O Dien "convergence" of ancient capital, famous people and tourism opportunities

On the map of Vietnamese culture, O Dien is one of the special lands. More than 1,500 years ago, this place was the capital of Van Xuan State - the first independent country after the period of Chinese domination, and also the hometown of the famous person To Hien Thanh - a mandarin who was both civil and military under the Ly Dynasty.

Today, O Dien is being positioned as a “heritage park” - where the past and present meet, opening up great potential for developing cultural and historical tourism .

Ancient capital, hometown of famous people

Peaceful life in Ha Mo village, O Dien commune. Photo: Nguyen Mai

According to historical records, O Dien Citadel is located in the ancient Ha Mo area (now O Dien commune, Hanoi), in a prime location between the confluence of four rivers: Red, Day, Nhue, Hat. This was once the headquarters of Ly Nam De and Ly Phat Tu, playing the role of political and military center of Van Xuan, and at the same time an important link in the chain of capitals from Phong Chau - Co Loa - O Dien - Thang Long.

Presently, the system of relics in O Dien such as Van Xuan communal house, Ham Rong temple, and Chinh Khi temple still exist. The parallel sentence at Van Xuan communal house affirms: "During the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, the country's name was Van Xuan, the great communal house recorded the relics of the saint/The scenic spot of O Dien was once the capital, all the worship was radiant with the sacredness of the Gods" - (translation: During the reign of Emperor Ly Nam De, the country's name was Van Xuan, the great communal house recorded the relics of the saint/The scenic spot of O Dien was once the capital, all the worship was radiant with the sacredness of the Gods) is a clear proof of the capital's position in the past.

Statue of famous person To Hien Thanh in the grounds of Van Hien temple, Ha Mo village. Photo: Nguyen Mai

In this ancient capital, in 1102, the famous To Hien Thanh was born. From a young age, he was famous for his intelligence, extensive knowledge, and military skills, passing the Minh Kinh Bac Hoc exam in 1138. He held the position of Thai Uy, was trusted by King Ly Anh Tong and King Ly Cao Tong to take charge of the government, and participated in many important national affairs. What especially made later generations admire To Hien Thanh was his integrity and loyalty. When the Queen Mother offered him gold and silver in exchange for support for his relatives, he resolutely refused, keeping the late emperor's instructions. Before his death, he also recommended talented people to strengthen the government, demonstrating his great responsibility to the country.

O Dien land is rich in historical and cultural traditions with many unique festivals. In the photo: Ha Mo village festival. Photo: Khac Hien

For centuries, people across the country have worshipped him as a god of fortune. The system of more than 200 temples stretching from Hanoi, Bac Ninh, Hai Duong, Nam Dinh to Thanh Hoa, Ha Tinh is proof of the deep respect. In his hometown of Ha Mo, he is honored as "God" in Van Hien Temple, where the stone stele reads: "His merits will forever remain with the country, his grace will forever remain with the village".

The dual value of O Dien - both an ancient capital and a famous person's hometown - is a rare advantage of O Dien commune in socio-economic development, especially in exploiting cultural tourism. Because visitors coming here not only learn about the vestiges of an ancient capital, but also live in the story of an exemplary loyal subject of history.

From memory to motivation for development

Today, O Dien commune was established on the basis of merging the communes: Hong Ha, Tan Hoi, Tan Lap, Lien Trung, Lien Ha, Lien Hong and Ha Mo (of the old Dan Phuong district) with a spacious and modern infrastructure. Photo: Khac Hien

A corner of O Dien village is both modern and retains traditional features with architectural works such as communal houses, pagodas, village wells... Photo: Khac Hien

Implementing the 2-level local government model, from July 1, 2025, O Dien commune was officially established on the basis of merging the communes: Hong Ha, Tan Hoi, Tan Lap, Lien Trung, Lien Ha, Lien Hong and Ha Mo (of the old Dan Phuong district). The name O Dien is a symbol associated with the origin, identity and aspirations of the people here. It is not only an administrative decision, but also a choice with profound cultural and historical significance and a long-term development vision. According to researchers, "O Dien" is not a new name randomly thought of. It is the name of an ancient land, recorded in history books with O Dien Citadel - one of the three most important political and military centers of the Van Xuan State in the 6th century, the confluence of three major rivers: Red River, Day River and Nhue River - a top geostrategic location.

O Dien Commune Party Committee headquarters today. Photo: Khac Hien

Today, on the old land of the ancient citadel is the continuation of residents, culture and relics from many generations. The relics stretching along the ancient Nhue River still exist as living evidence of a land that was once the heart of the nation in its early years. Naming the new commune “O Dien” is to arouse pride in the long-standing cultural and historical traditions, and at the same time is a message that unites all the rural areas under a common roof rich in identity and full of aspirations to rise up.

According to architect and planning expert Le Quang Minh, choosing the name "O Dien" is not only a return to the past, but also a move towards the future. "Decision 1569/QD-TTg dated December 12, 2024 on the planning of Hanoi Capital, the old Dan Phuong district area, including O Dien commune today, is oriented to develop into a new modern urban area, combining eco-tourism, cultural and historical space. In which, it emphasizes the development of the cultural space of O Dien Citadel; building To Hien Thanh Celebrity Park; dredging the ancient Nhue River associated with ecology and heritage... This is an opportunity for O Dien not only to preserve the memory of their ancestors, but also to "awaken" the tourism potential, contributing to local economic growth".

People of Ha Mo village, O Dien commune in the porridge cooking contest. Photo: O Dien commune

The 1st Congress of the Party Committee of O Dien commune, term 2025-2030, determined: "Inheriting and promoting cultural traditions, creative solidarity, building a clean and strong political system; mobilizing all resources to build O Dien commune to develop in the direction of a green, rich, civilized and happy urban area". With the potential and advantages of historical and cultural relics, tourism development is one of the goals the commune is aiming for.

Cooking porridge - a dish with a tradition of hundreds of years in Ha Mo village, O Dien commune. Photo: O Dien commune

Cooking porridge in Ha Mo village. Photo: O Dien commune

Ha Mo village's porridge is usually eaten with chopsticks. Photo: O Dien Commune

Party Secretary and Chairman of the People's Council of O Dien Commune, Nguyen Van Duc, said: "Visitors to O Dien can learn about the Van Xuan State - the first independent nation after the period of Chinese domination, and at the same time live in the story of an exemplary loyal and upright mandarin. This is a golden advantage to build an attractive cultural and historical tourism product that is difficult to mix with any other locality."

Tong Goi boat rowing is a typical folk art of Tan Hoi land, O Dien commune. Photo: O Dien commune

The traditional festival of the Tong Goi boat singing festival in O Dien commune has been included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage. Photo: O Dien commune

In addition, O Dien is also located in a land rich in potential for ecological landscapes and traditional craft villages, such as: the traditional kite making craft and kite flying festival of Ba Duong Noi village; Tong goi boat rowing festival; unique culinary dishes such as se porridge, tofu, gio cake... Combining the exploitation of the heritage of the ancient capital, famous people, landscapes and craft village products will create a diverse chain of experiences for tourists, from learning about history, spiritual worship to ecological sightseeing, enjoying rural cuisine...

The traditional kite-flying festival of Ba Duong Noi village, O Dien commune, has also been included in the list of national intangible cultural heritage. Photo: Hong Ha

Every year, the festival attracts thousands of locals and tourists to attend and experience the kite-making process. Photo: Hong Ha

Traditional kite flying in Ba Duong Noi village, O Dien commune. Photo: Hong Ha

When the dual heritage values ​​are exploited, O Dien will not only be a land in history books, but also a vibrant destination on the tourist map of Hanoi. It is a place for the young generation to find their roots, for tourists to explore history and for the local community to develop the economy on a cultural basis.

Source: https://hanoimoi.vn/o-dien-hoi-tu-co-do-danh-nhan-va-co-hoi-du-lich-717140.html