(Luận văn thạc sĩ) biến đổi đời sống của cư dân kim thái (huyện vụ bản, tỉnh nam định) từ năm 1995 đến 2010 luận văn ths khu vực học 60 31 60

VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY,HA NOI
INSTITUTE OF VIETNAMESE STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT SCIENCES

NGUYEN TRONG NGHIA

TRANSFORMATION THE LIFE OF KIM THAI COMMUNE RESIDENTS
(VU BAN DISTRICT, NAM DINH PROVINCE) FROM 1995 TO 2010

MASTER THESIS
Major: VIETNAMESE STUDIES

Hanoi – 2012
1


VIETNAM NATIONAL UNIVERSITY,HA NOI
INSTITUTE OF VIETNAMESE STUDIES AND DEVELOPMENT SCIENCES

NGUYEN TRONG NGHIA

TRANSFORMATION THE LIFE OF KIM THAI COMMUNE RESIDENTS
(VU BAN DISTRICT, NAM DINH PROVINCE) FROM 1995 TO 2010

Master thesis, major: VIETNAMESE STUDIES
Code: 60 31 60

Supervisors:
Assoc.Prof.Dr. Phan Phuong Thao

Hanoi - 2012
2

Acknowledgement
This thesis is a research outcome obtained from much hard works in Institute
of Vietnamese studies and development sciences – Vietnam International
University of Hanoi by the author myself.
With warmest attitude, I would like to express deepest appreciation to all
instructors, teachers who are currently teaching at Institute of Vietnamese studies,
board of directors, training bureaus…for the continuous and unconditional support
during the process of completing this thesis.
Especially, I would like to show my sincere gratitude to assoc.prof.Dr. Phan
Phuong Thao for her persistent guidance, valuable time and direction to me. With
her great attitude towards students and sciences, she encourages, motivates in
regard of spirit and opens many new ideas, takes important part in this thesis,
makes it more valuable and realistic. During her guidance, I also learnt much more
than before, about her profession planning and serious attitude in study… Once
again, thank you!
Besides, to accomplishe this thesis, I would like to thank local authorities in
Kim Thai commune (Mr Tran Van Nhiem – Branch director of commune
economy, Mr Tran Van Xuan, commune police officer…) and local nurses who,
with a helped the with surveying process and especially thank to Kim Thai
commune citizens for all valuable information.
Last but not least, I would like to thank my family members who have
always given great encouragement and spiritual support for one to finish this
thesis.
Best regards to all!
Ha noi, date….month….. 2012
Author

Nguyen Trong Nghia

3


Commitment
I hereby commit that all information and details in this thesis is real, honest,
and done by me under guidance of assoc.Pro.Dr Phan Phuong Thao, every
references in this thesis is clearly identified.
Author

Nguyen Trong Nghia

4


CONTENTS
INTRODUCTION

1. Reasons.…………………………………………………………………..................1
2. Historical research.………………………………………………………………….2
3. The object and scope of research .…………………………………………………..6
4. Researching Methods.……………………………………………………................7
5. Result of thesis ………………...……………………………………………………8
6. The structure of thesis.………………………………………………………………9
Chapter 1

10

OVERVIEW OF KIM THAI COMMUNE’S NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
SOCIAL, CULTURAL

1.1. Natural environment and geographical cultural position of Kim Thai commune 10
1.1.1. Overview of the natural environment …………………………………………10
1.1.1. Geographical cultural position........................................……………………...14
1.2.

Social characteristics.......................................………………………………...16

1.2.1. History…………………………………………………………………………16
1.2.2. Administrative organization …………………………………………………..17
1.2.3. Residential situation …………………………………………………………..19
1.3.

Cultural characteristics and relic system ……………………………………...20

1.3.1. Kim Thai – Vu Ban – Unique cultural region…………………………………20
1.3.2. System of typical cultural historical relics …………………………..………..23
1.4.

Conclusion of chapter 1……………………………………………………….26

Chapter 2

27

THE TRANSFORM OF KIM THAI’S RESIDENTS CULTURAL LIFE
FROM 1995 TO PRESENT

2.1. Status of Kim Thai resident traditional culture before 1995…………………….28

5


2.1.1. Marriage……………………………………………………………………….28
2.1.2. Funeral………………………………………………………………………...31
2.1.3. Worship and religious in family ……………………………………………....32
2.1.4. Worship, religious – belief in the community ………………………………..37
2.1.5. Home and community‟s cultural activities ……………………………………42
2.2. Transformation Kim Thai residents‟ cultural life since 1995 to present………...44
2.2.1. Recovery and promotion of traditional cultural values ……………………….44
2.2.2. Penetration and spread of the Mau religious to form other
religious worship form…………………………………………………………56
2.2.3. Diversity in cultural activities in family and personal conception…………….62
2.2.4. Formation of a new culture in the spiritual life……………………………….66
2.3. Some suggestions and solutions……..…………………………………………..68
2.3.1. Some proposals for Kim Thai‟s cultural life transform in reasonable way……69
2.3.2. Some solutions for Kim Thai‟s cultural life transform in reasonable way…….69
2.4. Conclusion of chapter 2………………………………………………………….71

Chapter 3

73

TRANSFORM OF ECONOMY – SOCIAL LIFE AT KIM THAI COMMUNITY
FROM 1995 TO THE PRESENT

3.1. Social-economy characteristics of Kim Thai commune before 1995……………73
3.1.1. Economy characteristics of Kim Thai commune before 1995………………...73
3.1.1.1. The period of agricultural cooperation in the 60 – 70 of 20th century………73
3.1.1.2. The period of implementation of the new securities from 1981to 1994……..76

3.1.2. Characteristics of social life in Kim Thai commune before 1995 …………….90
3.2. Changes in social – economy life of Kim Thai citizens
from 1995 to present…………………………………………………………….86
3.2.1. Changes in economy of Kim Thai citizens after 1995 until now……………...86
3.2.1.1. Agricultural production …………………………………………………......87
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3.2.1.2. Effect of trades and services activities in relate with the festival
in Kim Thai economy………………………………………………………...96
3.2.1.3. Life conditions of Kim Thai citizen..................……………………………..100
3.2.2. Changes in social life of Kim Thai citizen from 1995 to present …………...105
3.3. Proposing of establishing cultural tourism products contributing to sustainable
socio-economic development of Kim Thai commune ………………………...110
3.3.1. The basis for the proposals …………………………………………………..110
3.3.2. Steps to build Phu Day tourism cultural festival products …………………...113
3.4. Conclusion of chapter 3………………………………………………………...124
CONCLUSION

126

RESEARCH PROJECT LIST OF AUTHORS

128

REFERENCES
APPENDIX

7

129


LIST OF TABLES, CHART AND DIAGRAM USED IN THESIS
Order Name

Content

Page

1 Table 1.1. Used soil status in 2010 of Kim Thai commune

12

2 Table 2.1. Vu Ban‟s Dr. list in the Middle Ages

39

3 Table 2.2. Time and restored status of System of Phu Day monuments

51

4 Table 2.3. KimThai residents awareness of the role of the family/clans

54

5 Table 2.4. Tam Toa council and Gods of Mother Godess belief
in Phu Day temple

57

6 Table 2.5. Cultural amenities of living in the family by the time

62

7 Table 2.6. Cultural activities in free time

62

8 Table 2.7. Kim Thai resident‟s personal opinion

64

9 Table 2.8. Awareness of the role of Phu Day festival from Kim Thai‟s residents 67
10 Table 2.9. The works of the young in Kim Thai to restore, protect and promote
Phu Day festival

70

11 Table 3.1. Average yield period 1976 – 1995 of Kim Thai commune

78

12 Table 3.2. Total rice production period 1974 – 1993 of Kim Thai commune

79

13 Table 3.3. Average age food exchange to rice/person/year in the 1984 – 1993
Period of Kim Thai commune

79

14 Table 3.4. Area and productivity of agriculture in winter season 1981-1993 period 80
15 Table 3.5. Total sow and total pig meat productivity through the years

80

16 Table 3.6. Plan of focusing plant area in 2010

89

17 Table 3.7. Result of Breeding area through the years

90

18 Table 3.8. Total and production of poultry herd through the years

93

19 Table 3.9. Breeding form in Kim Thai

93

20 Table 3.10. Area and production from pisciculture

94

21 Table 3.11. Accounting seller place and buyer of agriculture products

95

22 Table 3.12. Trades and common services in Festival

96

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23 Table 3.13. Good income reasoning of families by their opinions

98

24 Table 3.14. Distribution in economy value through the years

99

25 Table 3.15. Kind of houses distribute by village

101

26 Table 3.16. Average income in 1 year of citizen

103

27 Table 3.17. Main incomes of families after and before 1995

103

28 Table 3.18. Buy equipment rate after and before 1995

103

29 Table 3.19. Three features to distinguish types of villages
in the Red River Delta

111

30 Chart 3.1. Total rice output; Average food/person/year period 2005-2010
compare before 1995

91

31 Chart 3.2. Distribution of value in agriculture in 2010
compare to before 1995 (%)

94

32 Chart 3.3. Economic structure of the period 2006 - 2010 compared
to the pre-1995

99

33 Chart 3.4. Kind of houses present compare to before 1995

101

34 Chart 3.5. (B3.5.1) Current economy compare with before 1995
(B3.5.2) Current Life‟s Mood
35 Chart 3.6. Worker distribution in period before 1995 and 2010 (%)

105
106

36 Diagram 2.1. Some typical monuments of Kim Thai commune

61

37 Diagram 3.1. New organization of new co-operative

87

38 Diagram 3.2. The activities of Phu Day festival

114

39 Diagram 3.3. The activities of tourists in Phu Day festival

114

40 Diagram 3.4. The lack of tourism products

115

41 Diagram 3.5. Model of cultural tourism products of Phu Day festival

117

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INTRODUCTION
1. Reasons
In the history of Nam Dinh Province in general and Vu Ban District in
particular, Kim Thai Commune has an important position. It is located in a wonder
place with mountain in front, river on the back and plain in the middle with beautiful
natural scenery. It also other valuables: architecture, the legend, the myth as well as
unique folk festivals. So it is a “cultural cradle” of inhabitants. It can be said that Kim
Thai is home of all aspects of vivid cultural -socio-economic of “Thien Ban Luc Ky",
especially the traditional cultural values such as The Mother Goddess Beliefs and Phu
Day Festival... Therefore, there are so many works in various fields such as
archeology, religions - beliefs, culture and literature… with the focus on Kim Thai
Commune. However, up to now, there has not yet seen comprehensive study on
transformation in life resulted from Doi Moi as well as policy advantages of this so called the holy land of The Mother Goddess in Viet Nam.
In recent decades, the results of Doimoi policy has not only had direct impact
on the socio - economic life, but also arouse traditional cultural values that had been
forgotten by different reasons across regions. During the process of Doimoi, Kim Thai
Commune has changed in positive way like other rural areas in the Red River Delta.
However, with so many advantages from position, human resources have make those
transformations more on deeply and quickly.
Research on the transformation of Kim Thai‟s residents life from 1995 to now
helps us look back to the local advantages on cultural, socio – economic aspects. It
also confirms that the path to socialism based on promoting the advantages of cultural
traditions is absolutely right. We also give some proposals to developing Kim Thai in
to a new rural area has a rich cultural life and sustairable economic and social life.
For these above reasons, we close the title of "Transformation the life of Kim

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Thai commune residents life (Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh province) from 1995 to

2010" for this thesis.
2. Literature review
From earlier, Vietnamese villages were became object by international and
domestic scientists. Some first work came from French scholars in the end of
nineteenth and early twentieth century. In the 30's, 40's of the 20th century. After
August Revolution in 1945, the researching villages were followed by many
generations of Vietnamese researchers in successful. Despite the disadvantages came
from war, scientific works were appeared in new trends. From the 70th and 80th
decades, especially since 1986, village researching was comprehensive interested with
many specialized sues as history, economy, ethnology, sociology, cultural learning
etc… The system issues of village changing, rural of Vietnam during and after
Doimoi were really attractive to scholars to review, evaluate, pick up experience, give
solutions. On this time, many international and international conferences were held.
Many state scientific works and researching collaboration programs were taken place
to enrich village data resources. In recent years, it can be said that Vietnamese village
researching has gained many achievements in the following aspects: Development
history; land regime and socio-economic structure, administration, religion, culture
and the present changes [83, pg. 1 - 9].
Located on Red River Delta, Kim Thai Commune is also interested by many
researchers. However, due to "located at the end of delta... It is formed by the
seatback, alluvial collecting, that region is the new land ..." [114, pg. 21] So, it create
the rice culture identity. On the other hand, it creates opportunities to develop
traditional customs, especially Mother Goddess belief and festival. Therefore, Kim
Thai researching is most interested in cultural aspects related to Mother Goddess
religion and “Community of Four Gods” in Phu Day. We think that the Kim Thai
comprehensive researching has not been focused. This shows that, today that work
plays an important role in scientism and real life.
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Kim Thai site appeared in legendary of Mother Goddess.
An Thai (Kim Thai later) early appeared in “Van Cat Goddess” in “Truyền kỳ
tân phả” (Doan Thi Diem (1705 - 1748)). According to author, An Thai were
described as peaceful country, gentle people with two main clans Tran – Le, "An Thai
village, Van Cat Commune was a famous village in Thien Ban District with flat land,
clear water, green trees, naive customs "[66, pg. 28].
After Doan Thi Diem, there were so many other authors take noted about Lieu
Hanh Mother Goddess and also mentioned some characteristics of An Thai village. In
general, those characteristics were same but only different in expression styles. For
example “Liễu Hạnh công chúa diễn âm” (By Nguyen Cong Tru) or “Vân Cát thần
nữ cổ lục diễn âm” (unknown author). After 1954, in the North Viet Nam, in “Viet
Nam fairy tales treasure” author Nguyen Dong Chi also raising fairy tales of Lieu
Hanh Mother Goddess into appendix part to introduce to readers. Recently, in “Four
Imortal Gods” by Vu Ngoc Khanh and Ngo Duc Thinh,“Vieng market and Phu
festival” by Bui Hanh Can also published a translation of Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess
in An Thai village.
Before 1986, because of various reasons, Mother Goddess religion activities
were banned. So, religious researching activities and Phu Day site seem to ignore as if
only mention names or just describe to delete [176].
Since the cool breeze of Doimoi, the awareness to find the home of national
culture, scholars backed to study this belief. It means that Phu Day and Kim Thai
were interested because it seems to be the holy land of Viet Nam Mother Goddess.
In 1988, the folklore Institute started to study some aspects relate to worship
Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess at Kim Thai Commune. “Hat Van and Hau Dong” was
written by Ngo Duc Thinh.
Years later, a series of small introductory article was published. “Keo Chu”
game has studied in “Keo chu game in Phu Day festival” by Nguyen Dinh San. Some
folklore researchers continue to learn more about Phu Day festival and some religious
12

cultural phenomenon like as “Tran Le clans with Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess” by
Tran Le Van. “Rite of Phu Day festival” by Bui Van Tam, Thang Ngoc Pho with
“Folklore painting of Phu Day festival”. It can be said that religious and cultural life
were summarized and vividly portray.
On 02nd June 1992, the Vietnam folk arts Association, Literature Institute,
Folklore Institute, Van Mieu – Quoc Tu Giam Scientism Center held a conference
about “The first step of learning about Lieu Mother’s myths and legends”. This was
the first scientific conference to discuss a religious cultural phenomenon here. More
than 40 presentations by scholars such as Prof. Dinh Gia Khanh, Prof. PhD. To Ngoc
Thanh, Prof. Tran Quoc Vuong, Phong Le, vice Prof. Ngo Duc Thinh, Dang Van
Lung, Phan Dang Nhat, vice Prof. Vu Ngoc Khanh and cultural management
researcher in Nam Dinh province, Vu Ban District etc,. to mention many aspects:
history, culture, folklore, festivals, art, music, performance, conservation, restoration
and exploitation of monuments, as well as all forms of Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess
belief and Phu Day. Through these studies, Kim Thai‟s cultural traditions have first
interested and full deeply introduce.
To clarify the profile of Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess, some researchers also
studied on the position of Phu Day. Prof.Tran Quoc Vuong find out social historical
reasons and psychological in establishing two temples: Tien Huong and Van Cat
(Kim Thai Commune). Prof. Cao Xuan Hao and Tran Thuy Anh studied “Research
on “Phu Giay” name through the process of research conversion about phonic from
Ke Giay to Ke Tran – Phu Tran”. Nguyen Hong Kien found out this place used to be
a seaport on geographical culture view. And, there are still many vestiges of “Tu Phap
worship”.
In 1993, Bui Hanh Can - Le Tran announced their book that call “Vieng market
and Phu festival”. The book has many new Phu Day‟s materials and spiritual
commercial activities in this land.

13

The researching Lieu Hanh Mother Goodness worshipping on Kim Thai
Commune was enriched by the thesis of students, graduated students... In 1993, Pham
Quynh Phuong, a student of History Department of University of Social Sciences and
Humanities (formally well know as Ha Noi University) successfully defended thesis:
“Lieu Hanh Mother Worship in Phu Day”. In view of synthetic folk cultural
activities, the author has outlined a cultural phenomenon, a customs, an attractive
ritual this countryside, a typical inhabitant area of the Vietnamese - Kim Thai
Commune.
In 1995, a student of Literature Department of Hanoi University, Pham Thi
Thanh Huyen has protected Master thesis “Phu Day relics and folk legend”. She also
referred to the legend of Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess and festival in relation to relic
and Phu Day‟s cultural land.
Also in 1995, Nguyen Dinh San successfully defended the PhD thesis at
Vietnamese culture and arts Institute with thesis “Lieu Mother Worship in Phu Day”.
This was a valuable scientific work in learning Kim Thai commune. The author
outlined on natural geographical features, cultural features on Phu Day‟s ancient land.
Base on that, authors summarized and pick up the characteristics of Mother Goddess
worshipping here.
In 2000, Ngo Vu Hai Hang, student of the Department of History, Social
Sciences and Humanities University, Hanoi protection dissertation “Cultural space of
Phu Day”. This thesis refers to the history of Phu Day, Kim Thai, as well as all
aspects of culture and beliefs characteristic of this land.
After that from March 30th to April 2nd, 2001, in Hanoi, Vietnam Academy of
Social Sciences in collaboration with the People's Committee of Nam Dinh Province
held an international workshop Mother Goddess worshpiping belief and Phu Day
festival. It was interested to more than 100 intranational and international researchers
from the U.S., Russia, Japan, South Korea, Hungary and Thailand… The scholars also
has praised this Belief with acting as shaman pattern “as well as impression festival. It

14


was evaluated as living museum of Vietnamese culture. The basic content of this
workshop were later introduced in “Dao Mau and Shaman type in Vietnam’s ethnic
people and Asian” by Prof. Ngo Duc Thinh. Phu Day in particular and Kim Thai in
general have really honored as a unique natively belief of The Vietnam.
Kim Thai’ socio-economic are less interested in summarizing, researching
In contrast to be interested in KimThai‟s cultural life, Kim Thai‟ socioeconomic are less interested than. It only perform in indirect statistic numbers in
statistical yearbook of Nam Dinh Province and Vu Ban district‟s achieved results
report annual. There is not any document that were summarized in each development
period.
In 1995, “History of Kim Thai Commune” book were edited by People's
Committee of Kim Thai Commune and Commune Party Committee. It contents each
Kim Thai‟s development period in August 1945 to 1994. However, this book does not
focus on socio - economic of Kim Thai Commune, just mention revolutionary
process. However, it also contribute sketch Kim Thai‟ socio - economic after
analyzing these scattered numbers.
Recently, in preparation for the new rural construction movement under the
guidance of the Party and the State, the authority and Kim Thai people compiled “The
report to do the voice – over about new rural construction”. It detailed the data
statistic in all aspects of socio - economic from 2006 to 2010. This is the precious
document for me to overview the Kim Thai‟s socio - economic characteristics.
3. Objectives and scope of research
The object of this research is to study about the transform of Kim Thai‟s
residents life (Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh province).
Life is living activity of people in each field: material life, spiritual life, cultural life,
artistic life... that human life is not a phenomenon of invariant. It always changes and
modifications to suit the social rules. In this thesis, life of residents refer to the
economic, social and cultural of community village. So, life transform is means that

15


transform in social, economy and couture life of the village residents. It can be
understood as follows:
Economic life transform is the process of changing the structure and
relationships of economic systems on a certain purpose and direction. It means that is
put economic system to development optimum and get desired achievements through
consciously control activities base on awareness and apply nature laws. It is expressed
through transform trends: industry, economic structure, standard of living, income of
residents.
- Social life transform is a process that social behavior patterns, social relations, social
institutions and social stratification systems change over time. Specific expression of a
social life transform are employment structure, social welfare; cognitive and
psychological residents.
- Cultural life transform is the change in the value system and social standards that
express through patterns and symbols hidden in the field of religion, belief, customs
into tangible and intangible heritage.
Scope of research
- Space limitation: Space of thesis is Kim Thai Commune, Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh
Province. It focus is on the village space where takes place socio-economic - cultural
activities.
- Time limitation: "from 1995 to 2010"
+1995 is the starting point when Phu Day festival has tested by goverment. It marking
period of Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess worshipping belief and “Tu phu communities”
have recognized not only in terms of heritage values but also in ritual values in Kim
Thai Commune.
+2010 is the timeline statistics on all aspects of Kim Thai Commune that were to
review, declared by authority. We have collected these document to analyses in this
thesis. However, in order to have updated information and practice, we conducted by

questionnaire survey, gather data in 2012 to clarify some contents in the thesis.
16


4. Research methods
From the object and scope of thesis, we have applied multidisciplinary and
interdisciplinary approaches as follows:
- Collecting and analyzing data Methods: in order to study, collect data on books,
articles and monographs related to the thesis. And then classified and systematized
data to understand that the cultural- socio-economic picture of Kim Thai is similar to
many other regions in the Red River delta. Besides, it has its own characteristics,
especially after 1995.
- Observation, participation methods: to observe the way of living of Kim Thai
inhabitant in a certain period time to learn the habit as well as the behavior of people
in housing, shopping facilities, using leisure time, cultural activities in the family,
community... Through participation in cultural activities such as festivals, funerals,
weddings, anniversaries; socio - economic activities as related to festivals, fair trade ...
we have showed the status of cultural - social - economic of Kim Thai to compare,
analyses and evaluate for this thesis.
- Sociological investigation method: Three forms were used are interview, group
discussions and questionnaires survey. Questionnaire survey conducted by votes
polled people through a system of hypothetical questions suit objective thesis. Scale
of investigation ensure the representative for object. We handle the survey results by
using quantitative statistical methods. (Investigation form can be see at the appendix).
During the process of researching, we has always considered Kim Thai Commune is a
"zone" and try to access the object of thesis in view of "zone study". It means that the
object of thesis is comprehensive approached to find “characteristics” of culture,
economy and society, especially the transform from 1995 to the present.
5. Results of the thesis
- Through the process of gathering and analyzing data, this thesis contributes to

provide information for those who want to learn comprehensively about Kim Thai
from local natural features to social, cultural and economic characteristics.
17


- This thesis can also adds extra information to the research resources about The
transformation of Kim Thai‟s residents life on the cultural, socio, economic aspects
from 1995 up to now.
- Through this thesis, readers see the gains and losses of Kim Thai resident‟s life since
the festival was restored back (1995) along with some proposals to ensuring that the
cultural life can suite socio - economic development as well as

promote the

potentialities.
6. Structure of the thesis
Beside the introduction, conclusion, reference, appendix, this thesis includes
three chapters:
Chapter 1: Overview of Kim Thai commune‟s natural environment, social, cultural
Chapter 2: The transform of Kim Thai‟s residents cultural life from 1995 to present
Chapter 3: The transform of Kim Thai‟s residents socio - economic life from 1995 to
present

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Chapter 1
OVERVIEW OF NATURAL ENVIRONMENT THE SOCIAL AND
CULTURAL IN KIM THAI COMMUNE

1.1. Natural environment and geographical culture position of Kim Thai
commune
1.1.1. Overview of the natural environment
1.1.1.1. Location, terrain
Kim Thai commune is located north of Vu Ban District, Nam Dinh Province,
with a total area of 952.65 hectares. Boundaries as follows:
- It borders Quang Trung Commune and Lien Bao Commune in the east
- It borders Tam Thanh Commune and Y Yen District in the west
- It borders Lien Bao and Lien Minh Communes in the south
- It Borders Cong Hoa and Trung Thanh Communes in the north
Located on the Red River Delta, Kim Thai‟s terrain are almost flat. On the
boundary of the west, there is a soil and rock mountain range that runs from north to
south. It includes Tien Huong, Bang and Ngam mountains. It is the highest position
about an average of 40 - 50m above sea level. With that terrain, the infrastructure is
average height of 1.0 - 2.0 m. It detailed as follow: The average of the main road is
from 1.0 - 1.7 m in height; The floor along the main road is from 1.5 - 2m in height;
residential is height from 1.3 - 1.8 m. The pond bottom height is 0.4 m. That terrain
makes Kim Thai Commune prevent flooding in rainy season except the deep fields of
Xuan Bang village.
1.1.1.2. Climate and hydrology3
Because of locating in the Red River Delta, Kim Thai has tropical monsoon
climate. It is hot, humid, and rainy with four distinct seasons: spring, summer, autumn
and winter.

19


+ Temperature: The average temperature is about 23 – 240C. Temperature is
18.9oC in winter. In January and February, temperature is lowest from 7 – 10oC. In
summer, average temperature is 270C. It is hooted in May and June from 37 - 40oC.

+ Humidity is quite high about 80 - 85%. The highest humidity falls in march
about 90%. The lowest humidity falls in November about 78%. It so dry in this
month.
+ Rainfall: The average annual rainfall is from 1700 to 1800 mm. It distributes
unevenly. Hot season lasts May to October accounts for 75% of annual rainfall. July,
August, September have the greatest rainfall. The dry season lasts November to April
with accounts for about 25% of annual rainfall. The least rainy months are December,
January, February. Especially, In no rain months, it is often drought, falling
underground water, the lack of water affect on crop productivity.
+ Sun: There are about 250 sunny days per year. The total number sunshine
hours from 1650 to 1700 hours. In summer and autumn, sunshine hours are quite
height about 1100 - 1200 hours that it accounted for 75% of the total number of
sunshine hours per year.
+ Wind: wind direction changes with the seasons. In winter, wind direction is
northeast wind with a frequency of 60 - 70%, the average speed of 2.4 - 2.6m/s. In
summer, wind direction is Southeast wind, with a frequency of 50 - 70%, the average
speed of 1.9 - 2.2 m/s. Because of location in the Gulf of Tonkin, Kim Thai is often
affected by the storm or tropical depression on average 4 - 6 times per year. In early
summer(April, May), It usually has hot, dry west wind.
Kim Thai has influenced directly by Sat River‟s hydrological regime in the
both wet dry season. In heavy rain years, it has caused flooding in some field that
below 1000 meters above sea level.
Sat River system flows through Kim Thai that is the main irrigation water
supply shaft. Beside, there is an inland river. It is mostly canal uniformly distributed
in the form of fish bones. Water regime is divided in two distinct seasons with full of
20


water in rainy season and empty of water in dry season. The quality of water is quite
good because it is not contaminated. In flooding season, alluvial water sources are

exploited to increase the fertility of the fields through irrigation water pumped from
the station into the gutter drain down the field.
1.1.1.3. Natural resources
Soil resources
The main soil in Kim Thai is ancient alluvial. Because It is not cultivated annually, its
fertility is too low. It includes some types below:
+ Heavy clay soil distributes at 0.8 - 1.2 m height
+ Light clay soil distributes at 1.2 - 1.5 m height (It are used to cultivate rice
twice per year).
+ Light soil or sandy soil at the height of 1.5-2m (It is used to cultivate 3 times
per year. Because in spring, crops (corn, winter‟s vegetables) is cultivated.
Soil‟ structure as follows:
+ Agricultural soil: 691.52 ha (72.59%)
+ Non-agricultural soil: 248.93 ha (26.13%)
+ Unused soil: 12.18 ha (1.28%)
Table 1.1. Land used status in Kim Thai Commune in 2010
Oder

Purpose of using soil

Code

Total natural soil area

1

Area

Structure

(ha)

(%)

952,65

100

Agricultural soil

NNP

691,54

72,59

Cultivated agriculture soil

SXN

657,64

69,03

Annual crop soil

CHN

627,91

65,91

Paddy soil

LUA

538,67

56,54

Other annual crop soil

HNK

89,24

9,37

Perennial crop soil

CLN

29,73

3,12

21


2

3

Forest soil

LNP

8,3

0,87

Protection forest soil

RPH

8,3

0,87

Aquaculture soil

NTS

25,14

2,64

Other agricultural soil

NKH

0,46

0,05

Non-agricultural soil

PNN

248,93

26,13

Residential soil

OTC

57,88

6,08

Rural residential soil

ONT

57,88

6,8

Specialized soil

CDG

155,43

16,32

Offices of soil

CTS

0,33

0,03

soil

CSK

39,49

4,15

Public soil

CCC

115,61

12,14

Soil of religion, belief

TTN

5,84

0,61

Cemetery, graveyards soil

NTD

6,58

0,69

River, water surface soil

SMN

22,91

2,4

Other non agriculture soil

PNK

0,29

0,03

Unused soil

CSD

12,18

1,28

Unused plain soil

BCS

2,23

0,23

Unissued highland soil

DCS

8,28

0,87

Mountains without forests soil

NCS

1,67

0,18

Non-agricultural production and business

(Source: Seminar of building plan for new countryside area in Kim Thai, year 2011)

Water resource
Kim Thai has plentiful surface and underground water resources that
distributes in the whole commune.
+ Surface water: comes from Sat River and inland waterways. It can supply for
production and living activities due to large reserves. But, It could be polluted. So, it
is mainly used in agricultural production.

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+ Underground water: underground water reserves quite large. It mostly located
in Plutoxen floor throughout the district. Its amount Cl <200mg/litter. At a depth of 10
- 30m, good quality water can be exploited for production and serve for daily needs.
However, at a depth of 40 meters, because of contains a lot of iron and impurities, it
needs to be handled by filtration and sedimentation.
1.1.2. Geographical culture position
With natural features, from past to present, during the evolutionary history,
Kim Thai located in both of beautiful nature and important polity, economy.
Ba Sat River (Iron River) is a branch of Ninh River. It was well - known as an
important waterway in Ly – Tran dynasties. 56th Highway runs from north to south
through this area also was a highway that connected Son Nam Ha town to towns in the

south. Kim Thai was located in the middle of two important stations Dong Doi (Nam
Doi) and Goi (Tu Coi). It also located in the center of the towns: Ung Phong and then
Nghia Hung, Goi (Tu Coi) in Thien Ban (Vu Ban) District in the south of Kim Thai or
in Thai La, Chau Bac in the north of Kim. Therefore, the region affected by the
country's upheavals.
In article “The story of Xu Nam’s rivers” Prof. Tran Quoc Vuong said: "The
whole country is full of water, in the Southern land, more network of rivers and in the
seashore. So, the ferry boat plays an important role in connecting 2 riverbanks as well
as connecting capital with another area" [166, pg . 390]. So we aren‟t surprised Kim
Thai is surrounded by “quadrilateral-water”. In the West, after Tien Huong
Mountain is Iron river that flows through Kim Thai in 2.5 km lengths. It is too large
for the boats to cross easily. It continues flow through Tao Bridge (Y Yen) then
meets Day River which finished in the East Sea. This Seagate (normally call Dai Ac,
Dai An, Luc Bo, Rokbo) is the main entrance to the capital of the South. International
and intranational Merchant ships. In Tran Dynasty, there was a close relationship
between Thien Truong (palace) and Thang Long (capital) based on Chau Giang River.
From this branch river, it flowed down and met the Sat River to create a Dai Hung
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cross river that often called Tuan Vuong: “The highest mountain is Tan Vien, the
deepest river is Thuy Tien, Tuan Vuong”. It can be showed the close relationship
between Sea – Nam Dinh – Thang Long capital as well the importance of Kim Thai
Commune.
Northern, Tien Huong River, a small branch of the Ba River flows to 2km Canh Ga drain. It Continuous to flow via Chau Bac bridge and run into Vinh Giang
river in Bat Di. In the south, 1.7-km Ma Trang river flows through Trang Luong‟s
mausoleum and finish at Huong river. Perfume River new training early twentieth
century, the eastern flowing southeast surrounded Kim Thai borders Lien Minh length
of 1.3 km. The Bridge-Black river from the river flowing along the north-south down
the Union. Perfume river were dinged In early 20th century, it flowed to southeast and

surrounded Kim Thai and Lien Minh Communes 1.3km in length. There also has a
Bridge-Black river from Huong river that flow from the north to Lien Minh in the
south. All these rivers create good conditions for the generation of Kim Thai‟s
residence. They rely on the river for fishing and settling farming village. These rivers
are also convenient waterway that connects Kim Thai - Vu Ban and another region.
Thus, this region has appeared some famous market like Dan, Goi market. Especially,
Vieng session market “one a year” shows characteristics of agricultural region as well
as Lieu Hanh Mother Goddess Land. According to the older, people rushed to Phu
Day festival by waterway. From the West north – West south, above the Ho bridge
connect Binh Luc (Ha Nam) and Vu Ban (Nam Dinh), small boats rushed to Phu Day
[166, pg. 392]. From the south across Vi Hoang river, Boats fully parked at Canh Ga
Cross river (Iron - Ngam - Huong rivers). People enjoyed festivals in Thuong Temple
then came to other Temple.
Uniquely, Kim Thai has three rock and soil mountains like as a "Truong Son
range" in west axis. 6000 - 7000 years ago, it used to be a island with so many
swamps, depressions contained scallops. Mountain used to has dangerous animals like

24


tigers, snakes. This mountain caused more majestic landscape. It was also a high peak
that plays an important role in anti-American war.
It gave a majestic scenery, a charming painting for Kim Thai Commune. Kim
Thai also has preserved many unique traditional cultural values. Living in this nice
holy land makes the local more generous, optimistic as well as integrate with the
natural scenery and culture, civilization from a thousand years.
1.2. Social characteristics
1.2.1. History
Kim Thai has a long history: 6000 - 7000 years ago, because "... Located on
the south of Northern Delta, Kim Thai were silted by Red and Day Rivers and also got

the product of the erosion when the sea backward. It was new land that was formed
during sea backward under Ho Lo age. So, it had many lagoons, swamps,
depressions."[114, pg . 19]. Traces were the system Roc fields, deep fields in Xuan
Bang village that connected to Coi Son area. From midland of Red River and Day
River, Tam Diep slopes the ancient Vietnamese settled on this place. Archaeological
achievements in recent years have proven all mountains in Vu Ban (Ngam, Tien
Huong, Bang Mountains) have traces of primitive human. "On the Ngam, Ho
mountains ... archaeologists have found traces at the end of Neolithic period about
4,000 years (stone ax, coarse pottery) ... that were island – isolate fishing man (in
combing with fishing – wood cutting - farming -breeding) "[166, pg. 395]. The
Primitive human were living in the wide beaches along the foot of mountain or living
the high mound. They lived in the caves to avoid floods they lived in the rural
communities and exploited food resources in nature. Step by step, they established
villages, created tools in agricultural production. Hang Lo, Dang Dong caves in Le
Mountain traveler (near by Bang Mountain) are Neolithic sites where contain many
abrasives, ceramics. On the mound of Tien Huong Mountain has found many stone
hoes, stone axes and ceramic pieces that have the same immaterial and techniques in
Hang Lo Cave. The place where has researched by archaeologists since 1986.
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