The attraction of Muong tours Thien Ha cave

Recognizing that Son Ha and Quang Lac communes (Nho Quan district) have a large Muong population preserving many unique cultural features, some members of the Travel Association formed Group Tours and conceived, developed, and launched the "Muong Tours - Thien Ha Cave" product, which commenced in early March this year.

According to Mr. Hoang Binh Minh, a founding member of Group Tours, after one month of operation, "Muong Tours - Thien Ha Cave" has implemented activities such as: mobilizing the Muong ethnic minority people (Quang Lac commune) to Tho Ha village (Son Ha commune) to form a performing arts group that practices daily and recreates everyday life activities in traditional stilt houses. In addition, they have intensified communication efforts to connect and introduce tours and experiential routes to domestic and international tourists, as well as connecting with domestic travel agencies. Group Tours has welcomed many survey groups from Lao Cai, Hoa Binh , and Hanoi to visit the Thien Ha Cave tourist area.

The allure of Muong tours and Thien Ha Cave. — Ms. Pham Thi Thuy (in white shirt, center), a teacher at Nguyen Cong Tru High School ( Ninh Binh city), experiences Muong culture.

After attending the "Muong Tours - Thien Ha Cave" event, Ms. Pham Thi Thuy, a teacher at Nguyen Cong Tru High School (Ninh Binh city), happily shared: "I didn't think that just over 10 km from the city there would be a tourist area with such wild natural beauty and the opportunity to experience a unique cultural space, rich in Muong culture."

Ms. Thuy further shared that, participating in the "Muong Tours - Thien Ha Cave," we were able to admire the unique cultural beauty of the (original) stilt houses of the Muong people, experience folk games with local performing arts groups, such as board games, spinning tops, stilt walking, and bamboo pole dancing... and enjoy typical dishes of the Muong ethnic group such as wild boar meat, bitter bamboo shoots, and traditional cakes of the people...

It can be said that the culinary beauty of the Muong ethnic group is also a highlight that cannot be overlooked. The people here have access to unique and diverse ingredients partly thanks to their vast mountains and forests. Anyone who has ever tasted these dishes will surely never forget their distinctive flavors, which cannot be found anywhere else. The resounding gongs, graceful dances, songs, and the sweet aroma of rice wine... create a unique, rich, and captivating cultural identity that attracts and enchants countless tourists.

Mr. Ha Huy Loi, representative of Thien Ha Tourist Area, happily stated: "Previously, many tourists visited Thien Ha Cave, but they were mostly passive visitors. Now, Group Tours has 'launched it into a tour' because the number of domestic and international tourists visiting Tho Ha village is increasing and becoming more diverse. In particular, this tour attracts international tourists because they appreciate the peacefulness of the countryside, the simplicity and hospitality of the Vietnamese people, and the diversity of Vietnamese cultural traditions."

According to research by British scientists, Thien Ha Cave is a living cave system. The geological formations here are still developing vigorously. This is most evident in the growth of stalactites and stalagmites within the cave, which are continuously eroded by water droplets, creating magnificent and magical rock formations. Notably, the cave has largely retained its pristine, untouched beauty, home to tens of thousands of bats.

"Muong Tours - Thien Ha Cave" is an attractive product because it offers many advantages, combining a tour of Thien Ha Cave with activities such as: cooking classes, cycling, farming… or learning about some elements related to geology, archaeological sites… In this cultural space, tourists can experience and connect with nature, blending with the colorful and rich Muong culture. It can be said that the Muong ethnic culture has contributed to the diversity of the Vietnamese ethnic communities.

Text and photos: Minh Duong

Source