Buzz
In the lunar July, the waters of the Đà River (Hòa Bình) remain tranquil. Three layers of water, rocky terrain, and forests echo the poetic verse 'chaotic rocks sprouting from the source'. Amidst this scenery, visiting Mẫu Temple and Bờ Waterfall is also an opportunity to 'wander amidst the gates of heaven'.
Exploring Hòa Bình amidst Heavenly Gates
From now until the end of the rainy season, Hòa Bình Lake will gradually rise. During the lunar July, many pilgrims follow the path of the four palaces and embark on a pilgrimage to Chúa Temple, Cô Temple within the lake.
Strolling upon the waters of Hòa Bình Lake from the tourist pier unveils mesmerizing scenes. Hidden within the lush green forests are the stilt houses of the indigenous locals.
Seeing this, one cannot help but question how the inhabitants of those houses, those mountainous hamlets, move about? It would be regrettable to only sit on the boat without exploring their lives to answer those questions.
Amidst the currents of the Da River, we drift into another realm of memory, disregarding those lingering questions. I wonder where the helmsman of Cụ Nguyễn Tuân's boat on the Da River once lived, which stretch of the river, which bend?
And the earth rings, once the slopes of hills, now submerged beneath water, where trees and grass have withered, and the fertile soil has eroded away. As the waters recede, the hill rings, the mountain slopes reveal a different hue, resembling spiral shells plunging into the river.
Winding through the lake's labyrinth, at times it feels like we've reached the 'end', the furthest point. Yet, passing through rocky outcrops or protruding hillsides, the expanse of the water's surface, the river's unfamiliar space, expands boundlessly.
Drifting souls upon mountain ranges, verdant hills. On the lake's surface, we still encounter those who row boats by hand, by foot. Small boats tethered to contemplation of a tranquil serenity.
And along this riverine tourist route, my mind constantly paints legends.
There lies the rocky peak of Sơn Tinh, here flows the sentimental Thủy Tinh river, seeking to rise for battle. A love triangle from folklore lingers in the heart. King Hùng's challenge: nine-tusked elephant, nine-spurred rooster, nine-coated horse, a test of Thủy Tinh's resolve.
Immerse yourself in the mythical tales of the Muong people, where enchanting spirits disguise themselves as handsome young men to woo the village maidens. These ethereal beings practice magical transformations.
As children, we naively believe that if we are not blessed with human form, there is no need for transformation. But as we grow, we dream of becoming worthy of humanity, just as the enchanting spirits dream the same. The love stories of these spirits, like those of humans, are only beautiful when love is involved...
Though lost in the wilderness, as you traverse the lake, you'll feel as though you're wandering through legends, fairy tales, and reality. Countless wandering thoughts, including tales of love, fill the air.
Another delightful aspect is the kindness of the people of Hoa Binh. If you travel alone or in pairs, the boat owners at the tourist pier will group you with other travelers. Upon boarding, the boat owners will explain that solo travelers must join existing tour groups.
The journey will take you to various sites: the Temple of the God, the Temple of the Goddess, the Thac Bo Cave... 'Wandering through a thousand doors', listening to poetic songs, amidst the spiritual aroma. At the journey's end, the boat owners offer you a very reasonable fare of 50,000 VND per person.
Tour boat operators recount that when the lake is full, it feels as though the forest is dipping its feet into the water. This is when the schools of fish come to the grassy banks to lay their eggs. It's a time of fertility, the continuous renewal of life on the river.
The Da River – a river of hydroelectric power and cultural sediment awaiting exploration.
As per Youth
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Reference: Travel guide Mytour
MytourAugust 29, 2016
