Top 5 Best Places to Visit in Thái Bình – Beaches, Pagodas & Cultural Heritage

1.Thong market

Thai Binh province in Vietnam is home to Thong Market which shows what daily life and business are like in the area. Although there isn’t much documentation about Thong Market, it has always been important to the community, acting as a place for business and social activities.

Market Offerings
Thong Market has various goods for locals to get what they need daily. The market offers a lot of products for guests such as:

• Seasonal Fruits and Vegetables: Fruits and vegetables come from local farms.
• Fresh meat and seafood is sourced locally.
• Apparel and Accessories: Basic outfits and accessories good for any day.
• Kitchenware and cleaning products are important items maintained in a household..

Market Schedule
Thong Market is open every 3rd, 8th, 13th, 18th, 23rd and 28th day of the lunar cycle and each Sunday. There are ten trading days in each month, giving people chance to buy and sell, as well as to connect with each other.

Cultural Significance
Besides being a business area, Thong Market is a gathering place for the community’s cultural traditions. Residents buy their things and also connect with one another, swap news and stay socially involved. Because of the market, local traditions stay alive and the community continues to feel united.

2.Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral

On 8 Tran Hung Dao Street, in Le Hong Phong Ward, Thai Binh City, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral displays Vietnam’s religious history and outstanding architecture. Since it is the main church for the diocese in Thai Binh, it acts as a place of worship and cultural importance.

Historical Significance
It was in 1906 when wide rice field priest Father Phero Munagorri Trung started to construct a Gothic cathedral with assistance from Spanish priest Andres Kien. August 17, 1908 saw the official dedication of the church to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. It was made a cathedral in 1936 just when the Apostolic Vicariate of Thai Binh was organized. The St Peter’s Cathedral was revamped several times over the years, in 1967 and 1995. Despite the major damage, the decision was taken to rebuild the cathedral, with guidance from Bishop Francis Xavier Nguyen Van Sang and the new cathedral was opened on July 13, 2007.

Architectural Highlights
A combination of Gothic and Vietnamese traditional architecture is seen in the cathedral. Created on more than 1,500 square meters, the two floors are about 69 meters long and 18 meters wide. The two lighthouse towers which stand at a height of 46 meters each, are like bright candles towering over the bay. On the outside, the building displays elaborate designs and inside there is a sacred area made to look like a bronze drum, embellished with carvings of Vietnamese daily events like hunting and gathering.
In the cathedral’s grounds, you can see a replica of the Our Lady of La Vang statue which was carefully built to look like the original in Quang Tri Province. Because of this, we now see even stronger pride in keeping Vietnam’s Catholic traditions.

Part of Religious Culture
As well as being architecturally amazing, the Sacred Heart of Jesus Cathedral is the center of spiritual life for Catholics in Thai Binh. Soon after, in 1960, the area was given diocese status with only 4.3% of its population professing Catholicism. Regular liturgy is performed in the cathedral and this place represents the faith and strength of the local congregation.

3.Xuan Thuy National Park

Situated in Nam Dinh Province’s Giao Thuy District is Xuan Thuy National Park which is both an important nature reserve and a place full of cultural heritage. What made your visit memorable was the boat ride through mangroves and having lunch at a bamboo cottage which are special experiences found in the park.

History and the Purpose
Xuan Thuy National Park was Vietnam’s first site chosen for the Ramsar Convention which makes it the first Southeast Asian wetland to be honored as such. In 2003, Cuc Phuong was made into a national park and in 2004, UNESCO chose it as the main area within the Red River Delta Biosphere Reserve.
Khao Sam Roi Yot covers a wide area of about 12,000 hectares, including mangrove forests, mudflats and sandy islets. Because of these habitats, more than 200 bird species can live in the region, many of which migrate and are at risk, for example the Black-faced Spoonbill and Spoon-billed Sandpiper.

Main attractions relating to nature and cultural heritage

• Mangrove forests support various marine creatures by providing them with places to breed and they also defend coastlines from erosion.
• People who enjoy birds will enjoy visiting the park, but especially in October through April, when migrating birds are all around.
• There are traditional fishing villages near the park and here you can enjoy the local way of life and special dishes, just as you did during your seafood lunch with the nearby waves.

4.Dong Xam Silver Village

The small village of Dong Xam Silver Village in Hong Thai Commune, Kien Xuong District, Thai Binh Province, Vietnam, shows the nation’s fine artisanal traditions. Because of its silver engraving, the village holds a place in Vietnamese history spanning over six centuries which makes it respected as a traditional craft village.

• Historical Significance
• People in Dong Xam began silver carving in the 15th century. It is told that in 1428, when Nguyen Kim Lau had become a master in silver engraving in Vietnam’s north, he brought his skills to Dong Xam and taught the locals. Building on the teachings, many people in the village found jobs and prosperity with agriculture and mining. Because of what he accomplished, the villagers built the Dong Xam Temple to remember and honor their craft’s founder.
• In the 19th century, during the Nguyen Dynasty, the artisans of Dong Xam made their reputation throughout the country. The imperial court in Hue was full of their remarkable items which included pieces for ceremonies and exquisite jewels. Because of their expertise, Hang Bac (Silver Street) in Hanoi was established and this helped secure their position in Vietnam’s cultural history .

Cultural Festivities
Each year, on the first to the third day of the 4th lunar month (usually in April or May), Dong Xam celebrates the Dong Xam Temple Festival. Nguyen Kim Lau is remembered and the village’s rich culture is shown during this lively celebration. Traditional boat races are held on the Tra Ly River, people gather to listen to Ca Tru and Cheo and lovely silver art exhibitions are organized.

You can find souvenirs & shops.
Silver items such as jewelry, decorative objects and art made by hand are sold to travelers in Dong Xam. Besides being reminders of a trip, these souvenirs encourage and assist the local artisans in upholding their traditional skills.

5.Dong Chau

Dong Chau Beach which is found in Dong Minh Commune, Tien Hai District, Thai Binh Province, is known for combining natural beauty and local traditions. About 30 kilometers from Thai Binh City and 145 kilometers south of Hanoi, this seafront park covers 5 kilometers and features soft golden sand and gradual hills leading into the sea .

Importance to Events and Attitudes
Both its natural features and its culture have made Dong Chau Beach famous. The area remains natural, letting tourists appreciate the coastal lifestyle of Vietnam. The nature around the beach such as green pine forests, contributes to its peaceful setting, drawing many to relax and recover.

Interesting scenery and lots of outdoor activities
The beaches here are natural and undeveloped, with clear blue water and lots of greenery, so you can unwind on holiday . Being near the sea, guests can experience the fresh air and it is great for relaxing. The beach is renowned for its spectacular sunrises and sunsets, giving photographers many chances to capture beautiful moments .

📅 The Most Ideal Time to Have an Orlando Vacation
July, August and September are the best months to set out for Dong Chau Beach. This is the perfect time of year for folks who love hot weather and time on the beach. Because of the clear air and bigger sun, you can see amazing sunrises and sunsets at these times.

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