UNESCO World Heritage Site in Rural Vietnam
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| UNESCO: Citadel of Ho Dynasty Main Entrance (South Gate) |
Latest UNESCO World Heritage in Vietnam (2011), it is not widely known to both Vietnamese and foreign tourists and brings visitors to bewildered to the UNESCO criteria judging the value of World Heritage.
Ho Dynasty Background
The first emperor of Ho dynasty was usurper
named Ho Quy Ly. He was the regent of Tran Dynasty when he ordered to build the
citadel in Thanh Hoa in 1397AD.
After that he seized the power and declared
himself as the emperor then moved the capital from Hanoi to this citadel.
Ho Dynasty (1400-1407) had short period in
power 7 years with two kings. Ho Quy Ly passed the throne to his son and became
known as the Emperor’s Highest Father. In 1407 Ming dynasty of China invaded
Vietnam and gained victory. Ho Quy Ly, his son and family were sent to China
and died there.
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| Outside Wall, Citadel of Ho Dynasty |
The Remarkable of Ho Dynasty’s Citadel
Location
It was built on the perfect strategic location
in term of Feng Shui principle and Neo-Confucianism. There is mountain range on
the north with 2 rivers on the west and south as the natural fortification.
Architecture and plan
Citadel of Ho Dynasty was constructed from
huge stone slabs in rectangular shape for approx 800m in long and wide. There
are 4 gates, South (Main entrance), North, East and West.
Citadel of Ho Dynasty on the time of my visit
Admission Fee 10,000VND
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| Inside Wall, Citadel of Ho Dynasty |
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| East Gate, Citadel of Ho Dynasty |
This
historic site is lack of public relations and basic infrastructures. I arrived at noon; there was a group of
Vietnamese tourist. We parked the car on the narrow pavement. The road leading
to the entrance to the South gate was under renovation. On the left side are
small museum houses, gift shop and toilet. On the right side are two under
construction building.
I went on the second floor of South Gate which
built of huge solid rock in a state of good condition. This historic edifice is
the most tangible. When I look around the square-shape citadel, only walls are
left.
Within the citadel walls, there are two dirt
roads from South Gate to North Gate and East Gate to West Gate. At the
intersection 2-3 meters in length, carved stone Dragon Bridge located among
paddy fields and ponds.
Outside the citadel walls, surrounded by local
road and farmers’ community, each family consists of small brick house and
yard.
I spent 2 hours walking around the ancient
walls, paid respect to the Buddha and made a wish to sacred stone at Binhkhuong
Temple, then explored the fields and lotus ponds, enjoyed a quiet rural
landscape and said hello to the buffalo caretakers. While I visited the Dragon
Stone Bridge at the intersection in the middle of ancient citadel, good time
was reduced. It was time to work after two hour lunch; Vietnamese were taking
bikes and motorcycles from homes to work diligently.
This is the condition of UNESCO World Heritage
site that visitors would not understand. This historic place is worthy enough
or not?
However, from the news, Vietnamese government
and Board of Tranh Hoa Province has allocated a budget and plan for Tourism
development. It also has been discovered historic evidences continuously.
Hopefully, this World Heritage Site will be developed to be the interesting
place worth to visit finally.
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| Dragon Stone Bridge, In the Middle of Citadel of Ho Dynasty |
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| Farm Houses Outside the Wall of Citadel of Ho Dynasty |
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| Sights Map, Citadel of Ho Dynasty |
Note:
Citadel of Ho Dynasty is shortage of staff
specialising in English to accommodate tourists. But there's one thing can
help; Sights into Citadel of Ho Dynasty billboard. It has shown 17 attractions
in the site. It was hidden at the back of a Vietnamese language billboard on
the left side of South Gate entrance near the toilet. Find it, take photos then
use as guide map.
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