Exploring a scientific Binh Dinh

Exploring a scientific Binh Dinh

Anyone who heads to Binh Dinh should make sure to visit Ghenh Rang to admire the wild beauty of Hoang Hau Beach, visit Thi Nhan Hill, and take a few photos at the tomb of Han Mac Tu. And at Ghenh Rang from Egg Stone beach, you can watch the sea and capture some stunning views of the city.

Most visitors are also very excited to see the ancient towers in the area – vestiges of the old Cham people. The region boasts several of the ancient Cham’s unique architectural relics, such as the Twin Towers in Quy Nhon city, Canh Tien and Phu Doc towers in An Nhon, and Banh It and Binh Lam towers in Tuy Phuoc. Although their kingdom has vanished, these towers still represent the pride of the Cham and are admired by most tourists.

Another unique place to visit is Quang Trung Museum, at which visitors can learn about Binh Dinh’s hero who contributed to the golden history of the country. This place has kept many imprints and artifacts belonging to a time when the Tay Son brothers battled against the enemy.

Thanks to several restoration and renovation efforts, the century-old water well and tamarind tree at the house of the three Nguyen brothers have been preserved until today. Rumour has it that if people tell each other about their worries while sitting under the shade of tamarind tree, all sorrows will dissipate.

Coming to the area, visitors cannot help but recognise the serenity and gentleness of the ancient pagodas like Ong Nui, Thien Hung, Thap Thap, and Long Khanh. There is also Lang Song church, which houses the first printing house for the Vietnamese Quoc ngu, the national script used nowadays.

Science discovery tour

According to Binh Dinh Department of Tourism, early 2019 saw the beginning of an experimental tour’s pilot operation, which is expected to be fully completed this year. The tour is planned to take place at the 5,000-square-metre science discovery centre in Quy Nhon’s Ghenh Rang ward, called ExploraScience.

ExploraScience Quy Nhon boasts seven showcase rooms with different themes such as exploration, the universe and solar system, the earth, natural resources, and the laws of nature. There are 94 scientific models, most of which were created by the experts of the centre who replicated the exhibitions following exact ratios with real objects.

The model of the universe features devices using the latest projection and simulation technology, helping viewers discover stunning images of the universe and explain astronomy-related problems with visual illustration and vivid images. Meanwhile, the integrated science museum boasts many exhibitions of scientific experiments from physics, chemistry, engineering, life science, environmental science, and others.

At the astronomy section, visitors can observe experiments related to the earth as it is orbiting around the sun; models of the planets in our solar system; and images and models of planets in the universe taken by the National Aeronautics and Space Administration (NASA). Visitors can also learn about the Gregorian and lunar calendars as well as how to calculate the distance between the planets. There is also a large space with a cafe hall, a reading corner, a community science library, and a souvenir shop for visitors.One of the most attractive modules is a 1.5m-diameter globe simulating the planet, worth nearly VND3 billion ($130,000) which was imported from Germany. Many phenomena are simulated on the globe’s surface such as climate change, oceanography, plate tectonics, volcanoes, earthquakes, and day and night cycles as well as seasons. Visitors can interact directly with the globe through its touch screen.

In addition, the globe also projects images simulating the surfaces of other planets and satellites in the solar system, such as Mercury, Venus, Mars, and Jupiter, making these lessons about the planets become livelier and more attractive. Visitors can easily learn what makes up a planet and how to differentiate planets, stars, and natural and artificial satellites.

Stepping into the space exploration zone, visitors will be slowly familiarised with the dark to start a space travel trip. Here, they can learn about the history of space and astronomy while admiring the models of spacecraft, planets, and satellites.

At the workshop of ExploraScience, visitors will have the opportunity to see various machines and tools such as CNC and Laser cutting machines, 3D printers, and many more. At the same time, the workshop is also an ideal place for STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) classes to be held.

The science complex is expected to become a science-exploring space for children and the public, conveying science and provoking interest in it along with creativity. This is the first place in Vietnam where the public has the chance to visit and explore science in such a vivid way. Currently, ExploraScience Quy Nhon offers a free scientific exploration tour with three sections, including a tour around the exhibitions, a scientific show, and in- and outdoor games.

Delicious food and beverage

One of the typical flavours of the Nau region is summed up in little cakes called Banh it la gai, which are always present at important anniversaries and festivals. The combination of sugar, aromatic sticky rice, beans, and oil combined in soft hemp leaves will make most visitors to the area remember their taste for a long time.

Another popular delicacy is called Banh hoi, a local speciality from Dieu Tri, which is a simple everyday dish that has become a beloved speciality among the local as well as visitors from far away. The cake is made from rice in the same way as rice vermicelli, but with thinner strings. Thus, it requires workers to be diligent, meticulous, and skilful. While other regions serve the cake with green onions, Binh Dinh’s people use chives leaves, which give the cake a delicious and unique flavour.

Another famous dish is called nem chua cho Huyen which roughly translated to sour pork cake from Huyen market. Many people have been buying these cakes as souvenirs for their families and relatives at home.

The Nau region is also renowned for its coconut rice paper, which is different from most others due to its flavour to thickness. It requires a lot of work, from choosing the right ingredients to processing the coconut rice paper.

The rice paper is put under the sun until the end of the day to ensure a decent quality. The cake that is made from the paper is rather thick with a distinctive taste. Together with noodles, onions, and pepper, the coconut contributes to this dish’s unique and strong aroma which cannot be mixed up with others.

Another speciality not to miss out is Bau Da wine – a famous beverage of Binh Dinh which is known for its descriptive name, good wine. Due to its popularity, Bau Da wine is an indispensable gift for your friends and partners.

There are also many other delicious dishes in the Nau region, and visitors who have the chance to enjoy these, will most likely remember dishes like Song than noodles from An Thai region, land shrimp rolls, “Jumping” shrimp pancake, Quy Nhon fish cakes, and small crab noodles in Phu My, and many more.