.
The retreat features nearly thirty rooms surrounded by lush gardens and ancient trees. The architecture draws inspiration from the Dao culture, combining natural materials like wood, stone, and bamboo to form warm, elegant, and eco-friendly spaces. Each room has wide windows or a balcony that opens to sweeping views of mountains and greenery.
More than 95 percent of the team at Panhou Retreat are from the local Dao and neighboring ethnic minorities. They are the living hearts of Panhou Retreat. Their hands create everything from the traditional herbal baths that ease tired bodies, to the spotless guest rooms, to the lush gardens surrounding the resort. Thus, supporting and empowering them is at the core mission at Panhou: transforming jobs into livelihoods and hospitality into hope.
“At Panhou Retreat, sustainability grows from the hands of the people who live here.”
A mountain resort in Vietnam that aims for sustainable luxury
Many modern resorts talk about sustainability; Panhou Retreat quietly lives it. Electricity is partly generated by solar panels. Natural hot springs supply warm, mineral-rich water carefully managed to protect underground sources. Wastewater is treated and recycled for watering the gardens.
Every detail has been designed with intention. The mountain resort avoids single-use plastics entirely; guests are offered glass bottles, bamboo straws, and paper packaging instead. Buildings are made from local materials that blend into the mountain landscape rather than disturb it.
The culinary experience in Panhou Retreat is just as thoughtful. Dishes are cooked with home-grown vegetables and local-sought ingredients. Guests dine while watching mist roll over the hills, listening to cicadas and the soft flow of water nearby. Every meal tells the story of Ha Giang’s fertile soil and the people who nurture it.
“Every comfort in this green resort has a conscience.”
A private property, but deeply connected to the local community
Separated from nearby villages by a small stream and a charming wooden suspension bridge, Panhou Retreat feels tranquil and exclusive. Yet its spirit remains deeply connected to the surrounding community that helped build it.
Guests can join trekking tours through rice terraces, visit local homes for lunch, or learn about the Dao’s daily life. A small private ethnographic museum on-site preserves traditional tools and household items once used in mountain villages, helping guests understand the region’s heritage. Besides, Panhou Retreat also promotes local products from Shan Tuyet ancient tea to handmade crafts, giving artisans a platform to share their culture and earn fair income.
From quiet name to international recognition: A big surprise for Panhou Retreat
For years, Panhou Retreat remained a well-kept secret, known mainly to experienced travelers seeking authenticity in Vietnam’s northern mountains. So when this mountain resort was announced as Asia’s Leading Green Resort at the World Travel Awards 2025, the news came as both surprise and pride.
This honor drew new attention not only to Panhou but also to Ha Giang itself: a region once famous only for rugged landscapes and winding passes. Now it is recognized for its contribution to eco-friendly hospitality in Asia. The achievement proves that success doesn’t need to be loud. It is the outcome of years of quiet dedication: prioritizing local people, preserving indigenous wisdom, and respecting nature’s limits.
A shared vision with Travel Sense Asia
Travel Sense Asia is proud to have Panhou Retreat as part of our travel and hospitality ecosystem. This lovely “sister” is a true inspiration to continue pursuing our vision of sustainable development. Together, we support green and responsible businesses and work hand in hand to build a better, more sustainable future for the generations to come.
Conclusion
In a world where travel often feels rushed and commercial, Panhou Retreat invites you to pause: walking barefoot on soft earth, sharing meals with locals and listening to the forest breathe.
If your next journey to Ha Giang is calling, let Travel Sense Asia design a personalized itinerary that brings you closer to the heart of the mountains and the soul of Vietnam, through the green embrace of Panhou Retreat.
