Binh Dinh, a land of martial arts and literature, is not only famous for its blue beaches and white sands but also a place that preserves the golden marks of the glorious Tay Son dynasty. In the heart of this martial land, Quang Trung Museum emerges as a precious gem, not just a place to display historical artifacts but also a unique cultural and spiritual tourist destination, attracting visitors from all directions to return to their roots.
Exploring Quang Trung Museum: A Must-Visit Destination in Binh Dinh
Quang Trung Museum, located in Lien My village, Binh Thanh commune, Tay Son district, Binh Dinh province, is one of the largest and most important historical museums in Vietnam. This place is not only a repository and exhibition of precious artifacts about the life and career of Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue and the Tay Son dynasty, but also a unique architectural complex, blending nature and history, offering visitors diverse and profound travel experiences.
Journey to Understand the Heroic History of the Tay Son Dynasty
Stepping into Quang Trung Museum, visitors will travel back in time to the turbulent 18th century of Vietnamese history. The museum is divided into many different display areas, each area representing a chapter in the story of the Tay Son dynasty.
The outdoor display area recreates the living and training space of the ancient Tay Son army. Imposing cannons, valiant war chariots, and a model of the glorious Ngoc Hoi – Dong Da battle help visitors vividly visualize the military strength and indomitable fighting spirit of the Tay Son army.
Tourists visit Quang Trung Museum in Tay Son – Quy Nhon
Entering the indoor display area, visitors will admire thousands of precious original artifacts, from weapons, costumes, and household items to ancient documents and royal decrees. Each artifact carries its own historical story, contributing to a vivid and authentic reconstruction of the life and career of the three Tay Son brothers: Nguyen Nhac, Nguyen Hue, and Nguyen Lu, as well as the great contributions of the Tay Son dynasty to the nation’s history.
In particular, the display area dedicated to Emperor Quang Trung – Nguyen Hue is a must-see. Here, visitors will learn more about the life and illustrious career of the hero king, from his childhood years to becoming the leader of the great Tay Son uprising, unifying the country and defeating the Qing invaders, protecting national independence.
Ancient Tamarind Tree and Old Well: Historical Witnesses
Within the Quang Trung Museum grounds, the ancient tamarind tree and the old well are original relics remaining from the time of Emperor Quang Trung’s family. The tamarind tree, hundreds of years old, with its lush foliage shading a large area, is considered a symbol of the longevity and vitality of the Tay Son homeland. The old well, though small, still contains clear water, the source of water for Emperor Quang Trung’s family in their early days.
Standing under the shade of the ancient tamarind tree, next to the old well, visitors not only feel the peaceful and tranquil atmosphere of the Vietnamese countryside but also seem to relive the heroic historical moments, commemorating the national heroes who were born and raised on this land.
Tay Son Martial Music: Intangible Cultural Essence
Visiting Quang Trung Museum, tourists not only explore and learn about history but also have the opportunity to enjoy unique Tay Son martial music performances. Tay Son martial music is a unique art form, combining music and martial arts, expressing the martial spirit and heroic spirit of the people of Binh Dinh.
Martial music performances at the museum often reenact historical battles of the Tay Son army, with powerful, decisive martial arts movements, harmonizing with the heroic sound of war drums, providing viewers with unforgettable experiences. This is not only an entertainment activity but also a way for visitors to deeply understand the culture and spirit of the Tay Son region.
Combining Quang Trung Museum Tour with Nearby Destinations
To make the Quang Trung Museum tour more complete, visitors can combine visits to other attractive destinations in Binh Dinh such as:
- Ham Ho Tourist Area: About 10km from Quang Trung Museum, Ham Ho is a famous eco-tourism area with pristine, majestic natural landscapes. Visitors can take a boat trip on the Sky River, explore mysterious caves and enjoy the fresh, cool air.
Ham Ho Tourist Area, Tay Son, Binh Dinh
- Twin Towers (Thap Doi): Located right in the city center of Quy Nhon, Twin Towers is an ancient and unique Cham Pa architectural work. With its unique architecture and great historical and cultural value, Twin Towers is a must-visit destination when traveling to Quy Nhon.
- Hoang De Citadel: The Hoang De Citadel relic, the ancient capital of the Champa Kingdom and later of the Tay Son Dynasty, carries distinctive historical and cultural imprints.
Hoang De Citadel
- Lang Song Church: An ancient Gothic architectural work, bearing the strong historical and cultural imprint of Catholicism in Binh Dinh.
Tay Son Cuisine: Unforgettable Rich Flavors
After a long day exploring Quang Trung Museum and nearby destinations, don’t forget to enjoy the famous specialties of the Tay Son region. Tay Son cuisine has a rustic, simple but no less sophisticated and unique flavor.
Some specialty dishes to try when visiting Tay Son:
- Tay Son Fermented Pork Roll (Nem Chua Tay Son): The famous fermented pork roll with a characteristic sweet and sour taste, made from pork, pork skin, and natural spices.
- Roasted Sugar Cane Bird (Chim Mia Ro Ti): Sugar cane bird marinated in rich spices, roasted golden brown, with a fragrant aroma.
- Salt-Steamed Chicken (Ga Hap Muoi): Free-range chicken steamed with salt, retaining the natural sweetness and delicious chewiness of the chicken meat.
- Crispy Fried Hemibagrus Fish (Ca Muong Chien Gion): Fresh Hemibagrus fish fried crispy, served with rice paper and wild vegetables, creating a unique and unforgettable flavor.
- Gai Leaf Cake (Banh It La Gai): A traditional cake of Binh Dinh, with a chewy crust fragrant with gai leaves, and a sweet and savory mung bean filling.
Conclusion
Visiting Quang Trung Museum is not only a journey to explore history but also a profound cultural experience, helping visitors better understand the traditions, customs, and people of Binh Dinh. Come to Quang Trung Museum to feel and cherish the historical and cultural values that the Tay Son land has bestowed upon the Vietnamese nation. This place will surely be a meaningful and memorable destination in your journey to discover Vietnam.