31/01/2023
D**g Hoi - SIGHTS TO SEE
"D**g Hoi is a pleasantly untouristed port and seaside town. It enjoys an attractive location, clinging to the banks of the Nhat Le River, and has beaches to the north and south", said Lonely Planet.
Let's explore alluring small city today!
1. Nhat Le Beach
If you travel to D**g Hoi, Nhat Le is a must-see beach – quiet sun-drenched seaside, pure white sand and sparkling crystal blue water. Nhat Le beach is a dream place for those who love playing with waves, being cuddled by gentle currents or simply feeling the smooth sand under your bare feet.
“Nhat” means Sun while “Le” means teardrops; “Nhat Le” means the tears of the Sun. The name came from a historic event in early 17th century. Back in those dates, Vietnam was under the leadership of The Trinh Kingdom (The North - Outer Realm) and the Nguyen Kingdom (The South - Inner Realm) at the same time. Because of the unresolvable conflicts between two regimes, Gianh River was used as a border separating two parts of the country. The immigrants in the south nostalgically looked towards their homeland in the North. Their tears dropped, mingled with the river and flowed into the beach. Since then, the beach has been called Nhat Le.
The early morning is the time for your own, while evening is the time for socialization. Let’s find yourself a seat at a small local food stall along the beach, grab a beer, order some seafood and enjoy the local vibe. Oh My God, nothing can beat this moment.
2. Quang Phu Sand dune
“Quang Phu sand dune is located in Quang Phu commune, adjacent to Nhan Trach commune, Bo Trach district, about 10km from the center of D**g Hoi city to the Northeast”. That’s what people say.
This is what I say: If you want to get there, ask Mr. Google: Doi Cat Quang Phu; that’s it. If you want to ride a bicycle there, go for it. But I would recommend you to jump on a scooter and head to the place instead, especially in hot summer weather when the temperature can reach 39 Celsius degrees or even higher.
What can you expect at Quang Phu Sand dune?
Nothing!
Just kidding.
- Ocean view: Of course. The panoramic view here can be considered the most favorite view of many people. No need to describe more, the scene of blue horizon adjoining the golden soft sand hill will sooth your soul.
- Sand boarding: If you want something more active, try sand boarding. It’s fun, and it’s funnier when you are with your buddies. It’s hard at the beginning (definitely) but when you get used to it, oh, set the time to leave before you become addicted with it. Rent a simple plastic board nearby with the price at 30,000VND for two hours and go ahead to master your skill.
3. Tam Toa Church Ruin
“Tam” means Three while “Toa” means Towers. The Towers were the worship places for three princesses who are Huyen Tran, Lieu Hanh and Cuu Huyen That To.
Tam Toa Church, which was constructed in Portuguese style, was considered one of the most beautiful churches in Vietnam. During the Vietnam War, the church was destroyed badly by American bombs in 1965, and the ruin now is preserved as a war vestige.
Tam Toa Church is an old Catholics church built during in 1887 when D**g Khanh Emperor actively adopted French culture. He allowed the European priests to preach the Catholic along the seaside and rivers in the country. The present building was constructed in Gothic architecture of Europe with a typical large bell tower. Fr Claude Bonin chose a hill on the breathtaking shore of Nhat Le river to build the Tam Toa Church, as the place was easy to reach by boats.
4. Quang Binh Gate – A remnant of Vietnamese Civil War
Quang Binh gate is one of three gates of Dao Duy Tu Wall – The citadel system dated from 1631 that protected the Inner Realm from attacks by Trinh Dynasty from the North. Quang Binh Gate, which was built in 1639, has been restored to its original state after heavily damaged so many times, now is standing as a historic evidence for the hard time of the country.
Dao Duy Tu is a talent from Thanh Hoa – a province of Dang Ngoai (Outer Realm – ruled by Trinh Dynasty) but was valued high by Nguyen P**c Nguyen Lord who ruled Dang Trong (Inner Realm – Southern Vietnam from Gianh river). For nearly 50 years of fighting between Outer and Inner Realms, the Inner area by Nguyen Lord stayed strong thanks to the walls by Dao Duy Tu. “Thay” meaning “teacher” is the way Nguyen Lords called Dao Duy Tu to show their respect to him.
Unfortunately, only very few small parts of the wall system keep remained after bitter wars in the past.
5. D**g Hoi Citadel
The construction of D**g Hoi Citadel started in the 10th year of Gia Long Reign (1812). The citadel was built on the land of Tran Ninh rampart – a part of Dao Duy Tu Wall by Lord Nguyen P**c Nguyen in 1631 and the D**g Hai fortress (1774) during the Trinh-Nguyen Civil war.
6. D**g Hoi Fish Market
It is said that the soul of any city is its local market. It is so true with D**g Hoi Fish Market. The market, which really reflects a coastal city, is full of seafood. A wide range of fresh vegetables, fruits and local specialties is also sold here. You also can find easily many other herbs and spices for traditional dishes.
7. Quang Binh Museum
“Museums are highly credible sources of information”.
With nearly 1,000 photos and precious items are on display, Quang Binh museum is a historic place you absolutely don’t want to miss in D**g Hoi trip.
You can find a number of collections thanks to the archaeological discoveries implemented within the province. Some of them are: The collection of pottery, utensils and porcelain, the collection of My Cuong pottery-ceramics, and the collection of ancient Vietnamese and Chinese coins (aged from 200 to 2000 years ago).
Visiting the Quang Binh museum is a really effective way for you to gain a comprehensive view of the development milestones of the province, to admire a land and his people that have survived one of the most grievous wars in the history of human.
Tips: All mentioned places (except for Quang Phu sand dune) can be easily reached by a 5 or 10 -minute bicycle riding from the hotels within D**g Hoi center.
You can also book a half-day city tour with some operators as the following:
- Netin Travel: https://en.quangbinhtravel.vn/tour/biking-tour-in-around-dong-hoi-city/
- Ta Station: shorturl.at/ijxMR
