Con Son - Kiep Bac through the eyes of international visitors

Autumn encounters

Having lived and worked in Vietnam for many years and married to a Vietnamese woman, Kang Seung Oh, a South Korean, has had many opportunities to learn about the culture and customs of his second homeland. Among these journeys, Con Son - Kiep Bac has left a distinct impression on him because of its natural scenery, spiritual atmosphere and historical stories preserved through generations.

Having been to Con Son - Kiep Bac in spring, Kang Seung Oh most remembers the sense of peace amid the ancient surroundings of the heritage site. The place made him want to slow down, spend more time observing the architecture and scenery, and learn about the stories behind each landmark.

“I have visited many cultural and historical sites in Vietnam, but Con Son - Kiep Bac has a very distinctive atmosphere. Once I learned more about the historical figures associated with this place, the visit became much more interesting. I want to return in autumn to witness the rituals and activities that I did not have a chance to experience last time,” said Kang.

While spring evokes a sense of tranquility amid the scenery of Con Son, autumn brings its own character to Kiep Bac. The 2026 Con Son - Kiep Bac Autumn Festival is taking place from September 26 to October 4, featuring ceremonies commemorating the 726th death anniversary of national hero Tran Hung Dao and the 584th death anniversary of cultural figure Nguyen Trai. Traditional rituals continue to be preserved alongside a range of cultural, artistic and experiential activities for visitors.

For Nagaraj Kotennavar, an Indian who has lived and worked in Hai Phong for more than 10 years, the appeal of a cultural destination lies in the things that are different from everyday life. He no longer sees trips to heritage sites simply as opportunities for sightseeing and taking photos, but wants to learn about the stories of people, beliefs and the ways Vietnamese people preserve historical memories.

Spreading the beauty of the heritage region

In autumn 2025, international visitors to Con Son - Kiep Bac were excited by rituals, water puppetry and traditional singing genres; explored the scenery and craft villages and sampled local specialties. Some were impressed by the forests and Con Son Stream, while others were captivated by performing arts and religious practices. Heritage thus comes closer to visitors through many “doors,” from history and scenery to music, cuisine and community life.

This year, the festival is expanding the experience space with traditional arts, water puppetry, craft villages, cuisine and distinctive local products. More information and check-in points are being added, while QR codes on the Smart Hai Phong platform allow visitors to look up the program, maps, attractions, dining services and accommodations. The brand identity for the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac World Heritage Site will be unveiled during the festival opening.

The experience space is also being expanded through the Culture, Tourism and Trade Promotion Week, featuring craft products, agricultural products, OCOP products and distinctive cuisine. Through these offerings, the historical heritage is becoming more vivid to tourists.

Following the inscription of the Yen Tu - Vinh Nghiem - Con Son, Kiep Bac complex as a UNESCO World Cultural Heritage Site, this year’s festival is creating more opportunities to take the image of Con Son - Kiep Bac farther afield. For international arrivals, a destination may begin with curiosity about a world heritage site, but what continues to draw them back is the experiences they can see, hear, taste and feel.

NAM KHANH

NAM KHANH