The ancient millennium tree with its 3 branches symbolizes the three regions of North, Central, and South Vietnam, yet sharing a common root.
800-Year-Old Millennium Tree at Hung Temple
Visiting the historical site Hung Temple (Phu Tho), besides places of worship, oath stones, jade wells, and sacred rice grains, tourists can also admire the towering millennium tree in front of Thiên Quang Pagoda next to the Main Temple.

Standing over 5 meters tall, the tree has three branches. The trunk's diameter is about 35 cm, the main branch has a diameter of around 25 cm, and the two smaller branches have a trunk diameter of about 20 cm. The tree trunk tilts about 30 degrees. Therefore, in 2009, the historical site installed a steel support column to prevent the tree from falling.
According to observations by those who regularly care for the tree, every two years, the millennium tree produces new leaves. In the first year, buds emerge, and by the second year, they develop into full-grown branches. Counting the fallen leaves, scientists estimate the age of this millennium tree to be around 800 years.

This is one of the oldest trees within the historical site, witnessing numerous ups and downs of history. According to the inscriptions at Thiên Quang Pagoda, the temple was constructed during the Tran Dynasty and was initially named 'Viễn Sơn cổ tự.' In the 15th century, it underwent a name change to 'Thiên Quang meditation temple.' Through multiple renovations, the temple is now recognized as Thiên Quang.
According to historical records, on September 19, 1954, after the victory at Dien Bien Phu, President Ho Chi Minh visited Hung Temple. He sat beneath the shade of the millennium tree in front of Thiên Quang Pagoda and conversed with the officers and soldiers of the Pioneer Corps preparing to take over the capital. The statement, 'The Hung Kings have contributed to building the country, our generation must together preserve the nation,' was also spoken by Uncle Ho during his visit to Hung Temple in 1954.
Apart from the 800-year-old millennium tree, the Hung Temple site also boasts many ancient trees, several hundred years old, such as banyan trees and pine trees.
Source: Khương Nha/ Vnexpress
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
TravelEnthusiastHub.comDecember 31, 2019