Young people participating in the "Proud of History - Stepping Towards the Future" tour program take a commemorative photo at the Ba Hon National Historical and Scenic Site. Photo: TAN LOI
Over the weekend, the Ba Hon National Historical and Scenic Site in Hon Dat commune was busier than usual. Groups of tourists, neatly and politely dressed, listened to explanations while curiously admiring the time-worn artifacts. In a corner of the exhibition hall, many young people stood silently for a long time before the rudimentary medical instruments, items used by the people and soldiers during the resistance war. “Looking at the large, crude needles, scalpels, and wound-suturing needles, I felt scared. I didn’t think that with such scarcity, our ancestors still overcame difficulties, fought bravely, and defeated the invaders,” said Nguyen Hoang Trung, a student from Can Tho City, to his teacher.
In another corner of the exhibition hall, Nguyen Huu Duc, a 12th-grade student specializing in mathematics at Huynh Man Dat High School for the Gifted in Rach Gia Ward, shared: “I still vividly remember the tour guide's story about the life and sacrifice of Phan Thi Rang, and I was speechless when I realized the value of the word 'peace.' It turns out that to achieve the peace we have today, our ancestors had to sacrifice so much blood and youth to regain national independence.”
Mr. Tran Van Tam, Deputy Director of Vietravel An Giang, said that "back to the roots" tourism is no longer just a sightseeing activity but is gradually becoming a vivid and engaging way to educate the younger generation about patriotic traditions. Therefore, touching moments and proud sharing of deep gratitude to their ancestors are increasingly appearing at historical sites, museums, and significant locations throughout the country. "Recently, we also organized a free 'back to the roots' tour with the theme 'Proud of History - Stepping Towards the Future' for several schools in the province, allowing them to visit and learn about local culture and history. We hope that by 'touching' history with genuine emotion, instead of memorizing countless historical facts, the students will develop gratitude and a sense of responsibility towards their homeland and country," Mr. Tam shared.
According to Mr. Thai Doan Hong, General Director of the Ho Chi Minh City Trade Union Tourism Joint Stock Company, the company receives quite a few groups of spiritual tourists visiting An Giang; these groups often combine their visits with tours of local historical sites. However, most of these "red addresses" (historical sites) are still in the potential stage, with limited accompanying services. Some historical sites have been renovated primarily for commemorative purposes, thus becoming supplementary points in the tourists' itineraries. Mr. Hong believes that: "There needs to be connection, innovation, and creative approaches. This includes organizing more activities beyond guided tours, helping tourists avoid feeling monotonous when visiting historical sites. In addition, it is necessary to develop suitable tour programs, incorporating intellectual entertainment, experiential activities, or team-building activities, tailored to the participants."
Southern Vietnam cultural researcher Nham Hung suggests that to make heritage tourism more accessible, vibrant, and attractive, localities and historical sites should highlight real-life stories: the mother who hid revolutionary cadres, the soldier who wrote a letter before going into battle, or the child messengers of yesteryear… These everyday details evoke stronger emotions in tourists compared to lengthy explanations. “In addition, we need to increase practical experiences such as cooking rice using a traditional stove, rowing a boat in a mangrove forest base, trying out dried rations, digging shelters, role-playing as a messenger, and watching reenactments of resistance activities… Furthermore, digital technology can be used to ‘revive’ old artifacts with vivid images and sounds. However, this modernization must be harmonious, avoiding commercialization or compromising the solemnity of the historical site,” Mr. Hung suggested.
Heritage tourism should also be linked to local life, such as enjoying folk food, listening to Southern Vietnamese folk music, experiencing traditional craft villages, and staying in rural homestays… This helps the trip not only have historical value but also cultural depth. “When history is told through emotion, heritage tourism will no longer be a simple sightseeing trip but a journey that helps each person better understand the value of peace and love their country even more,” Mr. Hung said.
Source: https://baoangiang.com.vn/ve-nguon-de-hieu-lich-su-a487521.html
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