Tien Cong Cave

A historical tourism experience

A Luoi is not only a destination known for its stunning landscapes - it is also a “living museum” of war memories. On our journey to A Nor, we visited several historical landmarks: A Bia Hill (also known as Hamburger Hill), Tien Cong Cave… Each site tells a story of a tragic past yet filled with hope for renewal.

Standing atop A Bia Hill, which once witnessed fierce battles, I felt a mix of reverence and peace. Tien Cong Cave appears both grand and mysterious. According to local residents, it once served as a refuge for soldiers and villagers during the war and has now become a stop for those exploring A Luoi.

On the way back, we stopped at A Nor Waterfall, the highlight of the community tourism village. Here, visitors can bathe in the waterfall, wash their hair with forest herbs, and enjoy local meals with specialties such as grilled stream fish, bamboo-tube rice, and forest vegetables. Everything is simple but rich in highland flavor.

Besides nature and history, the local culture plays a vital role in keeping tourists coming back to A Nor. In the afternoon, we immersed ourselves in the daily life of the Pa Co people, making traditional A quat cakes, pounding rice, watching folk singing and dancing performances, and dancing around the fire. The children were eager; the adults, warm and welcoming; and, we simply wished time would slow down.

Healing in the heart of the forest

What surprised us most was the wellness service deep in the forest - a new feature of community-based tourism in A Nor. After a full day of travel and exploration, we were guided to the healing area: traditional massage, acupressure, and herbal foot soaks.

Ms. Ho Thi Sa, a local resident, gently massaged our necks, shoulders, and arms, helping us unwind after a long day. “We learned these techniques during district-run training sessions, combined with traditional knowledge. The leavings for saunas, hair-washing, and soaking all come from the forest,” she explained, her hands continuously at work.

Soaking our feet in warm water infused with local herbs felt like a boost of vitality. The scent of forest leaves and the serene night of A Luoi offered a unique kind of spiritual nourishment.

Laurent Renaud, a tourist from France, shared: “I’ve travelled to many places in Asia, but this is the first time I’ve experienced a traditional massage combined with local herbs. The forest setting, the sound of flowing water, and the hands of the healer all created something truly special. I felt like I was being healed from the inside out.”

Mr. Nguyen Van Hai, Vice Chairman of the A Luoi District People’s Committee, said: “We consider community tourism as not only about food and lodging, but also about immersive experiences and health care, especially traditional practices. The acupressure and foot-soaking services at A Nor are new but highly rated by visitors and have also created more jobs for local people. This is a sustainable direction that preserves local culture while improving community income.”

As we left A Nor and stopped by the A Luoi market, we picked up some local gifts - roasted sesame salt, short bananas, A quat cakes… But perhaps the greatest gift was the physical and mental rejuvenation we felt after a short yet enriching journey. With thoughtful, creative, and community-rooted approaches, A Nor is proving itself to be a distinctive and fascinating destination.

Story and photos: Bach Chau