Panhou Retreat Proudly Receives the Title of “Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025” from the WTA

In October 2025, Panhou Retreat was officially honored as Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025 by the prestigious World Travel Awards (WTA). This milestone marks not only a remarkable achievement for Panhou Retreat but also a significant step forward for Vietnam’s sustainable tourism sector.

WTA – The “Oscars of the Travel Industry”

The World Travel Awards, widely regarded as the “Oscars of the travel industry,” celebrate organizations that have made outstanding contributions to global tourism and sustainability. Established more than 30 years ago, the WTA has become the ultimate hallmark of excellence, with winners chosen by a combination of industry experts and international travelers.

In 2025, the category of Asia’s Leading Green Resort recognized nine distinguished nominees from across the continent. Among them, Panhou Retreat emerged as Vietnam’s representative, overcoming rigorous selection criteria and ultimately being named the winner. This honor is not only a proud achievement for Panhou Retreat itself but also an important milestone affirming Vietnam’s standing in the international sustainable tourism landscape.

“Being recognized as Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025 by the World Travel Awards is an immense source of pride for us,” said David Le, representative of Panhou Retreat. “This award is not only a testament to over 20 years of unwavering commitment to eco-tourism, environmental stewardship, and cultural preservation, but also a powerful inspiration for us to continue pursuing sustainable development. We remain deeply grateful to the community of Hoang Su Phi, whose people have walked alongside us in spreading green values and helped us reach this meaningful success.”

Panhou Retreat – The “Green Oasis” of Hoang Su Phi

Nestled in the heart of the mountains of Hoang Su Phi, Tuyen Quang, Vietnam, Panhou Retreat has long been known as a “green oasis” for travelers seeking tranquility and reconnection with nature. Its architecture is a testament to harmony with the environment, built with bamboo, wood, stone, and rattan – natural, recyclable materials that are both familiar and eco-friendly.

Concrete and heavy modern technology are deliberately minimized. Instead, Panhou embraces open-air designs that maximize natural light, fresh air, and the pure energy of the mountains. This philosophy allows the resort to preserve its serene, rustic atmosphere while offering a rare closeness to the land. It is also recognized as the first five-star retreat in Vietnam to pioneer sustainable tourism practices while upholding a deep sense of responsibility to the surrounding community.

Surrounding Panhou Retreat are endless verdant mountains and forests, creating a poetic landscape that soothes and inspires the soul.

The resort operates on the principles of Reduce – Reuse – Recycle. Single-use plastics have been eliminated, replaced with refillable glass bottles. Everyday items are crafted from bamboo and wood, designed to be recyclable or biodegradable. Solar panels power hot water systems, while energy-efficient lighting is subtly integrated into the natural landscape to minimize environmental impact. These choices ensure that Panhou Retreat not only protects its pristine surroundings but also sets a standard for sustainable luxury in the region.

Panhou Retreat prioritizes construction and design using natural materials such as wood, bamboo, rattan, and stone

To maintain these green practices, Panhou Retreat has invested in training a dedicated team of staff, 95 percent of whom are local residents. Employees are thoroughly educated in waste sorting, refill operations, and environmental protection, alongside comprehensive training in hospitality, foreign languages, and customer service. This holistic approach provides stable career opportunities for ethnic minorities, especially the Red Dao people, empowering them with skills to thrive in tourism while preserving their cultural identity.

The museum preserves the unique cultural heritage of the Red Dao people.

Panhou Retreat – A Spirit of Community Connection

For Panhou Retreat, sustainability is inseparable from community. More than 95 percent of guests from across the globe report that they are determined to return to the retreat on their next visit to Vietnam. This overwhelming loyalty proves that Panhou is not simply a place to stay, but a sanctuary where visitors find peace, authenticity, and profound connection with nature.

Each wooden house, each thatched roof, and every hand-carved detail tells a story of heritage and memory, evoking the essence of a timeless northern highland culture. Guests are also invited to explore the on-site Ethnic Museum, which showcases traditional costumes, household artifacts, and cultural treasures of the Red Dao people. Beyond observation, visitors are encouraged to immerse themselves in local life: carving wood, painting on dó paper, weaving brocade, or enjoying a traditional tea ceremony.

Meditating in the garden is one of the most popular activities at Panhou Retreat, offering guests a serene path to inner peace

Healing experiences are another hallmark of Panhou. Herbal baths infused with more than 20 rare medicinal plants, passed down through Dao traditions, soothe the body and mind. Traditional massage therapies restore balance, while meditation by the stream and yoga among rice terraces create moments of deep mindfulness. Active travelers may choose to cycle through tranquil villages or trek across mountain trails at sunrise, each activity offering a vivid way to embrace both nature and community.

The Panhou Sustainable Development Fund

Panhou Retreat pioneers in fostering community engagement and enhancing the livelihoods of local people

Beyond its ecological and cultural commitments, Panhou Retreat has taken a pioneering step by establishing the Panhou Sustainable Development Fund. This initiative was created with the mission of enhancing local livelihoods, providing vocational training, supporting community-based waste management projects, and planting trees to safeguard the region’s ancient forests.

The fund is uniquely structured: it is financed directly by revenue from each guest’s stay. This means that every visitor who chooses Panhou is not only enjoying a restorative holiday but also actively contributing to the sustainable growth of Hoang Su Phi. It is a model that transforms tourism into a force for long-term positive change.

From a Modest Mountain Retreat to an International Symbol

When it first opened, Panhou was a modest retreat attracting only a small number of adventurous travelers eager to explore Vietnam’s highlands. Over the years, through consistent dedication to its founding values, it has evolved into a symbol of sustainable tourism in Vietnam.

Unlike resorts that cater to mass tourism, Panhou chose the slower but steadier path: preserving cultural authenticity, empowering local communities, and creating experiences that heal both body and soul. Every visit is an invitation to reconnect with nature and rediscover one’s truest self.

This enduring commitment has won the hearts of thousands of international visitors, many of whom describe their stay at Panhou as a journey of renewal and balance. The resort’s remarkably high rate of returning guests speaks volumes about its unique identity and lasting impact.

The recognition as Asia’s Leading Green Resort 2025 by the World Travel Awards (WTA) is therefore more than an accolade. It is proof of Vietnam’s rightful place on the global tourism map, demonstrating that when nature, culture, and people are harmoniously integrated, the result is not just sustainable travel, but truly transformative experiences.