About 30 kilometers west of the bustling center of Hanoi, Quoc Oai District is an ideal destination for those who want to discover the natural beauty, rich culture and fascinating history of this region. A short drive by car, motorbike or bicycle takes you from the heart of Hanoi to Quoc Oai, making the destination accessible and convenient. 

Along the way, you'll be greeted by prominent landmarks such as the So Village Communal House, the Hoang Xa Cave, the Tuan Chau Tourist Zone with its centerpiece performance of Tinh Hoa Bac Bo (The Quintessence of Tonkin), and the Thay Pagoda. Let's set out to explore these fascinating sites together!

Our trip starts from the bustling center of Hanoi, with its lively and energetic streets. Quoc Oai is about 30 kilometers away and takes about 40 to 60 minutes by car, depending on traffic. If you choose to ride a motorbike or bicycle, the feeling of freedom as you cruise along the wide roads will add an extra thrill to your experience.

The scenery along the way is also a sight to behold. Especially in the early morning, when the golden light of dawn brushes over lush rice fields or majestic limestone mountains rise in the distance, it feels like entering a serene painting of nature.

Our first stop is So Village Communal House, one of the most prominent cultural and historical landmarks in Quoc Oai. Located in Cong Hoa Commune, this ancient temple holds a special place in the hearts of the locals. Dedicated to the gods who protect the village, it has long been a center of community life and cultural activities.

Built in the traditional architectural style, the temple has a red-tiled, mossy roof that evokes a sense of ancient charm and intricate carvings. Inside, you'll find a spacious atmosphere, with towering wooden pillars and carved panels showing a mix of styles, creating a rich decorative diversity. 

From the stylized floral patterns (pine, daisy, bamboo, plum) to the intricate dragon and lion figures, the architecture presents a multi-dimensional space. At the front of the main temple, on either side of the three-tiered staircase, sit two stone dragons, each 1.55 meters long, 70 centimeters wide, and 92 centimeters high, with thick, short bodies, low foreheads, large mouths, and curled tails decorated with carp scales and fire cloud motifs. For those who love to delve into the history and culture of Vietnam's rural villages, So Village Communal House is a must-visit place.

The 16th-century communal house is dedicated to the revered Tan Vien (God of the Mountain), one of the four immortals in Vietnamese belief. Legend has it that the region was plagued by disease and natural disasters. The villagers built the So Village Communal House to worship the god Tan Vien, hoping for protection and prosperity. Over the years, the temple has become not only a place of worship, but also a symbol of the community's faith and cultural identity.

During festivals, especially the So Village Festival, which falls from the 8th to the 10th of the second lunar month, villagers organize traditional rituals such as processions, singing quan ho (folk songs), and dancing to show respect and pray for peace and prosperity. It's a heartwarming reminder of the enduring spirit of the people here.

On the gravel path leading to the cave, we walked beneath rows of ancient longan, lychee, and mango trees. Their broad canopies cast shade over the surface of the lake. As you walk into the cave, you'll be overwhelmed by its silence and mystery.

The glittering stone formations create strange, otherworldly shapes. It's like entering another realm, one filled with mystery and wonder. The cool, serene atmosphere and raw beauty of nature will leave you in awe.

Hoang Xa Cave offers a great opportunity to explore nature and an inspiring environment for photographers to capture its unique charm. Steeped in local legend, it is said to hold ancient secrets of long-forgotten tribes who lived here long before the establishment of Vietnamese culture. Locals believe the cave harbors the tombs of ancient kings. The shimmering stalactites are also believed to bring luck and prosperity, and many people visit in hopes of receiving blessings.

One particularly intriguing story tells of the discovery of a giant stone gate deep within the cave, said to lead to an underground world. Since the gate has never been opened, the story continues to stir the imagination of visitors and archaeologists alike.

Tuan Chau Resort, the most prominent leisure destination in Quoc Oai District, stands out for its vast space and exceptional entertainment services. The resort offers a variety of leisure activities, from boat rides on the lake to traditional games and luxurious resorts where you can relax.

Its highlight is the "Tinh Hoa Bac Bo" performance, a captivating show that celebrates the culture and traditions of northern Vietnam. This well-curated performance pulls in large crowds and offers a unique opportunity to experience the artistic beauty of the region.

Traditional dance, music and Quan Ho singing - an enchanting and elegant form of Northern Vietnamese folk music - are all featured in the performance. With its delicate dance and melodic harmonies, the performance takes guests to the heart of northern Vietnamese culture and evokes strong emotions as you see the cultural quintessence of the region.

Every Wednesday, Saturday, and Sunday at 7:30 PM, visitors to Hanoi can experience the spectacular live performance "Tinh hoa Bac Bo" or "The Quintessence of Tonkin" at Baara Land, an entertainment and dining complex in Da Phuc Village, Sai Son Commune, Hanoi.

The show highlights the spiritual and cultural heritage of northern Vietnam, drawing inspiration from the nearby Thay Pagoda, founded by Zen Master Tu Dao Hanh.

This performance blends folklore, Buddhism, poetry, music, and the everyday life of the people of the region, transporting the audience to a time of ancient traditions and rural tranquility.

A scene of fishermen navigating the waters, their paddles cutting through the mist, opens the performance. Tu Dao Hanh, the Zen master, enters, rings a bell and offers a prayer for peace.

Known for his humility, Tu Dao Hanh is also credited as the creator of water puppetry to tell the stories of rural life, an art form that is now an integral part of Vietnamese culture. This show features live performances that "dance" on water, depicting everyday moments rather than myths or legends, creating a unique experience for the audience.

The show also offers a glimpse into the lives of northern Vietnamese villagers. As Hoang Nhat Nam, former director of The Quintessence of Tonkin, explains, the actors are not just performers, but locals who bring their daily lives to the stage and treat the audience as friends. Many of the performers are farmers from Da Sy village who transform into performers at night, ranging in age from 10 to 80.

The stage is a 4,300 square meter lake surrounded by lush greenery and the mist-shrouded Sai Son Mountain. The setting lends a magical atmosphere to the show, and advanced technology enhances the experience. A state-of-the-art hydrothermal system lifts the water pavilion, Thuy Dinh, out of the water in less than a minute. The scenographic lighting and sound effects are designed to enhance the beauty of the performance and the surrounding nature.

The show's repertoire includes traditional elements such as ca tru (ceremonial singing), quan ho (love duet singing), and hau dong (mediumship rituals). The dramatic scenes, such as a procession to worship the Goddess or students preparing for exams, evoke deep emotions through a fusion of lights, music and impressive projections.

The Quintessence of Tonkin is presented at the Baara Land Entertainment Complex, 25 km west of Hanoi, near the historic Thay Pagoda. The performances can be easily combined with a visit to the pagoda for a memorable cultural outing. Tickets can be purchased with round-trip bus service from Hanoi's Chamvit Tower. This immersive experience offers both locals and international visitors a unique way to discover the beauty, history and culture of northern Vietnam.

Our final stop is at Thay Pagoda, one of Hanoi's most famous pagodas, located at the foot of Sai Son Mountain. This pagoda, with its ancient architectural charm, holds deep cultural and spiritual significance for the Vietnamese people.

Built in the 11th century during the Ly Dynasty, Thay Pagoda is an architectural marvel and a place of deep reflection and reverence. Visitors are greeted by majestic Buddha statues, elegant calligraphy, and a serene environment that fosters inner peace. The pond surrounding the pagoda, which remains crystal clear throughout the year, and its towering ancient trees lend a serene atmosphere, making it an ideal place for sightseeing, prayer and meditation.

In addition to its spiritual value, Thay Pagoda is famous for its traditional festivals, especially the Thay Pagoda Festival in the spring, from the fifth to the seventh day of the third lunar month, which gathers thousands of pilgrims and tourists who come to offer incense, pray for peace, and enjoy quan ho singing, water puppet shows, and folk games.

Thay Pagoda is also historically significant as the place where the famous Buddhist monk Tu Dao Hanh is said to have achieved enlightenment. His legendary power to harness natural forces to protect and help the poor is still celebrated today.

From the spiritual serenity of Thay Pagoda to the dramatic beauty of Hoang Xa Cave and So Village Communal House, Quoc Oai offers a journey that connects the heart to the land. Here, history, culture and nature come together in harmony, creating memories that last long after the journey is over.