A day in Song Cong

More accurately, it was just one event. But the government, businesses, and people of Song Cong city have demonstrated a professional, courteous, and elegant approach to tourism. This is also the undeniable result of the burgeoning potential tourist areas in the region.

A view of the Dung Tan eco-tourism area in the center of Song Cong city, Thai Nguyen province.

The Cong River is more than just a river. It carries within it a legendary love story, one that posterity still recounts as a testament to the unwavering loyalty and fidelity of a young couple from ancient times – the young man Coc and the young woman Cong. Perhaps, it is for this reason that the land and people of Cong River wish to borrow this idea to speak of their own integrity to those who have come, are coming, and will come. Who knows, perhaps this legend also led to the formation of a city named after the river – the city of Cong River?

Before heading to Song Cong, many people whispered to us: The best time to visit Thai Nguyen is from March to October. Well, we did visit the city named after the river in mid-March. It had a cool, peaceful feeling, just like any other region in the North.

But in Thai Nguyen, in Song Cong city, it seems quite different. Amidst the hustle and bustle of the metallurgical region, amidst the frenetic atmosphere of heavy industry… there are still moments of peaceful tranquility, from the green tourist areas. The highlight of Song Cong city begins with things like these.

Anyone who has ever visited Ghenh Che Lake in Binh Son commune will have a lasting impression of its pristine beauty throughout the journey. Also in Binh Son commune, the Ba Van horse farm, with its endless grasslands, evokes the feeling of a distant steppe…

The koi pond and rock garden, inspired by Japanese style, are the centerpiece of the Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area.

Like any other eco-tourism area I've encountered: with lakes, koi ponds, green spaces, ornamental plants, birds, flowers, rock gardens… Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area in the heart of Song Cong city combines the pristine, vibrant beauty with the sophistication and skill of talented hands and minds.

The first impression upon arriving at Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area is the sight of hundreds of ornamental trees of all kinds. From ancient trees with gnarled, austere shapes like pine and banyan trees, reminiscent of enlightened monks, to rustic, graceful trees like tea plants, bougainvillea, and crape myrtle, all meticulously cared for and pruned into various shapes, creating a diverse, unique, and never monotonous visual experience.

Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area boasts hundreds of ornamental trees of various species. From ancient trees with gnarled, austere shapes like pine and banyan trees, they evoke the image of enlightened monks.

Upon arriving here, one feels as if they've wandered into paradise, with numerous attractive and captivating zones. First, the centerpiece of the Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area is undoubtedly the Koi pond and Japanese-style rock garden. The skillful combination of rocks, plants, and water creates a unique and unmistakable character. Other attractions include the Vietnam Ornamental Plants Museum; the International Garden Area; the Four-Season Entertainment Zone; the Event and Culinary Culture Center; and the Commercial Service Center…

The art of recreation is indeed elaborate. But the observers certainly know how to choose their location. People of all ages and social backgrounds… we met them that day at the Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area. Perhaps it was a beautiful holiday? But there must be another reason. This stems from subjective perception, but it's a subjective perception with a valid point.

The scenery was stunning, and the people were equally impressive. We were fortunate to have Ms. Kim Oanh – the wife of Mr. Le Van Dung, the owner of Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area – guide us around. She was meticulous, enthusiastic, and very patient in explaining and clarifying any unexpected questions from the tourists.

An ecotourism resort established less than 20 years ago, with a woman managing over 100 regular employees and welcoming tens of thousands of visitors daily during peak periods… the strain on health from the work is inevitable, as is the erosion of tourists' tastes if innovation and creativity are not constantly maintained. However, in this woman, now over 55 years old, in this ecotourism resort… a powerful vitality still radiates.

Ms. Kim Oanh (wearing a milky white jacket) enthusiastically introduces the "rare and exotic flowers and plants" at the Dung Tan eco-tourism area.

Talking to Mr. Le Van Dung, the owner of Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area, I realized that "the job of pleasing customers" is not simple at all. Mr. Dung said: "Our job is about service. Only professionalism, politeness, and friendliness will leave a lasting impression on tourists. The goal is to ensure they come here not just once."

At Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area, we witnessed this firsthand. The professionalism was evident in the layout and decoration of all the facilities, from the product display area and restaurants to the flower gardens, ornamental plants, and playgrounds. The professionalism was also reflected in the warm and friendly welcome extended to every visitor who set foot here.

The professionalism also comes from providing an all-inclusive package for every group of visitors to Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area, covering everything from entertainment, sightseeing, and relaxation to food and accommodation, all at very reasonable prices. That's why Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area sometimes welcomes tens of thousands of visitors on some days for relaxation, experiences, and recreation.

Many rare Kor fish species have been selected and released into the lake by the owner of Dung Tan Eco-tourism Area, always attracting visitors to experience it.

Meanwhile, the government is demonstrating a new direction for development in a new era. Ecotourism is currently a key path in maximizing the potential, strengths, and opportunities of the land along the Cong River. From supporting businesses with land allocation to promoting investment and tourism, various departments are paying close attention to this.

The strength of Song Cong in particular, and Thai Nguyen in general, besides heavy industry, lies in the non-polluting economic sector – tourism. At some point, the non-polluting economic sector will remain the dominant color in the economic landscape of this "land of steel".

At this point, many people will understand why the annual revenue of the tourism industry in Thai Nguyen in general, and Song Cong in particular, is constantly increasing. Its prime location near the capital, numerous scenic spots, and convenient transportation are all factors; but the decisive element, the key to success or failure, comes from the approach, attitude, and determination to develop tourism from the businesses themselves and the local authorities.

This is also the obvious result of the burgeoning potential of tourist destinations in the area.

An invitation from Thai Nguyen...

Source: https://baodantoc.vn/mot-ngay-o-song-cong-1742445029333.htm