Ancient Loc Yen village seeks ways to promote eco-tourism

Stone alleys in ancient Loc Yen village (Source: baoquangnam.vn)

Quang Nam (VNA) - Ancient Loc Yen village (Tien Canh commune, Tien Phuoc district, Quang Nam province) is about 30km east to the provincial city of Tam Ky. The village is an ideal destination for visitors who are looking for a peaceful, fresh getaway from the hustle and bustle of big cities.

Hundred-year-old houses

Many ancient houses here are up to 150 years old. Stone houses, steps and walls as well as beautiful natural landscapes have given the village a unique character rarely found in Vietnam. The village has been ranked as a national relic site by the Ministry of Culture- Sports and Tourism.

According to village elders, Loc Yen was discovered in the late half of the 18th century by Nguyen Cong Tuyet, from Tan Phuoc village (now in Tam Ky City), who brought people to the region to cultivate land and settle down. Currently, the village has a total area of 279 ha, with 191 households and nearly 900 people.

The harmonious combination between ancient houses, stone lanes, gardens and winding paths have created a familiar and peaceful feeling for visitors coming to the village.

Over many generations, owners of ancient houses in the village still maintain a simple routine like their previous generations. That is also an element, contributing to create a quiet and peaceful Loc Yen village.

Developing eco-tourism

According to Vice Chairman of People's Committee of Tien Phuoc district, Phung Van Huy, in 2017, People's Committee of Quang Nam province agreed to allow Tien Phuoc district to implement a project on developing ecotourism during 2017-2025.

An ancient house in Loc Yen

Over the past time, the locality has used investment sources to restore and renovate ancient houses in the village while supporting people in developing community ecotourism, helping to preserve and promote values of the ancient village.

In recent years, the number of tourists coming to Tien Phuoc district has increased significantly, of which international tourists were nearly 500, domestic tourists were estimated at nearly 15,000.

However, there are many difficulties hindering eco-tourism development in the village such as limited investment resources, lack of high-quality tourism products, underdeveloped tourism infrastructure as well as a poor accommodation and entertainment system.

Deputy Director of Culture, Sports and Tourism Department of Quang Nam province Le Ngoc Tuong said in order to develop tourism sustainably, Tien Phuoc district should take international tourism development as a strategic direction, strengthen cooperation with other regions in the province and internationally; attach importance to the linkage between tourism industry and other industries and fields in the value chain to form tourism products. At the same time, the province should preserve and promote its cultural heritages and traditional values.

“Loc Yen attracts visitors not only by its inherent beauty but also its simple dishes with a unique taste but reasonable prices. This is also a strength that needs to be further promoted so that Tien Phuoc in general or Loc Yen in particular can both maintain cultural identity and develop tourism towards community ecology”- Le Ngoc Thuan, Chairman of Quang Nam Homestay Association shared.

According to Chairman of Quang Nam Tourism Association Phan Xuan Thanh, Tien Phuoc district should develop a separate set of standards for the management and development of the ancient village of Loc Yen. Along with that, local government needs projects to strengthen the locals’ awareness of protecting and developing the ancient village.

In addition, Tien Phuoc district needs to promote eco-tourism development attached with rural agriculture with Loc Yen ancient village being a highlight.

Chairman of People's Committee of Tien Phuoc district Huong Van Minh hoped that the  district would propose suitable directions in developing tourism activities in the locality, soon turn Loc Yen ancient village into an attractive destination to domestic and foreign tourists./.