Heritage of the war zone and green destination of Tan Loi

“Treasures” of the great forest and green tourism experiences

Ma Da Forest is one of the most precious ecosystems in Dong Nai province with more than 512 hectares of primeval forest. But more than its biological value, this place is a "red address" for traditional education for generations. Each revolutionary soldier's footprint seems to still exist on each forest clump, the hundred-year-old trees that once sheltered the soldiers from the rain of bombs and bullets now quietly tell the story of the heroic past.

A hundred-year-old Kơ-nia tree in the population of 162 heritage trees in Ma Da forest. Photo: Minh Hien

Mr. Pham Van Tri, a forest ranger who has been attached to Ma Da forest for more than 10 years, shared while leading us on the path full of rotten leaves: Every tree here has its own story. When touching the rough bark of the thousand-year-old Kơ-nia trees, I always feel like I am touching history.

"Our job is not only to patrol and protect the forest, but also to preserve the sacredness of a war zone. Many groups of students, veterans and tourists come to Ma Da not only to sightsee, but also to learn about the sacred vestiges of a time of indomitable struggle. That makes our forest protection work even more meaningful. I hope that visitors to Ma Da will see not only the natural beauty, but also the value of the past in each leaf," said Mr. Pham Van Tri.

The special highlight of Ma Da is the population of 162 Vietnamese heritage trees of 15 different species. Of these, there are 117 trees over 500 years old, 7 Kơ-nia trees over 1,000 years old and especially the "ancestral Kơ-nia tree" with an age of nearly 1,230 years, a proud symbol of eternal vitality.

Students of Dong Phu High School experience real life in Ma Da forest. Photo: Minh Hien

The majestic beauty and heroic historical story have created an irresistible attraction for visitors from afar. Ms. Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, could not hide her excitement after a tour of Ma Da forest: “I was truly overwhelmed by the pristine beauty of Ma Da. The feeling of standing under the canopy of a thousand-year-old Kơ-nia tree, breathing the fresh air and listening to the birds chirping is a wonderful “healing” experience. But what moved me most was hearing the historical story right where it took place. This trip helped me relax, love and be proud of my country’s history. I will definitely bring my family here to experience many useful things.”

Orientation for sustainable development

Binh Phuoc province has previously approved many important projects in Tan Loi commune, notably the Dong Nam Dong Phu Industrial Park with an area of about 4,196 hectares, and the Ma Da ecological forest combined with forest protection and conservation with a scale of over 500 hectares. These two large projects are expected to create a boost for local development.

Ms. Ngo Thi Thanh Chung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Tan Loi Commune Party Committee emphasized: “Right after Tan Loi Commune was established under the 2-level local government model, the Commune Party Committee identified the development of eco-tourism associated with history as a key task. We consider Ma Da forest as an invaluable resource, crystallizing both natural and historical values. Therefore, the orientation of the commune is to develop tourism in a sustainable direction, ensuring harmony between conservation and exploitation, taking culture and history as the foundation. The goal is to make Ma Da an unmissable destination on the Dong Nai tourism map, and at the same time a space for traditional education for the young generation.”

Students of Dong Phu High School experience real life in Ma Da forest. Photo: Minh Hien

Not only does Tan Loi have golden forests, it also has a colorful cultural picture. With more than 11,500 people, of which 44% are ethnic minorities, Tan Loi commune is the common home of 15 ethnic groups. The diversity of customs, habits and cuisine is the "gold mine" to promote the development of community tourism, cultural and culinary experience tourism, associated with Ma Da source tourism.

Tan Loi commune is facing the opportunity to make a strong breakthrough from the combination of pristine nature, cultural and historical depth and the consensus of the people. Coming to Ma Da today, visitors not only seek peace in the middle of the forest, but also listen to the whispers of history, to further appreciate the value of peace and the development aspirations of many generations.

Minh Hien - Hai Chau

Source: https://baodongnai.com.vn/van-hoa/202511/di-san-chien-khu-va-diem-den-xanh-cua-tan-loi-33d030f/