Luong Ngoc Stream, roughly 100 kilometers northwest from Thanh Hoa City, is another interesting place in Thanh Hoa Province. This is home to many fish in the stream located next to Truong Sinh Mountain, and has been named the “God fish stream” by the Muong ethnic minority in Cam Thuy District’s Cam Luong Commune.

“If someone catches and eats God fish from Luong Ngoc Stream, they will lose their life.” That’s what the Muong villagers in Cam Luong warn tourists as they speak of the “God fish stream.”

On the way to the stream, tourists will hear mysterious stories related to the God fish and the traditions of the Muong people, while breathing pure fresh air and enjoying beautiful landscapes along the road surrounded with wild scenery and fragrant corn fields.

Don’t be shocked if you see some coffins hung on the surface of the ponds. It is one of the traditional customs of the Muong ethnic minority. In the past, they used to hang the coffins on the walls of mountains.

Luong Ngoc Stream originates from Truong Sinh Mountain where the fish swim out of a cave in the morning. No one knows their origins. The spring is crowded with an array of fish which are unafraid of humans. Under the clear water, one can easily see thousands of fish with strange shapes, confusing tourists who try to identify what they are. The body looks like mud carp (cirrhina molitorella) while the head is more like the common carp (cyprinus carpio), with long fins and golden or green scales.

The smallest fish weigh several kilograms but most of the fish are over 10 kilograms each, while in the cave there are bigger fish weighing dozens of kilos, according to locals. The villagers also stress their forefathers warned that bad luck would come to those who catch and kill even one fish from the stream.

Luong Ngoc Stream features different legends. Some say that there was a Snake God protecting the villagers and when he passed away, the locals set up a temple to commemorate him and the Pearl Emperor also appointed a fish to monitor the altar. Hence, it is called the God fish stream.

Others say that an angel came to earth and bathed in the stream. Before flying back to heaven, she left the fish which prevent humans from entering there. Gradually, the fish multiply in the stream. In spite of the pure and cool water, the Muong people don’t dare use it for their daily lives because they are afraid of the wrath of the gods.

Such reverent behavior from the locals’ religious beliefs brings positive results in the form of natural environmental protection for a unique tourist attraction.

The management of the tourist site in Cam Thuy District warns on the board hung next to the stream: “Luong Ngoc Stream has been protected for generations. Local legend tells that if someone damages the fish living here, they will experience unfortunate things. Next to the stream is an altar of the holy Snake God who is responsible for the fish.”

Some photos of the God Fish Procession rituals on February 15:

Zing/SGT