The place that beguiled historical figures

Ghenh Rang, south of Quy Nhon Town, offers natural beauty and a glimpse into history. 

The mountainside is littered with strangely-shaped rocks.

One rock resembles a lion poised to jump into the blue stream below.

Other rocks are shaped like elephants and bears, lying silently as if they are waiting for prey.

Because of its beauty, King Bao Dai (1913-1997), the last king of Vietnam’s feudal regime, chose Ghenh Rang as the site of a bathing pavilion for his wife, Queen Nam Phuong.

The site used to be known as Bai Trung (Egg Beach) but later people called it Bai Hoang Hau (Queen Beach).

Later, Han Mac Tu (1912-1940), one of Vietnam’s most celebrated poets, chose Ghenh Rang as his retirement residence.

However he wasn’t buried there after his death from leprosy.

It wasn’t until February 1959 that his tomb was relocated to Ghenh Rang, not far from Egg Beach.

The place where the poet rests is also called Doi Thi Nhan (Poet’s Hill).

To go to his tomb, visitors have to climb a small slope called Mong Cam Slope (Mong Cam was one of his sweethearts).

After Ghenh Rang became a national historical site and beauty spot, Han Mac Tu’s tomb was repaired and has since been “warmed” with joss-sticks.

At the poet’s tomb, visitors can see the cottage of well-known Dzu Kha, a man who loved Han Mac Tu’s poems so much that he tends his tomb.

You can ask him to recite Han Mac Tu’s poems for free.

You can also buy his souvenirs, inscribed with Han Mac Tu’s poems and verses.

In addition, you should not miss the commemoration house where Han Mac Tu-related relics, such as handwritten notes, photos, documents, books and newspapers are displayed.

Coming to Ghenh Rang and not visiting Han Mac Tu’s tomb means missing part of the beauty of the local scenery and people.

Reported by Diem Thu