Focusing on exploiting the potential for developing archaeological tourism

Lang Son is known as the birthplace of two famous archaeological cultures, Bac Son and Mai Pha, with many sites and relics containing typical historical value. In order to raise people’s awareness and responsibility in preserving and promoting archaeological heritage, all levels and sectors in the province have implemented many solutions. In particular, attention is paid to linking tourism development with archaeological relics.

Experts in the field of archeology conduct field surveys at the fossil site in Chi Lang district

Archaeological heritage is the remains of extremely precious, diverse values of national historical origin, with unique and distinct nuances. It provides the basis for scientific authenticity in clarifying the historical value over thousands of years of building and defending the country. Lang Son is one of the localities with a diverse and rich number of archaeological relics, especially many relics containing value not only for research and learning about the history of human society formation but also developing local tourism.

The whole province currently has 335 relics of 4 types: artistic architecture, archaeology, cultural history and scenic spots. Including 37 archaeological relics of the Bac Son culture and Mai Pha culture, typically: Mau Son ancient sacred site (Loc Binh), Tham Hai cave, Tham Khuyen cave (Binh Gia); Bat Cave relic (Bac Son)… Among them are 8 archaeological relics ranked at national level, 17 relics ranked at provincial level. Archaeological relics are valuable resources for tourism development.

In recent years, the work of preserving and promoting the value of archaeological relics in the province has been paid attention by all levels and sectors, in which, the culture, sports and tourism industry has implemented many measures to preserve and preserve these archaeological relics such as: delineating a protective zone, post signage (clearly stating the name of the archaeological site, year of excavation, longitude and latitude of the excavation pit) in a convenient place for visitors to easily read and observe… At the same time, expanding cooperation between provincial and central museums and international organizations; continue to investigate, survey, explore and display on-site the results of excavations; encouraging and promptly reward people who consciously discover and protect monuments as well as research and handle those who intentionally violate and destroy monuments…

Along with that, currently all levels and sectors of the province have been in the process of building and developing Lang Son Geopark, in which, the Lang Son Geopark Management Board has currently coordinated with domestic and foreign experts to focus on building 4 panoramic tourist routes to visit the Geopark area. The special thing is that out of 38 attractions on 4 tourist routes, up to 7 are archaeological relics. Specifically: in route no.1, there is a fossil site in Yen Thinh commune, Huu Lung district and a red basalt geological site in Quan Son commune, Chi Lang district. Route no.2 has Tham Khuyen cave, Tan Van commune, Binh Gia district; Tham Khoach cave, Binh Gia town. Route no.3 has fossil site in Thuong Cuong commune, Chi Lang district and fossil site of Ammonites in Bac Thuy commune, Chi Lang district; Route no.4 of Mai Pha archaeological site, Mai Pha commune, Chi Lang district.

Mr. Phan Van Hoa, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism said: Recently, we have researched, developed and advised the Provincial People’s Committee to approve a project to preserve, restore and promote the value of the system of historical – cultural relics and scenic spots in the province in period of 2021 – 2030 (Decision No. 855/QD-UBND dated April 22, 2021). The project clearly states solutions to protect, manage and promote the value of archaeological relics. In particular, we focus on a number of specific solutions such as: promoting propaganda and education about archaeological culture and pre-historic relics in Lang Son… At the same time, we actively coordinate with the People’s Committees of districts and city to promote investment in facilities and infrastructure to tourist destinations located in 4 tourist routes to visit the Lang Son Geopark.

Along with functional agencies, in recent times, cultural agencies of districts and city have also actively implemented the restoration of archaeological relics in association with tourism development. Specifically, Chi Lang District People’s Committee has been coordinating with functional units to research and build a profile of Nguom Sau cave archaeological relics to rank as provincial-level relics,  Huu Lung District People’s Committee has zoned for protection and posted signposts for 6/6 archaeological relics in the area…

Mrs. Do Thanh Mui, Deputy Head of the Culture and Information Department of Binh Gia district said: The entire district currently has 22 sites and relics, including 3 archaeological relics ranked at the national level (Tham Hai, Tham Khuyen, Keo Leng) and 10 provincial relics. In recent years, clearly aware of the role of conservation and promotion of heritage associated with tourism development, the department has advised the District People’s Committee to implement many preservation and conservation measures such as:  delineating protection zones, building relic information signs (name of archaeological site, year of excavation)… In particular, currently the Tham Khuyen – Tham Hai relic site has been selected as one of the tourist destinations in the four tourist routes of the Lang Son Geopark, therefore, in 2023, the department has advised the District People’s Committee to make the restoration of Tham Khuyen – Tham Hai cave relic a key task. Currently, we are clearing the site to build a road to the monument and build a parking lot… The project is expected to be completed in 2024.

“The archaeological relics of Lang Son province are extremely unique and unique. The exploitation of archaeological relics in tourism activities not only effectively promotes the value of the relics but also contributes to local economic development. Therefore, in order to develop tourism based on the special cultural values of archaeological relics in Lang Son province sustainably, I think that in the coming time, the province needs to continue to pay attention and do a good job of planning and preserving archaeological relics; conduct surveys, repair and embellish monuments, focus resources on improving on-site infrastructure to better serve the number of tourists visiting. In addition, in order to exploit tourism from these archaeological relics, it is necessary to combine in-depth research and attractive explanatory data to help attract visitors and be effective in developing local tourism. At the same time, I think the authorities need to research many ways to invite archaeological tourism associated with building field sites, models… associated with promoting cultural heritage promotion, tourism promotion and focusing on environmental protection at monuments and museums; strengthening training and promote human resources to serve the conservation and promotion of the value of archaeological relics associated with tourism”. Dr. Pham Thanh Son, Institute of Archeology (Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences)

In Lang Son city, in recent years, clearly aware of the role of conservation and promotion of heritage associated with tourism development, the City People’s Committee has zoned protection zones and erected monument information signs (name of archaeological site, year of excavation)… In addition, in September 2019, the City People’s Committee approved the Project “Lang Son city tourism development to 2030, vision to 2045”, in which, the orientation is to exploit and develop the archaeological relics of Mai Pha and Phai Ve with tourism products of sightseeing, research and learning. At the same time, the City People’s Committee assigned the Department of Culture and Sports to care for and guide the People’s Committee of Mai Pha commune and the Center for Culture and Sports to perform the management and protection of the two relics. In 2020 and 2021, the City People’s Committee has assigned relevant units to repair and embellish Mai Pha archaeological relics with a total cost of more than 4 billion VND from the State budget; arranged more than 500 million VND to replace and repair lights and art lights at Phai Ve relic. In addition, the City People’s Committee also assigned a specialized division to coordinate with relevant units to promote propaganda about the value of the monument. For example, in 2021, the City Division of Culture and Sports coordinated with the Provincial Cultural Heritage Association to edit and publish the book “Lang Son City – A convergence of unique and special cultural heritage of Lang Son” Introducing the system of historical and cultural relics of the city, including Mai Pha and Phai Ve relics. With the above efforts, over the past 2 years, these two archaeological relics have gradually been restored, becoming tourist attractions in the area. According to incomplete statistics from specialized agencies, from 2019 until now, Mai Pha and Phai Ve archaeological relics have welcomed about 3,500 visitors.

Mrs. Tran Bao Anh, Hoang Mai district, Hanoi city said: I see that Lang Son city’s relics are increasingly being invested in, renovated, spacious and clean, including archaeological relics. If in previous years, I wanted to visit Mai Pha archaeological site but was very shy because of the dense trees and difficulty in walking, now it is much cleaner, the road is wide, cars can go all the way to the foot of the mountain. at night there are bright lights.

The above reality shows that, with the efforts of all levels and sectors, they have contributed to preserving and promoting archaeological values – valuable resources and cultural heritage to serve the development of tourism and traditional education for young generation and serve the sightseeing, research and learning needs of people inside and outside the province.