Thai Binh Province

 Thai Binh Province

  • Area: 1,545.4 sq. km.
  • Population: 1,860,600 habitants (2005)
  • Capital: Thai Binh City.
  • Districts: Hung Ha, Quynh Phu, Thai Thuy, Dong Hung, Vu Thu, Kien Xuong, Tien Hai.
  • Ethnic groups: Viet (Kinh), Thai, Tay, Ra Glai.
Belongs to the Red River Delta, Thai Binh is a granary of North Vietnam. The province is surrounded by Hai Duong Province and Hai Phong City on the north, Ha Nam and Hung Yen provinces on the west, East Sea on the east and Nam Dinh Province on the south. Three faces of Thai Binh are Red, Luoc and Hoa rivers, and one face is 53km seaside and no any mountain. The subsequent fertile soil was excellent for growing grains, especially rice. Thai Binh rice is acknowledged as the best strain in the North of Vietnam. There are 200 types of aquaculture and 2,500 kinds of rare birds, too. Due to its richness of aquatic products and grains, locals here have created a number of local specialties from their natural materials; among of these the most famous are Canh Ca Quynh Coi (Quynh Coi fish soup) and cay cake.
This province is rich of traditional handicraft villages like weave fabric in Phuong La, mat weave in Hoi, silver carve in Dong Xam, copper casting in An Long, lace embroider in Minh Lang, cay cake making in Nguyen Xa. Thai Binh City is 110km from Hanoi, 70km from Haiphong, 18km from Nam Dinh. There are Tan De, Thai Binh, and Trieu Duong bridges. National Highway No.10 connects Thai Binh, Haiphong and Nam Dinh and National Highway No.39 links the province to Hung Yen.

Attractions

Dong Xam Silver Village
Dong Xam Silver Village is located in Hong Thai Commune, the north of Kien Xuong District, Thai Binh Province. Dong Xam is a village whose population is skilled in metal carving. According to the local people, 300 hundred years ago there was an artist named Nguyen Kim Lau, who travelled downstream on the Tra Ly River by boat to Dong Xam to make a living. He transferred his silver carving skills to the local people. Over time, silver carving has been maintained and developed. After his death, the Dong Xam Temple was built in appreciation of his contributions to the village.

Keo Pagoda
Keo Pagoda is located at Dung Nhue Hamlet, Duy Nhat Commune, Vu Thu District, Thai Binh Province. The pagoda was built during 1133-1154 by Monk Duong Khong Lo on an area of 7,200m2 Monk Duong Khong Lo is a monk and famous doctor who successfully treated King Ly Than Tong (1133-1138) from a serious disease. He was then honoured by the King with the title of Quoc Su (Prince’s Master), and provided with money and land to build the pagoda. The offerings in the temple are carved or engraved with elaborate designs. Some designs of four centimeters diameter contain nine engraved dragons. The Keo Pagoda, with a total of 120 chambers, has the appearance of a blooming lotus. It is now a tourist attraction and a pride and joy for the Vietnamese architects.

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