Awakening the tourism potential of An Lao

Located at an altitude of 1,200 m above sea level, An Toan commune (An Lao district) is considered the "heavenly gate" of Binh Dinh. With a cool climate all year round, majestic landscapes and rich ecosystems, An Toan has been striving to develop tourism associated with traditional cultural values.

On May 2 and 3, a large number of people and tourists immersed themselves in the beauty of An Toan mountains and forests through the An Lao Trail 2025 Run. The race was organized by the People's Committee of An Lao district in coordination with Secret Sport Events Joint Stock Company, in An Toan commune, attracting 1,000 athletes to participate in distances of 10 km, 25 km, 50 km and 70 km. With the inspirational message "Lost in the clouds", the race is not only a simple sports event but also a journey to experience culture, explore majestic nature and feel the sincerity and hospitality of the people here.

Athletes participating in An Lao Trail 2025 check-in at An Lao Heaven Gate. Photo: NM

Returning to Binh Dinh for the second time in a trail race, Mr. Nguyen Tien Hoang (in Ho Chi Minh City) said that he participated in the 10 km distance, but was really impressed: "Just in this distance, I crossed cool streams, through primeval forests, and breathed fresh air that is rarely found anywhere else. Not only on the running route, I was also impressed and had the opportunity to fully feel the spirit of the people here when immersing myself in the unique gong cultural space through sideline activities".

Each running route brings different emotions to the athletes. Photo: HV

As a native of An Lao, Truong Ngoc Nhan (in An Lao town) has promoted the spirit of "every citizen is a tourism ambassador" through concrete and enthusiastic actions. Having actively participated in athletics at local races and the Phu Dong Sports Festival, this time he decided to try his hand at the 10 km distance at the An Lao Trail 2025. Not only an athlete, Nhan also left a deep impression with his gentle, friendly image and wholehearted support for athletes, ready to show directions, share and encourage the spirit of his companions. Nhan shared: For me, the race is not only an opportunity to challenge myself, but also a valuable opportunity to connect with friends and brothers and sisters everywhere; at the same time, introduce to everyone the culture, nature and people of An Lao. I am very proud to contribute a small part to promoting the image of my hometown.

Athletes participating in An Lao Trail 2025 enjoy rice wine in a warm and vibrant cultural space. Photo: NM

During the race, Ms. Dinh Thuy Trieu, owner of Thuy Trieu homestay (village 2, An Toan commune) had almost no time to rest because she had to be busy serving guests. She shared: My homestay was gradually invested in and built, and now has 7 traditional stilt house-style rooms, mainly serving tourists and locals who come to rest and experience. Usually, the homestay is crowded with guests in the summer, but this year thanks to the race, the number of guests has increased dramatically. I hope there will be more programs and events like this to attract tourists. Not only me, but everyone in the area is excited to see more and more guests coming, and their lives are improving.

The special thing about An Lao Trail 2025 is that despite many difficulties in terms of facilities, thanks to the careful preparation of the local government, most athletes and visitors have had great experiences. The arrangement of resting places for visitors and athletes is guaranteed, reasonable traffic flow helps everything run smoothly; food service points ensure hygiene, reasonable prices create comfort for athletes and visitors.

Although simple and rustic, An Toan highland homestay contains both warmth and hospitality, helping visitors feel the slow pace of life in the middle of the wilderness. Photo: HV

Bringing his family and relatives to An Toan to attend the opening ceremony of An Lao Trail 2025 and visit the 4-storey waterfall (An Quang commune), Mr. Vo Van Cuong (Quy Nhon city) shared: "The road to An Toan has to go through many winding slopes, but we feel that our efforts are "rewarded" when we can participate in the activities here, especially for the first time admiring the majestic beauty and immersing ourselves in the cool water of the 4-storey waterfall. This is a wonderful experience that we have had during this year's holiday."

With the advantages of nature, rich culture and consensus from the government to the people in the determination to develop tourism sustainably, the locality hopes to continue to receive attention and support from provincial leaders, departments, branches and the companionship of the business community to create unique and environmentally friendly tourism products.

Visitors have a more authentic and profound experience of indigenous culture through a night of performances, gong exchanges, Kalêu and Kachoi singing by the Hre and Bana people, lighting fires, and drinking rice wine. Photo: HV

Mr. Trinh Xuan Long, Chairman of the District People's Committee, affirmed: After the race, the district will continue to effectively implement solutions to protect the environment, preserve the forest ecosystem, restore relics and promote traditional cultural values. In particular, preserving and honoring gong culture will be an indispensable part of the journey to build An Lao tourism into an attractive and unique destination. We believe that with the joint efforts of the whole society, An Lao tourism will soon become a bright spot on the tourism map of the province and the whole country.

HUYNH VY