Check-in at the ancient stone citadel to see lotus flowers

Thanh Nha Ho, a unique stone citadel structure over 600 years old, was recognized by UNESCO as a World Cultural Heritage Site in June 2011, with outstanding value in the East Asia and Southeast Asia regions. Coming here, visitors can not only learn about the "unique" stone citadel structure but also enjoy the gentle pink color and elegant fragrance of ancient lotus flowers.

Mr. Truong Trong Tien (Vinh Tien commune, Vinh Loc district) shared that the lotus variety grown at Thanh Nha Ho is the ancient lotus, also known as the Vietnamese lotus, with the characteristics of being a tall lotus, with many flowers and easy to grow. The lotus flower usually has about 14 petals, oval-shaped, light pink and lightly fragrant. The fragrant lotus seeds are used to make sweet soup and sticky rice - traditional local dishes. The lotus season starts from June and lasts until September, lasting longer than other lotus varieties.

“While other lotus species wither quickly, the ancient lotus in the Imperial Citadel lasts a very long time. In the past, households grew lotus simply for food and medicine, but now they also serve tourism . Visitors to the Ho Dynasty Citadel love to come and see the lotus and take pictures,” said Mr. Tien.

Currently, lotus is grown in ancient lakes within the Imperial Citadel, such as Duc Tuong Lake (southeast), Boi Chai Lake (southwest), and Duc Thuy Lake (northwest). Nearly 10 local households participate in growing lotus, not only for food but also for tourism development.

Mr. Nguyen Van Long, Deputy Director of the Ho Dynasty Citadel Heritage Conservation Center, said that from the beginning of the year to June 2025, the Center welcomed nearly 150,000 visitors, of which about 2,000 were international visitors. Lotus blooming at Ho Dynasty Citadel not only beautifies the landscape but also creates a cultural mark, contributing to attracting tourists and promoting local heritage.

Source: https://www.sggp.org.vn/check-in-thanh-da-co-ngam-sen-post800609.html