Tourism potential in Ky Son
(Baonghean.vn) - Ky Son is a remote border district with a harsh climate, rugged terrain, difficult transportation, and low levels of education...
(Baonghean.vn) -Ky Son is a remote border district with a harsh climate, rugged terrain, difficult transportation, and limited education levels. However, from another perspective, Ky Son is also a land rich in cultural values, with potential for tourism development and prospects to help Ky Son gradually rise out of poverty.
This area is characterized by rolling hills and mountains, bordering three provinces of Laos: Xieng Khouang, Hua Phan, and Bolikhamsai. Ky Son is also where the Nam Non and Nam Mo rivers converge, merging in Tuong Duong district before flowing downstream to form the Lam River. This region boasts Pu Xai Lai Leng peak, considered the "roof" of the majestic Truong Son mountain range. Ky Son also features Muong Long, nicknamed the "gateway to heaven."
Ky Son district is currently developing a plan to expand its "non-polluting industry" (tourism), which could be organized into a perfect tour, allowing visitors to fully experience life in the border region of Nghe An province.
Pu Nha Thau Temple Festival (Huu Kiem commune, Ky Son district)
Coming from the lowlands, tourists first turn towards Nam Can and Na Ngoi communes to "conquer" the summit of Pu Xai Lai Leng, which is over 2,710 meters high. From here, one can observe a vast, majestic mountain range and villages perched precariously on the mountain slopes. The area is almost perpetually shrouded in clouds, giving the feeling of floating on layers of white clouds, as if one could reach out and touch the sky. Leaving Pu Xai Lai Leng, the journey continues towards Muong Xen town, stopping along the way at Huu Kiem commune to ascend Pu Nha Thau mountain to admire the Tran Temple and hear stories about the founding of the village and the merits of Doan Nhu Hai and the Tran Dynasty soldiers in repelling foreign invaders. From the summit of Pu Nha Thau, one can gaze into the distance at the villages faintly visible in the early morning mist beside the winding Nam Mo river amidst the mountains. Visiting here in the spring, when the village holds its festival, tourists will enjoy the traditional folk songs and dances accompanied by the sounds of gongs, cymbals, and flutes. Then, they can join in the lively and captivating dances of the lam vong. From here, crossing the Xop Nhi bridge will take visitors to Na village (Huu Lap commune), famous for its brocade weaving. Graceful Thai girls work at their looms, their skillful hands weaving colorful brocade fabrics with various patterns and designs. Tourists can buy a scarf, belt, or handbag as a souvenir. If you want to learn about the customs of the Thai ethnic group, you can stay in Na village, as it still preserves many unique cultural features.
Upon arriving in Muong Xen town, visitors can enjoy local specialties such as bamboo-cooked rice, catfish, snakehead fish, black pig, and black chicken. Traveling about 20 km along National Highway 7A, visitors will reach the Nam Can International Border Gate. If visiting on the 14th, 15th, 29th, and 30th of each month, visitors can complete the procedures to cross over and visit the Dinh Dam border market, less than 1 km from the border gate. This is a market that fosters friendship between Vietnam and Laos, a place for trading goods, exchanging culture, and sharing feelings between the people of the two countries along the border. Especially, visitors can enjoy roasted chicken served with Lao sticky rice; the fragrant and savory flavor will surely linger in their minds. After returning to Muong Xen to rest, the next day continues the journey to Muong Long, the "gateway to heaven." Here, visitors will experience the feeling of being in a place likened to the "Sa Pa of Nghe An" and explore the life and customs of the Mong people, the inhabitants of this "gateway to heaven" land.
Boat trip through Nam Non rapids
From Muong Long, tourists continue to explore the ancient land of My Ly, stopping at the Pha Lech mountain range to discover the magnificent cave system created by nature. From Xieng Tam village, the center of My Ly commune, tourists will travel by boat upstream on the Nam Non River, stopping at Yen Hoa village to admire the ancient tower, a unique Buddhist architectural work. Continuing by boat upstream, navigating rapids and waterfalls, tourists will experience the thrill amidst the majestic mountains. My Ly is also famous for its specialty dishes made from fish from the headwaters of the Nam Non River, whose meat is very fragrant, firm, and sweet. From My Ly, tourists can travel by boat down to explore the Ban Ve hydroelectric reservoir (Tuong Duong) and conclude a memorable and exciting tour...
Tuong Anh
