Bui Hui grassland draws crowds of visitors; the deep forest ‘satellites’ and surrounding culture nearby are now being ‘awakened.’ Photo: Tran Mai / Tuoi Tre
On Friday, the People’s Committee of Dang Thuy Tram Commune said it had completed a preliminary survey for a trekking tourism product called ‘Waking the Green Trail,’ ahead of the 2026 Bui Hui Grassland Festival, expected to take place in August.
The survey team conducted fieldwork along the Ba Tang-Bui Hui slope, assessing the landscape, forest ecosystem, and potential rest stops.
They also looked at how the route could connect with existing attractions and what safety measures visitors would need.
Team members discussed how to design a route suited to actual conditions on the ground, one that protects forest resources, preserves local cultural identity, and supports green, sustainable tourism development.
The forest trail survey team beside a giant, centuries-old tree. Photo: Van Van
Beyond Instagram-style tourism
Sitting at an elevation of roughly 628-700 meters, Bui Hui grassland offers a cool climate, sweeping grasslands set against mountains and forest, and views of cloud-draped peaks, sunrises, and sunsets.
Its signature feature is a roughly-20-hectare hillside of wild rose myrtle. When the flowers bloom, the entire area turns a deep purple, a sight unlike anywhere else in Quang Ngai.
Bui Hui has grown into a popular destination in recent years, but local authorities recognize that if it is developed only for sightseeing and photo ops, its full potential will go untapped.
The trekking trail offers a different vision. Visitors could start their journey on the grassland, head into the forest, take in the natural surroundings, pause at scenic viewpoints, and learn about the cultural world of the Hre people.
From there, Bui Hui could be woven into the region’s ethnic cultural heritage, its highland villages, and the revolutionary history of the Ba To Safe Zone.
Bringing these elements together into a single journey would transform Bui Hui from a mere destination into a distinctive tourism experience.
Given its natural beauty, it is only a matter of time before the green trail beside Bui Hui grassland is fully ‘awakened.’ Photo: Van Van
Beyond its green forests and ancient trees, the trail under survey also boasts stunning natural lakes. Photo: Van Van
Putting local communities in driver’s seat
More importantly, building out the trekking product raises a bigger question: how to make local residents genuine stakeholders in tourism development?
Guide services, community homestays, local cuisine, specialty products, souvenirs, and cultural experiences, if organized well. could open up new sources of income for residents.
This approach could also help Bui Hui steer clear of the pitfalls of ‘check-in tourism’: short-term exploitation of scenery with little benefit to the community.
