Potential and Development of Binh Dinh Tourism 2.2.1- Humanistic Tourism Resources

* In 1888, Binh Khe district was established. In 1885, Binh Dinh was a large province in Central Vietnam, many areas of Gia Lai - Kom Tum still belonged to Binh Dinh.

* In 1890, the French colonialists merged Phu Yen into Binh Dinh province to form Binh Phu province, with the provincial capital being Quy Nhon. But in 1899, Phu Yen separated from Binh Phu.

* On July 4, 1905, the Governor-General of Indochina issued a Decree to establish the autonomous province of Pleikou Derr, with its capital located in Pleikan Derr village of the Gia Lai ethnic group. The area of Pleikou Derr province included the residential areas of the Xo Dang, Bana, and Gia Lai ethnic minorities separated from Binh Dinh province.

* On April 25, 1907, Pleikou Derr province was abolished. All the land of this province was under the rule of the Binh Dinh Resident; one called Dai Ly Cheo Reo was annexed to Phu Yen province and placed under the rule of the Phu Yen Resident.

Maybe you are interested!

* In 1913, the French colonialists merged Phu Yen into Binh Dinh to form Binh Phu province and established Komtum province as a separate province.

* In 1921, the French colonialists separated Phu Yen province from Binh Dinh province and lasted until 1945. During the Republic of Vietnam period, districts were changed into districts, Binh Dinh province had 11 districts, 1 town, including 4 mountainous districts. In February 1976, the Provisional Government of the Republic of South Vietnam issued a Decree on the dissolution of zones and the merger of provinces in South Vietnam, according to which the two provinces of Quang Ngai and Binh Dinh merged into Nghia Binh province.

* In 1989, Binh Dinh separated from Nghia Binh to re-establish the province and has continued like that until now.

2.1.2. Geographical location

Binh Dinh is a coastal province in the Central region of Vietnam. The province's territory stretches 110km in the North-South direction, with an average width of 55km (the narrowest part is 50km, the widest part is 60km). The natural area of the whole province is 6,025km2.

The North borders Quang Ngai province, sharing a 63km border from Binh De pass, the northernmost point with coordinates: 14o 42' North, 108o 56' East; the South borders Phu Yen province, sharing a 59km border, the southernmost point with coordinates: 13o 31' North, 108o 57' East. The West borders Gia Lai province, sharing a 130km border, the westernmost point with coordinates: 14o 27' North, 108o 27' East. The East borders the East Sea with a 134km long coastline, with the easternmost point in Nhon Chau commune (Cu Lao Xanh), with coordinates: 13o 36' North, 109o 21' East.

Binh Dinh is located in a very special location (between the 13th and 14th parallels): the east side is the vast ocean, the three back sides are surrounded by mountains forming the shape of a dragon throne, in the middle is a field with two main rivers, the Con Giang and Lai Giang, winding and two cross-Vietnam roads, by land and by rail, running through, plus National Highway 19 extending from the eastern sea to the Pleiku and Kontum Plateaus, connecting to lower Laos, very convenient for transportation by water, land and air. Binh Dinh is truly a crossroads, an important center for national construction and defense.

Geographical location: Binh Dinh province has an important strategic position, is a key area, is the convergence of transnational traffic routes by water, road, air and rail, located in the center of the Central region and the whole country; the North borders Quang Ngai province - where Dung Quat industrial park is located; the South borders Phu Yen province with great potential for tourism and service development; the West borders the Central Highlands - rich in natural potential that needs to be exploited. With that special geographical location, Binh Dinh plays a very important role in the socio-economic development of the Central and Central Highlands economic regions. The national highway 1A system, the trans-Vietnam railway, together with Highway 19 to the Central Highlands and the deep-water seaport Quy Nhon - Nhon Hoi, form the lifeline for the socio-economic development of Binh Dinh, the Central and Central Highlands regions, as well as the Mekong sub-region by the East-West corridor axis: Quy Nhon - Kon Tum - Aptopo - Bac Xe - Ubon Rat Cha Tha Ni, this corridor axis is about 770km long; on the other hand, from Quy Nhon, take Highway 19 to Kon Tum and follow

Highway 14 turns south to Stung O Treng (Cambodia). With the above location, it is very convenient for attracting visitors to develop cultural tourism in particular and Binh Dinh tourism in general.

2.1.3. Natural conditions

The natural terrain of the province is divided into three main types: The mid-mountainous area in the west of the province accounts for 70% of the area, the hilly area bordering the western mountains and the eastern plains accounts for 10% of the area, and the remaining coastal plains account for 20% of the province's area. The province is located in a tropical monsoon climate zone, the rainy season coincides with the storm season, which often causes storms and floods. On the contrary, the long dry season causes drought in many places. Therefore, it is necessary to study and arrange the structure of crops, livestock and seasons reasonably to promote effective agricultural production and avoid damage caused by nature.

Regarding rivers in Binh Dinh, they are not large, have high slopes, are short, have low alluvial content, have a total water reserve of 5.2 billion m3, and a hydropower potential of 182.4 million KW. Binh Dinh also has many ponds and lakes, especially brackish water lagoons, which are very favorable for aquaculture development.

Agricultural land in Binh Dinh accounts for 19.5%, forested forestry land accounts for 33.4%; unused land, rivers, streams, and rocky mountains account for 41%. In general, there is not much land capable of agricultural production. The area of cultivated land and bare hills is still large, accounting for 44% of the natural area.

Binh Dinh's natural forest area is currently 154,033 hectares. In addition to bringing economic benefits in terms of exploitation, wood processing and protection, Binh Dinh forests also have over 40 species of plants with medicinal value.

Binh Dinh sea has great resources for seafood exploitation, with many precious specialties such as bird's nest, king crab, scallop, seahorse, yellow thread seaweed...

Binh Dinh is not a province rich in mineral resources, but there are some minerals that have been identified as valuable in the industry such as: construction stones of all kinds, with reserves of 700 million m3. Granite in particular is highly valued in the world market.

world, with reserves of over 500 million m3. Titanium ore has reserves of over 1.5 million tons. The whole province has 3 mineral springs that are assessed to meet specific standards for treatment. In addition, kaolin, clay, sand, white sand... have quite large reserves.

2.1.4. Socio-economic conditions

The results of economic restructuring in our country in general and Binh Dinh in particular during the years of renovation are shown in different aspects, in which the most obvious and characteristic is the thorough implementation of the renovation policy of the 6th Congress, based on the characteristics and reality of the provincial economy, entering the renovation period, Binh Dinh has determined the task: focusing human and financial resources to implement three major economic programs on food - foodstuff, consumer goods and export goods, creating 36 premises for developing productive forces, gradually forming an industrial - agricultural economic structure. In that direction, Binh Dinh people have strived to overcome weaknesses, especially in the field of economic management, focusing on promoting the production of agricultural - industrial goods, developing trade and tourism in a comprehensive direction. According to economic sectors in our country, the economic structure is divided into three major groups: Agriculture - Industry - Services. The economic structure by economic sector of Binh Dinh in recent years has shifted in a positive direction, the proportion of industry and services increases annually.

General assessment: In the period 2005 - 2009, the average annual GDP growth reached 15%. Commercial service activities developed rapidly and diversified, meeting the requirements of a market economy, openness and integration, especially tourism activities and service industries serving production and life.

In recent years, especially since 2005, thanks to the innovation policy and the attention and proper investment of all levels and related sectors, Binh Dinh tourism has significantly improved. Binh Dinh tourism business activities in the period of 2005 - 2009 achieved a fairly high growth rate compared to the previous period, being one of the top 10 provinces in the country in terms of tourism development indicators with a high growth rate.

The average annual growth rate of the number of visitors is 22.1%/year, the average growth rate of tourism revenue is 24.0%/year. In 2005, the entire Binh Dinh tourism industry welcomed 380,000 visitors, served 646,000 visitor days, and the revenue reached 90,000 million VND. By 2009, the entire industry had welcomed

776,000 tourists, double that of 2005; revenue reached

214,000 million VND, also doubled compared to 2005, estimated total revenue from tourism by 2010 accounted for 10.6% of the province's GDP and approximately 3.74% of the service sector's GDP. The hotel service sector alone achieved a fairly high growth rate, in 2005, the GDP value of Binh Dinh's tourism industry (including hotels and restaurants) reached 58.3 billion VND, accounting for 7.1% of the province's GDP and 5.3% of the service sector's GDP. Entering 2009, our country's economy continued to face many difficulties and challenges. The financial crisis of some 37 major economies in 2009 pushed the world economy into recession, significantly narrowing the export market, capital market, labor market and negatively impacting many other socio-economic sectors of our country. In the country, consecutive natural disasters and epidemics across the country have also greatly affected production and people's lives.

Thanks to the sharp, timely, focused and drastic leadership and direction of the Party and Government; the efforts and proactive overcoming of difficulties by ministries, branches, localities, economic groups, enterprises, production establishments and the entire population, the economy of our country in general and Binh Dinh in particular quickly escaped the decline, and towards the end of the year, the growth rate was increased, so in 2009, the province's tourism industry welcomed 776,000 visitors, served 1,480,100 visitor days, and revenue reached 214 billion VND, an increase of 14.2% over the same period in 2008. In particular, the business performance of the first 10 months of 2010 increased, but the growth rate was not high, due to the impact of factors such as: epidemics, weather and the consequences of the global economic crisis, causing the consumer price index to decrease.

Although Binh Dinh tourism has grown quite rapidly in recent years, compared to the tourism development of the region and the whole country, it is still very modest, and development indicators are still low.

2.2- Potential and development of Binh Dinh tourism 2.2.1- Human tourism resources

2.2.1.1- Historical and cultural relics ....

+ Cham culture

Binh Dinh used to be the ancient capital of Vijaya (Do Ban) of the ancient Champa kingdom, where there was a long history of development associated with the ancient Sa Huynh culture. Binh Dinh inherited many precious heritages left by the ancient Cham people such as citadels, temples, towers, sculptures, ancient pottery, treasures... The culture of a glorious golden age is still quite clearly present, especially the ancient tower system with 8 tower clusters including 14 unique and mysterious towers. Unlike the Cham relics in Quang Nam which are very concentrated, the Cham cultural relics in Binh Dinh are scattered everywhere. The 8 tower clusters are in many different localities with the names: Banh It tower, Duong Long tower, Doi tower, Canh Tien tower, Phu Loc tower, Thu Thien tower, Binh Lam tower and Hon Chuong tower. Currently, Binh Dinh has a system of Cham towers that are still relatively intact and extremely rich, diverse in Cham cultural features that are attractive to tourists and can only be found in Binh Dinh. The famous Cham tower clusters are:

- Banh It Tower (Thi Thien) - Tour d'Argent (French) was built in the late 11th century and early 12th century in Phuoc Hiep commune, located on a hill next to National Highway 1A, 20km from Quy Nhon. This is a complex of 4 towers, looking from afar like Banh It. Banh It Tower is a unique architectural complex with diverse appearance, elaborate and sophisticated decoration, high artistic value.

- Canh Tien Tower (Tien Dut) - Tour de Cuire (French) was built in the 12th century, currently located in Nhon Hau commune, An Nhon district. The tower has a unique, elegant appearance with a reasonable layout. The tower is over 20m high, has 4 pointed arches opening in four directions, 4 floors tapering towards the top. Each floor has 4 corner towers.

decoration. Each corner has small floors shaped like flying birds. In particular, the inside of the columns is covered with purple sandstone slabs carved with twisted patterns.

- Duong Long Tower (Ivory Tower) - Tour d'Ivoire (French) was built in the late 12th century in Tay Binh commune (Tay Son), about 50km from Quy Nhon. This tower complex stands out not only for its massive size but also for the unique shape of each structure, partly leaving the mark of Khmer art in Champa sculpture. It consists of 3 towers, the middle tower is 36m high, the two side towers are 29m high. The tower has a majestic architecture, the sculpture is elaborately carved with unique lines, 21 is magnificent and magnificent, both delicate and soft with reliefs, vivid and realistic decorative motifs, yet mysterious and magical.

- Twin Towers (Hung Thanh Tower) - French name Tour de Khmer was built in the late 12th century and early 13th century, located in Dong Da ward, Quy Nhon. The tower consists of two wings, the main tower is 20m high, the secondary tower is about 18m high, the Twin Tower architecture is "unique" influenced by Hindu art. The tower structure consists of two parts: a square body and a curved-faced tower top. The corners of the tower show statues of the Garuda bird, with two arms raised high as if to support the roof of the tower.

In Binh Dinh there are also some valuable towers including:

- Thu Thien Tower (Bronze Tower) - Tour de Bronze, located in Binh Nghi Commune - Tay Son, 35 km northwest of Quy Nhon City. The tower is small in scale, elegant, graceful and mysterious in design.

- Phu Loc Tower (Golden Tower) - Tour d' Ort, in Nhon Thanh commune - An Nhon, 35km north of Quy Nhon. The tower has a proud, sad beauty, standing at the foot of the tower, visitors can see all four directions with the majestic surrounding landscapes.

- Binh Lam Tower is located on a high mound in Phuoc Hoa commune - Tuy Phuoc, 22km from Quy Nhon. The tower has a square plan, each side is about

10m, about 20m high, divided into 3 floors decorated with delicate patterns, harmonious architecture with both elegant and strong lines.

+ Historical relic complex of Tay Son - Quang Trung period

- With the Tay Son mark: Binh Dinh is the homeland of the national hero Quang Trung - Nguyen Hue. More than 200 years have passed, but the mark of the Tay Son movement of the Tay Son Dynasty is still deeply imprinted in many rural areas and in the hearts of every Binh Dinh citizen.

- Quang Trung Museum : Quang Trung Museum was built by the State in 1978 with ancient architecture and majestic appearance, including 9 rooms displaying relics related to the Tay Son movement and Emperor Quang Trung (1771 - 1789).

Nguyen Hue was a national hero who had the merit of quelling rebellions in the country and driving out invaders. Nguyen Hue ascended the throne and took the name Quang Trung. Emperor Quang Trung led a large army in a lightning-fast battle, defeating 290,000 Qing invaders in just 5 days, liberating Thang Long (now Hanoi).

Quang Trung Museum and his statue were built in 1978 right on his birthplace in Tay Son district. The museum is designed in a large, majestic scale, following ancient and majestic architecture. In 1998, this relic site was restored on a larger scale. The museum consists of 9 rooms displaying relics related to the Tay Son uprising movement and Emperor Quang Trung. Coming to Quang Trung Museum, visitors can also watch Tay Son martial arts performances, Tay Son battle drums...

- Tay Son Palace : According to legend, Tay Son Palace was built on the old house of the three Tay Son leaders, this is also the ancestral temple to worship Mr. and Mrs. Ho Phi Phuc.

– Nguyen Thi Dong (the biological mother of the three brothers Nguyen Nhac – Nguyen Hue – Nguyen Lu), is also the place where the three Tay Son brothers were born and grew up, becoming outstanding leaders of the uprising movement at the end of the 18th century. In the old garden of the Tay Son brothers’ family, there are still two relics.

Comment