Ranking of heritage sites as a “boost” for tourism

Lang Son is a province with many remarkable historical and cultural heritage sites. In addition to investment, restoration, and preservation, the province always pays attention to preparing dossiers for heritage site ranking. This serves as a foundation for preserving and promoting the value of heritage sites, contributing to the development of tourism.

According to Mr. Luu Ba Mac, Deputy Director of the Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism (DCST), the preparation of scientific dossiers and the ranking of heritage sites at provincial and national levels is an important task, helping to determine the scientific value of the sites as a basis for competent authorities to recognize and rank them. In recent years, the department has proactively advised the Provincial People’s Committee on many programs, plans, and projects to preserve, protect, and promote heritage sites. In particular, it has developed and implemented the project “Preservation, restoration, and promotion of the value of historical–cultural heritage sites and scenic landscapes for the period 2021–2030,” which includes activities related to heritage site ranking.

Every year, the DCST strengthens training and professional development for officials and staff directly involved in the preparation of scientific dossiers and heritage site ranking. It coordinates with relevant agencies and units to organize from one to three training sessions annually on the preservation and promotion of heritage sites, including ranking procedures, attracting thousands of participants.

From 2017 to date, the DCST has presided over the inventory, compilation, assessment, and classification of 1,117 heritage sites. It has also organized more than 30 inspections at nearly 100 heritage sites.

Notably, since 2019, the department has prepared scientific dossiers and submitted them for the recognition of 23 additional heritage sites, raising the total number of ranked heritage sites in the province to 145 at both provincial and national levels. In 2025, the department is striving to complete the dossiers for two national heritage sites: Bac Le Temple (Tan Thanh Commune) and Nguom Sau Cave (Bang Mac Commune).

Heritage site ranking is not only an honorary title but also a basis for localities to access investment resources, thereby creating positive changes. Ms. Hoang Thi Phuong Hue, Vice Chairwoman of the People’s Committee of Dong Dang Town, shared: “Dong Dang has 10 heritage sites, six of which have been ranked. The ranking helps us access provincial and central resources for restoration projects. For example, after Thuy Mon Dinh Stele House was recognized as a national heritage site in 2021, it was allocated over 2 billion VND for restoration. Particularly, the Dong Dang Fortress, recognized as a national heritage site in 2024, has attracted resources for preservation, and we are actively coordinating with relevant agencies to implement the project.”

In addition to attracting investment, the ranking of heritage sites is also a driving force for promoting sustainable tourism development. Currently, among 55 recognized tourist sites in the province, 34 are ranked heritage sites at provincial and national levels. Statistics show that in the first six months of this year, Lang Son welcomed over 3.1 million visitors (an increase of 4.7% compared to the same period in 2024), with estimated tourism revenue exceeding 2.9 trillion VND. Heritage sites contribute significantly to these results, with well-known destinations such as Tam Thanh Pagoda, Mau Temple in Dong Dang, and Bac Le Temple attracting a large number of tourists.

Tran Van Hung, a tourist from Le Chan Ward, Hai Phong City, expressed his surprise upon returning to Lang Son after nearly six years: “I am really impressed to see many heritage sites restored beautifully. Tam Thanh Pagoda now has a more solemn and cleaner appearance than before.”

It is clear that the preparation of dossiers and the ranking of heritage sites play an important role in the preservation and sustainable development of tourism. This is the “key” for Lang Son to turn its valuable cultural heritage into an asset that attracts tourists and promotes socio-economic growth.