The story of the “god” who keeps the island in Hon Dau

Hon Dau Island (Van Huong Ward, Do Son District) contains many mysteries of nature and thrilling stories of coastal people.

Port City’s “Green Paradise”

About 5km from the center of Hai Phong city, less than ten minutes by train, you have set foot on Hon Dau island (Dau island). Different from the noise and modernity of the port city, Dau island is peaceful, cool and blue.

This place still retains many wild and beautiful features of nature with magnificent long-standing primeval forests. In which, can be mentioned the population of banyan, si, birth … hundreds of years old trees, from a few to ten people can’t hold them all, rarely seen throughout the Northern coastal region.

The ancient iron tree has a lifespan of over 800 years in Hon Dau

Mr. Tran Khac Kien, Chairman of Do Son District People’s Committee proudly shared, for a long time, Hon Dau island has been known as a “green paradise”.

The red-budded banyan tree population on Hon Dau island is the largest population of ancient banyan trees in Vietnam with hundreds of new trees discovered by scientists, of which 45 are over 100 years old. In 2013, the ancient banyan population of 35 trees on Hon Dau island was recognized as “Vietnam’s heritage tree”.

There are many ancient stories about the formation of Dau island, some people explain it based on spiritual factors, but there are also people who believe that Dau island was formed during the movements of the continental shelf from ancient times. At that time, a part of the mountain range separated from the Do Son peninsula and gradually drifted to the sea, becoming the original Hon Dau island as it is today.

One of the ancient iron trees identified as a heritage tree on Hon Dau island

Located right next to Hon Dau pier, close to the beach and under the green giant trees is an ancient temple worshiping Nam Hai Than Vuong – a god of the island.

Mr. Tran Khac Kien, Chairman of Do Son District People’s Committee: Do Son District is continuing to preserve intact the historical values ​​of Hon Dau Island as well as hundreds and thousands of years old trees to serve customers. Visiting as well as propagating to protect the sea and islands, protect the historical values ​​of this island.

In addition, Do Son district has also renovated the sightseeing areas, making convenient roads connecting from Do Son peninsula to Hon Dau island and routes to visit the island area. In addition, strengthen measures to protect the island’s environment, creating the best atmosphere for tourists to visit, experience and learn about the island’s history.

The story of the “god” keeping the island is unknown, but people around the area, who often fish around Hon Dau island area, still often recount, if they cut trees, pick up rocks or pick up the wrong thing from the island. When it comes back, there is always something strange, often unlucky, children are fussy. After going to the temple to do the ceremony, return the objects to the island immediately.

The elderly people who take care of the temple worshiping Nam Hai Than Vuong confirmed this story and said that Dau island is very sacred, if anyone dares to take away anything on the island, even a leaf or a wooden branch will will be fined and have to return it for peace of mind. So especially the fishing villagers, they absolutely never dare to touch anything on the island.

Strangers to the island are often reminded by locals, so even though there are many beautiful flower trees on the island, enchanting white pebble beaches… but no one picks flowers or flowers. Pick up some pebbles as a souvenir.

As for the big trees, many people hugged them and no one dared to cut them down, cut down branches, and there were old trees that were knocked down by the storm, lying down and rotten because no one dared to bring them back.

Around the Cao Temple is surrounded by ancient green iron trees

“Don’t take anything but photos – Leave nothing but footprints”, it seems that the legend also blends with reality, as a reminder for tourists to preserve and preserve Hon Dau in the midst of modern life. bustling city of Hai Phong.

“For hundreds of years, rumors and word of mouth from generation to generation about the sacredness of the island as well as the preservation and protection of the people have helped Hon Dau still retain its beauty. magnificent pristine, four green seasons”, said Mr. Le Van Tuan – Deputy Station in charge of Hon Dau Lighthouse Station (Northeastern Maritime Safety Enterprise under the Northern Maritime Safety Corporation) let me know.

Ancient iron trees around Cao Temple

“Pearl eye” of the Fatherland

Anh Tuan is a person who has been with Hon Dau island for nearly 30 years. His job and his colleagues are to look after and operate the ancient lighthouse – the “pearl eye” of the Fatherland.

The lighthouse must be operated and emit light so that fishermen and crew members can determine the maritime coordinates, know their position to adjust the coordinates entering the Hai Phong port area. In addition, the station also has to observe marine environmental incidents in the areas around the island, watch for sunken ships, sunken ships, etc.

“The brothers at the station are on duty in shifts, everyone is attached to their work, even though they have to be away from their families and also work hard at night, especially when it rains and storms back, they still have to wear rain and wind in the dark, up check the lights …”, Mr. Tuan said.

Hon Dau lighthouse still lights up every night (Photo: Tran Son)

However, according to Mr. Tuan, the job of guarding the lighthouse on Hon Dau island has been “leisure”. Previously, Hon Dau island was overgrown with trees, the road was difficult, there was only a trail to the lighthouse. The workers at that time had to clear the bushes on the side of the road every week to be able to walk normally.

Then later, with the attention of the authorities at all levels along with the departments, Dau island was invested and built, the roads were spacious, convenient for traveling and became a famous spiritual tourist place of Hai Phong. Room.

In 1996, Hai Phong city and the locality allowed visitors to visit Hon Dau lighthouse, along with a traditional house displaying all kinds of lighthouses and signal lights used at other lighthouses across the country. periods.

The outdoor area also displays bombs and torpedoes that the US has dropped during the years of raiding the waters of Hai Phong island, including Hon Dau lighthouse. Hon Dau thus adds vitality and joy when it regularly welcomes groups of tourists to admire and learn about historical sites and the primeval beauty of this beautiful island.