VietNamNet Bridge – Tourists coming to the northern province of Thanh Hoa are in for a real treat as there are so many interesting and historical hotspots for them to check out.

Tourists relax at the stream section where the genie fish herds swim.

Of course the area is known for Sam Son Beach and Cuc Phuong Forest but there is so much more to explore.

For example, located 46 kilometers off northwest Thanh Hoa City, Lam Kinh relic area in Tho Xuan District is a must-see. The area covers 30 hectares and includes monuments, temples and royal houses of Post-Le reign’s kings and has two real treasures.

One is Vinh Lang Stele – the biggest stele in the country which is made of sedimentary rock.

The other is a special guava tree which smiles. Now this is no urban myth or tale from folklore. Check it out for yourselves.

If you gently scratch its trunk, leaves will shake rhythmically and if you tickle its stump, the whole tree will shake like it is laughing. The site also has five ancient trees, one of which is 600 years old.

Meanwhile, genie fish stream in Cam Luong Commune, Cam Thuy District, is considered an ecotourism and religious site of locals. Thousands of fish weighing from two to eight kilograms swim in a stream section of crystal clear water. The section is just about 100 meters long and is always immaculate.

Every night, the fish herds swim into a small cave in the mountain’s heart. Locals believe that the fish are sacred and can bring good luck for them. Therefore, they never catch or eat them.

Source: SGT