Vietnam's Roads Directorate is brewing up a plan on a new 78km road in My Dinh, Ba Sao and Bai Dinh passing  through the northern cities and provinces of Ha Noi, Ha Nam, Hoa Binh and Ninh Binh. This will give tourists easier access to the several attractions in the area such as the Perfume Pagoda, Bai Dinh Pagoda to Ha Noi.

Currently, tourists have to get on a boat ride along a river en route on the outskirts of Ha Noi should they wish to visit the Huong (Perfume) Pagoda.

According to the agency’s present acting director, Nguyen Van Quyen, the proposed project covers a four-lane road with a speed limit of 100kph. Taking into consideration the road’s total length, its width and the conditions of the areas it passes through, its experts will have to perform complicated techniques and calculations before carrying out the plan.

Such large project is estimated to cost around VND4.3 trillion ($204.7 million). However, they are also looking at a more economical approach which would cost VND3.4 trillion (US$161.9 million) but would require taking land from the Van Long nature reserve.

With Huong Pagoda visited by 1 million pilgrims and tourists annually, this easy-access road would be largely welcomed by Ha Noi. Better known as the Perfumed Pagoda, it is said known as the country’s most famous pilgrimage site for Buddhist followers. It was built in the late 17th century. The pagoda is located in My Duc District, 70km southwest of Ha Noi.

Nin Binh’s tourism is growing at an equally competitive rate. Thus, the need to have easy access would bring in numerous benefits to the province’s economy. Nin Binh is at 93km south of Ha Noi. It is known for its diverse landscape. Its Trang An eco-tourism complex is a popular must-see because of its lush mountains, beautiful caves and lakes. Tam Coc-Bich Dong and the Bai Dinh Pagoda are also becoming famous destinations. In the early half of 2013, around 3.6 million people have already visited the province.

The province is looking at welcoming 6 million visitors, including 1 million foreign tourists by 2015. Such 10 percent annual growth projection is attainable should the proposed road come into completion.