Dong Dang Walking Street: A Promising Border Tourism Attraction

Aiming to create a unique tourism product deeply rooted in local cultural identity, the Dong Dang Walking Street project is being actively developed by Cao Loc District. By blending the spiritual appeal of Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple, the vibrancy of Dong Dang Market, and its advantageous geographic location, the project aspires to become a captivating destination, drawing numerous visitors.

Located within the Dong Dang – Lang Son Border Gate Economic Zone, Dong Dang Town plays a crucial role in the socio-economic development strategy of the nation. It is home to four main ethnic groups: Kinh, Tay, Nung, and Hoa. This cultural diversity enriches the town with a vibrant heritage, including traditional arts such as then singing, sli, and luon, as well as a distinctive cuisine that reflects the cultural fusion of Vietnam and China, featuring grilled dishes, roasted duck, and roasted pork. The town also boasts a rich array of historical and cultural landmarks, such as the Thuy Mon Dinh Stele , Dong Dang Fortress, Border milestone No. 0, the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, and the Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple. With its cultural richness and strategic location, the Dong Dang Walking Street is expected to become a unique and attractive tourism product, offering visitors an authentic and memorable border experience.

Promising a Unique Cultural Destination

To capitalize on its strengths and create a new tourism product that attracts visitors to Cao Loc District while promoting local tourism and socio-economic development, on October 28, 2022, the Cao Loc District People’s Committee issued Decision No. 3277/QD-UBND approving the project to establish a walking street network in Dong Dang Town.

The project focuses on developing two main streets—Hoang Van Thu Street and Nam Quan Street—along with three alleyways within Dong Dang Town, covering a total length of 1,442 meters. By integrating these areas into a cohesive walking -friendly space, the initiative aims to showcase the area's rich cultural heritage and create a vibrant and distinctive destination that appeals to both local and international visitors.

According to Mr. Nguyen Van Thinh, Vice Chairman of the Cao Loc District People’s Committee, efforts have been made to ensure the successful operation of the Dong Dang Walking Street. The district has allocated funds for upgrading roadways and sidewalks and is continuing to invest in essential infrastructure, such as welcoming gates and decorative street lighting. A dedicated management board has been established, and local authorities are actively promoting the project’s purpose and significance to the community. The walking street is expected to open during the Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple Festival in spring 2025. Starting November 20, 2024, residents can register to sell goods at the walking street through the Dong Dang Town People’s Committee.

Local authorities have also encouraged over 100 businesses to shift their focus to tourism-related products, such as beverages, fast food, local delicacies, souvenirs, and handicrafts. Collaboration with tourism companies is underway to develop tour packages and itineraries that will attract visitors, extend their stays, and create opportunities for the district’s tourism development.

Efforts to build community consensus have been robust. Phuong Thanh Loan, Vice Chairwoman of the Dong Dang Town People’s Committee, highlighted that local authorities, social organizations, and residents immediately began implementing specific tasks after the walking street project was announced. These include regular updates at community meetings and consultations with residents living along the proposed street to address their concerns and ensure widespread support.

The project has received positive feedback from the community. Nam Quan neighborhood, home to 389 households—nearly 150 of which are within the walking street area—has seen 50% of the eligible households register to participate in street commerce. Ms. Nong Kim Lien, a resident of Nam Quan, expressed excitement about the project, stating: "Since hearing about the walking street, our entire community has been eager. After years of trading here, we’ve hoped for a beautiful space that will attract more tourists to Nam Quan. My family, which sells beverages, has already registered to operate on the walking street. I hope this initiative will benefit both our family’s business and the wider community." The Dong Dang Walking Street project is well on its way to becoming a lively and attractive destination, driven by strong community engagement and support.

Dong Dang Town is in the final stages of preparation to meet its project timeline for the walking street. Cleaning and environmental sanitation efforts are being carried out around the designated event area and along the routes. Several infrastructure elements, such as road paving, sidewalk tiling, stage installations, and welcoming gates, have already been completed by relevant agencies in the district.

In addition to Dong Dang walking street, the province currently has two walking streets: Ky Lua walking street (Lang Son city), Dinh Lap walking street (Dinh Lap district). The above walking streets have created a space for entertainment and relaxation for the community and tourists, contributing significantly to enhancing the cultural and tourism value. Therefore, the implementation of Dong Dang walking street will be a unique and separate tourism product, becoming a complementary product to other walking streets in the province.

Unleashing Tourism Potential through Unique Local Values

Ms. Hoang Thi Phuong Hue, Head of the Cao Loc District Division of Culture and Information, shared that the development of Dong Dang Walking Street is based on preserving tangible and intangible cultural heritage while fostering tourism, trade, and services. This initiative aims to showcase the distinct cultural and urban charm of the mountainous northeastern region, with a focus on the “Spiritual Culture Space.” This unique feature combines cultural experiences with the heritage of Vietnamese Mother Goddess worship. According to the project’s estimates, the walking street could attract around 2,000 visitors per day during the pilot phase and 4,000–5,000 visitors daily during peak festival seasons.

Dong Dang Walking Street is set to become a hub for promoting spiritual and cultural tourism. The highlight of the street is Hoang Van Thu Street, home to Dong Dang Mother Goddess Temple, a key spiritual tourism site in Lang Son Province and a featured destination on the UNESCO Lang Son Global Geopark route. To emphasize its “Spiritual Culture Space,” the district plans to transform the 230-meter-long Hoang Van Thu Street into an immersive cultural pathway, adorned with 18 decorated gates and murals of 36 saints of the Mother Goddess religion. The street will also showcase local geopark attractions and host performances of chau van rituals (also known as hau dong), offering visitors an engaging cultural experience.

Additionally, the walking street will feature Dong Dang Market, a well-known shopping destination for tourists and locals alike. Its central location makes it an ideal starting point for connecting tours to nearby attractions such as the Huu Nghi International Border Gate, Dong Dang International Station, Dong Dang Trade Center, and the Thuy Mon Dinh Stele.

Dong Dang Walking Street promises to become a cultural and commercial landmark, highlighting Cao Loc District's unique heritage and offering visitors a rich blend of spiritual, cultural, and retail experiences.

 According to the proposal, once Dong Dang Walking Street officially opens, it will host 20–40 cultural events, exchanges, festivals, and promotional activities annually, averaging one themed event or festival every two weeks. The activities will include culinary experiences, shopping, and cultural performances featuring the unique cultural heritage of Lang Son, such as hat then, hat sli, luon, and the traditional lion cat dance.

The street will operate from 6:00 PM to midnight every Saturday and Sunday, providing an excellent opportunity for travel agencies to diversify their offerings, attract more visitors, and extend their stays in Dong Dang Town, Cao Loc District. Longer stays translate to increased spending, which boosts the local economy and tourism development. Ms. Nguyen Thi Nga, a tourist from Hanoi, shared her excitement: "I’ve visited Dong Dang a few times before, mainly to see the Mother Goddess Temple and the border markets. In terms of tourism, it didn’t have many standout attractions. But recently, I heard about the new walking street, and I think it will make Dong Dang much more appealing. The idea of strolling through the street on a weekend evening, enjoying local delicacies, and shopping for souvenirs in a vibrant new space sounds exciting. I can’t wait to experience it firsthand!"

With proper investment and strong community participation, Dong Dang Walking Street is poised to become a vibrant tourist destination. This initiative will not only elevate Lang Son's tourism profile but also contribute to Vietnam's broader efforts to attract international visitors, showcasing the country's rich cultural heritage to the world.