A fairy land, Vinh Phuc

With renowned landscapes, such as Tam Dao, Tay Thien, Dai Lai, Dam Vac and Thac Bac, Vinh Phuc Province has become a wonderland with innumerable marvels that have left unforgettable impressions on every visitor.

The attractiveness of Vinh Phuc Province, 50 km northwest of Hanoi Capital, comes not only from more than 500 relics, cultural works and many special traditional fetes and festivals, but also from its diverse cultures built up for thousands of years, which are hidden in its place-names and residents, creating the province's own characteristics.

It is not difficult to recognize the tops of Thien Thi, Thach Ban and Phu Nghia Mountains which look like three islands emerging from the sea of clouds, hence this area with floating white clouds and mist all year round has the name Tam Dao (Three islands). Tam Dao was known since the Ly-Tran dynasty in the 13th century. In the past, it belonged to the Cao Lan people. In the early years of the 20th century, alongside with the discovery of Sa Pa in 1904, the French realized that this area was an ideal health resort that few areas had.

In 1906 when the local residents were forced to move to a lower land, Tam Dao tourist resort was built and divided into three quarters: one for the mandarins, and the other two for the ordinary troops and servicemen. In 1943, Tam Bao became a bustling resort with hundreds of small and large villas with a good infrastructure. During the war against the French colonialists, this stunning resort became deserted.

Through many historical ups and downs, Tam Dao Resort is still a paradise for those who desire to enjoy a cool and peaceful atmosphere. It has a temperate climate with an average temperature of 22o C, about 10o C lower than the temperature in the plain areas, an abundant source of clean water running from the mountain and a rich floristic composition. In the afternoon, visitors can not help but take a walk amidst the lines of the pine trees and contemplate the clouds rising from the mountains, which give a fairy-like scenery.

Also, you cannot ignore the cool and clear atmosphere at Thac Bac (Silver Waterfall) where you can enjoy all the blessings endowed by nature and relax for a while before climbing more than 1, 000 steps to reach the Temple of the Mountain Lady to burn an incense stick for her. Worshippers can find other temples, such as the Chan Suoi, Cau, Van Tu, Co, Duc Thanh Tran and Mau scattered around the Tam Dao Mountain. This area also boasts many other interesting places, which lure an increasing number of visitors.

You will delighted in watching the Tay Thien Festival full of typical characteristics of a non-physical culture. Located at the western area of Nam Viet Capital in the past, Tay Thien worships the Mother of the Country, Nang Thi Tieu, a female general in the Hung King's dynasty. Through the festival, the legend of the Mountain Lady who had led 3, 000 troops to fight a mortal battle against the Chinese invaders to save the citadel of Van Lang (the former name of Vietnam) was lively reflected. You can visit the Tay Thien tourist complex, which includes Canh Hoa Cave, Giai Oan and Truong Sinh Gorges, Sen (lotus) Lake, Dua (Coconut) Pond and the Rung Rinh Mountain. I came to understand why heroine Nang Thi Tieu had refused all mandarin's titles to return to live in this place.

It was a pity that you do not have enough time to enjoy other marvels, including the immensity of Dai Lai Lake, the tranquil atmosphere at Vac Lagoon, Ha Tien Pagoda and more. Although the attractions in Vinh Phuc Province can not make you fully understand this land, it may leave a deep and unforgettable impression on you.

According to the respected Mr. Duong's stories, his grandfather was named Duong Chan Ky, whose souvenir is a portrayed picture, now solemnly hanging just in the middle room. An originality of the picture is that it was made in enameled terra-cotta with details as veritable as that of present photographs. It is said that such a technique of making pictures was known only in France and China since the end of the 18th century. However, the writing in Chinese on the picture confused me, whether the craftsmen from Ben Nghe knew this technique. If it is true, the issue needs to be more studied. The picture has experienced so many events; there was a time when it was buried into mud to avoid bombing, but did not suffer from any harm. This family still keeps numerous cups, bowls, plates; all of which have a noble origin. The oldest objects are a bowl from the Ming dynasty in China with an age of 572 years and a big flower-vase with an age of nearly 533 years.

 

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