When Phu Tho tourism is mentioned, people often immediately think of the majestic Hung Temples, the origin of the nation. However, few know that this land also hides cultural gems, ancient villages with a rich history, and unique festivals. Dao Xa Ancient Village, an attractive destination located on the romantic banks of the Da River, is waiting for visitors to discover its unique traditional cultural beauty and experience a peaceful, rustic space. A tour of Dao Xa ancient village promises to be a memorable journey, taking you back in time to learn about the history, culture, and people here.
Explore the Beauty of Dao Xa Ancient Village
Dao Xa Ancient Village, located in Dao Xa commune, Thanh Thuy district, Phu Tho province, leans against the gentle Da River. This place is not only famous for its beautiful natural scenery but also a land rich in historical and cultural traditions.
Geographical Location and Historical Significance
Dao Xa is situated in a prime location on the west bank of the Da River, embodying the peaceful beauty of a typical Northern Vietnamese village. The village also preserves proud historical imprints. Legend has it that this land was the site of the mythical battle between Son Tinh and Thuy Tinh, two gods symbolizing the power of nature in Vietnamese folk beliefs. The story of Son Tinh’s fight against floods and protection of crops has become an integral part of the culture and beliefs of Dao Xa people.
Notably, Dao Xa village had the honor of welcoming beloved President Ho Chi Minh on January 29, 1964. This event is not only a great source of pride for the people of Dao Xa but also a testament to the village’s position and importance in Vietnamese revolutionary history. Today, stories and memories of President Ho Chi Minh are still cherished and preserved by the locals, becoming an inseparable part of the village’s cultural identity.
Dao Xa Communal House – Ancient Architecture
Dao Xa Communal House is one of the most ancient and typical architectural works of the village. This 7-compartment communal house was built in the late 17th century, bearing bold imprints of traditional Vietnamese architecture. Stepping into the communal house, visitors will be amazed by the large, solid pillars, too large to embrace, along with intricate, artistic wood carvings. Each carved detail shows the talent and dedication of ancient artisans, recreating historical stories, folk legends, and images of daily life.
Dao Xa Communal House is dedicated to worshiping Hoang Hai Cong and Tam vi Dai vuong (Three Great Kings), deities who made great contributions to the village. Hoang Hai Cong is known for his merits in helping people control water, fight against natural disasters, and protect the peaceful life of the villagers. The communal house is not only a center of belief but also a place for community cultural activities, traditional festivals, and other cultural events of the village.
Dao Xa Pagoda – Spiritual Tranquility
Besides the ancient communal house, Dao Xa Pagoda is also a spiritual destination not to be missed when visiting Dao Xa village. Located in the outer village, the pagoda offers a tranquil and peaceful space, in contrast to the hustle and bustle of life outside. Dao Xa Pagoda is famous for its harmoniously arranged Buddha statues, carrying a solemn and benevolent beauty. Coming to the pagoda, visitors can immerse themselves in the quiet space, pray for peace, and find balance in their souls.
Dao Xa Village Festival – Quintessence of Traditional Culture
Dao Xa village is not only famous for its historical sites and ancient architecture but also a land rich in festival traditions. Annually, the village organizes more than 10 festivals of various sizes, each festival carrying its own cultural flavor, reflecting the rich spiritual life and unique identity of the Dao Xa people. These festivals are not only occasions for people to remember the merits of the deities, pray for favorable weather and bumper crops, but also opportunities for the community to bond, express solidarity, and preserve traditional cultural values.
Buffalo Dance Festival – Evoking Martial Spirit
The Buffalo Dance Festival, held on the 3rd day of the Lunar New Year, is one of the most unique and distinctive festivals of Dao Xa village. This festival reenacts the story of Que Hoa dancing to entertain Mrs. Trang (wife of the village tutelary god Hung Hai Dai Vuong) during her pregnancy. The Buffalo Dance Festival is not only spiritual but also expresses the martial spirit, strength, and courage of the Dao Xa people.
The highlight of the festival is the “spring buffalo dance” ritual with two buffaloes made of black sticky rice flour, covered with gold and silver paper, engraved with the words “spring buffalo”. Two people, a man and a woman from the host giap (fraternity), will dance facing each other in front of the tutelary god’s altar, creating a flexible, rhythmic, and meaningful dance. The festival also includes a ritual of offering sacrifices with 12 trays of offerings, expressing the sincerity and gratitude of the villagers to the tutelary god.
Dao Xa Village Festival
January Prayer Festival – Wishing for a Peaceful Year
The January Prayer Festival, held on the 27th day of the first lunar month, is another important festival of the year in Dao Xa village. This festival signifies the wish for a new year of peace, favorable weather, bumper crops, and everyone to be healthy and happy.
During the festival, after solemn rituals of worship, people will perform the ritual of bathing the ancestral tablets (“moc duc” ritual) for the village tutelary god. The ancestral tablets are carried out to the communal house yard and bathed in a small pool of water, symbolizing purification, washing away the misfortunes of the old year, and praying for good things in the new year. Sacrificial offerings are also carefully prepared with local specialties such as bananas, floating cakes, carp, etc. During the festival days, many folk games and traditional cultural activities are also organized, creating a joyful, lively atmosphere imbued with the cultural identity of the countryside.
Dao Xa Village Festival
July Prayer Festival – Remembering Merits
The July Prayer Festival, held on the 9th day of the seventh lunar month, is an occasion for the people of Dao Xa to remember the merits of the deities and pray for blessings and protection for a peaceful life. A special feature of this festival is the boat racing competition between the giaps in the village.
The boat racing competition is held on the pond in front of the communal house, attracting a large number of people and tourists to watch and cheer. Two teams of boats, representing the East, North and West, South giaps, will compete on boats decorated with bird and fish heads, symbolizing “male boat” and “female boat”. The competition is not only a sporting activity but also carries spiritual significance, expressing the martial spirit and solidarity of the village community.
Dao Xa Cuisine – Flavors of Hometown
Traveling to Dao Xa ancient village is not only a journey to explore culture and history but also an opportunity for visitors to enjoy specialty dishes with hometown flavors. Although the original article does not mention cuisine in detail, Phu Tho in general and Thanh Thuy region in particular are famous for many delicious and distinctive dishes.
Visitors can explore and enjoy dishes such as:
- Phu Tho Hill Chicken: Chickens are raised naturally on hills, with firm, fragrant meat, often prepared into many attractive dishes such as boiled chicken, grilled chicken, salt-roasted chicken…
- Da River Fish: Da River is famous for many delicious fish, with sweet, firm meat, which can be processed into hot pot, grilled, fried dishes…
- Sau Sang Vegetable: A specialty vegetable of Phu Tho region, with a sweet taste, often used to cook soup or stir-fry.
- Gà Gáy Sticky Rice: Delicious, sticky rice, cooked from glutinous rice and chicken, is a popular breakfast or snack in Phu Tho.
- Tai Cake: A type of sticky rice cake, shaped like an ear, often eaten with sweet and sour fish sauce.
In addition, visitors can enjoy rustic dishes with typical rural flavors at local eateries or experience cuisine at homestays in the village.
Suggested Dao Xa Ancient Village Tour
To have a complete and meaningful tour of Dao Xa ancient village, visitors can refer to the following suggested tour:
1-Day Culture and Festival Discovery Tour:
- Morning: Visit Dao Xa Communal House, Dao Xa Pagoda, learn about the history and architecture of ancient buildings.
- Noon: Enjoy local cuisine at eateries in the village or local houses.
- Afternoon: If traveling during the festival season, participate in traditional festival activities such as the Buffalo Dance Festival, January Prayer Festival, July Prayer Festival. If not during the festival season, you can stroll around the village, admire the Da River scenery, and learn about the daily life of local people.
2 Days 1 Night Tour Combining Relaxation:
- Day 1: Visit Dao Xa Ancient Village, communal house, pagoda, explore culture and history. In the evening, enjoy cuisine and stay overnight at a homestay or hotel in Thanh Thuy.
- Day 2: Combine visiting Dao Xa village with experiencing Thanh Thuy hot spring bath, a famous specialty of Phu Tho land. Visitors can choose hot spring resorts such as Tre Nguồn Resort, La Beaute Spa Thanh Thuy… to relax and recover health.
Notes when traveling to Dao Xa ancient village:
- Time: Should go during the festival season to experience the most unique cultural atmosphere. Or you can go in autumn or spring to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful natural scenery.
- Transportation: Can travel by motorbike, private car, or bus from Hanoi or neighboring provinces.
- Accommodation: Can choose to stay at homestays in the village to experience local life or hotels, resorts in Thanh Thuy.
- Dress: Should choose polite, discreet clothing when visiting communal houses, pagodas, and spiritual sites.
Conclusion
A tour of Dao Xa ancient village is not just a trip to explore a new place but also a journey back to the cultural and historical roots of the nation. Coming to Dao Xa, visitors will immerse themselves in the peaceful space of the Vietnamese countryside, admire ancient architectural works, participate in unique traditional festivals, and enjoy specialty dishes with hometown flavors. Take a trip to Dao Xa ancient village to feel and discover the priceless spiritual and cultural values that this place brings.