Passing through the Gate of Death to the Green Land

From mid-autumn, when the slopes of Tam Dao mountain are still shrouded in a thin mist, the Cua Tu stream in La Bang commune takes on a beauty that is both gentle and enchanting. The crystal-clear water meanders through moss-covered rocks, shimmering in the early morning sun like silver silk threads, blending with the sounds of forest birds and the gentle breeze to create a symphony of the mountains and forests.

Tourists trek to explore Cua Tu stream.

The green land is calling.

From the center of La Bang commune, the road leading to Cua Tu stream winds through lush green tea plantations. The further you go, the more the densely populated houses recede, leaving only the sound of the babbling stream and the wind intertwined in the forest canopy. Cua Tu stream consists of 7 consecutive "gates," each representing a different facet of nature, challenges, and human emotions.

The first gate is flat and tranquil, perfect for picnics, where groups of young people camp, light fires, and listen to the stream flowing over the rocks. Gates 2 and 3 begin to present steep rocky slopes, requiring caution. From gate 4 onwards, the real journey begins, where steep stone steps, slippery moss, and mist obscure the path, creating a breathtaking yet exhilarating experience.

According to locals, Cua Tu is beautiful in every season. In summer, the water is crystal clear, shimmering in the sunlight like a silver silk ribbon; in autumn, the forest leaves turn yellow, and the stream flows gently, seemingly slowing down. But no matter which season you visit, it always feels like you're overcoming your own personal challenge.

During the journey to explore Cua Tu, the scenery along the stream changes constantly. In some sections, the water flows gently through moss-covered rocks; in other, the waterfall cascades down, creating a torrent of white foam. The scent of damp earth, wild grass, and the sound of the forest wind blend together to create a unique, rustic, and unforgettable atmosphere.

Each step reveals a different perspective: ancient trees reaching out to provide shade, colorful butterflies fluttering along the stream banks, or simply the sound of laughter echoing through the vast forest.

Mr. Ha Duy Mam from Phan Dinh Phung ward ( Thai Nguyen ) expressed: "I've been here several times. On sunny days, the water sparkles like crystal; on rainy days, the mist hangs low, making the whole forest look like something out of a fairy tale. The scenery in all four seasons has its own unique beauty, making me want to return many times."

Along with exploring Cua Tu stream, visitors can also visit and experience the La Bang tea growing region.

Amidst the lush greenery beside the Cua Tu stream, one finds oneself in the sound of the stream, the rustling leaves, and the breath of the vast forest. Cua Tu is not just a place to explore, but a place to find peace. There, the beauty of nature is not ostentatious but gradually permeates, making anyone who visits want to return, to "pass through the gate of death" once more, to seek the deep green realm within their heart.

When community-based tourism becomes a "lifeline"

Taking advantage of the beautiful natural landscape, many households living near Cua Tu stream have boldly invested in tourism services and built homestays to welcome tourists. Among them, Cua Tu Homestay, owned by Mr. Ban Van Linh in Dong Khuan hamlet, La Bang commune, is one of the first establishments to boldly invest in tourism in a professional manner.

Mr. Linh shared: "I've always thought that tourism isn't just about welcoming guests, but about culture. If we only exploit nature for profit, it will eventually be depleted. But if we use culture to sustain tourism, it will continue to flourish."

From a simple homestay, Linh gradually expanded into a self-contained community tourism model: a restaurant serving local specialties, a Dao cultural experience area where tourists can learn about traditional culture and discover some unique aspects of the daily life of the Dao people.

During the off-season, Mr. Linh also collaborates with other homestays in the area to organize cultural events, both to attract tourists and to create livelihoods for the local people.

In 2023, he and several other households in the area established the Cua Tu Ecotourism Cooperative with 12 members. Four households provide accommodation, while the remaining households are responsible for tours, guiding, handicraft production, and transportation. Since then, dozens of local people have found additional employment with stable incomes.

Not stopping there, Linh is planning to expand the Dao cultural exhibition area, which will preserve costumes, musical instruments, and valuable documentary photographs. He also harbors the dream of organizing activities to connect villages in the surrounding area, both to promote tourism and to make the younger generation more proud of their heritage.

The homestays at Cua Tu stream are all well-built and meet the dining and entertainment needs of tourists.

From such models, the face of tourism in La Bang is gradually changing. Along the road to Dong Khuan hamlet, homestay stilt houses are nestled amidst lush green tea plantations, with the hazy smoke of evening drifting in the air.

Mr. Dang Thanh Tung, Chairman of the People's Committee of La Bang commune, said: "The community tourism model has shown clear effectiveness. Young people have jobs, people can sell their agricultural products, and the Dao people have the opportunity to showcase their identity. This is also the direction of development that the commune has identified for the next phase, simultaneously developing the economy and preserving the culture."

According to Mr. Tung, since the road to Dong Khuan was completed, the number of visitors to Cua Tu has increased by more than 50% compared to the previous year. The locality is also developing unique tourism products such as tea picking experiences, corn wine making, and tours combining ecotourism and cultural experiences, aiming for green and sustainable tourism development.

At Cua Tu, time seems to slow down. Tourists come and go, but everyone carries with them a touch of the "green" of this place – the green of the mountains and forests, the green of hope, and the green in people's hearts. And perhaps, it is this journey "through Cua Tu" that makes each person realize: sometimes, to find peace, we just need to return to nature, to the sound of the stream, the wind, and the tranquility of a green landscape calling.

Source: https://baothainguyen.vn/dat-va-nguoi-thai-nguyen/202511/qua-cua-tu-toi-mien-xanh-ea6407d/