A visit to Cam Lo district – a historical place

During the national history, Cam Lo district was selected twice to set up the "resistance capital," including once when King Ham Nghi issued the Can Vuong proclamation calling for a resistance against the French invaders to save the country, and once when the headquarters of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam was established.

A temple dedicated to King Ham Nghi and Can Vuong soldiers was inaugurated at Tan So National Monument in Cam Chinh commune, Cam Lo district on July 13, 2020.

The temple consists of five compartments and two wings, simulating the architectural style of the Nguyen Dynasty.

In 1883, the Nguyen Dynasty built Tan So Citadel in Cam Lo as a backup capital. On July 13, 1885, in Tan So Citadel, King Ham Nghi issued the Can Vuong proclamation calling on people nationwide to rise up against the French colonialists to wrest back national independence. 

Tan So Citadel has witnessed the nation's heroic days with the rise of the Vietnamese feudal class in leading the national movements against the foreign invaders. The area is a vacant lot now. In 1995, Tan So Citadel was recognized as a national monument.

In the photo are cannonballs (stone-made ammunition, loaded into a bronze-made cannon) in Tan So Citadel.

Brick, tile, mortar, and cannonballs excavated in Tan So citadel in May 2012

In July 2020, on the occasion of the 135th anniversary of King Ham Nghi’s delivery of the Can Vuong proclamation, the authorities of Cam Lo district moved the altar of King Ham Nghi and Can Vuong soldiers from Hue Citadel to Tan So Citadel for worship. At the moment, the temple is open to locals, students, and tourists.

About 10 km off the east of King Ham Nghi's temple is the national relic site of the headquarters of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. This relic’s area is 1.7 hectare. It has the restored works of the complex and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs office (two white buildings). The two remaining constructions in the photo are the monument stele, the office of the management board of the monument.

Inside the room is a photo gallery about foreign ambassadors present their credentials to the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. The headquarters area was built from May 6 to 30, 1973. On June 6, 1973, the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam made a debut in front of the people. In addition to the two restored buildings above, other buildings are the canteen of governmental members, the canteen of the ambassadors, the accommodation of government officials and staff, and the residence of ambassadors.

The complex was a place where foreign ambassadors presented their credentials. It also welcomed leaders of many countries, including Cuban leader Fidel Castro in September 1973.

A gift from the city of Bologna (Italy) to the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. In 1985, the buildings in the area completely collapsed in a storm.

An official state vehicle at the headquarters of the Provisional Revolutionary Government of the Republic of South Vietnam. This is the only remaining original artifact of the relic site.

Each year, this monument welcomes about 3,000 visitors. This area currently has very few artifacts and pictures.

Source: VnExpress

Translated by Trung Thanh