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Once the capital of the ancient Kingdom of Champa, the Quang Region is characterized by harsh sun, strong winds, lush vegetation and a rich history. When the Viets moved south they found a culture very different from that of northern Vietnam’s wet rice farmers. Imposing red brichk Cham towers reach towards the blue sky, the temples housing Linga and Yoni statues that represent fertility and mysterious, Indian-inspired gods carved from sandstone.

Following the edicts of King Tran Anh Tong and, later, the Ho, Le and Nguyen monarchs, strong-willed norhterns followed the troops of Lord Nguyen Hoang southwards. Miraculously, cultural exchange began to take place. The Quang Region’s people are mainly descended from the open-minded pioneers who refused to be oppressed by the weakening Le Dynasty.

In this region, northern Vietnamese and Cham cultures mingled and were influenced by Indian, Malaysian and Southeast island culturesn, as well as by the cultures of the ethnic K’tu, Je-Trieng, Xo Dang, and H’re people who populate the nearby TruongSon mountains. As a result of these various influences, the Quang Region has the most diverse spiritual system of any area in Vietnam. Under the open-trade policies centuries, Chinese Minh Huong immigrants settled here too, and this wealthy region drew merchant ships from around the world. Today, the old port town of Hoi An is a testament to the area’s cosmopolitan past, its architecture exhibiting Japanese, Vietnamese, Chinese and European influences.

With its hardworking and hospitable people, fascinating culture, rich history and stunning scenery, there’s much more to Quang Nam than just “pink liquor, sun and wind”.


From: Vietnam Airlines Inflight Magazine