Le Hoan Temple Festival. Photo: Nguyen Dat
Thanh Hoa province is a land rich in historical and cultural heritage, possessing unique and valuable layers. From prehistoric times with the Nui Do archaeological site to the imprints of feudal dynasties, a dense system of heritage has been left throughout the region.
Landmarks like the Lam Kinh historical site, Ho Dynasty Citadel, Ba Trieu Temple, and Le Hoan Temple are not just familiar destinations, but spaces steeped in historical depth. Each site is not simply a destination, but a "cultural story" that needs to be retold using the language of modern, emotionally rich tourism . At Lam Kinh, the solemnity of the ancient forest, the palace roofs, and the tombs creates a rare sense of tranquility. During each festival season, traditional ceremonies are held with such solemnity that visitors can feel the sacred atmosphere of this land that was once a historical center. The Ho Dynasty Citadel evokes a different feeling. The colossal stones, stacked upon each other for over six centuries, still stand majestically amidst the peaceful countryside, prompting much reflection on the wisdom, aspirations, and vicissitudes of history.
Thanh Hoa province is not only rich in history but also captivating due to the diverse cultures of its various ethnic groups. The distinct cultures and customs of these groups blend together, creating a vibrant tapestry of culture. In the western mountainous regions, the picturesque villages of the Thai and Muong people, with their traditional stilt houses nestled among the forests and mountain slopes, resonate with the sounds of the Hmong flute, traditional dances, and gongs. This authentic portrayal of daily life has become a major attraction for many tourists.
Known as a "land of heritage," Thanh Hoa province stands out with its system of traditional festivals spread across its localities and regions. Many festivals bear the strong imprint of history and culture, such as the Lam Kinh Festival, the Ba Trieu Festival, the Doc Cuoc Temple Festival, the Pon Poong Festival, and the Kin Chieng Booc May Festival... In addition, the treasure trove of folk songs, folk dances, folk performances, and traditional crafts continues to quietly flow within the cultural fabric of Thanh Hoa.
These cultural and historical values are a "treasure trove" for cultural tourism. If properly invested in, linked to cultural preservation, and with in-depth experiential activities, performances, and presentations, these rich "undercurrents" will become important highlights for cultural tourism and experiential tourism – a type of tourism that is attracting the attention of tourists.
In reality, Thanh Hoa province has enormous potential for cultural tourism, but its exploitation remains inadequate. Many cultural values are still only preserved and have not been transformed into attractive tourism products capable of retaining visitors. Numerous festivals, cultural events, and destinations only possess historical sites and festivals, but fail to create unique experiences or provide opportunities for visitors to engage in them, as well as lacking distinctive cultural tourism products with strong recognition. The connection between festivals and tourism tours and routes is not strong or continuous, preventing the full potential from being exploited.
This necessitates a change in approach. Developing cultural tourism cannot be rushed, nor can it be done haphazardly. A long-term perspective is needed, centered on culture and with the community as the main actors, so that the community itself participates in preserving culture and benefits from tourism. In this way, preserving cultural identity will become a self-driven, more sustainable need in the journey of developing cultural tourism. Simultaneously, it is necessary to innovate the way cultural heritage is explained and narrated, promote the application of technology and the digitization of heritage, and build diverse and rich tourism products that enhance the experiential aspect. More importantly, we must avoid the trend of commercialization, so that each tourism product retains the essence of Thanh Hoa's culture.
When that potential is awakened through appreciation, refinement, and perseverance, Thanh Hoa province promises to become a highly attractive cultural tourism destination – where every trip is a journey back to the roots and every cultural value is transformed into a driving force for development.
Thuy Linh
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/kho-vang-cho-duoc-khai-thac-276790.htm
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