Explore Nấp Mountain Thanh Hoa and the legacy of 13 young female volunteers

1. A brief overview of Nui Nap Thanh Hoa

1.1 General introduction to Nui Nap (Thanh Hoa)

Nui Nap belongs to Hac Thanh ward, located southwest of the old Thanh Hoa city. The mountain is located next to the North-South railway line, this place was once a strategically important location during the resistance war against America.

Nui Nap Thanh Hoa belongs to Hac Thanh ward. (Source: Collected)

During the fierce years of war, Nui Nap was considered the “jugular” of the supply line for goods and ammunition supporting the Southern front line. Therefore, this place became a “fire coordinate,” a “bomb bag” for the American enemy, with hundreds of intense bombing raids. Tons of bombs and ammunition were dropped on this land, but the resilient spirit of the army and people of Thanh Hoa remained unshaken, contributing to maintaining the vital transportation artery.

More than half a century has passed, Nui Nap today is covered in the lush green of trees, rice fields, and cornfields; spacious houses have sprung up, recalling a heroic and tragic past. In 1995, the State recognized Nui Nap as a national historical-cultural relic, to express gratitude for the valiant fighting spirit and great sacrifices of this heroic land.

1.2 Historical Imprints and the Sacrifice of 13 Female Youth Volunteers

On the land of Dong Hung, Dong Son, traces of a time of bombs and ammunition still exist in the people's memories and on every mountain slope and field here. Nui Nap is not only a witness to the fierce years of war but also a symbol of bravery, indomitable spirit, and love for the Fatherland of many generations of Vietnamese people.

Amidst that “fire coordinate,” the youth volunteers of Company 873 - Unit 87 wrote an immortal heroic epic. Under the rain of bombs and storms of bullets, they tenaciously held their ground, ensuring the vital North-South railway line remained unobstructed, contributing significantly to the support efforts for the beloved South. Among them, 13 female youth volunteers from Thai Binh province bravely sacrificed themselves, leaving behind infinite sorrow and deep admiration for generations to come.

Old comrades revisit the Thanh Hoa battlefield of yesteryear. (Source: Collected)

Today, standing before the memorial stele of 13 heroines at the foot of Mount Nap, every visitor clearly feels the solemn and sacred atmosphere. Their sacrifice is not only a source of pride for the Thanh homeland but also a shining symbol of the spirit “Determined to fight to the death for the Fatherland”, forever enduring with the nation's history.

2. How to get there and experience the journey

Getting to Mount Nap Thanh Hoa is quite convenient nowadays. From the center of Thanh Hoa city, visitors depart along Le Loi Avenue towards Hac Thanh ward. The distance is about 5 km, and traveling by car or motorbike takes only 15-20 minutes, making it very suitable for a short day trip.

If departing from Hanoi, visitors can choose one of two popular means of transport:

By car or motorbike: follow the Hanoi - Ninh Binh - Thanh Hoa expressway (CT01), the distance is about 150 km, and travel time is about 2.5-3 hours.

By train: depart from Hanoi station to Thanh Hoa station, then travel an additional 5 km along the Le Loi Avenue - National Highway 45 route to reach Mount Nap.

3. Ideal time to visit

Visitors can visit Mount Nap Thanh Hoa at any time of the year, as each season here brings its own beauty and emotions. In spring, from February to April, the weather is mild, and the fresh air is very conducive to incense offering and outdoor relic exploration. In summer, from May to July, it is not only a time of vibrant nature but also associated with many commemorative events, especially the anniversary of War Invalids and Martyrs' Day (July 27), when Mount Nap welcomes visitors, veterans, and martyrs' relatives to offer incense in memory of the 13 heroic young female volunteers.

July 27th is when many localities organize memorial services for heroes and martyrs. (Source: Collected)

Entering autumn and winter, from September to December, the weather is cool, and the quiet space creates a sense of peace, very suitable for those who want to return to sacred places to contemplate and remember history. Regardless of when you visit, Nui Nap still carries a solemn, sacred, and meaningful atmosphere. Each visit here is not only a journey to learn about history but also an occasion to express gratitude, foster patriotism, and cherish the values of peace today.

4. Meaningful Experiences at Nui Nap

4.1 Offering Incense to Commemorate 13 Heroic Female Youth Volunteers

Around 8:45 PM on May 11, 1967, a tragic event that entered history took place at Nui Nap (Thanh Hoa). While clearing bomb debris and restoring the railway line to maintain the vital transportation artery, the female assault squad of Company 873 - Youth Volunteer Team 87 bravely fought and sacrificed their lives.

Dragon Jaw (Ham Rong), Thanh Hoa was once a fierce battlefield during the resistance against America. (Source: Collected)

Today, at the foot of Hidden Mountain (Nui Nap), a memorial stele for 13 heroic young female volunteers stands as an eternal testament to history. Standing before the stele bearing their names, visitors can easily feel the solemn and moving atmosphere. Each name etched on the stone stele is an immortal heroic epic, reminding generations of the noble sacrifice of young women in their twenties.

In 2010, the State posthumously awarded the title of People's Armed Forces Hero to the female assault squad of Company 873. This honor reflects the nation's deep gratitude to those who dedicated their youth for the independence and freedom of the country. Visiting the Hidden Mountain (Nui Nap) memorial site, visitors can not only offer incense to commemorate the heroes and martyrs but also have the opportunity to listen to moving stories about the war era told by local residents.

4.2 Revisiting the "fire coordinates" of yesteryear

During the resistance war against America, Hidden Mountain (Nui Nap) was considered the "bomb bag" of Thanh Hoa province. In just over a year (1966-1967), this area endured hundreds of bombing raids, with a total of hundreds of tons of bombs and ammunition. Traces of war are still clearly visible on the mountain slopes and fields around the relic site, like witnesses to a glorious era.

Stone stele commemorating 13 female heroes at Nui Nap. (Source: Collected)

Amidst that fierce scene of bombs and bullets, the youth volunteer force of Dai doi 873 still tenaciously held their ground. They overcame more than 140 attacks, excavated over 10,000 m³ of earth and rock, and ensured the transport of 16,000 tons of goods, ammunition, and food to support the Southern battlefield. The slogan “Blood may spill, but the road must not be blocked” became their steel spirit, empowering them to overcome all hardships.

Today, when returning to the battlefield of yesteryear, visitors can not only hear moving stories of courage but also witness firsthand the historical traces still imprinted on the land and rocks. Nui Nap is not only a sacred cultural and spiritual destination but also a symbol of the indomitable will and unyielding spirit of the Vietnamese people in the struggle for independence and freedom.

5. Experience and notes when visiting

To make your visit to Nui Nap complete and meaningful, visitors can refer to the following notes:

Choose elegant and polite attire to show respect for the heroes and martyrs and to suit the sacred space of the relic site.

Maintain public order and hygiene, avoid speaking loudly or littering indiscriminately to contribute to preserving the landscape and maintaining the solemnity of the memorial site.

Bring incense and fresh flowers to offer at the memorial ceremony, expressing gratitude to the heroes who sacrificed for the Fatherland.

Listen and chat with local people or veterans to learn more about the history and touching stories associated with Nui Nap during the war.

6. Suggested combined destinations

6.1 Nui Nhoi Thanh Hoa

Not far from Nui Nap, Nui Nhoi is one of Thanh Hoa's famous mountains, possessing both geological value and unique historical and cultural imprints. This place was once considered a “natural fortress” guarding the southwest of the old Thanh Hoa city, associated with many events in the resistance wars against foreign invaders. The mountain still preserves archaeological sites and ancient carved traces, notably the Tien Son Pagoda complex, the temple dedicated to Tu Vi Thanh Nuong, and many stone steles dating back hundreds of years.

Upon arriving at Nui Nhoi, visitors can gaze at the panoramic view from above, experiencing the fresh and spacious atmosphere. Combining visits to Nui Nap - Nui Nhoi in the same itinerary not only helps to delve deeper into the history of Thanh Hoa land but also offers an attractive combination of cultural and natural tourism.

6.2 Den Ba Trieu

About 15 km north of Thanh Hoa center, Den Ba Trieu is a national historical and cultural relic, dedicated to the national heroine Trieu Thi Trinh, who led the uprising against the Northern feudal yoke in the 3rd century. The relic complex includes the main temple, tomb, and memorial stele, surrounded by lush pine forests, creating a sacred and tranquil scene.

Bà Triệu Temple grounds in Thanh Hoa. (Source: Collected)

Annually, the Bà Triệu festival takes place in the 2nd lunar month, attracting many tourists and locals to offer incense and commemorate. Combining a trip to Bà Triệu Temple with Núi Nấp Thanh Hoa offers tourists a meaningful journey, helping to gain deeper insight into the indomitable spirit, steadfast will, and the role of Vietnamese women through historical periods.

6.3 Sầm Sơn Beach

After offering incense and visiting historical sites, tourists can continue their journey eastward, only about 18 km from Thanh Hoa city center, to reach Sầm Sơn Beach. With its long sandy beaches, clear blue waters, and vibrant atmosphere year-round, Sầm Sơn is an ideal choice for rest and relaxation after a historically rich tour.

Sam Son Sea Square hosts beach tourism events. (Source: Collected)

Visitors can stroll on the sea square, the new iconic structure of Sam Son. This is where large-scale cultural events, light festivals, and outdoor art programs are regularly held. From the square, it's just a few minutes' walk to the beach, where visitors can combine enjoying fresh seafood at seaside restaurants or experiencing modern resort spaces.

Thanh Hoa Nap Mountain is not only a witness to history but also a sacred symbol of the indomitable spirit and patriotism of the Viet Nam nation. The image of the 13 heroic young female volunteers is forever etched in the minds of generations, like a flame illuminating pride and deep gratitude. Take time during your trip to Thanh Hoa to visit Nep Mountain and listen to the echoes of the past, feel the power of history, and cherish the value of peace today.