ទស្សនា "សារមន្ទីររស់" នៃតំបន់ខ្ពង់រាប Thanh HOA

There are museums without walls, glass cases or labels. In these places, the most precious exhibits are the towering mountains, the winding terraced fields, and above all the soul of the land reflected in every smile, every gesture, and every rhythm of daily life.

Nestled in the mountainous region of Thanh Hoa, this vibrant “living museum” offers not just a journey to admire nature, but a chance to feel, to explore, and to be forever touched by unforgettable experiences.

The “museum door” opens to majestic nature

The first gallery of this open-air museum is a panorama of Thanh Hoa’s natural wonders, where vibrant colors and tranquil beauty coexist. From the pristine Pu Luong Nature Reserve and Ben En National Park to the Xuan Lien Nature Reserve and the ancient But Village, each destination contributes a unique brushstroke to a grand canvas of life and vitality. Here, nature itself is the museum’s first and most awe-inspiring “exhibit.”

 

The serene landscapes of Pu Luong

Beyond its breathtaking scenery, Thanh Hoa’s mountainous region is a paradise for adventure lovers. Featuring a diverse terrain of crystal-clear streams and hidden waterfalls, the province has developed 12 trekking routes ranging from easy day trips to challenging multi-day expeditions. Each trail is an invitation for free-spirited travelers to leave behind the bustle of city life and immerse themselves in the wild grandeur of nature.

 The taste of the mountains

No journey through this living museum would be complete without savoring its culinary treasures where food is not merely sustenance but an expression of cultural identity.

Take a bite of sticky rice cooked in bamboo tubes, inhaling the aroma of roasted bamboo as it mingles with the scent of glutinous rice. Taste fresh stream fish grilled over charcoal and dipped in local spices. You’ll discover flavors that linger long after the meal ends. Don’t miss wild vegetables like bitter shoots or forest leaf soup. Each dish tells a story of harmony between people and the land they inhabit.

To share these authentic flavors, local communities have embraced community-based tourism, transforming traditional stilt houses and rustic meals into memorable highlights for visitors. Here, travelers can cook alongside locals, learn time-honored recipes, and experience how nature’s essence infuses every step of preparation, gaining a deeper appreciation of ethnic culinary traditions.

 The “rhythms and colors” of culture and art

In this next gallery of the living museum, culture and art come alive. Visitors are welcomed by the melodious khặp songs of the Thai ethnic people or the vibrant leaf flute of the Mong and Muong. That is how the local community gracefully promotes and preserves their precious intangible cultural values, helping visitors realize that travel is not only about exploring landscapes, but also about experiencing the very soul of a land.

Alongside music, the art of brocade weaving stands as a cherished “living artifact.” Each handwoven piece of fabric is a masterpiece of patience and heritage, where every motif carries a symbol, a story passed down through generations. From patterns inspired by plants and birds to sacred motifs reflecting spiritual beliefs, every thread and color embodies the soul, creativity, and delicate craftsmanship of the ethnic women who bring them to life.

No longer confined to remote villages, these traditional brocade products are finding new forms and reaching wider audiences. They have become distinctive souvenirs for visitors from near and far, beautiful cultural emblems that both preserve the ethnic identity of the region and provide sustainable livelihoods for local artisans.

 Visitors experience traditional brocade weaving with local villagers

The “soul of the museum” lies in daily life

The final and perhaps most captivating space of this living museum is found in the daily lives of the ethnic communities in Thanh Hoa’s mountainous regions.

It’s that warm, genuine feeling when a Thai, Tay, or Muong host welcomes you into their stilt house, invites you to share a home-cooked meal and a cup of rice wine, and tells stories of their daily lives and age-old customs deeply rooted in their culture. Their simplicity, sincerity, and gentle smiles are the most vivid and precious “living heritage,” making every visitor feel less like a stranger and more like a long-lost friend coming home. These are experiences no book or video can truly capture; they can only be felt with the heart. Today, local authorities and communities are working hand in hand to foster a friendly, sustainable, and culturally authentic tourism environment, ensuring that while Thanh Hoa welcomes the world, it remains true to its roots.

When the journey ends, visitors leave not only with stunning photos but with lasting memories and a deeper understanding of a region rich in soul and heritage.

This “living museum” stands as a testament to Thanh Hoa’s vision of tourism development: honoring tradition while embracing the future. The ancient forests still whisper their untold stories.

Come and listen for yourself.