Where to go in Nam Dinh provincial city?
Over 750 years with many vicissitudes of the history, Nam Dinh, once the leader of the nation, has been constantly developed. There are marks since the old time lying among the modern civilization to get you to explore.
(Quần thể di tích lịch sử Đền Trần)
Built in 1965, Tran Temple is the greatest architectural legacy of Tran dynasty. The beauty of the temple not only reveals the solemn culture of Vietnam from the 1100s to 1400 but also tells many stories at the same time. But one thing about Tran Temple that comes in every Vietnamese’s mind when they think about Nam Dinh is an annual Festival.
They call it Khai An festival. It was used to be held in a small village, then spread out to the whole country size. As a tradition, thousands of people from every city in Vietnam go to Nam Dinh during the time of mid-Autumn of the lunar year for this festival. They are here to tribute to the great dedication of the kings and especially the hero of the nation – general Tran Hung Dao first, then to bring home the signs printed directly from the king’s seal which is believed to protect the family from bad luck and fill the house with prosperity. This festival is also known as the Father’s death anniversary in August (in lunar year), General Tran Hung Dao is the great symbol of Father.
The temple is opened every time in the year, located in Tran Thua street, and the festival is held only from 15 to 20 August of the lunar year.
(Công Viên Vị Xuyên)
Vi Xuyen park is a perfect place for resting and sightseeing. It has a large lake which was once a river named Vi Hoang and filled up by French in the 1900s. Trees are planted surrounding the lake which not only make this park a huge source of fresh air but also create the most charming landscape in Nam Dinh. Yet, the attraction of Vi Xuyen park comes mostly from 3-2 Square. It has a theater with the same name and especially a very tall statue of a great Vietnamese hero – general Tran Hung Dao. It is also a perfect choice to spend the weekend with kids in Vi Xuyen park since there are many games like slides or ferris wheels.
Vi Xuyen park is opened any time and you can not bring any mean of transport into the park.
Address: By Hung Vuong street and Le Hong Phong street.
(Bảo tàng lịch sử Nam Định)
Nam Dinh Historical museum is a new construction that was first opened to the public in 2012 right at the celebration of “ Thien Truong – Nam Dinh in 750 years “. It conserves thousands of historic documents and artifacts that reflect the culture of people here in many periods of time. Especially, the museum is also the place of Cot Co relic – a tower built in Nguyen dynasty.
The museum is opened every Tuesday, Thursday, and Sunday.
Address: Cot Co street.
Phone : 03503849293 / 0915303620
(Chùa Phổ Minh)
Pho Minh tower is one of the rare architecture that endures over 750 years since Tran dynasty. The sophisticated sculpture is almost unchanged and reflects the high quality and virtuosity of Vietnam's at that time.
The tower is a part of a pagoda with the same name, opened any time of the year.
Address: Tuc Mac village, Loc Vuong precinct, outskirt Nam Dinh.
(Trường Trung học phổ thông Nguyễn Khuyến)
Nguyen Khuyen is said to be the most special school in Nam Dinh. It is the only school which was gothic style designed. In the past, this was a French school named Saint Thomas d’Aquin, closed in 1941 and in 1976, it became Nguyen Khuyen high school. With simple but much-refined architecture, the high aesthetics of this school is unquestionable. Besides, Nguyen Khuyen is also one of the best school in Nam Dinh for the quality of facilities and teaching.
The school is opened every day of the week.
Address: #40 Nguyen Du street.
(Nhà máy dệt Nam Định)
This factory was built almost 120 years ago and once the symbol of not only Nam Dinh but also whole Vietnam. When the French intruded Vietnam, they chose this place to build the factory and to make Nam Dinh the largest industrial center of Vietnam by producing the best textile products. This is a good place to recall much about the memory in the early 1900s.
The factory is opened in office hours.
Address: #43 To Hieu street.
(Các phố cổ)
There are 40 old quarters that still exist in Nam Dinh up to now and many of them keep such gorgeous architecture, buildings, and temples built in the old times. Many old constructions from 1840 are well-conserved on Minh Khai street, including the house of Tu Xuong – a great Vietnamese poet. Hang Thao street is now filled with business stuffs but they always keep a small ground with a gravestone to commemorate the workers died in a bombing back in the war time.
Bicycle, motorcycle or walking are advised for visiting the old streets of Nam Dinh.