Vietnam – Exploring the Dark Tourism Spots

“Dark tourism” is an emerging trend in the travel industry. Among the famous spots in this niche, we can mention the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vinh Moc Tunnels, or My Lai village in Vietnam.

These spine-chilling experiences not only attract tourists during Halloween but also a growing number of travelers are drawn to a new trend known as “dark tourism” – places closely associated with horrifying historical events.

When thinking of a vacation, a getaway, people used to not imagine themselves visiting a place where nuclear disasters occurred, a house where gruesome murders took place, or a room where executions were carried out…

For many, these spots are truly chilling, yet for others, it's an idea that propels them forward. The demand for destinations of “dark tourism” often involves seeking intense experiences – ones you can't get by just strolling along the beach or lounging in a hotel.

There are various types of “dark tourism” spots, ranging from places where natural disasters occurred, tragic historical sites, or horrifying incidents…

Famous Dark Tourism Sites

In Vietnam, foreign tourists often know about historical landmarks such as the Cu Chi Tunnels, Vinh Moc Tunnels – two famous tunnels associated with Vietnam's struggle for independence during the resistance against the US.

My Lai village in Son My, Son Tinh district, Quang Ngai province is also a famous dark tourism spot. This place witnessed the horrifying My Lai massacre where hundreds of Vietnamese civilians, including women and children, were ruthlessly slaughtered by American soldiers during the Vietnam War.

Around the world, some dark tourism sites linked to historical events include the Auschwitz-Birkenau concentration camp in Poland, the Killing Fields in Cambodia, Ground Zero – the site of the attack with the Twin Towers in the US…

Speaking of chilling dark tourism destinations, we can mention the house of the notorious serial killer from the 1980s – Dorothea Puente. Last month, the city authorities of Redlands, California, USA, began opening this house to visitors. Here, tourists will explore the garden where the murderer buried the victims.

In Germany, travel companies are also conducting tours to explore underground bunkers used during the war. Visitors will experience a 16-hour tour. Inside the bunkers, tourists will dress as soldiers. Tour guides will act as 'superiors' and are allowed to give orders to tourists.

In Latvia, Karosta Prison invites visitors to experience the sensation of being a prisoner for half a day. Before being led into the cells, visitors must sign a commitment, agreeing to be scolded, treated like a prisoner. If they don't 'obey' the guards, they may be forced to clean the cells.

Thus, “dark tourism” can be considered a trend closely associated with thoughts, feelings about death, disasters, or other unusual psychological factors, even horror.

“Dark tourism” demands sensitivity from tourists.

Recently, the behavior of some tourists visiting “dark tourism” sites has begun to provoke public reaction. American journalist Jason Feifer even created a blog dedicated to “dark tourism,” posting inappropriate selfies of tourists.

Inappropriate actions, expressions of emotions in the wrong place by tourists still commonly occur at “dark tourism” sites because not all of them know that behind the places they've just set foot in are tragic stories.

Not all those who enjoy “dark tourism” have enough knowledge, understanding to properly assess the significance of the cultural and historical value of the places they visit.

Journalist Jason Feifer believes: “The majority of tourists visit these places simply out of curiosity. I often go to Ground Zero, where the Twin Towers attack occurred, every time I'm there, I see tourists comfortably taking selfies, laughing. It's surreal. They just come, glance around out of curiosity for a while, take photos to prove: 'I've been here,' and then they don't know what to do next”.

Mark Watson, director of a company specializing in organizing “dark tourism” tours, believes: “At historical sites like the Auschwitz concentration camp in Poland or the Hiroshima Peace Memorial in Japan, if tourists truly understand history, they will have the necessary sensitivity to know how to act, to avoid harming local people”.

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Source: Mytour Travel Guide  –  According to nguoiduatin.vn