At the beginning of the year, many tourists chose Vinh Loc as their destination for spring trips, because it not only has a system of historical and cultural relics and famous scenic spots, but also many traditional festivals that are still preserved and organized by the local people.
The 2025 Trinh Phu Festival and the commemoration of the 455th anniversary of the death of King Minh Khang Thai Vuong Trinh Kiem (1570-2025) attracted a large number of locals and tourists.
If you visit Vinh Loc, you'll undoubtedly choose Ho Dynasty Citadel as your first destination. Located at the border of the plains and mountains, the citadel boasts beautiful scenery with harmonious rivers and mountains. Ho Dynasty Citadel is considered a unique and large-scale architectural masterpiece in Vietnam, the only one remaining in Southeast Asia, and one of the very few stone fortresses left in the world . Even after more than 600 years of existence, enduring historical upheavals and natural disasters, the stone walls remain largely intact. It is thanks to the unique architecture of Ho Dynasty Citadel that it attracts tourists to explore and learn about it.
Furthermore, the Ho Dynasty Citadel Heritage Conservation Center is also flexible in creating new tourism products that attract visitors. Deputy Director Trinh Huu Anh stated: "We have strived to develop many new products and spaces to serve tourists, such as: a cultural space showcasing agricultural practices in the Tay Do region, an outdoor exhibition space displaying artifacts, a display of models of cannons and reforms of the Ho Dynasty; organizing heritage education programs for students... Along with that, we have included tours of the area surrounding the Ho Dynasty Citadel, such as a tour starting from the Citadel and passing through historical sites like the temple of Lady Binh Khuong, Linh Giang Pagoda, Nhan Lo Pagoda, Tam Tong Temple (temple of Tran Khat Chan); or a tour from the Ho Dynasty Citadel - Dong Mon Pavilion - East Gate and East Wall - Inner Citadel - West Gate and West Wall - Tay Giai Ancient House - South Gate and South Wall of the Ho Dynasty Citadel"...
Leaving Ho Citadel, visitors can visit the Nam Giao Altar of the Ho Dynasty right in Vinh Loc town. The altar was built by Emperor Ho Quy Ly and Emperor Ho Han Thuong in August 1402 at the foot of Don Son mountain. This was the most important religious structure of the Ho Dynasty – where the king annually performed rituals to pray for national peace and prosperity, or on occasions of general amnesty. Despite many historical upheavals, the altar remains one of the three altars that have preserved their relatively intact layout, and is the oldest in the history of the Nam Giao Altar in Vietnam. Every year, in the second lunar month, the Ho Family Council of Thanh Hoa and the Ho Citadel Heritage Conservation Center organize incense offerings to commemorate Emperor Ho Quy Ly and celebrate the founding of the Nam Giao Altar by the Ho Dynasty.
During your exploration of Vinh Loc, the Trinh Palace and Vet Temple complex (Vinh Hung commune) is undoubtedly a must-see destination. The most prominent is the Trinh Palace – a typical architectural structure marking the existence of the Trinh dynasty in this ancestral land. Over time, the palace deteriorated, but it has been restored and renovated on a grander scale, befitting the contributions of the Trinh lords to the country. In particular, to commemorate the contributions of the Trinh lords to the nation, every year on the anniversary of the death of King Trinh Kiem in the second lunar month, representatives of the Trinh family from across the country and the local people gather here to hold a festival. This is also an opportunity to recall the great contributions of King Trinh Kiem to the country and the family. At the same time, it aims to introduce and promote to the people and tourists the attractive destination - the Trinh Palace - Vet Temple historical complex, and to the land and people of Thanh Hoa province in general, and the land and people of Vinh Loc in particular.
Leaving the spiritual tourist destinations, visitors can go to the Kim Son scenic complex (Vinh An commune). Here, there is a large lake at the foot of the mountain, a charming swamp and Au stream, blending with the majestic natural scenery of plants and flowers, creating a sense of peace for visitors. Especially, visitors can take a boat ride on the Au stream and visit Ngoc Kieu Cave – a cave with two levels, one going up and one going down. Many ancient texts are still preserved on the cave walls. Right next to Ngoc Kieu Cave is Kim Son Water Cave, a beautiful landscape resembling a traditional ink painting, highlighted by stalactites of various shapes...
Amidst the harmonious natural landscape, Linh Ung Pagoda possesses a truly unique beauty. Built during the Ly Dynasty and renovated during the reign of Emperor Bao Dai, the pagoda's location incorporates important feng shui elements, creating a peaceful and deeply spiritual atmosphere. Every year, the pagoda hosts the Quan The Am Festival in mid-February of the lunar calendar, reflecting the people's hopes for favorable weather, abundant harvests, and prosperity.
To meet the needs of tourists, Vinh Loc district has paid special attention to the restoration and preservation of historical relics. In addition, it has focused on developing diverse spiritual tourism tours such as: Ho Dynasty Citadel - Binh Khuong Temple - Nhan Lo Pagoda - Tuong Van Pagoda - Nam Giao Altar - Du Anh Pagoda (Thong Pagoda); and tours of historical sites and scenic spots: Ho Dynasty Citadel, Trinh Palace, Vet Shrine - "Ngu Linh Dong" scenic spot, Tien Son Cave; Ho Dynasty Citadel - Tay Do Citadel stone quarry - Eo Le Cave... This has contributed to making Vinh Loc an attractive tourist destination.
Text and photos: Nguyen Dat
Source: https://baothanhhoa.vn/vinh-loc-nhieu-diem-den-hap-dan-du-khach-243831.htm
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