Ho Dynasty Citadel: Unique buffalo cart experience in the heart of heritage

A unique journey down memory lane

Under the gentle sunlight of early winter, buffalo carts slowly roll on the village road along the Ho Dynasty Citadel, a World Cultural Heritage in Thanh Hoa. This is not only a means of transportation but also a unique experience, bringing visitors back to the old countryside space, a highlight attracting tourists in recent times.

Nguyen Huu Duong, a tourist from Hanoi, shared his feelings when reliving his childhood years. “Sitting on the buffalo cart, I felt like I was back in the countryside with the creaking sound of the wheels, the steady footsteps of the buffalo, the sound of the wind blowing through the bamboo rows... All of these create a special experience that tourists can hardly find in other tourist destinations,” said Duong.

Explore Heritage from a different perspective

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Director of the Ho Dynasty Citadel Heritage Conservation Center, although there are many options such as bicycles or electric cars, the buffalo cart experience organized by local households is still the most popular. The trip lasts about 30-45 minutes, taking visitors around the ancient stone wall, winding through green rice fields and idyllic trails.

Tourists experience buffalo cart ride around Ho Citadel

The highlight of the journey is the moments when the car stops at beautiful locations, where visitors can gaze at the majestic city gate and take souvenir photos. The scenery of rice fields inside the city wall creates a countryside picture that is both overwhelming and peaceful.

Inside the Citadel are green rice fields.

Sustainable community tourism model

The buffalo cart service not only brings income to the people but also contributes to promoting the image of the Ho Dynasty Citadel in a close and authentic way. Mr. Long said that this model has created a positive change in the habits of tourists.

“If in the past tourists mainly came to visit heritage sites and then left, now they stay longer, explore rural life, and enjoy specialties such as rice cakes, Lam tea, bamboo tube rice, etc. The combination of heritage tourism and community tourism is opening up a direction for sustainable development for the locality,” Mr. Long emphasized.

Tourists enjoy the buffalo cart experience and enjoy the peaceful scenery around Ho Dynasty Citadel - 4 — Tourists enjoy the buffalo cart experience and the peaceful scenery around Ho Citadel.

This connection not only enriches the visitor experience but also helps preserve and promote indigenous cultural values, creating vitality for the heritage land.