Unmissable experiences in Con Cuong ecological heritage area

Location of Con Cuong ecological zone and heritage. Photo: Thanh Cuong

From Vinh City, visitors can choose 4 ways to get to Con Cuong: First, go from Vinh through Dien Chau, continue along National Highway 7 to Con Cuong. The total distance is about 130km; Second, from Vinh go through Nam Dan district, pass Truong Bon relic site to Do Luong and then to Con Cuong. This journey has a total length of 120km; Third, from Vinh go to Nam Dan, Ro bridge, to Thanh Thuy intersection, turn to Anh Son district and continue to Con Cuong. This route has a total length of 140km; Fourth, from Vinh go through Nghi Loc district, follow road N5 to Do Luong and then to Con Cuong. The total distance is about 120km. In a short vacation (1.5-3 days), visitors can completely find and explore all the destinations of relics and famous landscapes.

HISTORICAL AND CULTURAL RELICS

Tham Hoi Cave Archaeological Site

Located about 4km east of Con Cuong town, about 600m south of National Highway 7A, Tham Hoi is a limestone cave 27.74m long, 21.35m wide and 5.50m high. The cave entrance is blocked in the middle by many rocks forming a natural screen. The cave is spacious and dry, creating favorable conditions for primitive people to live.

The site was first discovered by archaeologists in 1967 and continued to be excavated in 1972. The entire collection of stone relics, bones, mollusk shells, human remains, burials... all have basic characteristics marking the presence of Hoa Binh culture in Nghe An in general, and in Con Cuong district in particular. In the map of prehistoric archaeological sites in Vietnam, Tham Hoi cave has become one of the attractive destinations.

Mountains and rivers of Tra Lan today. Photo: Canh Hung

Khe Sat Temple

Khe Sat Temple (Block 3, Con Cuong Town) worships Uy Minh Vuong Ly Nhat Quang. After many ups and downs, the temple has been restored by various levels of government and people, with additional constructions. To commemorate the death anniversary of Uy Minh Vuong Ly Nhat Quang (December 16 and 17) and the 15th and 1st of the lunar month every month, people often come to burn incense to remember him. Currently, Khe Sat Temple has become a spiritual destination for many people and tourists from all over when coming to Con Cuong.

Ma Nhai Beer

From Con Cuong town, going west about 300m, to Chi Khe commune, visitors will see Ma Nhai Ky Cong Bi Van (also known as Thanh Nam stele). The monument, standing side by side with Thanh Nam mountain for nearly 700 years, is a testament to the feat of the Tran Dynasty army and people against the Ai Lao invaders who plundered the border region. Dai Viet Su Ky Toan Thu recorded: Retired Emperor Tran Minh Tong ordered Nguyen Trung Ngan to carve a stone stele recording the feat called "Ma Nhai Ky Cong Bi Van". The stele's writing is as large as a hand, printed more than an inch deep, with 14 lines and 155 words carved on the mountain arch in front of the cave entrance.

Ma Nhai Stele relic. Documentary photo

Cua Luy Temple

The historical site of Cua Luy Temple is located in Yen Khe Commune. The sacred temple is nestled next to Khe Diem Bridge, so it is also called Khe Diem Temple. Every month, on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, people around the area often come to the temple to burn incense and pray for peace and blessings for their families. The temple's construction time is unknown, but according to the elders, it was built hundreds of years ago and was restored in 1994. There are many legends surrounding the temple, but there is still no exact data, but according to the latest research, the temple may worship Lord Truong Cong Han. He was the Chief of the Thai people in Ke Trang, Chom Phuc, Tho Son, Anh Son District. He was a person with great merit in assisting King Binh Dinh Le Loi (15th century) in attacking Tra Lan citadel.

Mr. Vi Van Khang's house

Historical relic of Mr. Vi Van Khang's house. Photo: Thanh Cuong

The historical site of Mr. Vi Van Khang's house is located on the bank of the Giang River, now in Thai Hoa village, Mon Son commune. The house was built by Mr. Vi Van Khang's father in 1919 in the traditional stilt house style of the Thai people, on an area of ​​about 1,000 square meters. In 1931, with the propaganda, mobilization and enlightenment of comrades Le Xuan Dao (Head of the Finance Department of the Central Party Committee), Le Manh Duyet and Nguyen Huu Binh (Special Envoy of Nghe An Provincial Party Committee), Mr. Vi Van Khang enthusiastically participated in revolutionary activities. In April 1931, at this house, the Communist Party of Vietnam cell in Mon Son commune was established, consisting of 5 people, Mr. Vi Van Khang was the cell secretary. This was the first cell in the mountainous area of ​​Nghe An. Also at the house, the party base secretly printed documents and leaflets, and distributed them throughout the villages. Mr. Vi Van Khang's house became a liaison between the revolution in the lowlands and the highlands, between the Kinh people's movement and the ethnic groups in the mountainous areas of Nghe An.

FAMOUS LANDSCAPES

Pu Mat National Park

Pu Mat National Park with diverse and rich ecosystem. Photo: Documentary

Khe Kem Waterfall

Khe Kem waterfall landscape. Photo: Document

Khe Kem Waterfall is located about 25 km from the center of Con Cuong town. The waterfall is considered a precious gift from nature, making anyone who has come here once never forget. Standing at the foot of the waterfall, visitors will admire the strong flowing water, softly curving like a white silk strip standing out among the vast mountains and forests. Khe Kem Waterfall is considered the most pristine tourist destination in Con Cuong because this place has never been affected by human hands.

Spring of Spring

Nuoc Moc stream. Photo: Thanh Cuong

At Nuoc Moc stream, water springs up from deep underground all year round. The Thai people call Nuoc Moc stream Ta Bo (hot and cold spring). A strange thing about Nuoc Moc stream is that whether it is hot or rainy season, the water level here remains unchanged, it does not dry up and does not get fuller. Surrounding the clear green stream are ancient trees and mossy rocks, connecting to form steps, making it safe for visitors to bathe. After a cool bath, visitors can also enjoy the attractive grilled chicken dishes of the local people.

The Deep Cave of the Black Lady

Tham Nang Man Cave with the legend of petrified love. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Tham Nang Man was formed by the weathering process hundreds of millions of years ago with an area of ​​about 1,800m2, with a dome-shaped structure, a system of underground caves, water tunnels and beautiful stalactites... Tham Nang Man is associated with a legend about the village at the foot of this mountain. The story goes that there was a beautiful, good-singing daughter of a landlord who fell in love with a poor boy in the village. They gave each other everything with a vow to be together for life. However, because the boy was poor, the love affair was forbidden by her parents and they locked her in the cave. In the cold mountain cave, the mother and daughter were lonely and sad, day and night waiting for the day her lover returned, until the day she and her daughter were exhausted and turned to stone. In the central area of ​​the cave, there are still stalactites shaped like women...

For the Thai people here, Tham Nang Man is a spiritual and cultural activity place for all people, and they believe that young men and women in love who come to pray for luck, love, and happiness together will be blessed by the spirits of the mother and daughter.

Pha Lai Dam - Giang River

Life on the Giang River. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Traveling to Pha Lai Dam and Giang River is one of the interesting experiences that many young people love when traveling to Con Cuong. Coming to this famous place, visitors will be able to admire the majestic natural scenery with precarious rocky cliffs mixed with the clear, cool Giang River water, creating a peaceful, beautiful picture. In addition, you can also enjoy many unique specialties of the Thai ethnic group such as Giang River fish, Muong Qua rice...

In the early morning, the entire Giang River is covered with a white mist, creating a beautiful watercolor painting, making visitors flutter. This is also an attractive symbol of Con Cuong tourism, sought after by many visitors.

Scenery on the Giang River in Mon Son commune. Photo courtesy: Canh Hung

Today, the legendary Giang River - Pha Lai is a wonderful eco-tourism destination. Here, visitors will experience thrills such as kayaking or ziplining across the river; join the journey to explore Giang River, admire the majestic wild scenery of Pu Mat forest, and immerse themselves in the daily life of local people.

COMMUNITY TOURISM

Khe Ran Village (Bong Khe Commune)

International tourists visit Khe Ran village, Bong Khe commune, Con Cuong district. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Khe Ran is one of the pure Thai villages of Con Cuong district. Khe Ran is known by many people as the first community tourism destination in the Western region of Nghe An. From National Highway 7, next to Muong Thanh Con Cuong Hotel, across a suspension bridge connecting the two banks of Lam River, you will reach Khe Ran village. With a poetic suspension bridge, an ancient banyan tree next to the lyrical wharf, and stilt houses interspersed like waves on the hill are the main features to remember about Khe Ran community tourism destination.

Coming to Khe Ran village, in addition to exploring and learning about the customs and landscapes here, visitors can also enjoy traditional dishes, drink rice wine, and explore many beautiful historical sites... which will be attractive and unforgettable experiences.

Xieng Village (Mon Son Commune)

Weaving brocade in Xieng village. Photo: Document

From National Highway 7 to Xieng village (Mon Son commune), it takes 20km of quite winding road. Xieng village has 100% of households being Thai ethnic group; with ancient stilt houses, located along the road to the commune center and Pha Lai dam scenic spot. The people of Xieng village have been diligent and hard-working for generations, passionate about preserving traditional cultural features such as gongs and brocade weaving. In 2017, the Provincial People's Committee granted a certificate of recognition to Xieng village brocade weaving craft village with more than 140 households regularly participating in production.

Coming to Xieng village, besides visiting the traditional stilt houses, visitors will witness the entire process of creating embroidered textile products (skirts, blankets, scarves, bags...) of the Thai Tay Thanh people. These scarves are woven from silk thread that the people grow, raise silkworms, spin, and dye from the leaves and trees of the mountains and forests. These are small, pretty bags embroidered with delicate patterns that are very popular with women, with high artistic value, reflecting the skillful craftsmanship of skilled workers.

Ban Nua (Yen Khe commune)

The custom of tying thread for good luck. Photo: Document

Ban Nua has both beautiful natural scenery and preserves the long-standing customs and practices of the Thai people. Coming to community tourism here, visitors can experience the peaceful village space, traditional stilt houses, enjoy cuisine and participate in interesting agricultural tourism activities. To fully understand the cultural identity of Con Cuong, you can only experience life with the people here such as: watching the afternoons in the fields of Ban Nua; experiencing a ride on an ox cart around the village; enjoying rustic but unique dishes made from plants, animals raised by the people and being drunk in the wine festival, dancing by the flickering fire.

From the available specialties, the tourism model of Nua village was selected by the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) to introduce in the training program to promote and cooperate in knowledge creation. It became a tourism promotion document in Japan and applied to the model of other provinces and cities in Vietnam.

Co Phat Village (Mon Son Commune)

Life of the Dan Lai people on the upper reaches of the Giang River. Photo: Dao Tuan

About 2 hours by boat, passing hundreds of submerged and floating rapids upstream of Giang River, you will reach Co Phat village - the first village of the Dan Lai ethnic group in the core area of ​​Pu Mat National Park, in Mon Son commune. Here, after the efforts of authorities and businesses at all levels, they have been preserving the language and preserving the thatched roofs of the Dan Lai people to build Co Phat village into a unique community tourism destination.

Coming to Co Phat village today, visitors will still feel the uniqueness and impression of the Dan Lai people, which is also the difference when coming to Con Cuong. There, visitors will hear about the history of the Dan Lai community, learn about customs, lifestyle and cultural features that still contain many mysterious and interesting things...

Pha Village (Yen Khe Commune)

International tourists experience Pha orange garden. Photo: Document

Ban Pha is an interesting destination for souvenirs, where there is a famous delicious orange variety of Nghe An, with a sweet and rich taste. The community tourism development model associated with the production chain of orange products in Ban Pha, supported by JICA (Japan) since 2016, is increasingly proving the attractiveness of this new form of tourism. Visitors to Ban Pha can freely visit, take photos and eat fruit in the orange garden. Oranges are harvested from October this year to January and February next year - this is also the time when the weather is cool to enjoy. In addition to building an ecological orange model, oranges are also selected for people to process more orange products: essential oils for burning, car hanging essential oils, orange soap, orange wine, orange peel jam... contributing to diversifying local tourism products, very popular with tourists.

MUSIC, TRADITIONAL CRAFTS AND CUISINE

The people of Con Cuong are particularly hospitable with smiles always on their lips. At community tourism sites, people still preserve intact the customs and practices of their people from ancient times. Coming here, visitors can experience many folk games such as walking on stilts, throwing con, fighting, pushing sticks; listening to the melodies of nhuon, suoi, lam, and xap, singing children's songs, lullabies; listening to artists perform traditional musical instruments such as pi, khen, gong, drum, lam vong dance, xoe dance, gong drum dance, bamboo pole dance...

Let's have fun dancing together. Photo: Thanh Cuong

When coming to Con Cuong, visitors can learn and know more about the traditional occupations of the people of 25 ethnic groups here; in addition, they can also buy souvenirs at craft villages such as: Brocade weaving in Xieng village (Mon Son commune); bamboo and rattan weaving in Diem village (Chau Khe commune); leaf-fermented wine in Xieng village (Don Phuc commune); rice wine in Chom Muong village (Mau Duc commune) ... and many craft villages producing products that have been recognized as OCOP. Handicrafts are sold a lot at festivals and rural markets such as Mon Son - Luc Da Festival (held on April 15-16 every year); Muong Qua Market (held on the first Sunday of the month in Mon Son commune); Muong Chon Market (held on Saturday, the third Sunday of the month in Binh Chuan commune).

Con Cuong leaf yeast wine specialty. Photo: Document

In addition to traditional products, when coming to Con Cuong, tourists should also visit and bring back to their family and friends special local gifts produced locally, such as Pu Mat medicinal herbs (Bong Khe commune); fruit products, jams, orange wine in Pha village (Yen Khe).

In addition to the famous landscapes and relics, traditional cuisine in Con Cuong is also worth exploring and enjoying. Thai cuisine in Con Cuong converges and harmonizes the quintessence of the land, sky, mountains and forests. The delicious dishes that visitors cannot miss when coming to Con Cuong are: Crispy grilled fish; grilled fish; grilled meat; Mooc dishes; sour meat; bon soup; purple sticky rice and bamboo rice; banh chung; steamed and grilled chicken, khau khieu soup, vermicelli vegetables, wild bamboo shoots... can wine, leaf-fermented wine.

Special culinary features of Thai people in Con Cuong. Photo: Thanh Cuong

Con Cuong is as beautiful as a “princess in the forest”. In recent years, with the strategic orientation of building Con Cuong into an ecological urban area, Con Cuong tourism is gradually being revived and becoming a destination for friends from all over the world… The amazing and mysterious nature, the depth of culture, history and development potential here are still waiting for visitors to awaken./.