Ham Rong Historical and Cultural Relic Site

Ham Rong Historical and Cultural Relic Site is a distinguished heritage complex associated with the glorious feats of the Vietnamese people in the resistance war against the U.S. Due to its beautiful, majestic natural scenery and historical significance, this relic site has become a famous tourist destination.
Ham Rong Historical and Cultural Relic Site (Source: VinWonders)
Ham Rong Historical and Cultural Relic Site is located on National Highway 1A in Ham Rong Ward, Thanh Hoa City, about 3km north of the city center. This complex has a total area of 560 hectares, including many famous landscapes, revolutionary relics, and spiritual and cultural works.
Departing from Hanoi, tourists follow the National Highway CT01 Highway for about 130km to the Thieu Giang Toll Booth. Then, turn right onto Road 217B for 9km before merging with the National Highway 1A. Go straight for about 9km more to reach Ham Rong Bridge, the first destination in the Relic Complex. This trip will take more than 3 hours traveling by car.
Tourists can visit Ham Rong Historical and Cultural Relic Site at any time in the year. Just note that it may be scorching hot in the summer and very cold in the winter. So, we recommend visiting Thanh Hoa in spring, when the weather is the most favorable for exploring and trying different activities.
Ham Rong Bridge was initially built by the French in 1904. It was a steel arched bridge without the central pillar, the most modern bridge in Indochina at that time.
Despite the fierce fight and non-stop effort of the American army to destroy it, Ham Rong Bridge still stands firm, being the utmost important traffic route for Vietnamese forces. It was not until 1972 when Americans successfully used the laser-controlled bomb to ruin this construction.
Ham Rong Bridge (Source: UBND tinh Thanh Hoa)
Ham Rong Bridge was renovated in 1973, utilizing the old materials and architecture to create a more durable structure. This place is now not only a part of the local traffic but also a witness to the glorious and resistant historic period of Vietnam.
Ham Rong Mountain stretches for more than 2km from Duong Xa village, along the right bank of the Ma River to the foot of Ham Rong Bridge. In English, “Ham” can be taken as mouth, and “Rong” is dragon. True to its name, the mountain is blessed with a graceful, winding natural shape like a 9-section dragon, with the last section swelling like a dragon's head with its mouth open.
In the past, during the national resistance war, Ham Rong Mountain played an important role as an air defense base. For now, it is appealing to tourists thanks to its majestic surroundings, outstanding by green pine forests and fertile valleys.
Long Quang Cave is halfway up Ham Rong Mountain, with an open space outside. Due to two blank spaces on the cave’s ceiling, it is also known as Dragon Eye. Visitors can stand at the cave entrance and take a panoramic view of Thanh Hoa City and the poetic Ma River winding around Ham Rong Mountain.
Long Quang Cave (Source: VinWonders)
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Another must-visit spot on Ham Rong Mountain is Tien Son Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in Thanh Hoa. Inside the cave is a system of pristine stalactites with unique and beautiful shapes, such as the Jade Emperor, the old man, the young woman, the flying dragon, the dancing phoenix, etc.
The combination of folk-related shaped stones and colorful light effects brings about a sense of being lost in a fairyland. Visitors can go through all three small caves, connected by rocky routes to observe this beauty completely.
Tien Son Cave (Source: Crystal Bay)
On the other bankside of the Ma River, Ngoc Mountain, along with Ham Rong Mountain, together form a unique natural scenery for Thanh Hoa City. From afar, those landscapes look like a dragon playing with a pearl.
Not far away is Canh Tien Mountain, which used to be the place setting artillery in the battle to protect Ham Rong Bridge. Nowadays, you will see the two words ‘Quyet Thang’ (Determined to win) carved on the mountainside as an affirmation of the undaunted spirit to protect their homeland.
Canh Tien Mountain (Source: Mang xa hoi Du lich & Dich vu)
The Temple of the Vietnamese Heroic Mothers and Martyrs lies on Canh Tien Mountain, standing out for its massive scale and spiritual-imbued architecture. The total planning area is 15 hectares, including 16 works following the traditional temple architectural style.
This is a sacred place that shows gratitude and commemorates the brilliant people who sacrificed their lives for their beloved hometown. Annually, on major anniversaries of the country and the province, the Thanh Hoa Provincial Delegation and the People often come here to offer incense to the heroic Vietnamese Mothers and heroic martyrs.
The Women's Union of Thanh Hoa City visited the temple of Vietnamese heroic Mothers and Martyrs (Source: Bao Cong ly)
Truc Lam Ham Rong Zen Monastery is a construction on the top of the C4 Hill in Ham Rong Ward, impressing with its large scale and ‘feng shui’ location. Considered a place where the quintessence of Buddhism converges, the Zen Monastery offers a peaceful space for tourists to shake off all worries.
Truc Lam Ham Rong Zen Monastery (Source: Huong Anh Tourist)
Nestled on the banks of the Ma River, Dong Son Village is voted as one of the 10 most beautiful ancient villages in Vietnam. Despite many ups and downs, this village still retains the features of an ancient North Central village. The houses and wells bearing the mark of time, the peaceful alleys, and the old temples will evoke a sense of nostalgia in your soul.
Dong Son Ancient Village (Source: Viet Nam Hoi Nhap)
Ham Rong Historical and Cultural Relic Site is a perfect destination to admire charming natural landscapes and learn more about the heroic history of Thanh Hoa. Are you ready to explore this wonderful place? Contact Asia King Travel now to plan your adventure in Vietnam!
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