Culture-tourism development has become a focus of Nghe An province’s Nam Dan district. The hometown of late President Ho Chi Minh expects it would both lure tourists, and preserve and promote its rich historical and cultural values.

Bac Son hamlet in Van Dien commune was the heart of the Former Citadel of Thuan An under Mai Hac De’s reign (also known as Mai the Black Emperor). Despites the ups and downs of history, various historical vestiges such as temples, communal houses and many more have been preserved.

The 500-year-old Duc Son pagoda is such a well-protected relic sites. With 210 woodblocks, a giant ancient bell, and 40 wooden statues, the pagoda was recognised as a National Architectural Art and Historical Relic Site in 2001.

The nearby Duc Son temple with 110 woodblocks was also recognised as National Historical and Cultural Relic Site in 2016.

According to Vuong Truong Thu, Vice Head of Duc Son Temple Management Board, Nghe An province, Duc Son pagoda and Duc Son temple welcome not only local tourists but visitors from all over the country. They are an intimate venue for pilgrims to come and pray.

Besides abundant cultural and historical values, imposing natural landscapes with majestic mountains and mighty rivers and convenient traffic are the locality’s advantages in tourism development. Nam Dan district welcomes more than 2 million tourist arrivals each year, showing the potential of tourism development in the late President’s hometown.

Nguyen Hong Hai, Chairman of Van Dien commune People’s Committee, Nam Dan district, Nghe An said: "To boost culture-tourism, we communicate with people so that they can have a better insight and work together. We also upgrade and restore many relic sites and ancient architectures to satisfy visitors."

Having rolled on since 2010, the building of new-style rural area in Nam Dan has paid off with all of its communes having met the title’s requirements, making the locality a new-style rural district.

The district expects to claim the title of exemplary new-style rural locality in culture-tourism development by 2025.

Dinh Xuan Que, Chairman of Nam Dan district People’s Committee. Nghe An told reporters: "We are focusing on preserving both tangible and intangible heritages within the province. We also try to educate people on the significance of preserving historical and cultural values so they can take part in the work."

Nam Dan is among the four districts selected by the Government to develop a pilot scheme on building exemplary new-style rural areas.

With the direction of developing new-style rural areas with a focus on culture-tourism, the district has paid heed to preserving and promoting local traditional values and relic sites.

The locality also promotes local cuisine and handicraft items as a way to improve local livelihoods and also diversify local tourism products.-VNA