The Legend of Silver Stone
The legends surrounding Đá Bạc Island are still preserved by the local people. Mr. Lê Thanh Tiền, who has a deep connection to the ancestral land of Đá Bạc hamlet, shared: “According to ancient legends, Đá Bạc consists of three islands. Hòn Trụi (Trụi Island) is so named because it has no trees, only rocks; while Hòn Ngộ and Hòn Bạc (Bạc Island) commemorate the story of Mr. Ngộ and Mr. Bạc who once lived here. The name Đá Bạc comes from the fact that many of the islands here have rocks that shimmer with a silver color when reflecting sunlight and the sea.”
The pristine beauty of Da Bac Island.
Folklore still recounts the story of Mr. Ngo and Mr. Bac, who devoted themselves to serving the Dao, possessed supernatural powers, and could fly across the sea while chanting Buddhist prayers. But that's not all; the spectacular and wondrous scenery of Da Bac Island, with its Fairy's Courtyard, Fairy's Well, Fairy's Hand, Fairy's Footprint, and many other legends about the origins and wildlife of this island cluster, has been deeply ingrained in the consciousness of the inhabitants for generations.
The beauty of Da Bac Island can be said to be a prime location and a gift from nature to Ca Mau . It is rare to find a place with low-lying, marshy terrain bordering the sea where a cluster of elevated islands with an ethereal beauty suddenly appears, only about 500 meters from the shore. Those who migrated to this land and settled here consider Da Bac Island a default symbol of their blood, flesh, and soul when remembering their homeland.
Da Bac is also a land of unwavering revolutionary tradition, heroism, and glorious victories in the Ho Chi Minh era. Preserving and promoting the patriotism and indomitable spirit of their ancestors, the people and land of Da Bac wholeheartedly followed Uncle Ho, the Party, and the revolution to drive out the enemy and regain independence, freedom, peace, and unity for their homeland.
Mr. Le Thanh Tien, former Chairman of the People's Committee of Khanh Binh Tay commune, is proud of the scenic beauty and glorious revolutionary traditions of his hometown, Da Bac. |
With a distant, hollow gaze, Mr. Tien spoke of his family's suffering: “It was the 3rd day of the 9th lunar month of 1969, when the enemy used the 21st Division as their main force to carry out the 'U Minh Forest Clearing' operation. Helicopters circled overhead, while infantry raided below. They used tear gas and grenades to bombard suspected shelters. My family of 12, 9 of us died in this raid. It was a very tragic and painful experience.”
Then Mr. Tien volunteered to join the army, determined to repay his debt to the country and avenge his family, as he said: "The people of Da Bac will cling to their homeland, whether alive or dead, wholeheartedly devoted to the revolution; if they live, they live for the revolution, and if they die, they die for the revolution."
Mr. Nguyen Van Nghiep, now 74 years old, recalled: “I was assigned by the organization to carry out the CM12 Counter-Intelligence Plan to eliminate the reactionary elements. It must be said that our brilliant and resourceful leadership crushed the heads and killed those venomous, traitorous exiles. Hon Da Bac was the place that witnessed that glorious and resounding victory. Personally, I realize that Hon Da Bac is not only a natural scenic spot but also holds an extremely important position in terms of national security and defense.”
A peaceful and fertile land.
In conversation with visitors, Mr. Tien also recalled a story from not so long ago when Da Bac Island was first developed for tourism , and so many people flocked there that... the bridge collapsed. Recounting this story, Mr. Tien laughed: "Back then, I was the Chairman of the People's Committee of this commune (Khanh Binh Tay commune). When an incident occurred, I was worried and dealt with it, but later, reflecting on it, I realized something else: Da Bac Island is truly a beautiful place that everyone wants to visit and admire for themselves. That's the truth."
Fishing and farming are deeply intertwined with the lives of the people of Da Bac. Few know that, despite being close to the sea, freshwater fish are the most renowned source of income in this region. Today, that legacy is still evident in the traditional craft village and the dried Da Bac fish product, which has firmly established its position in the wider consumer market.
Mr. Nguyen Van Nghiep recalled his participation in the CM12 Counterintelligence Plan and shared some thoughts about tourism in Da Bac. |
Furthermore, Da Bac Island is a rare and unique natural tourism resource, holding an irreplaceable position on the map of must-see destinations in Ca Mau. Beyond its scenic beauty, it also boasts the Da Bac Island National Monument, associated with the CM12 Counter-Intelligence Plan and DN10 Operation, which eliminated the exiled reactionary organization "United Front of Patriotic Forces for the Liberation of Vietnam" led by Le Quoc Tuy and Mai Van Hanh. The historical value and significance of this victory further enhances the heroic and glorious revolutionary tradition of the land and people of Da Bac, becoming a "red address" for educating future generations about this tradition.
Today, Da Bac is brimming with the spirit of development. As Mr. Nghiep said, if we consider the 50th anniversary of the liberation of the South and the reunification of the country, life today is truly fulfilling. However, in his personal thoughts, Mr. Nghiep shared a few words: "For about a decade now, tourism in Da Bac hasn't seen a strong resurgence. If we want Da Bac to truly become richer, more beautiful, and more prosperous, Ca Mau province must pay attention to and plan for this as soon as possible. Ultimately, only by expanding and developing tourism will Da Bac truly become known and visited by people from all over, and from there, the beauty and pride of this homeland will spread further and reach higher."
The silvery gleam of the rocks, shimmering in the sunlight and the sea waves, makes Silver Rock a mysterious treasure, captivating and enchanting. This treasure awaits those who will come to admire it, explore it, and continue writing its wondrous future.
Notes by Pham Hai Nguyen
Source: https://baocamau.vn/dieu-ky-da-bac-a38733.html
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