The banyan tree with thirteen roots in Trại hamlet (Đằng Giang ward, Ngo Quyen district, Hai Phong) is the largest ancient banyan tree in Vietnam, over 300 years old. It was recognized as a cultural heritage tree in 2014 and is one of the famous spiritual tourism destinations in Hai Phong city.

The Thirteen-Root Banyan Tree stands about 10 meters tall, with dozens of large branches forming a wide canopy with a diameter of about 40 meters. The tree has 13 large roots, including one main root and 12 secondary roots.

The main root has a circumference of 8.2 meters. The remaining twelve roots grow around the main root, with circumferences ranging from 2 to 5 meters. The total circumference of all thirteen roots is over 30 meters. The roots are interconnected by branches with a diameter of nearly 1 meter, weaving together.

According to legend, during the invasion of the Southern Han army, the Trung Sisters rode elephants across the area, and upon seeing the lush and shady banyan tree, they stopped by its roots to rest. The elephants used their trunks to break off the tree's branches to eat. Since then, the tree only grew horizontally, limiting its height due to the loss of its top. Therefore, the present-day banyan tree has a modest height of about 10 meters but a sprawling canopy covering hundreds of square meters.

However, another legend suggests that in ancient times, a general on his way to battle stopped by the banyan tree and tied his horse to it, causing the tree's top to break. As a result, the tree did not grow in height but expanded horizontally, as seen today.

Underneath the banyan tree, there is a shrine with a stone stele engraved with Han Nom characters. According to local residents, the shrine has existed for a long time, dedicated to the earth deity, honoring those who contributed to land cultivation and village establishment. The shrine also serves as a place of worship for officials, deities, and spirits without a place to rest.

Many believe that the Goddess Năm Phương resides here, so on full moons, holidays, and Tet (Lunar New Year), people come to burn incense and pray for good fortune and luck. Every year, on the 6th day of the 6th lunar month, is considered the feast day of the Goddess Năm Phương.

Despite witnessing numerous changes in history over hundreds of years, the thirteen-root banyan tree remains vibrant and continually reaching out...

The management board of the heritage site and local authorities have employed various methods to care for and preserve the tree, helping it withstand storms and winds.

In 2014, the thirteen-root banyan tree was officially recognized as a Vietnamese cultural heritage tree.

Many spiritual services and goods have emerged around this 'heritage tree.'

Source: Laodong.vn"
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