The province is home to numerous scenic and historical sites with deep spiritual significance. Among them, Dong Cuong Temple in Van Yen district stands out as one of the most sacred temples dedicated to the Mother Goddess in northern Vietnam. It serves as both a spiritual center for local residents and a popular pilgrimage site, drawing thousands of visitors each year.
In addition to Dong Cuong Temple, Yen Bai boasts other well-known spiritual and cultural landmarks, such as Tung Lam (Ngoc Am) Pagoda, Mau Thac Ba Temple, and the Van Thang temple-pagoda complex. These sites are deeply rooted in legend and long-standing cultural traditions, offering not only spiritual significance but also breathtaking landscapes. Today, spiritual tourism extends beyond worship and pilgrimage; it serves as a bridge for tourists to explore the customs, traditions, and cultural life of ethnic minorities. As a result, festivals such as the Xen Muong Festival of the Thai people in Muong Lo, the Then ritual of the Tay people, and the Gau Tao Festival of the Mong people are increasingly held, providing visitors with immersive experiences in local spiritual and cultural practices.
To integrate spiritual tourism with cultural and historical preservation, Yen Bai has undertaken various concrete initiatives in recent years. These include restoring and conserving traditional ethnic rituals and customs; developing Tung Lam, Minh Phap, and Linh Long Pagodas into "Cultural Pagodas"; establishing and promoting spiritual tourism routes along the Red River, featuring destinations such as Tuan Quan Temple, Bach Lam Temple and Pagoda, Tung Lam Pagoda, Dong Cuong Temple, and Nhuoc Son Temple; and designing cultural tourism programs that incorporate spiritual experiences in various localities. These initiatives have provided visitors with profound experiences while simultaneously promoting and safeguarding the nation’s rich cultural heritage.
For example, when visiting Dong Cuong Temple, tourists not only participate in worship rituals but also have the opportunity to explore local cuisine, beliefs, culture, and traditional handicrafts. This approach transforms spiritual tourism into a bridge between the past and present, ensuring the preservation and development of ethnic cultural heritage.
Nguyen Thi Hang, a tourist from Hanoi, shared her thoughts: "joining a spiritual tourism tour in Yen Bai has given me deeper insights into the culture and history of different regions and ethnic communities. Additionally, witnessing the stunning landscapes has filled me with positive energy, bringing a sense of peace, relaxation, and a greater appreciation for life.â€
Despite its vast potential, the development of spiritual tourism in the province faces several challenges. The increasing number of visitors may put pressure on heritage sites, potentially eroding traditional values if appropriate preservation measures are not in place. Furthermore, inadequate tourism planning could lead to excessive commercialization, diminishing the sacred nature of spiritual landmarks.
To address these challenges, the province has been implementing comprehensive solutions, such as developing sustainable tourism plans that prioritize cultural and historical preservation. Efforts are also being made to enhance the training of professional tour guides with deep knowledge of local history and culture to convey meaningful messages to visitors. Additionally, investments are being directed towards improving tourism infrastructure, including transportation, accommodations, and support facilities, to enhance visitor experiences while preserving the environment and landscape. Public awareness campaigns are also being launched to emphasize the role of spiritual tourism in cultural conservation.
With these strategic measures, spiritual tourism in Yen Bai is expected to continue thriving, contributing to economic and social development while preserving and promoting cultural and historical values. This will help establish Yen Bai as a leading tourism destination in the Northwest region.
Hong Oanh
