Exciting Ham Ho in Binh Dinh

      Tourists heading to Binh Dinh Province could be introduced by locals here to the beautiful landscape of Ham Ho. In Vietnamese, the word “Ham” means a cellar and “Ho” means yelling, but actually, Ham Ho is the name of a beautiful spring located in this province.
Why is it called “Ham Ho”? According to a poet, “The spring runs a few kilometers through a shallow, bumpy ravine with high, rocky walls on either side. Then, it spills into a lake which resembles a big rocky cellar. When the water flows into that cellar, it produces a sound that is similar to a yell. This is why people call it Ham Ho”. Ham Ho is also known as “flying fish spring”, for the thousands of fish swimming upstream back to their birthplace.
Currently under the control of Ham Ho tourism joint stock company, the spring has become an ideal place for tourists to enjoy nature’s beauty and fresh air. When visiting Ham Ho, tourists have to obey the Regulations of Environmental Reservation. Consequently, Ham Ho is always free from the threat of garbage.
Many precious trees grow in the forests around Ham Ho and one of the most interesting times to visit is when the Loc Vung ornamental trees (lecythidales) come into flower. There are well designed stilt houses on the banks of the spring from which tourists can enjoy the natural beauty of the area, and the nature-oriented park makes a deep impression on visitors, especially the bridges and the natural stone baths. Adventurers can kayak on the spring, or take a ride in a small canoe with two local guides dressed in ancient soldier’s costumes.
To sample the regional culinary specialties tourists should visit Hoa Loc Vung Restaurant to taste the fried fish served with Loc Vung leaves. Finally, for those who are interested in the regional culture, a memorial ceremony and festival is held in the temple of the two founders of Ham Ho named Le Kim Boi and Le Kim Bang on the 20th day of the 1st lunar month.