In 1998, Thanh Thuy district in Phu Tho province experienced a severe drought, leading to a water shortage crisis for the locals. Amid this challenge, Phan Ngoc Thanh, 65, hired workers to drill deep into the earth to find new water sources to ease the shortage.

Thanh today takes great pride in the drilling exercise that helped to spur tourism development in his hometown.

Recalling the day, Thanh said after two days of drilling, water began gushing from the earth. Initially, the water had an unpleasant smell and appeared murky. However, upon drilling deeper, the water was very clear and hot.

"When we discovered the hot water, some local residents and I tried bathing or soaking in it. The result was a refreshing, invigorating feeling after bathing," Thanh recalled.

The news about the underground water quickly spread. Many people tried to drill their own wells, and began providing hot mineral bathing services. By the early 2000s, dozens of service providers had been set up.

Scientists found that Thanh Thuy had a hot mineral spring with reserves of over 20 million cubic meters, rich in trace elements, including radon. The temperature of Thanh Thuy's hot mineral water is 37-53oC.

This natural water source has generated billions in tourism revenue for Thanh Thuy district in Phu Tho province. According to statistics from the Thanh Thuy District People's Committee, hot mineral springs are the number one tourist attraction in the area.

This has helped Thanh Thuy’s people to earn significant income from mineral water bathing services. Thanh  Thuy District People's Committee confirmed that hot mineral springs are the top tourist attraction there.

Tourism and service revenue in the district has been steadily increasing in recent years, from VND520 billion in 2023 to VND780 billion in 2024.

Vu Duc Kien, head of ThanhThuy Culture and Information Division, said in 1982 the Geological Team No 303 discovered Thanh Thuy's hot mineral spring. However, it wasn't until 16 years later, following Phan Ngoc Thanh's drilling, that a hot mineral bathing service was launched.

Nearly everyone visiting the area takes part in the hot mineral bathing service. From 2008 to 2014, dozens of facilities providing the service were set up. Later, local authorities joined forces with businesses to upgrade the services.

A report found that six large businesses are providing high-end resort services in Thanh Thuy district with total investment capital of VND8 trillion, covering an area of 124 hectares.

Doan Bong