Di An town (Binh Duong province) is adjacent to Bien Hoa city (Dong Nai) and Ho Chi Minh City, and is an important gateway to the Central, Northern provinces, and Central Highlands. Di An was reestablished in accordance with Government Decree No. 58/1999/ND-CP dated 23 Jul 1999 and upgraded to town level according to Resolution No. 04/NQ-CP of the Government on 13 Jan 2011.
Destinations of heritage tourism
Di An town has been associated with Di An Railway Factory, which has been called Di An Train Depot by locals. This factory was constructed in 1902, and in 1912 went into operation. This is one of the earliest organizations of Vietnamese working class. Workers of Di An Train Depot (now known as Di An Train Company) pioneered in revolutionary movements. This place marks the birth of Party Committee of Di An Train Depot (Jan 1930), one of the first Party cells of the Southern Party Committee.
Di An Railway Factory is currently located at 08, Ly Thuong Kiet Street, Quarter 1, Di An Ward (Da An Town), formerly under Thu Duc District, Gia Dinh Province. The factory is located on a high hill, its land is relatively flat, has total area of about 4,000m2. The factory is located on a route with many important roads passing through national Highway 1. Thus, the transportation of machinery and materials to serve production of the factory is very convenient.
Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda still retains its ancient features.
Over more than 100 years, Di An Railway Company has contributed many important achievements to Vietnam's railway industry. Some outstanding achievements of the company such as gold cup for wagon quality in 2000; first prize of high-quality passenger wagon 29-hour train in 2004; third-class Labor Medal in 1978, second-class Labor Medals in 1985 and 1996, first-class Labor Medal in 2000, title of Armed Forces Hero in 2005, third-class Independence Medal in 2008... With these achievements, the company was honorably recognized as province-level monument on 25 Dec 2012 by provincial People's Committee.
In Di An Town, the 4th Army Corps’ Museum - Cuu Long Army Corps, is also a destination worth a visit for all people strata to learn about heroic traditions of the corps as well as Vietnam People's Army. The museum is located at No. 10, Independence Boulevard, Song Than Industrial Park.
The 4th Army Corps Museum was originally a traditional army corps, was built on 20 Jul 1984 on occasion of the 10th anniversary of 4th Army Corps. To meet the demand for of preserving and displaying images, artifacts and documents of the nation, army, and the 4th Corps, on 13 Jul 1995 under Decision No. 613 of the Ministry of Defense, Traditional House of the 4th Army Corps was upgraded to a class-2 Museum in the national museum system. Since then, 13 Jul every year is traditional day of the 4th Corps Museum.
With an area of more than 11,000m2, the 4th Army Corps Museum is designed harmoniously, reasonably, offers visitors an overall and logical view of events and artifacts. The interior display area is arranged according to 10 chapters on fighting, construction, growing process of the corps. Outdoor display space consists of green trees, grass cover, flower beds, ornamental plants and creatures. In the middle of the campus is a victory statue. Around the campus are large artifacts, weapons of our soldiers and people in national defense wars...
Relaxing and peaceful
If visitor want a peaceful and pure space with the sound of a ringing bells to dispel all troubles, Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda is an excellent destination. Located on Chau Thoi mountain, in Binh An Ward, Di An Town, this place is known as a scenic spot in the middle of a large plain. With an altitude of 82m above the sea, the pagoda is hidden behind green trees, surrounded by beautiful artificial lakes.
According to some documents, this pagoda was built around 1612, by Zen monk Khanh Long on his way to Chau Thoi hill, he captured charming river and mountain scenes, this monk built a small zen temple. Then this temple was called Hoi Son Pagoda and finally Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda. This pagoda is the oldest temple in Binh Duong.
This pagoda is a destination that has attracted many visitors by its fanciful space and unique architecture with many outstanding works. In addition, it is also very convenient for visitors, because this pagoda is located near other amusement parks, sightseeing and entertainment areas such as Tam Bao Pagoda, Lo O Stream, Buu Long Mountain (Bien Hoa). Although this pagoda was restored many times, it retains ancient architectural features, is harmonious with the elegant and beautiful landscape here.
Due to a turbulent historical period, Chau Thoi Mountain Pagoda was devastated by time and wars, and is no longer able to retain original relics of an ancient temple that were formed in earliest days in the South. The pagoda is an extremely diverse architectural complex, including a main hall, worshiping area Ngu Hanh Nuong, Thien Thu Thien Nhan, Dieu Tri Kim Mau, Linh Son Thanh Mau, and a temple worshiping temple for the Jade Emperor.
In Di An, visitors also go to Thuy Chau tourist area (Binh Thang ward), which is suitable for those who are looking for themselves a place with enough peace to reduce daily hustle and sorrows, or simply a camping day...
Thuy Chau tourist area was built in an artificial entertainment complex with a total use area of up to 18ha, but the landscape here, from trees, streams to forest, exudes a very natural, very peaceful look and feeling. Both sides of the entrance are overshadowed by green trees and lead to an artificial waterfall (the largest artificial waterfall in Binh Duong province). At Thuy Chau Resort, visitors will have an unforgettable experience when being immersed in cool pure water of the artificial waterfall. At the waterfall foot, water murmurs through many rocks scattered throughout the flow, all forming beautiful scenery like picture.
Visitors may not only enjoy the majestic natural forest but also take impressive photos. With an area of up to 1,200m2, this will be an ideal space for all people to have relaxing moments.
Reported by Khanh Dang – Translated by Ngoc Huynh