The rocky plateau as seen through the travelogues of tourists at the Ma Pi Leng pass.

10:36, November 16, 2023

BHG - For nearly 15 years, we have been accompanying and following the activities from the proposal for construction to the conservation, restoration, and promotion of the value of the UNESCO Dong Van Karst Plateau Global Geopark. Together with officials from the Geopark Management Board and experts, we have explored many unique heritage values of the Karst Plateau. The more we learn, the more we see the immense value brought about by the efforts of the Party Committee, government, and people of Ha Giang in building this rocky region into a special heritage area. This heritage is bringing about positive changes, not only becoming a favorite destination for domestic and international tourists but also creating livelihoods for the ethnic communities here.

During a weekend trip to the Dong Van Karst Plateau, we were deeply moved when we visited the Meo Vac Information Station, under the management of the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark Management Board, at a rest stop on Ma Pi Leng Pass. The staff showed us a visitor's guestbook filled with many heartfelt messages about the Dong Van Karst Plateau. Mr. Hoang Duc Quan, in charge of the Ma Pi Leng rest stop at the Meo Vac Information Station, explained: "The station has placed a guestbook at this rest stop and it always receives many comments from both domestic and international tourists. Therefore, even though the book is quite thick, it quickly fills with visitors' heartfelt messages."

Tourists visit Pao's house in Sung La commune, Dong Van district.

Every year, millions of tourists visit the Ha Giang Stone Plateau, especially the Ma Pi Leng Pass. The majestic scenery, combined with the heroic memories of the "Happiness Road" winding through this magnificent pass, evokes strong emotions in many, prompting them to leave heartfelt messages in the guestbook proudly displayed at the Information Station. Tourists have shared profound, sincere, and emotional reflections on the majestic Ha Giang Stone Plateau. With its unique landscapes and strong sense of national pride, it's no surprise that the guestbook easily contains entries expressing pride in Vietnam and the northernmost region of Ha Giang, such as: "Ha Giang is so beautiful!"; "Love sent to Ha Giang!"; "Ha Giang is so beautiful – the Vietnamese Fatherland!"; "No one visits Ha Giang only once!"; "Ha Giang has captured my heart…"

More than just Vietnamese entries, the guestbook at Ma Pi Leng Pass is truly a multinational one, with entries in many languages from around the world . First, many foreign tourists have left behind their feelings about their journey to the rocky plateau. Reading through, one can see that foreign friends highly appreciate the scenery, nature, and people of the far north of Ha Giang. Tourists Emma, Chanlel, and Marline from Belgium left comments, with Chanlel emphasizing: “The scenery here is the most beautiful in Vietnam. I will never forget it; this is the most beautiful place on earth…” Emma exclaimed, “The scenery in this gorge is truly the most beautiful in Southeast Asia. I love Vietnam.” Rachil, a tourist from the United States, wrote: “I traveled a long distance to get here; the scenery is so beautiful, and the people are so beautiful and gentle.” Shelley and Alen, a couple from Azerbaijan, wrote: “We love this place so much, we love the hills, the roads, the people. We will miss it very much”...

Heartfelt messages from tourists.

The tourists also expressed their gratitude to the tour operators and guides who led them on their journey to the Dong Van Karst Plateau. They also hoped that Ha Giang would forever retain its mountainous beauty and wished to return to this beloved land. Because we only know English and a little French, there are still many written messages from tourists from countries such as Japan, Laos, Portugal, Israel, Germany, Argentina, and many others that we were unable to translate completely.

Not only foreign tourists, but also visitors from provinces and cities across the country are very proud to set foot in the Dong Van Karst Plateau Geopark. Mr. Do Huu Dong, 80 years old, from Hamlet 1, Thach Hoa Commune, Thach That District, Hanoi City, wrote in his guestbook: "Today I finally had the opportunity to visit Ha Giang, the majestic and breathtakingly beautiful karst plateau region, captivating visitors." A tourist named Nguyen Thi Khanh, 73 years old, from Lam Dong, wrote: "Reaching the majestic and incredibly beautiful Ma Pi Leng Pass was very moving. I hope to have good health so that I can return to Ha Giang, Dong Van, the Lung Cu National Flagpole, and Ma Pi Leng Pass."

Some tourists also left constructive comments in the guestbook, such as: "We hope Ha Giang will continue to preserve, develop, and build the Dong Van Stone Plateau into a beautiful and attractive destination. At the same time, attention should be paid to developing services for tourists; and addressing unsightly images that negatively impact some tourist areas..."

Throughout the guestbook located at the Information Center at the Ma Pi Leng viewpoint, we also noticed that many tourists did not forget to leave words of admiration for the willpower of those who pioneered the Happiness Road across the rocky plateau in the past. This road, which traversed the rocky plateau, is the lifeline that has brought about changes to this land.

Text and photos: Huy Toán

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