Thoi Son develops diverse types of tourism.

Besides its appeal for spiritual tourism, Thoi Son ward (An Giang province) also offers visitors the opportunity to learn about economic models and explore the unique beauty of the mountainous region. The local authorities are focusing on developing these advantages into well-structured tourism products and destinations by connecting tours and routes with neighboring areas.

The Bà Chúa Xứ Bàu Mướp Temple is one of the famous spiritual destinations in Thới Sơn ward.

It possesses many advantages.

Thoi Son Ward is a border, mountainous area with 31 religious and belief establishments (including 22 Northern Buddhist establishments, 2 Cao Dai establishments, and 7 other religious establishments). There are 8 historical and cultural relics in the area. Among them is 1 national-level relic, Hoa Thanh Pagoda; 6 historical and cultural relics, including: the secret bunker of the District Party Committee Office, Nhon Hung steel outpost, Thoi Son Pagoda, Phuoc Dien Pagoda, Thoi Son communal house, Bau Muop Lady of the Land Shrine; and the Go Cay Tung archaeological site.

Thoi Son communal house, a historical revolutionary site.

According to the Economic and Infrastructure Department of Thoi Son Ward, with numerous historical and cultural relics and folk festivals passed down for over 170 years, the area always leaves a deep impression and attracts a large number of tourists from both within and outside the locality. Each festival attracts 20,000-30,000 visitors. Many religious and spiritual sites are popular destinations for sightseeing and worship, with an average of nearly 2 million tourists visiting the area annually.

Deer farming - a new economic model with economic efficiency and tourism potential.

In recent years, the locality has used funds from the National Target Program for New Rural Development to implement many effective agricultural models. Mr. Nguyen Van Thien's deer farm is one of the typical models. He has been developing his deer herd for about 3 years now, selling 60 breeding deer and male deer for antler harvesting at a relatively high price each time. Initially, the model generates an income of 500 million VND per year.

Taking advantage of the favorable conditions and terrain, the people of Thoi Son ward are also actively trying out new economic models. To date, some households have developed farms growing edible and medicinal mushrooms; greenhouses for growing cantaloupe using high technology; mulberry cultivation combined with experiential services in the garden; models for raising civets, and stingless bees…

Growing cantaloupe using high-tech methods.

These economic models attract people to visit and learn about them not only because of their economic value but also because of their novelty. The Department of Economy and Infrastructure has guided household owners to expand their scale, add suitable products and services, and choose them as destinations in tourist itineraries when visiting the locality. At the same time, they have encouraged household owners to cooperate with the local government in poverty reduction efforts, share experiences and techniques, and ensure the quality of farming and cultivation to create sustainable livelihoods for households.

Tourism development

Geographically, Thoi Son ward serves as a transit point between the major centers of Chau Doc - Tinh Bien - Ha Tien - Phu Quoc, with convenient access via National Highway 91, Provincial Road 948, and Provincial Road 955A, facilitating trade and travel between central areas and tourist attractions.

Thoi Son ward's geographical location is favorable for connecting with neighboring areas, facilitating tourism development.

Thoi Son ward has a diverse topography, encompassing both hills and plains, with many picturesque natural landscapes. Every year, Tra Su Mountain, Ket Mountain, Ba Dac Mountain, and Dai Nam Gieng Mountain attract a large number of tourists from near and far. It is clear that Thoi Son ward possesses all the necessary elements to develop an agricultural model integrated with experiential tourism, ecotourism, and spiritual tourism.

However, the connection between agricultural production and tourism activities remains fragmented, lacking professionalism and failing to form a sustainable value chain. Existing models are still largely spontaneous; tourism infrastructure at the orchard sites is limited and does not meet the needs of tourists from within and outside the province.

According to Ly Thuy Van, Chairwoman of the Thoi Son Ward People's Committee, the Party Committee, government, and mass organizations of Thoi Son Ward have identified sustainable eco-tourism as a type of tourism that is attracting many domestic and international tourists. The natural landscapes, historical and cultural relics, and long-standing folk festivals in the area require preserving their original identity and values ​​while creating new nuances and unique characteristics to encourage visitors to experience and return to this region.

Pilgrimage to Long Mountain and Five Wells.

To meet those requirements, Thoi Son ward continues to maintain and improve the quality of its services. First and foremost, it is a trusted destination with the hallmark of "three safeties": security and order, peace of mind for tourists, and safety in transportation and food. Those involved in tourism activities are both service providers and responsible for environmental protection; they constantly innovate, creating products with new characteristics and unique features.

Local authorities also focus on promoting, introducing, and widely disseminating information to create a ripple effect for all eco-tourism activities; and strengthening local management. At the same time, they proactively develop solutions to connect regional linkages, creating unique products while also linking with many suitable and convenient locations to form a rich and diverse product range.

Sunrise on the summit of Mount Ket.

“Sustainable eco-tourism activities always demand increasingly high-quality service, especially in today's rapidly developing market. Therefore, we recognize the need to be constantly creative, flexible, and innovative to proactively meet the ever-increasing demands of tourists. We don't stop at the solutions mentioned above, but always approach the needs for enjoyment to create products that suit the diverse and ever-growing market, which always demands better quality service,” emphasized Ly Thuy Van, Chairwoman of the Thoi Son Ward People's Committee.

Text and photos: MY HANH

Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/thoi-son-phat-trien-da-dang-loai-hinh-du-lich-a462557.html