1. Where is Dong Da Mound? How to get there?
1.1. Location
Dong Da Mound, also known as Dong Da Cultural Park, is located on Dang Tien Dong Street, Dong Da District, Hanoi. Established in 1989 to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the battle of Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da, the park encompasses Dong Da Mound and its associated relics. It stands as a testament to Vietnam's fighting spirit against foreign invaders.
In 2010, during the celebration of the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi, the Dong Da Mound relic site was renovated, restored, and expanded with several new structures, covering over 22,120 square meters. Today, Dong Da Mound includes various components: the gate, the mound itself, Quang Trung Statue, Quang Trung Temple, and auxiliary structures.
1.2. Directions
As Dong Da Mound is conveniently located in Dong Da District, a downtown area, it is easy for tourists to get to this site. Options include taxis, public buses, or personal vehicles. Those opting for public buses can take one of the following routes: 01, 02, 09BCT, 23, 26, 84, E09, 09B, E03, 12, 35A, 21A, 21B, 51, 144, 30, or 30CT.
In case you have a motorbike and are departing from Hoan Kiem Lake:
- Make your way to Ba Trieu Street and follow the street all the way to the end
- Turn right onto Dai Co Viet Street
- Go straight past a tunnel onto Xa Dan Street
- Turn left at the next intersection onto Pham Ngoc Thach Street
- Follow the street and take the overpass onto Chua Boc Street
- Turn right at the next intersection onto Tay Son Street
- Go for about 200 meters, make a U-turn, then turn right onto Dang Tien Dong Street
Along Dang Tien Dong Street, the relic site will be on your right. The entire journey takes around 20 minutes.
2. The history of Dong Da Mound
Dong Da Mound earned its name due to the dense growth of banyan trees on the site. “Da” means “banyan” in Vietnamese, while “Dong” means “plenty.” This site is closely associated with the Battle of Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da in 1789, one of Vietnam's most famous battles.
Regarding the Battle of Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da, researchers consider it Emperor Quang Trung's most celebrated victory. In a remarkably short time, the emperor's forces defeated 290,000 enemy troops, liberated Thang Long (now Hanoi) and thwarted the Qing Dynasty's invasion. The site is valued for its historical significance, highlighting the strategic brilliance that led to the stunning victory.
There used to be a peculiar hypothesis about the mound of Dong Da, which stated that it was not a natural mound but rather a man-made one. After the battle, the remains of thousands of Qing soldiers were collected and piled into large mounds. However, this belief is incorrect, as researchers found out that Dong Da Mound had already existed before 1789.
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3. Best things to do on your trip to Dong Da Mound
3.1. Visit the mound and Trung Liet Temple
Few people know that the ancient gate atop the mound originally came from Trung Liet Temple (also known as Vu Temple), a shrine dedicated to military figures built by various Vietnamese dynasties. Trung Liet Temple was first constructed in 1685 under Emperor Le Hy Tong. In the 19th century, the temple was moved to Dong Da Mound and began to honor the Nguyen Dynasty’s officials who fell in battle. In 1946, Emperor Quang Trung was also commemorated at the temple by the local people.
3.2. Offer incense in front of Quang Trung Statue
The imposing statue of Emperor Quang Trung, crafted from reinforced concrete, stands 14.65 meters tall and weighs 200 tons. It depicts the emperor with a sword slung over his back, wearing a headscarf and a tunic cinched at the waist, his hand resting lightly on the sword's hilt. It serves as a powerful reminder of the strategic brilliance that defined this pivotal moment in Vietnamese history.
3.3. Explore Quang Trung Temple
Quang Trung Temple, constructed in 2010 to mark the 1,000th anniversary of Thang Long - Hanoi, has two levels. The upper level serves as a traditional shrine with a two-tiered roof in classic architectural style, while the lower level functions as an exhibition space displaying artifacts and photographs that illustrate the rapid advance of Emperor Quang Trung’s army.
3.4. Partake in the Dong Da Mound Festival
The Dong Da Mound Festival, one of the notable festivals in Vietnam, is celebrated annually on the fifth day of the first lunar month to honor Emperor Quang Trung’s heroic victory. The festival begins with a procession from Khuong Thuong Communal House, where incense is lit. The procession, accompanied by offerings of six types of wine, heads towards the mound. Once there, an incense offering ceremony takes place, followed by a speech commemorating the historic Ngoc Hoi - Dong Da battle.
In the afternoon, requiem ceremonies are held at Boc Pagoda and Dong Quang Pagoda. Boc Pagoda honors the soldiers who fell in battle, while Dong Quang Pagoda offers prayers for the deceased invaders.
The celebrations include a range of activities. A dramatic performance re-enacts the nation's victory over invaders, while lion dances, performed with energetic precision, symbolize heroism, accompanied by lively drumbeats and cheers. Attendees can also enjoy traditional activities such as martial arts demonstrations, human chess, tug of war, and cockfighting.
4. Best places to visit near Dong Da Mound in Hanoi
Located near Dong Da Mound, Boc Pagoda and Nam Dong Pagoda are two notable spiritual sites that visitors should not miss out on.
- Boc Pagoda (on Chua Boc Street): Visiting Boc Pagoda offers a unique opportunity to delve into Vietnam's rich history through its displays of artifacts. Highlights include the old coin mint, calligraphic couplets, and the famous edict by Emperor Quang Trung from his northern campaign against the Qing forces.
- Nam Dong Pagoda (on Nguyen Luong Bang Street): Nam Dong Pagoda offers a serene environment, along with insights into the traditional architecture and spiritual practices of Vietnam. Its peaceful ambiance makes it a worthwhile attraction to visit.
Dong Da Mound in Hanoi epitomizes Vietnamese resilience. It played a crucial role in Emperor Quang Trung’s triumph over the Qing army, embodying the enduring spirit of Vietnam’s heritage. With this guide in hand, you will gain a deeper understanding of the profound cultural legacy embedded in Dong Da Mound.
After visiting Dong Da Mound, consider heading east to Ocean City, a popular spot for relaxation and entertainment that visitors shouldn't miss out on when traveling to Hanoi. In Ocean City, VinWonders Wave Park & Water Park provides exhilarating water games, perfect for cooling off and having fun with family and friends. Meanwhile, Grand World boasts impressive architecture, lively festivals, and a wide array of dining options that cater to all tastes.
For a restful stay in Ocean City, check out StaynFun, the first homestay system managed by Vinpearl - the leading hospitality service provider in Vietnam. StaynFun offers modern amenities at budget-friendly prices, ensuring a comfortable experience for all guests after a day of exploration.
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