Although the number of horse-drawn carriages in the central province of Binh Dinh is dwindling, visitors can still embark on fantastic sightseeing tours in the carriages across the land rich with history.

A number of Binh Dinh residents now keep their horses primarily for carrying heavy cargo to markets.

But the carriages have taken on a new, more modern mission: carrying tourists across the province’s scenic spots and relics.

The horses and their owners are quite busy during festive times, around Tet (Vietnam’s Lunar New Year) and on special occasions.

Tourists can also learn some basic moves from martial arts masters, as Binh Dinh locals, including women, have been long known for their mastery in traditional martial arts.

Along the Kon River are several long-existing martial arts villages, where artists and masters showcase their skills and signature moves.

The horse-drawn carriages will also take tourists to the imposing Hoang De (Emperor) Citadel, Vietnam’s capital during the Tay Son reign (1778–1802).

The citadel was built on the ruins of the Do Ban Citadel of the former Champa Kingdom.

Another highlight of the tour is the Ben Xe Ngua (Horse-Drawn Carriage Stop) in Dap Da Town.

Not far from the stop is the famed 300-year-old Phu Gia village, which is known for their hallmark “non ngua” (conical leaf hats worn by men on horseback), which were highly durable.

Common “non ngua” were typically worn by Tay Son soldiers, while ornate ones decorated with silver or elaborate dragon images were preferred by court and local officials.

Artisans can still be seen sitting on their porches making the hats, which are now mostly purchased by tourists, particularly foreigners, as souvenirs.

A multitude of other craft villages also dot the province, featuring specific crafts such as weaving and blacksmithing.

Another feature of Binh Dinh are the century-old towers built during the Champa reign. The ancient towers were mostly built on hills.

Lovers of poetry can also ride in the carriages to the Thi Nhan (Poets) hill in Quy Nhon City, Binh Dinh's provincial capital, to hear recitations of poems by such famed late poets as Han Mac Tu and Che Lan Vien.

Since being launched some years ago, the horse-drawn carriage tours have held an irresistible appeal to tourists.

“Mounting the carriage gave me the feeling of being immersed in an age-old time and landscape. When the horses rode around the Hoang De Citadel, I felt as if I could hear the kings and court officials discussing matters during court sessions,” shared tourist Le Thuy Nguyen Vu.