Pho Hien Hung Yen - Echoes of a Glorious Heritage

The name Pho Hien first appeared in the 15th century during King Le Thanh Tong's administrative reforms. Since then, it has become a bustling trading port in the land of Đàng Ngoài.

Pho Hien Hung Yen - Echoes of a Glorious Heritage

'First is the Capital, second is Pho Hien' - an ancient verse vividly reflects the development of these special central areas of Đàng Ngoài. Its prosperity is attributed to its ideal natural conditions, an urban area at the confluence of three rivers, where the Red River meets the Luong River, connected to the Thai Binh River.

Thanks to those ideal natural conditions, Pho Hien became a hub for domestic and foreign trade routes. Not only that, but it was also the gateway to the capital city of Thang Long. Therefore, the streets were always bustling with boats trading goods.

The area of Pho Hien in the past extended along the dyke of the Red River, from Đằng Châu, Lam Sơn ward to Mễ Châu, Hồng Nam commune, in present-day Hưng Yên city.

During the golden era, the most prosperous wholesale markets were located in the streets and districts of Hoa Kieu and the Japanese enclave. Japanese traders mainly exchanged silver and copper for silk, leaving behind the place names of Bac Hoa and Nam Hoa as the busiest areas of Pho Hien. Because in ancient language, 'Hoa' refers to China, and 'Hoa' refers to Japan.

Dutch and Portuguese traders also arrived early in Pho Hien. Subsequently, the French also followed the Red River here for both trade and evangelism. In 1680, they established trading posts in this port along with English and Portuguese traders. While engaging in trade, the French also constructed enduring structures that still bear traces to this day.

During the prosperous period, there was significant biological and cultural blending between Asian and European peoples, contributing to the enrichment of Vietnamese culture. Alongside Thang Long, Pho Hien became a leading cultural center of the Outer Region and all of Dai Viet.

Pho Hien served as a frontier outpost controlling boat traffic to Thang Long, also functioning as a hub for goods from all regions, facilitating exchanges and distribution everywhere. Alongside river ports were bustling markets like Vac market at Xich Dang pier, Hien market next to Son Nam district headquarters, Bao Chau market...

The key figure in the thriving Pho Hien of that era was the magistrate Le Dinh Kien. In 1664, he was appointed by the court as magistrate of Son Nam province. He contributed to the expansion of Pho Hien and the suppression of Chinese pirates.

Le Dinh Kien was not only skilled in governance but also in business and diplomacy. He managed Pho Hien for many years, ensuring the prosperity and tranquility of its people. Upon his passing, both Vietnamese and foreigners erected memorials in his honor.

In the early 18th century, Pho Hien began its decline, most notably evidenced by a decrease in foreign trade activities and the migration of some residents to Thang Long.

Pho Hien currently boasts nearly 200 historical and cultural relics, including 20 nationally ranked relics, 25 provincially ranked relics, and nearly 100 inscribed steles and valuable antiques. All serve as evidence of the glorious development era of the ancient 'Little Trang An,' a priceless heritage of humanity.

 According to Mytour

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Reference: Travel guide from Mytour