A prominent highlight of Phieng Khoai is the Vietnam-Laos Revolutionary Historical Site in Lao Kho, which commemorates the revolutionary activities of President Kaysone Phomvihane and the special solidarity between the Vietnamese and Lao peoples. The site covers nearly 50 hectares and includes various components such as the Friendship Flower Monument, the Vietnam-Laos Friendship and Solidarity Memorial House, the former home of Mr. Trang Lao Kho's family, and the camps of the Lao-Northern Front during the 1948-1951 period.
In 2022, the Vietnam-Laos Revolutionary Historical Site was classified as a Special National Monument, becoming a "red address" for educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions and international solidarity. In recent years, it has attracted many groups of students, young people, and tourists to visit and learn about its history.
Mr. Pham Van Thanh, Director of the Phieng Khoai Commune General Service Center, shared: "The number of visitors coming to explore and learn about history is increasing. Not only groups from within the province but also many tourists from other localities come to Lao Kho to learn about the solidarity and friendship between Vietnam and Laos. This is also a favorable condition for the locality to connect and develop community tourism products and experiential tourism associated with local history and culture."
Not far from the Lao Kho historical site, along winding mountain roads, lies Ta En Cave, a natural wonder that retains its pristine beauty. The cave system comprises three large caverns nestled amidst a lush green forest, ranging in length from 500 to 1,000 meters. Inside, many sections feature underground streams, lakes, and uniquely shaped stalactites. The cool climate year-round makes it an attractive destination for nature-loving tourists .
Currently, Phiêng Khoài commune is coordinating with provincial departments and agencies to survey and finalize the application for recognition of Ta En Cave as a provincial-level scenic spot, creating a foundation for the development of ecotourism and exploration in the future. At the foot of Ta En mountain lives the Xinh Mun ethnic minority. Traditional houses, folk dances, the sound of the khene (a traditional wind instrument), and dishes with the flavors of the mountains and forests are still preserved by the people through many generations. This also forms the basis for the locality to develop community tourism associated with experiencing local culture.
Mr. Vi Van Sau, Party Secretary and Head of Ta En village, said: "The villagers are always conscious of preserving the natural beauty of Ta En Cave, regularly cleaning the environment and preventing any damage to the landscape. In addition, the people actively preserve the traditional cultural features of the Xinh Mun ethnic group, such as clothing, folk songs, festivals, and cuisine, to serve the development of community tourism."
Phiêng Khoài also attracts tourists with its characteristic seasonal flowers and fruits of the highlands. These days, as the plum season arrives, the hillsides are covered in the red and purple hues of orchards laden with fruit. In the orchards, many tourists enjoy the experience of picking and tasting ripe plums right under the trees. The atmosphere of the harvest season makes the villages more bustling than usual. Livestreaming sessions selling plums directly from the orchards and the crowded agricultural product stalls are also opening up opportunities for the development of agricultural tourism in the area.
In particular, the annual Phieng Khoai Plum Festival has become a highlight in promoting the image of this border region. Ms. Le Huyen Anh, a tourist from Phu Tho, shared: "I came to Phieng Khoai during the plum ripening season, so I had the opportunity to experience picking fruit in the orchards, enjoying local dishes, and visiting the Vietnam-Laos Revolutionary Historical Site. Each destination had its own unique charm and helped me understand more about the culture and history of this land; it was truly impressive."
Based on its existing potential, the Party Committee of Phiêng Khoài commune has issued a plan for the development of community-based and eco-tourism for the period 2025-2030. Mr. Nguyen Van Toan, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Phiêng Khoài commune, said: The commune is focusing on developing community-based tourism products, agricultural tourism, flower season tourism, and the "Returning to the Roots of Vietnam - Laos" tour; gradually forming community-based tourism villages in Con Huot 2 and Dan Don; developing a homestay system, training human resources, and promoting tourism on digital platforms.
Currently, Phieng Khoai still faces many challenges regarding transportation infrastructure, accommodation services, and human resources for tourism. Tourism products are mainly limited to individual sightseeing and experiences, lacking distinctive tours and routes to retain tourists. In light of this, the locality is continuing to leverage budget funds and social resources to invest in and upgrade tourism infrastructure; strengthen linkages with travel agencies; and gradually standardize homestay services, food safety, and tourism safety to enhance the professionalism of the destination.
From historically significant sites and pristine natural landscapes to orchards laden with ripening plums, Phiêng Khoài today is gradually awakening its tourism potential by leveraging its inherent advantages. With the right direction and the consensus of the local people, this border region is opening up opportunities to become a new and attractive destination in Sơn La and the Northwest region.
Source: https://baosonla.vn/xa-hoi/danh-thuc-tiem-nang-du-lich-phieng-khoai-eYKDobAvR.html
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