From the Ba Lat estuary to Lao Cai, we visited and worshiped dozens of temples, pagodas, spiritual destinations, tourist attractions and many scenic spots along the Red River. Reaching Lao Cai, we visited Bao Ha Temple - a sacred temple worshiping the "God of National Defense" of the border region. This is also a tourist destination that visitors should not miss when having the opportunity to visit Lao Cai.
Bao Ha Temple is crowded with tourists visiting and worshiping.
Located in the "Hoang Bay National Guard Relic Complex", Bao Ha Temple in Bao Ha Commune, Bao Yen District has long been known not only as a historical and cultural relic but also as an attractive spiritual tourist destination for visitors from all over the world. When we arrived, although it was not a weekend or a holiday, the temple was still crowded with visitors from all over the world. Many people came here to visit and worship, among which, many visitors just enjoyed the scenery and checked in because Bao Ha Temple has just been renovated, expanded and upgraded to be spacious and majestic on the Mother River.
Bao Ha Temple today has been renovated and expanded.
We lit a stick of incense and clasped our hands in silent gratitude to the "God of National Defense" for protecting and guiding us so that we could have a long, safe and smooth journey. We left Bao Ha Temple to the other side of the river to visit Co Tan An Temple - where the princess of the Upper Realm is worshiped, then continued along the riverbank to visit other spiritual tourist attractions such as Dong An Temple, Co Hai Temple, Quan Temple, and Cam Temple.
Every year, festivals take place at Co Tan An Temple and Bao Ha Temple. This is an opportunity for tourists and locals to commemorate the contributions of generals to the country.
Along the Red River upstream to Lao Cai city, there are many destinations in the spiritual tourism journey of tourists, especially the Thuong Temple, which worships the National Duke, Commander-in-Chief Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan - who made great contributions to the cause of protecting the country's borders. The temple reflects itself on the Nam Thi River, where the scenery is charming, with a harmonious combination of traditional architecture and indigenous culture, creating a majestic and splendid appearance for the temple. Stepping to the gate of the Thuong Temple, visitors cannot help but be impressed when admiring the banyan tree over 300 years old, still showing its green canopy, reflecting its shadow. Under the shade of the ancient banyan tree is the temple worshiping the Lady of the Upper Forest, meaning the Queen of the Green Forest.
The banyan tree is over 300 years old and still has a lush green canopy.
Going further inside, visitors will see the image of the temple built in the ancient architectural style of the letter Cong, both feng shui and majestic but very solemn. Inside the main hall is the worshiping room arranged in order including: The worshiping room of Buddha Sakyamuni, the worshiping room of the Three Holy Mothers, the worshiping room of Saint Tran Hung Dao, the worshiping room of King Ngoc Hoang... and the altars on the left and right sides worshiping Chau Ba De Nhi Son Trang, Thap Nhi Tien Co, Chau Hau Ban Chua and Cau Be Thuong Den. Next to the Upper Temple is a square pavilion with 4 doors, 8 dragons, in the middle of the pavilion is a golden turtle with a stone stele engraved with "Duc Thanh Tran".
Thuong Temple attracts thousands of tourists every year to visit and worship.
Thuong Temple was ranked as a National Historical and Cultural Relic in 1996. Every year, Thuong Temple holds a festival on January 15, attracting many domestic and foreign tourists to visit and worship.
Every year, the Upper Temple holds a festival on January 15. Photo: Ngoc Bang.
In addition to visiting and worshiping Thuong Temple, visitors can also visit and check-in at Lao Cai International Border Gate, visit border marker 102, visit Mau Temple not far away and stop by Coc Leu market to shop for a complete experience.
Continuing the journey, we traveled another 60 km to Lung Po (A Mu Sung, Bat Xat) - "where the Red River flows into Vietnam". The route along the Red River from Lao Cai city to Lung Po has now been upgraded, repaired, and paved with asphalt concrete, helping us have a smooth journey, with time to visit Mau Trinh Tuong temple, and check-in at milestone number 94 - a milestone located close to the bank of the Red River.
Lung Po flagpole is majestic at the border.
The name Lung Po, according to the locals, means Dragon's head. Legend has it that the land of Lung Po was once ruled by the youngest son of the Dragon King. Lung Po is flat with beautiful scenery, clear, cool water, where fairies, the daughters of the Immortal King, often come down to play and bathe. The Dragon Prince fell in love with the youngest fairy, and traveled with her to enjoy the beautiful scenery here. The Jade Emperor, knowing the punishment, turned the land into a "deep mountain and valley", the earth and rocks moved, some places sank deeply, some places piled up to become mountains, forming Lung Po today.
Where the Red River flows into Vietnam.
Although we have been to Lung Po many times, this time it brought us a very special feeling, excitement and unusual eagerness. At the legendary river junction, Lung Po flagpole, a project of Lao Cai youth completed in 2017, still stands tall and majestic. After climbing 125 spiral steps to the top of the 31.43 m high flagpole - symbolizing the 3,143 m high Fansipan peak, admiring the panoramic view of "where the Red River flows into Vietnam", under the fluttering national flag, our hearts beat faster, each beat, each beat throbbing.
Border view from Lung Po flagpole.
We were even more proud when visiting milestone 92, walking on the sand and gravel banks, and dipping our hands into the cool water of the Mother River - this source of alluvium has fertilized, sown seeds, and nurtured many dreams and souls of generations of Vietnamese people. Standing at "the place where the Red River flows into Vietnam", thinking back on the journey we have gone through, we felt truly proud because from this place, every year the river carries layers and layers of alluvium to fertilize the riverbanks, forming the fertile, vibrant Red River Delta.
At the foot of the flagpole is a green village.
Over millions of years, the Mother River has contributed to the formation of prosperous villages, developed urban areas, rich in identity, so that we can have a journey of experience, discovery through many lands, meet people, visit interesting and attractive places and relics. It will be even more attractive if more tourists can explore the wonderful journey from Lung Po - "where the Red River flows into Vietnam" to Ba Lat estuary - "where the Red River merges into the ocean" to listen to the river tell stories and experience the lands, meet the people where the river passes through.
Last article: Connecting tourism to provinces along the Red River
Source: https://baolaocai.vn/ngay-8-noi-con-song-hong-chay-vao-dat-viet-post399374.html
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