Stopping at the summit of the Truong Son Mountains

VHXQ - During those marches across the Eastern Truong Son Mountains, the main army units, along with the logistics units transporting food and ammunition, and the people of the mountainous region of Quang Nam province, often met at familiar stopping points at the foot of the mountains. These were brief but safe moments of silence, where the resistance mission was carried out in secrecy, before the troops continued their ascent up the slopes into the Southern battlefield.

Many old rest stops at the foot of the Truong Son mountain range have been successfully developed for tourism . Photo: THU THAO

From Azứt (Avương commune), Dốc Gợp (Bến Hiên commune) to Rô village (Bến Giằng commune)… these former stopping points bear the mark of the spirit of community cohesion in the mountainous region, where the army and people joined forces for the front lines. As the war recedes, these old rear-area locations are gradually being revived, becoming destinations in the journey of exploring ecotourism linked to the history of the Trường Sơn Mountains.

The majestic Gate of Heaven

Following the fierce battle at Doc Gop in late 1960, this sacred land of the Co Tu people became a gathering place for weapons and food, and a safe haven for local soldiers and civilians during the years of resistance against the Americans. Doc Gop is located within the Hang Gop complex, now the Dong Giang Heaven's Gate Eco-tourism Area – a historical landmark possessing the majestic beauty of the Truong Son mountain range.

After the war, Hang Gợp cave was strictly protected. The Cơ Tu people from neighboring communes established regulations to preserve the forest, committing not to harm trees or animals in the sacred area. Over time, historical elements blended with indigenous beliefs, creating a unique cultural depth for this place. The natural rock arch spanning the mountainside, and the winding stream below carrying cool mist, have become a highlight attracting visitors.

The Gợp Cave complex has now become the Đông Giang Heaven's Gate Ecotourism Area, attracting tourists. Photo: ALĂNG NGƯỚC

According to Mr. Bhyriu Long, Chairman of the Ben Hien Commune People's Committee, in 2008, Doc Gop was recognized as a provincial-level historical relic by the People's Committee of Quang Nam province (formerly). Based on that foundation, the sacred forest area of ​​yesteryear has been invested in, renovated, and given a new look under the name Dong Giang Heaven's Gate Eco-tourism Area.

In the expanding urban-tourism-cultural landscape towards the west of Da Nang, Ben Hien is identified as a crucial connecting point on the Hoi An - My Son - Dong Giang Heaven's Gate route. "Ben Hien is envisioned as a strategic stop on the heritage corridor, a convergence point for Co Tu cultural experiences and mountain forest ecosystems along the legendary Ho Chi Minh Trail," Mr. Long shared.

Connecting heritage journeys

In the development plan for the western mountainous region of Da Nang city, the old rest stops along the eastern Truong Son mountain range will continue to be planned as tourist destinations with cultural, ecological, and historical elements.

The historical site of the Truong Son Road in Azut (Avuong commune) - a "red address" (historical landmark) of this mountainous region. Photo: ALANG NGUOC

From Ben Hien with the Dong Giang Heaven's Gate, Ben Giang with the Grang Waterfall, to Kham Duc with the Kham Duc - Ngok Tavak Victory Monument..., these "old wharves" are gradually forming ideal meeting points on the Truong Son heritage exploration corridor.

The advantages of historical rest stops and military landmarks are not a recent phenomenon, yet they are being recognized for investment and development. In Ben Giang commune, the Nam Giang district government (formerly Quang Nam province) once restored over 1.3km of the Ho Chi Minh Trail to attract tourists. However, due to various reasons, the project was soon forgotten.

Mr. A Viet Son, Secretary of the Party Committee of Thanh My commune, said that after the efforts of all levels of government, the "legend of Truong Son" is being revived with the Truong Son Legend Monument at the intersection of the Ho Chi Minh Trail and the Eastern Truong Son Trail passing through the commune. "This will be a 'red address' for educating future generations about patriotic traditions," Mr. Son said.

The former Kham Duc stronghold has become a stopover point, welcoming tourists with many charming traditional festivals of the Bh'nong people. Photo: ALANG NGUOC

From quiet stopping points amidst the smoke and flames of war, the Eastern Truong Son Mountains are now opening up a new journey, where historical memories, cultural identity, and aspirations for development converge. In the heart of Kham Duc commune, a new face is gradually taking shape on this revolutionary land.

Beside the Autumn Lake, the traditional Bh'nong village is built, and in the distance is the Kham Duc - Ngok Tavak Victory Monument, creating tranquil stopping points for tourists every time they set foot in this mountainous region...

Source: https://baodanang.vn/dung-chan-tren-dinh-truong-son-3324530.html