Heritage of the war zone and the green destination of Tan Loi

Quietly located in Sub-area 379, Dong Tan Hamlet, Tan Loi Commune, Dong Nai Province, the Ma Da Forest not only preserves its pristine, majestic beauty but also safeguards the sacred legacy of the former “land of fire.” Beneath the ancient canopy, centuries-old “living witnesses” continue to recount heroic stories of the past, opening new directions for eco-tourism and cultural conservation.

The treasures of the great forest and green tourism experiences

Ma Da Forest is one of the rarest ecosystems in Dong Nai Province, with more than 512 hectares of primary forest. Beyond its biological value, it serves as a “red address” for educating younger generations about national traditions. The footsteps of revolutionary soldiers seem to linger in every patch of the forest; the hundred-year-old trunks that once shielded troops from bombs and bullets now silently narrate tales of a proud and heroic past.

A centuries-old Ko-nia tree, part of the cluster of 162 heritage trees in Ma Da Forest. Photo: Minh Hien

Pham Van Tri, a forest ranger who has spent more than 10 years working in Ma Da, shared as he guided us along a leaf-covered path: “Every tree here carries its own story. When I touch the rough bark of the thousand-year-old Ko-nia trees, I feel as if I am touching history itself.”

“Our job is not only to patrol and protect the forest but also to preserve the sacredness of a former war zone. Many groups of students, veterans, and tourists visit Ma Da not only to admire the scenery but also to learn about the sacred vestiges of a time of indomitable struggle. That makes our forest protection efforts even more meaningful. I hope visitors to Ma Da will see not only its natural beauty but also the value of the past hidden in every leaf,” Tri expressed.

A remarkable highlight of Ma Da is its cluster of 162 Vietnamese Heritage Trees belonging to 15 different species. Of these, 117 trees are over 500 years old, seven Ko-nia trees are more than 1,000 years old, and the “ancestral Ko-nia tree,” nearly 1,230 years old, stands as a proud symbol of enduring vitality.

Students of Dong Phu High School engage in field activities at Ma Da Forest. Photo: Minh Hien

Its magnificent beauty and story of glorious history have become an irresistible draw for visitors. Nguyen Thi Hong Nhung, a tourist from Ho Chi Minh City, expressed her excitement after a tour in Ma Da: “I was truly overwhelmed by the pristine beauty of Ma Da. Standing under a thousand-year-old Ko-nia canopy, breathing in the pure air, and listening to birdsong feels incredibly healing. But what moved me most was hearing the history right where it happened. This trip helped me relax and deepened my pride in our national heritage. I will definitely bring my family here to experience even more.”

A sustainable development orientation

In previous planning, Binh Phuoc Province approved several significant projects in Tan Loi Commune, most notably the Dong Nam Dong Phu Industrial Park covering about 4,196 hectares, along with the Ma Da Ecological Forest Area combined with forest protection and regeneration over more than 500 hectares. These two major projects are expected to create a strong boost for local development.

Ngo Thi Thanh Chung, Standing Deputy Secretary of the Tan Loi Commune Party Committee, emphasized: “Immediately after Tan Loi Commune was established under the two-tier local government model, the Party Committee identified the development of eco-tourism linked with history as a key task. We consider Ma Da Forest an invaluable resource, combining both natural and historical significance. Therefore, our orientation is to develop tourism sustainably, ensuring harmony between conservation and utilization, with culture and history as the foundation. The goal is to establish Ma Da as a must-visit destination on Dong Nai’s tourism map, and as a space for traditional education for younger generations.”

Students of Dong Phu High School engage in field activities at Ma Da Forest. Photo: Minh Hien

Beyond its natural riches, Tan Loi is also home to a vibrant mosaic of cultures. With over 11,500 residents—44% of whom are ethnic minorities—the commune is a shared home to 15 ethnic groups. This diversity in traditions, customs, and cuisine is a “gold mine” for developing community-based tourism, cultural–culinary tourism, and heritage tourism linked to Ma Da.

Tan Loi stands at the threshold of strong breakthroughs, stemming from the combination of unspoiled nature, rich cultural–historical depth, and the unity of its people. Visitors to Ma Da today not only seek tranquility in the vast forest but also listen to the whispers of history, deepening their appreciation for the value of peace and the aspirations for development held by generations.

By Minh Hien, Hai Chau – Translated by Trieu Ngan, Thu Ha