Trang An Tourism Complex waits for World Heritage title
Update: Aug 23, 2012
Comprising of an ecological site, an ancient capital city and a scenic limestone reserve, the Trang An Tourism Complex is now in the tentative list to be considered for Viet Nam's world heritage site.

Trang An ecological site is one of the most diverse fauna and flora area in Northern Viet Nam, with about 600 species of plants and 200 species of animals. Besides the terrestrial ecosystem, Trang An also houses an aquatic one of important value with many rare zoo-plankton and zoohenthic recorded in Viet Nam's red book. The ecological site is one of the three pillars that Trang An Tourism Complex is seeking to promote.

 

A landmark of historical significance, Hoa Lu was Viet Nam's ancient capital in the late 10th century, before King Ly Cong Uan made a strategic move to Thang Long (Hanoi) and set the place as new capital of Dai Viet (ancient name of Viet Nam). At that time, Hoa Lu was the capital as well as the economic, political and cultural center of Dai Co Viet, an independent Vietnamese polity founded in 968 A.D. Though only few vestiges of the 10th century remain out of 300 ha (30km2) of the ancient citadel, visitors can still get a good view of the scale of the old city. Located in a flat valley, Hoa Lu is protected by a natural wall with surrounding Trang An limestone mountains and Hoang Long rivers. The combination between mountains and rivers gives Hoa Lu a unique landscape.

 

Tam Coc - Bich Dong, considered "Ha Long Bay on land", is characterised by picturesque limestone mountains-amid emerald water-body. Visitors have enjoyed following the canals and springs on sampan boats to explore caves and karst formation here for years. Past tours to the region have been scattering and short-termed due to a lack of service quality and quantity. The world heritage title is thus expected to help the site attract more investment from tour companies and public attention in preserving its natural beauty.

 

Several other sites of historical or natural importance in Viet Nam have set a great example how the UNESCO and other world organizations' recognitions can benefit a destination. Ha Long Bay, for example, has seen more cruise companies offering tours (refer to halongbaytours.com), foreign tourists sightseeing the caves and grottos and public programs implemented to protect and retain the beauty of the attraction. The title presented by UNESCO has been seen as both a motivation for more tourists to visit these regions, bringing economic advantages; and an effort to mobilize more effort to protect these heritage sites, generating environmental awareness. With this in mind, local tourism authority has been organizing many activities to promote Trang An Tourism Complex's image and waiting for UNESCO's final decision.

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