Viem Xa is home to the temple of quan ho ancestry called Vua Ba (Lady King) temple. Legend has it that she was Hung King’s daughter, who had exceptional beauty and talent.

Viem Xa people at a traditional festival.

During a springtime excursion to admire the land’s natural splendor, she came upon Viem Xa, where the harmony of mountains and rivers was so captivating that she decided to settle down there, cultivated new customs and educated local people.

She also taught the locals songs and melodies to motivate people to working hard. Such simple songs were gradually refined to become quan ho folk songs.

In order to commemorate her dedications, the people in Diem village built a temple called Lady King temple.

Today, Diem Xa residential group still preserves unique rural space of the northern delta region with banyan trees, village wells, communal courtyards, pagoda systems, village gates and ancient houses amid the rapid urbanization process.

This is the home to the featured cultural heritage system of quan ho cultural space including Lady King temple the ancestor of quan ho folk songs, community house, the unique community cultural space of quan ho people, Cung temple and Ngoc (pearl) well worshipping princesses Ngoc Dung and Thuy Tien and Diem communal house worshipping Saint Tam Giang built in 1692 with Cua vong (the hand-carved wooden door) recognised as a national treasure.

One of the most distinctive traits of Viem Xa people is their unique accent, slightly heavier in tone compared to neighboring residents. Yet, when they raise their voices in quan ho folk songs with all the nuanced techniques, their singing becomes beautifully sweet, deeply expressive and captivating to the soul.

Singing quan ho to serve locals at Lady King lake, Viem Xa residential group.

Den Cung- Gieng Ngoc is often flocked with visitors to offer incense and enjoy the tranquil scenery on the first and fifteenth days of the lunar month, especially during the early days of spring. Here, everyone behaves politely and speaks gently. There is absolutely no sign of aggressive soliciting for parking, buying goods or paid offerings.

“The people in Viem Xa are simple, honest and hardworking, who are very proud of the tradition of the quan ho ancestry village in line with the unique historical and cultural relic systems. The local party committee, unions and organisations foster the community’s solidarity to build up cultural lifestyle and environment, especially in preserving and promoting values of the cultural heritages”, said Deputy Secretary of the party committee and Head of Viem Xa residential group Nguyen Van Ty.

Perhaps, these features have shaped the special cultural “brand” of the land and people of Viem Xa for visitors from near and far.

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