Unleashing the "rough gems" of Western Nghe An Province
During the hot summer days, the streams, springs, and waterfalls in western Nghe An become popular destinations for both locals and tourists. Besides their pristine, refreshing landscapes, many ecotourism spots also preserve unique cultural and historical values.
Khe Xanh Stream - a point where nature and history meet.
During the peak of the hot season, the streams in western Nghe An become ideal places to cool off. Khe Xanh stream (Tan An commune), with its clear, cool water, attracts many locals and tourists who come to swim and enjoy the fresh mountain air.
The unique feature of Khe Xanh stream is its source, which flows from deep within the rocks, its water crystal clear and cool year-round. The stream meanders through many natural bathing areas, with a moderate depth suitable for all ages. Both banks are lined with cliffs and covered with forest canopy, creating a cool and pleasant atmosphere.
Mr. Nguyen Duc Long, residing in Tan Phu commune, shared: Although his house is about 7 km from Khe Xanh stream, on hot days, he and his group of friends always make time to ride their motorbikes there to cool off. “The stream water is clear and cool; just soaking for about 30 minutes makes you feel refreshed and invigorated after a hard day's work. However, if the bathing area were more comprehensively invested in, ensuring safety and hygiene, it would be even more convenient and attractive,” Mr. Long expressed.
According to locals, the stream is also known as the "fairy stream," associated with many folk legends passed down through generations. More than just a place for daily life and bathing, Khe Xanh stream also holds spiritual and religious value for the local community.
Mr. Tran Huu Cao Cuong, Head of the Culture Department of Tan An commune, said that in recent times, the People's Committee of the commune has proactively allocated a portion of the budget to invest in the construction of access roads to and from the Khe Xanh stream area, aiming to create more convenient and safer conditions for locals and tourists when visiting and swimming.
In addition, with the support of generous donors, the stream area is now equipped with 7 kayaks, allowing visitors to paddle themselves, experience, and enjoy the natural scenery on both sides of the stream. This is considered an initial highlight, contributing to enriching the local experiential activities.
"Currently, Tan An commune is submitting a proposal to the Provincial People's Committee for consideration to recognize Khe Xanh stream as a tourist destination. If approved, this will be an opportunity for the locality to continue investing in a connecting road from the main traffic artery to the stream area, approximately 300 meters long, and at the same time, to attract businesses to participate in investment, creating a highlight for tourism development," said Mr. Tran Huu Cao Cuong.
On intensely hot days, hundreds of people flock to Khe Xanh stream to cool off. To ensure environmental hygiene and public safety, the commune has assigned one person to directly manage and clean the stream area; at the same time, two militia members are regularly stationed to assist, remind people, and ensure safety in the bathing area.
Besides its captivating scenery, Khe Xanh stream also holds a rich historical significance. According to documents from Tan An commune, it was once a resting place for the Lam Son rebels during the resistance against the Ming army. The legend of General Le Manh Dai and the Khe Xanh temple beside the stream have contributed to the cultural depth of this region.
Today, Khe Xanh Temple is not only a place where people offer incense during festivals and holidays, but also a significant site for educating the younger generation about patriotic traditions. The plan to connect Khe Xanh stream with Khe Xanh Temple to create a cultural, spiritual, and ecological tourism route is considered a suitable direction, maximizing the combined value of the natural and historical heritage.
Unique cultural identities amidst the mountains and forests of Western Nghe An
Many other ecotourism destinations in western Nghe An province are gradually becoming known to tourists. At Khe Kien and Tat Ha waterfall (Tuong Duong commune), nature remains almost unspoiled with lush green forests and clear water cascading over natural rock steps. Tourists come here not only to swim and picnic but also to experience community life and enjoy the distinctive cuisine of the mountain people. The peaceful atmosphere, isolated from the hustle and bustle of urban life, is what makes many people choose to return.
One of the unique highlights of ecotourism in Western Nghe An is the system of traditional waterwheels along the Nam Ngan and Cha Ha streams (Yen Hoa commune). These bamboo and wooden waterwheels, built close together beside the streams, not only serve agricultural production but also create a vibrant scene rich in mountainous cultural identity. This is a popular check-in spot for many young people and families, especially on short trips.
At the Nam Xan stream area (Tam Quang commune), the local authorities have invested in rest shelters, parking lots, and other facilities to serve tourists. According to Ms. Kha Thi Hien, Vice Chairman of the People's Committee of Tam Quang commune, with the joint efforts of the government and the people, the Nam Xan tourist site has been gradually renovated and upgraded in recent years, better meeting the needs of tourists for sightseeing and relaxation. In the future, the locality will continue to invest in additional facilities to improve the quality of services and the attractiveness of the destination.
In Khe To (Nghia Dan commune), the model of fish farming in the stream combined with ecotourism offers a novel experience for visitors. The clear stream, teeming with fish, creates a vibrant scene, close to nature. Visitors can not only cool off by swimming but also admire the fish, take photos, and learn about how the locals protect the aquatic environment and develop tourism linked to sustainable livelihoods.
Traveling along National Highway 48 to Tien Phong commune, destinations like Sao Va Waterfall and the Seven-Tiered Waterfall continue to be attractive during the summer. The waterfalls cascade from a great height, divided into many tiers, blending with the cool mountain air to create a relaxing and pleasant atmosphere. This is an ideal choice for those who want to escape the heat and reconnect with pristine nature.
In reality, ecotourism destinations in western Nghe An province are like "rough gems," rich in potential but lacking adequate investment. Transportation infrastructure is limited, tourism services are not yet synchronized, and environmental management and protection still need strengthening. With clear direction, systematic investment, and close cooperation between the government, businesses, and local people, ecotourism can absolutely become a driving force for sustainable economic development in this mountainous region.
The cool, refreshing streams, pristine waterfalls, and diligent waterwheels along the Nam Ngan River are all precious natural assets of western Nghe An province. With proper investment and responsible exploitation, these "rough gems" will not only become attractive destinations but also contribute to strengthening the bond between local people and the forest, creating additional livelihoods, and spreading indigenous cultural values.
