Ninh Thuan (VNA) – The south central coastal province of Ninh Thuanis calling for investment in infrastructure and restoration and upgrade ofcultural historic relic sites in a move to sustainably develop culturaltourism.

The province’s tourism sector is working to improve quality of tours connectingPhan Rang-Thap Cham and districts to promote local tourist products, and buildup its outstanding tourism brand.

According to the provincial Department of Culture, Sports and Tourism, theprovince has 149 cultural heritages, including two special national relicsites, and 12 national relic sites. Particularly, the local Don Ca Tai Tu(southern folk music) was recognised as Intangible Cultural Heritage ofHumankind by the United Nations Educational, Scientific, and CulturalOrganisation (UNESCO).

Cham pagodas with unique architecture have been an icon of Ninh Thuan provincefor centuries. Especially, it must be a fascinating experience when visitingwell-preserved Cham tower complex, including Po Klong Garai and Hoa Lai towerswhich were recognised as special national architectural relic sites.

In addition, the province has been renowned for a line-up of festivals such asthe Whale Worshipping, leaving tomb, and cremation ritual of the ethnic ChamBrahman people.

The most important event of the Cham ethnic must be the Kate festival, withmajor activities taking place in temples, towers, and central areas in villagesand towns. Falling in the seventh month of the Cham calendar, the festivalreminds the ethnic Brahman community of their ancient gods and delivers wishesfor bumper harvests and the growth of all beings. During the festival, peoplewear traditional clothes to join rituals and cultural activities, folk dances,musical performances with traditional instruments.

Besides organising traditional festivals, the province has developed tours of craftvillages, with two famous villages of Bau Truc and My Nghiep.

Bay Truc pottery village, a national intangible heritage, is the oldest potteryvillage in Southeast Asia. Some 85 percent of the village’s 400 households makepottery. Every stage of the pottery-making process is done by hand.

Meanwhile, tourists should not miss My Nghiep village in their tour to localcraft villages. The village is popular for its traditional craft of weavingbrocade. Visitors can see locals weaving and making various products frombrocade such as handbags, wallets, and backpacks.-VNA