The tourism week opened a series of cultural events that aim to strengthen tourism cooperation between the six participating provinces of Bac Kan, Cao Bang, Lang Son, Thai Nguyen, Tuyen Quang and Ha Giang.
The week’s activities introduce and promote the historical and cultural relics, the landscape, people, food and culture of the northern mountainous provinces.
Tourists on Ba Be Lake. Photo: apttravel.com
Speaking at the launching ceremony, Deputy Minister of Culture, Sports and Tourism, Dang Thi Bich Lien said, “The northern provinces of Vietnam have several historical and cultural relics along with the spectacular landscape and unique cultural identity.
They are attracting an increasing number of both domestic and international tourists. However, the result has not yet reached its full potential.
“The Ba Be-Bac Kan Tourism Week this year is important for the northern mountainous provinces in strengthening cooperation in tourism, promoting and attracting investment for tourism and the preservation of historical and cultural relics. The plan is to develop tourism into a spearhead of the local economy,” Lien added.
More than one thousand of artists from the participating provinces joined the performances at the opening event. Activities included singing, dancing and “dan tinh” (the traditional gourd lute of the Tay ethnic people) performances.
The event, which lasts till November 21, features traditional musical performances, a traditional costume show, food fair, folk and sports games, flower garlands and a photo exhibition featuring the landscape and people of the northern mountainous provinces. Festival-goers can also join a boat tour around the scenic Ba Be Lake.
Ba Be National Park is a highlight of Bac Kan’s tourist destinations. About 70 kilometres from Bac Kan centre, Ba Be covers more than 23,000 ha and is home to more than 1,000 species of flora and fauna, a series of caves and a gigantic fresh water lake, which was recognised as the country’s third Ramsar Site, an indication of its international significance, by UNESCO in 2011.
Ba Be Lake is located 145 metres above sea level and is said to have formed more than 200 million years ago.
Source: VNA