38. Dinh Mount Base Revolutionary Historical Relic

Dinh Mount revolutionary base is located adjacent to National Highway 51, located in Ba Ria city and Phu My township, is a unique revolutionary historical relic in the two resistance wars against France and America of the province. Dinh Mount forms a sweeping curve from Southeast to Northwest, its highest point being the 504 meter Ong Trinh mount, gently descending on either side. This locale served as a secure revolutionary base for units engaged in the Southeastern battlefront. Covering an extensive and intricate terrain, the present landscape of the historical relic remains largely unchanged. Featuring picturesque scenery, pristine mountainous forests, numerous caves, moss-covered large rocks, and convenient transportation, several temples were constructed on the mountain slopes starting from the early 20th century. Natural mountain cliff caves, capitalizing on the ancient topography as a stronghold, still maintain their original state, untouched by human interference. The Dinh Mount Revolutionary Base received official recognition as a national-level revolutionary historical relic from the Ministry of Culture and Information on December 16, 1993, under decision number: 2015VH/QĐ.

Dinh Mount is a pristine forest with cascading streams, boasting diverse and abundant tropical vegetation, including rare wood species like Apitong, Golden Oak, Lagerstromia, Rose-wood, Camellia, Terminalia chebula, Lophopetalum duperreanum Pierre, mukulungu, Doussie, etc. Below the canopy of the old forest lies the habitat of various animal species: tigers, monkeys, deer, porcupines, bears, wild boars, pangolins, squirrels, civets, monitor lizard, and numerous valuable medicinal plants like licorice, astragalus, and Schefflera heptaphylla. Leveraging the rugged terrain and strategic position, in late 1952, the Ba Ria City Party Committee covertly relocated the operational base from the Sac forest in Long Son commune to Dinh Mount.

The Dinh Mount base, with its intricate terrain and expansive area, made it challenging for the enemy to pinpoint the exact location of revolutionary forces’ activities. Every rock crevice, tree hollow, and stream bank could be a site where revolutionary soldiers achieved heroic feats. Even though the war has ended, the revolutionary bases persist as testaments to the valor, hardships, and sacrifices of countless forefathers. These bases, such as Hang To, Dieu Linh Pagoda, Hang Mai, Bung Lung, Hang Doi, continue to evoke deep emotions and pride when recounted.

Located at an elevation of 200 meters, Hang To boasts numerous expansive and deep rock caves, providing sufficient space for hundreds of people. The cave consists of two branches: one deeply embedded in the mountain slope and another situated higher up. This site served as a crucial rest point for revolutionary soldiers and a supply hub for the Ba Ria City Party Committee and Party Cells. In 1968, Hang To served as the assembly point for the armed forces of Ba Ria – Long Khanh province before heading into battle. A monument at the relic explicitly states, “Hang To is where the Lam Te Chanh Tong stream worships Buddha’s Ancestors, the revolutionary base of Ba Ria town, supporting the revolutionary forces in the resistance at the Dinh Mount base.” The Hang To Pagoda stands out amidst the forest with its gracefully curved blue-tiled roof, golden walls, a clean and spacious courtyard adorned with numerous trees, flowers, and leaves. The main hall features a cement altar with a statue of Buddha Shakyamuni meditating on a lotus platform. It has become one of the historical revolutionary and spiritual tourism destinations within the Dinh Mount tourist area.

Situated at an elevation of 160 meters to the Northwest of Dinh Mount, the Dieu Linh Pagoda Base offers a stunning natural ecological space and holds a heroic revolutionary history. Dieu Linh Pagoda was once an active revolutionary center, providing food and supplies for the Ba Ria City Party Committee during the war from 1972 to 1975. The former base consisted of two thatched military camps, tables and chairs made of wood and bamboo for work, with our officers digging numerous tunnels, two entrances and exits, and the lower area used for hanging hammocks to avoid bombs and shells. During the war, the temple was completely destroyed by enemy bombs, leaving only the three-story tall Ancestors’ Tower. Visitors to the historical relic will find a monument with an inscription: “Dieu Linh Pagoda (1972-1975), the resistance base for the city committee, city unit, and agencies of Ba Ria City. The Provincial Party Committee opened study sessions, implemented party resolutions down to the grassroots, and built a movement to rally the masses to liberate Ba Ria on April 27, 1975.” This is a red address, symbolizing the revolutionary spirit and patriotism of our soldiers and people during the anti-enemy resistance.

Situated at an elevation of 254 meters to the Northwest of Dinh Mount, Hang Mai is nestled in a relatively wide valley sloping gently towards the North, adorned with small meandering streams. Nature has bestowed upon Hang Mai a charming and untouched beauty, surrounded by lush greenery, fragrant flowers, and the melodious songs of forest birds. During the Anti-French Resistance War and Americans, Hang Mai served as a crucial hub for revolutionary activities led by our officers and soldiers. The area surrounding Hang Mai hosted numerous temples, providing a resting place for our dedicated personnel. In 1968, upon discovering that this was a focal point for our forces, the enemy employed destructive tactics, using bombs to obliterate the entire base. They also targeted Hang Mai’s entrance, and nearby significant temples suffered complete destruction. Today, the temple has undergone multiple renovations and reconstructions, standing out against the expansive mountainous forest with its striking red-tiled roof. It has evolved into a spiritual tourism destination within the network of scenic spiritual landmarks, attracting visitors and Buddhists from across the region when exploring the Dinh Mount tourist area in Phu My township, Ba Ria-Vung Tau province. A plaque at the entrance of Hang Mai reads: “Hang Mai – the permanent headquarters of the city party committee, the city guerrilla unit of Ba Ria town, the city’s training base, and the reception station for Saigon – Gia Dinh city Youth Union officials, the observation post of the provincial military (1962-1968). The site where the provincial party committee directed the Mau Than spring campaign in 1968.” Every year, visitors from all corners come to explore, offer incense, and wish for peace and happiness. Those who visit Hang Mai not only express their faith and deep respect for Buddhism but also gain a profound understanding of the revolutionary spirit of our people during wartime, defending our homeland.

Bung Lung, secluded between the peaks of Ong Trinh and Dinh Mount, stands as the furthest location. This was the resistance base for the city party committee, the city unit, and the agencies of Ba Ria town from 1961 to 1967; it served as the training ground for the special forces officers of the Saigon – Gia Dinh Youth Union before they returned to the city for operations. The area earned its name, Bung Lung, due to the abundance of Lung trees (arrowroot). Bung Lung features a relatively flat valley, surrounded by slopes adorned with ancient trees, displaying wide-spreading leaves like stars, including trees such as Goldden oak, Apitong, Lagerstromia, which provided convenient cover for hiding and revolutionary activities. Our officers and soldiers constructed houses from wood and bamboo, with thatched roofs made from leaves, surrounded by bamboo fences; they dug bunkers to seek shelter from shells and bombs. Presently, the historical relic is covered by grass, and the path to the bunker has collapsed. A visit to this site allows visitors to witness the hardships and sacrifices of our forefathers, inspiring self-reflection and a commitment to further self-improvement to contribute to building the nation, worthy of our ancestors.

Located at an elevation of 80 meters above sea level to the Southwest of Dinh Mount, Hang Doi boasts challenging terrain and is divided into two branches – the upper and lower branches, earning its name due to the presence of numerous bats. This site played a crucial role during the resistance periods against the French and Americans for the Ba Ria City Party Committee and Party Cells. To access the cave, one must traverse through a forest of Tectona grandis trees, making the journey relatively straightforward. The cave entrance is broad and airy, formed by past volcanic activity that emitted basalt, creating deep caves on the mountain. As a result, Hang Doi has a unique geographical structure compared to other caves in Dinh Mount, featuring hanging stalactites. Venturing deeper into the cave, smooth basalt rock formations are revealed, and the damp atmosphere creates a refreshing, cool sensation. The pathway is challenging, suitable for adventurous youth seeking exploration. A 13-meter-long path connects the two branches, with the lower branch housing a statue of the Bodhisattva Avalokiteshvara. Presently, Hang Doi features a small temple in the upper branch dedicated to the worship of the Buddha. Hang Doi serves as both a fascinating natural exploration destination and a historical revolutionary tourism site, offering a blend of nature and spirituality.

Currently, the historical revolutionary base of Dinh Mount is receiving attention and development efforts from local authorities. As a result, the roads leading to the revolutionary base are gradually being renovated, allowing tourists to comfortably reach the site by car or motorcycle for exploration and experience. Beyond its historical significance, the Dinh Mount region boasts numerous caves and temples, attracting both Buddhists and pilgrims, as well as tourists from various places. Dinh Mount is becoming an enticing and ideal tourist destination for visitors from both within and outside the country.