Heritage sites are not only a testament to a rich cultural and historical heritage, but also a valuable resource for tourism development in the context of international integration.
In reality, heritage tourism is becoming an increasingly popular trend, both meeting the exploration needs of tourists and contributing to preserving and spreading the enduring values of the nation.
A thousand-year-old cultural and historical space
According to statistics, Vietnam currently has 9 tangible world heritage sites inscribed by UNESCO, ranging from the Complex of Monuments of Hue Imperial City, Hoi An Ancient Town, My Son Sanctuary to Ha Long Bay, Phong Nha - Ke Bang National Park, Thang Long Imperial Citadel, Ho Dynasty Citadel, Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex and, more recently, the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, and Kiet Bac Scenic Landscape Complex.
Hoi An Old Town is ablaze with lanterns.
Alongside this, more than 16 intangible cultural heritages have been honored, notably Hue Royal Court Music, Ca Tru, Quan Ho, Hat Xoan, the Gong Culture Space of the Central Highlands, and Southern Vietnamese Traditional Music and Singing…
Documentary heritage such as the Nguyen Dynasty woodblocks, Nguyen Dynasty imperial archives, and poetry and literature inscribed on Hue's palace architecture also enrich the national heritage treasury.
In addition, thousands of national and provincial-level historical sites, hundreds of traditional craft villages, and folk festivals still exist, contributing to the diversity and dissemination of values throughout the country.
Central Highlands artisans perform gong and drum music in a community setting.
Traveling across the country, each region carries its own unique heritage. The North is home to heritage sites steeped in millennia of history, from Thang Long Imperial Citadel – a witness to many dynasties – to the Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex, a harmonious blend of limestone mountains, caves, rivers, and historical relics.
The melodies of Ca Tru and Quan Ho folk songs not only appear in performances but also resonate in the daily lives of the community.
The blend of tangible and intangible heritage has created a distinctive cultural landscape in Northern Vietnam, both ancient and modern, closely intertwined with the lives of its inhabitants.
The heritage route is highly attractive.
Central Vietnam is the heart of the heritage route, where in a short journey, visitors can visit the Hue Imperial Citadel complex, Hoi An ancient town, and My Son sanctuary.
Hue's royal court music still resonates in art performances, Hoi An remains brightly lit on the full moon night, and My Son takes visitors back in time through its thousand-year-old Cham towers.
Traditional craft villages attract tourists.
This is also a land where nature and history intertwine, with mountain ranges, rivers, and beaches coexisting with historical sites, creating a special attraction for tourists both domestic and international.
While the North and Central regions preserve many traces of dynasties and ancient architecture, the Central Highlands stand out for the mystique of its gong culture. The sound of gongs resonates in festivals and community life, intimately connected to the rhythm of life of the Bahnar, Ede, and M'nong people.
Festivals such as elephant racing, new rice harvest celebrations, and funeral rites are vivid testaments to the enduring vitality of local culture.
Kim Bong Traditional Craft Village (Hoi An, Da Nang)
Meanwhile, the South is associated with images of rivers and waterways and community life, where Southern Vietnamese folk music is performed during gatherings and festivals, and where revolutionary historical sites and resistance bases become destinations for millions of visitors each year who come to "remember their roots."
Experience tourism connected with heritage.
The value of heritage lies not only in its tangible aspects but also in the unforgettable experiences it offers. These include leisurely strolls through the ancient town of Hoi An, illuminated by vibrant lanterns; the resonant sound of the Thien Mu Pagoda bells along the Perfume River; the slow boat rides through the Trang An caves during the flood season; and the exhilaration of immersing oneself in the Central Highlands elephant racing festival.
The Central Highlands Gong Culture Space is a major attraction for international tourists.
Each tangible heritage site is associated with a story of its formation, development, and even losses and restoration; each intangible heritage site is the crystallization of the intellect, talent, and spiritual life of the community over many generations.
For tourists, it's not just about "seeing" but about "living with" the local culture, about immersing themselves in a real, ongoing cultural flow.
It can be said that Vietnam is truly a "treasure trove" of heritage, where each destination is a page of history, each festival is a breath of culture, and each traditional craft village is a source of memories.
In the context of globalization, leveraging heritage values for tourism development is not only an economic opportunity but also a responsibility to preserve our roots for future generations.
Heritage tourism is therefore not simply a tourism product, but a journey of discovery, connection, and spreading national pride, making the image of Vietnam and its people shine brighter on the world map.
Source: https://baovanhoa.vn/van-hoa/bai-1-di-san-tam-guong-phan-chieu-lich-su-and-ban-sac-dan-toc-167277.html
Comment (0)