Dong Thap is a province in the Mekong Delta River, home to many natural wonders that captivate tourists. The province’s tourism is growing, with many destinations that attract tourists. These destinations include Dong Tam Snake Farm, Thoi Son Islet, Vinh Trang Pagoda… Besides, this place has many historical sites that tourists seek out, and the most popular one is Rach Gam – Xoai Mut Victory historical relic.
Rach Gam Xoai Mut Battle
In 1784, after receiving Nguyen Phuc Anh’s request for help, 50,000 Siamese troops rushed to Vietnam and then attacked the Tay Son army base in My Tho. Receiving that the Siamese army was on the rampage, in January 1785, Nguyen Hue pulled troops to the South to station at My Tho city, choosing the section of the Tien River from Rach Gam to Xoai Mut, about 7km long, 1 – 2 km wide, in the middle of the river. There was Thoi Son Islet with dense trees, very convenient for hiding troops and setting up ambushes, making it a decisive battle point.
A depiction of the ambush at Rach Gam – Xoai Mut on the wall
On the night of January 19 and 20, 1785, taking advantage of the tide flowing down the river, Chieu Tang proactively attacked My Tho with the intention of destroying the fleet of the Tay Son army. Similarly, the Tay Son army pretended to be defeated and fled, allowing the enemy to enter the ambush battlefield at Rach Gam – Xoai Mut. When the artillery command of the Tay Son army rang out, Nguyen Hue had already locked the head and the end; then the tiger guns on both banks were firing continuously. At the same time, the kamikaze boat was filled with straw and other materials. The flammable object crashed straight into the enemy’s ship.
Being suddenly attacked, the entire warship of the Siamese army was sunk in just one night. Only a few thousand of the Siamese army escaped. Nguyen Anh was fortunate to be protected by Mac Tu Sanh and escaped to Siam, while Chieu Tang and Chieu Suong jumped ashore to find their way back to Siam. Following the glorious victory, the Rach Gam Xoai Mut battlefield was described as a great wall to protect the nation.
General information about Rach Gam – Xoai Mut Victory Relic
Rach Gam – Xoai Mut Victory Relic is located in Dong hamlet, Kim Son Commune, Dong Thap province, next to the bank of Tien River, right in front of provincial road 864, about 12 km west of My Tho Ward. The best way to visit this area, especially from Ho Chi Minh, is a private car rental with a driver. The relic was put into use on January 20th, 2005, on the occasion of the 220th anniversary of the Rach Gam – Xoai Mut victory, with an area of 1.5 hectares, including 03 exhibition houses:
– Gallery No. 1: displays a series of ceramic mosaics and many artifacts related to the battle.
Cannons weapon of Tay Son army
– Gallery No. 02: displays a collection of artifacts about Rach Gam – Xoai Mut, with about 546 artifacts including weapons and vehicles used by both sides.
Pans make of copper in Rach Gam Xoai Mut Victory Relic
artifacts in Rach Gam Xoai Mut Victory Relic
– Ancient house with the style of Cochinchina: 03 rooms, 02 wings, 48 wooden columns, yin-yang tiled roof, house area 225m².
The space inside the ancient house is used to recreate the lives of rich farmers in the South in the past. This ancient house has been restored and moved intact from Go Cong district.
inside the ancient house at Rach Gam – Xoai Mut Victory Relic
At the Rach Gam Xoai Mut Victory Relic Area, there is also a monument to national hero Nguyen Hue located right in the central area. The statue is made of bronze, weighs 20 tons, is 8 meters high and is placed on a pedestal simulating the shape of a warship.
The statue is designed in a heroic sword-drawing posture. Not only that, next to the statue there is also a soldier holding a bow and an indigenous person rowing a boat, forming a perfect unity.
The Rach Gam Xoai Mut victory relic site was also ranked as a national monument by the Ministry of Culture and Information on December 2, 1992, and by the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism as a special national monument.
Useful information
- Best for: Family, couple, solo, students
- Entrance: Free; however, you can donate the ancient house to support the restoration of the relic.
- Opening Hours: Daily 08:00 – 17:00
- Other tourist spots nearby: Cai Be Floating Market, Tan Thanh Beach, Tien Chau Pagoda, Vinh Long Ancient House Ecological Area, Cai Be church, Sac Tu Linh Thuu Pagoda, Truc Lam Chanh Giac Monastery…
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