5:07:24 PM | 7/7/2014
Van Ho district, Son La province catches the fancy of tourists from far and wide because of its diversity of natural landscapes, spectacular mountains, characteristic cultural values of Northwest mountainous peoples. Tourists will be enchanted by traditional costumes, thrown into ecstasy with local wine drunk with tubes, and thrilled by flickering firelight and sweet vocals. Terrains form different sub-regional climates and farming areas. These elements portray a picture of community tourism which promises to offer long-time discovery experiences for tourists wishing to explore the cultures of indigenous peoples.
Endowed with natural resources, cultural treasures and rich histories, Van Ho district has lots of traces backdated to ancient times and many scientific and historical discoveries have been found. This place has tremendous potential for tourism development as it lies on the gateway to Moc Chau district, about 150 km from Hanoi. Here, scientists and archaeologists discovered tombs in caves backdated 1,240 years (8th century). The bones were carved with dovetail-tailed dragon-headed patterns and serrated patterns - characteristic traits of wet-rice farmers. These proved the dead were farmers. Scientists recreated production modes, social relations and economic circumstances from relics found. After studying Tang Me burial cave, scientists portrayed the picture of local cultures in the eighth century. These are also precious resources for in-depth study.
This ancient residential land stretches over valleys, runs along narrow strips by the bank of the Loi Stream in Suoi Bang village where the river and stream system is thick and forests cover 70 percent of natural area. This place is also well-known for its involvement in national liberation wars and has a lot of wartime vestiges like Pu Ten Mount, Moc Ha revolutionary base, and Hang Mieng Temple.
According to scientists, Vietnam now has only two places having burial caves, namely Quan Hoa district in Thanh Hoa province and Van Ho district in Son La province. In the world, the similar finding was found only in Sichuan, China. This relic is of great scientific, archaeological and anthropological values that need to be studied, protected and promoted. Tang Me burial cave is the first in Vietnam to be recognised as the national relic. To promote potential and advantages and attract tourists to Van Ho district, Son La province, Mr Nguyen Anh Tuan, Deputy Director of Son La Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, said Son La province, said professional units in the province are effectively managing and promoting relic values and increasing its contribution to local tourism development.
Thanh Nga
Vietnamese
