Nam Dinh’s vast history must be explored

Nam Dinh province is located in the Red River Delta, northern Vietnam with the capital Nam Dinh City 90km south of Hanoi.

One of the most fascinating places to visit in Nam Dinh is the Tran Royal Remains on Tuc Mac Village, the native land of the Tran Kings and national hero Tran Hung Dao, comprising of Thien Truong and Co Trach temples and Pho Minh Pagoda and Tower.

Pho Minh Pagoda is in Tuc Mac Village 4km north of Nam Dinh City and was built when the Ly Dynasty ruled Vietnam, but was expanded in 1262 and later by the Tran Kings.

This area was the home village of the Tran Kings. Under the Tran Dynasty, the Kings would retire early leaving the throne to the crown prince. The King’s father then would go back to his home village and lived in Trung Quang Palace, just near Pho Minh Pagoda. The King’s father and dignitaries of the Tran Family would worship at the pagoda and because of that, Pho Minh Pagoda was vital to the ruling Tran Dynasty.

The architecture and decorations of the pagoda still show much of the Tran Dynasty’s times: a lotus flower pond, lotus-flower decorations at the foot of the pillars, the Tran-styled dragon sculptures, the stone candle holders and the Pho Minh Tower.

The tower, which was built in 1305, is just in front yard of the pagoda and is 19 meters high, with 14 storeys. On top of the tower, there is a gourd-shaped talisman to catch the energy from the vast universe. The tower is believed to connect the Earth and the Universe.

The province is also famous for Phu Day Remains on Vu Ban district. These remains including Phu Tien Huong (the Tien Huong Temple), the Van Cat Temple and the tomb of Goddess Lieu Hanh have high architectural value.

Coming to Xuan Thuy National Park, tourists enjoy observing many special birds, nine  of which are listed in the world’s Red Book of rare birds. From November to April, it is a gathering place for tens of thousands of birds migrating from the North, so pack your backpacks now people.

Beside that, there are orchids, camellias and roses in Vi Khe Ornamental Plant Village or swimming in Thinh Long Beach. So much to do.