Nestled on the Gulf of Thailand near the Cambodian border, Ha Tien is an off the beaten path tourist destination with enchanting scenery and an intriguing history.
While much of the Mekong Delta topography is characterized by vast paddy fields and bountiful orchards, visitors to Ha Tien, roughly 350 kilometers from Ho Chi Minh City and a few kilometers from the Cambodian border, will encounter a dramatically different landscape. Mist-shrouded limestone mountains, a bright blue seafront and a serene lake create an enchanting atmosphere. Some say the area's natural beauty once attracted fairies (tien), which is where the town's name comes from.
Ha Tien was founded near the end of the 17th century by a group of Chinese settlers led by Mac Cuu (1655-1735), on land granted to them by the Cambodian king. Mac Cuu later switched allegiance to the Nguyen Lords who controlled southern Vietnam at that time, and they named him the ruler of the growing town.
Visitors can go to Mac Cuu's mausoleum as well as his family's tombs on Binh San Mountain, also known as the Hill of Tombs. The traditional Chinese tombs are decorated with lions, dragons and phoenixes. Binh San Mountain is one of the are "Ten Sights" of Ha Tien, as described in bygone days by the many poets and artists who were attracted by the uncanny beauty of the area. Others include Dong Ho Lake, Thach Dong Grotto, Hon Chong Islet, Mui Nai Beach and Giang Thanh River.
Many of area's limestone formations are dotted with caves that have been turned over the years into remarkable temples. Nearby Mui Nai attracts tourists with rustic charm and a lovely beachfront offering spectacular sunset views. Another memorable sight is watching the moon rise over Dong Ho Lake, its silver rays reflecting on the tranquil surface. While there, I was reminded of a verse written by poet Mac Thien Tich 270 years ago: ‘folowing streams mirror pure clouds up high/The shining moon peeps out to illuminate the world'.
At dawn, the divine sounds of bells in Tieu Pagoda help cast off worldly burdens. Here lies the grave of Lady Thai, the mother of Mac Cuu. A devout Buddhist, she was granted this pagoda by her son. There are also some relics of the ancient fortress through which visitors are reminded of the various battles raged in Ha Tien over the centuries;
Leisurely tourists can take a trip by boat down the southern coast of Ha Tien, then go fishing on Vuoc Canal. On Kien Luong shore, visitors are welcomed by tales of the stormy life of Gia Long, of Coin Cave where Mac Thien Tich and Mac Cuu minted coins for internal use and trading with neighboring countries, and of the exile of two Thai princes sheltered by Mac Thien Tich. Other intriguing tales are the resistance of Nguyen Trung Truc against French invaders and the heroic uprisings of the locals against powerful enemies.
Ha Tien's tourist infrastructure is still relatively undeveloped, but has steadily been expanding in the last several years. For such a small area, Ha Tien is filled with a remarkable amount of history and dramatic landscapes, attractions that are sure to delight visitors to this up-and coming destination.
