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With an age exceeding 300 years, the 13-trunk banyan tree in Hải Phòng stands as the largest ancient banyan in Vietnam, recognized as a cultural heritage and one of the renowned spiritual destinations for tourists visiting the city of red flamboyant flowers.
Marvel at the Enormous 13-Trunk Banyan Tree, the Largest in Vietnam's Hải Phòng
The 13-trunk banyan tree (scientifically known as Ficus Altissima Blume) reaches a height of about 10 meters, with 13 trunks, including 12 auxiliary and 1 main trunk. Dozens of large branches form a sprawling canopy covering an area of 1,500 square meters.
The main banyan trunk has a circumference of 8.2 meters. The remaining twelve trunks surrounding the main trunk have circumferences ranging from 2 to 5 meters. The total circumference of all 13 trunks is approximately 30 meters. The trunks are intricately interconnected with branches, each with a diameter of nearly 1 meter.
Despite enduring numerous storms at Hải Phòng's seaport entrance and facing the rain of bombs and bullets during the war with the United States, the banyan tree's branches have remained unbroken and untouched by bombs.
According to legend, during the battle against the Han invasion, the Trưng Sisters, riding elephants, paused by a shady banyan tree. The elephants, belonging to the sisters, broke the banyan's branches for a snack, leading the tree to only grow horizontally due to the loss of its top. Consequently, the banyan stands at a height of approximately 10 meters but spreads across an area of several hundred square meters.
However, another myth suggests that in ancient times, a general on a military campaign stopped by the banyan's roots and tied his horse to it, resulting in the tree's branches breaking. Since then, the tree ceased to grow vertically and expanded horizontally.
Beneath the banyan's roots lies a shrine with the inscription 'Đức Thổ Vượng,' dedicated to the village deity. The shrine has been a public place of worship since its inception when the area was nothing more than a marshy swamp covered in reeds. Today, it has transformed into a bustling residential neighborhood. Additionally, the shrine serves as a place of reverence for various deities, spirits, aunts, uncles, and wandering souls with no place to call home.
Many believe that the 13-trunk banyan tree is where the goddess Năm Phương has chosen to reside. As a result, on full moon days, festivals, and holidays, people gather here to offer prayers and seek good fortune. Every 6th day of the 6th lunar month marks the celebration of a grand feast in honor of the goddess Năm Phương.
Over the years, with the support of the local community and visitors alike, the banyan tree area has undergone development, featuring the installation of stone benches for people to enjoy the scenery and take a rest around the tree's base.
In this place, any superstitious or divisive activities are strictly prohibited to maintain a positive atmosphere and ensure the safety and order of the local community, leaving a positive impression on tourists from all around.
On February 9, 2014, in Trại 1 hamlet where the 13-trunk banyan tree stands, the Nature and Environment Protection Association collaborated with Ngô Quyền district to confer recognition as Vietnam's heritage tree upon the 13-trunk banyan.
As reported by Mytour
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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour
MytourNovember 28, 2022
