| Ha Long Bay Ha Long Bay is located in northeastern Vietnam, from E106°56' to E107°37' and from N20°43' to N21°09'. The bay stretches from Yên Hưng district, past Hạ Long city, Cẩm Phả town to Vân Đồn district, bordered on the south and southeast by the Gulf of Tonkin, on the north by China and on the west and southwest by Cát Bà island. On the world map, Ha Long Bay borders to China in the north and in the east it is adjacent to the East Sea. The bay consists of a dense cluster of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands, each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Ha Long area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuần Châu and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants. Both of them have tourist facilities, including hotels and beaches. There are a number of wonderful beaches on the smaller islands. Some of the islands support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a result of interpretation of their unusual shapes: such names include Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names. Birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and lizards also live on some of the islands. Almost these islands are individual towers in a classic fenglin lanscape which height is from 50m to 100m and height/width ratios up to about 6. Another specific feature of Halong Bay is the abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands, for example, Dau Be island has six enclosed lakes. All these island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst. Halong Bay’s geological value has been evaluated in two ways: by the history of its formation and by its karst geomorphology. Formation history: The Halong Bay area has a long geological history, commencing nearly 500 million years ago, stretching through various ancient geological periods involving the processes of orogeny earth movements, marine regression,tectonic down-warping and marine transgression. Between the Ordovician and Silurian periods (500 to 410 million years ago) the area was a deep sea. Later, between the Carboniferous and Permian periods (340 to 250 million years ago) the sea had become shallow. By the end of the Paleogenic and the beginning of the Neogenic periods (26 and 20 million years ago) the area had become part of a great coastal plain. This was inundated again by the sea about 2 million years ago. During the Triassic period, (240 and 195 million years ago) when most of the rest of the world was experiencing hot, dry climatic conditions, the Ha Long region had a hot and wet climate. The decayed remains of enormous forests of tree ferns were the basis of the coal deposits in the area. Karst geomorphologic value : Ha Long Bay is a mature karst landscape developed during a warm, wet, tropical climate. The sequence of stages in the evolution of a karst landscape over a period of 20 million years requires a combination of several distinct elements including massive thickness of limestone, a hot wet climate and slow overall tectonic uplift. There are various stages of karst formation and remnants of old phreatic, old karstic foot and marine notch caves can be observed. The characteristics of mature karst terrain are Fengling and Fengcong. The conical shapes of fengcong karst form clusters of limestone, having pyramid shapes lying close together with an average height of around 100m, though the highest may reach up to 200m. The conical shapes of fenglin karst are like individual towers having abrupt slopes and reaching heights of between 50 - 100m. The ratio between height and width is 6:1. Conical shapes of fengcong karst can be seen in the groups of hills on Bo Hon and Dau Be islands. The karst fields were formed in different ways, such as: landslide, ceiling collapse of underground river valleys and underground caves, and by the existence of undissolved stone layers. These karst fields were regularly flooded by the sea. The underground karst topography is divided into 3 main types of caves: - Remnants of old phreatic caves such as Sửng Sốt, Tam Cung, Lâu Đài, Thiên Cung, Đầu Gỗ and Thiên Long. - Old karstic foot caves such as Trinh Nữ, Bồ Nâu, Tiên Ông and Trống; - Marine notch caves such as Luồn Cave, Ba Hang and Ba Hầm Lakes. The karst landscape of Ha Long Bay is of international significance and of fundamental importance to the science of geomorphology. The geology of Ha Long Bay is associated with the value of its bio-diversity, archaeological culture, history and other significant values. Bái Tử Long Bay and other beautiful islands and beaches namely Quan Lạn, Minh Châu, Ngọc Vừng, Trà Cổ, Ti Tốp and a high density of hundreds of historical sites along the coast show the great potential for attractive combined tours. With long coast, beautiful beaches and many luxurious resorts, Quảng Ninh attracts millions of turns of domestic and international visitors annually who come here to go on holiday, take a rest or take part in conferences. (3.7 millions of turns of visitors in 2007 of which 1.5 millions of turns of foreigners - the turnover was over 2.200 billions VND). The resources of Tourism – Culture – Psyche Trần Dynasty Historical Site in Đông Triều District Situated in An Sinh commune, Đông Triều district, Quảng Ninh province, the Trần Dynasty’s temple and royal tombs are scattered in a large area with the radius of 20 km. The Site used to worship eight Trần Dynasty Kings is one of the most important memorial constructions in Vietnam history. These temple and royal tombs were built in the period of Trần Dynasty and restored in the period of the Posterior Lê Dynasty and Nguyễn Dynasty. This complex includes one temple and eight royal ombs. Throughout long time and historical changes, this area was seriously deteriorated. Nowadays, the area of Sinh temple and these tombs have been upgraded properly in order to deserve their value and importance. Located in Nghĩa Hưng hamlet, An Sinh temple area is used to dedicate 8 kings of Trần. The tombs of Trần Thái Tông, Trần Thánh Tông and Giản Định Đế and Trần Anh Tông lies on Lốc camp farm, the tomb of Trần Minh Tông is in Khe Gạch, Trần Hiến Tông tomb is in Ao Beo, Trần Dụ Tông tomb is situated in Đống Tròn and the tomb of Trần Nghệ Tông is in Khe Nghê. In addition to the shrine in each tomb, lots of big temples were built by the Court inside the area of An Sinh temple for respect-paying audience. It was defended carefully by mandarins. This area became solemn holly land through Trần, Lê, Nguyễn Dynasties. Bạch Đằng Victory Historical Site Bạch Đằng Stake - Yard Located in the marshy zone of Yên Giang Commune, Yên Hưng District, Quảng Ninh Province, that borders the Chanh River, the stake-yard is the site where Trần Hưng Đạo, a national hero of the 13th century, is forever honored. It was officially recognized as one of Vietnam’s historic vestiges on March 22, 1988; the 700th anniversary of a great victory at Bạch Đằng against Mongol invaders. Bạch Đằng Victory in 1288 was a glorious victory, which marked in the Vietnamese history against the invaders, and the Stake - Yard in Yên Giang Lagoon was an evidence of the glorious feat of arms. and force of 7,000,000kg rice food led by Trương Văn Hồ went to Thăng Long by road and water way. The ruling Trần Court organized a plan of strategic withdrawal, and established guerrilla warfare to wear down their enemy. The invading forces dwindled, tried by both the climate and the constant attacks and were forced to withdraw. Trần Hưng Đạo had his men plant steel-tipped wooden stakes in the bed of the Bạch Đằng River to create a line of defense blocking the Mongol retreat. Trần Hưng Đạo Temple The Trần Hưng Đao Temple lies at a strip of land stretching to the middle of the river in Yên Giang Commune. The temple and Vua Bà Shrine were recognized as historical sites by The Ministry of Information and Culture (No. 100 VH/QĐ dated January 21, 1990) (supplement to the historical complex of Bạch Đằng stake yard). It is situated on the site where Trần Hưng Đạo won the great victory of Bạch Đằng in 1288, the witnesses of which were the wooden stakes submerged in the water. The temple is built according to the Chinese character "dinh" (J). Its Front Ceremonial Hall has three compartments, and its Back Ceremonies Hall comprises two compartments, and a Back Sanctuary. The remaining artifacts in the temple are a few parallel sentence boards praising the hero, eight finely engraved gongs and four royal decrees from Nguyễn Emperors delivered to the wardens of the temple. The ritual festivities of Trần Hưng Đạo Temple take place yearly on the eighth day of the third lunar month. Vua Bà Shrine (Shrine of the Lady King) The Vua Bà Shrine (Shrine of the Lady King) is located in the Yên Giang Commune, in the Yên Hưng District, Quảng Ninh Province. It was built during the Trần Dynasty on an ancient earthen mound, next to an ancient river wharf. Festivities here take place yearly on the eighth day of the third lunar month. Legend says that while on an inspection tour of the terrain where he prepared the future battle of Bạch Đằng, Trần Hưng Đạo passed near the wharf and met an old woman. He questioned her, and she answered by supplying him with the times of the river tides, the topography of the region and suggested to him to use fire against his enemy. After the victory, Trần Hưng Đạo returned to the wharf to look for the old woman, but could not find her. He asked the Emperor to give her the title of "Lady King" and had a shrine built to dedicate her. Giếng Rừng Ironwood Trees The two Giếng Rừng ironwood trees lie on the foot of Tiên Sơn mountain in Đoàn Kết street, Quảng Yên town, Yên Hưng district, Quảng Ninh province. These over-700-year-old trees stand among historical places namely Sông Rừng, Bến Rừng, Chợ Rừng, Giếng Rừng, etc. This area used to be the ancient forest related to the famous stake battlefield. The trees considered victory statues have grown up well despite long time and hard weather. The two Giếng Rừng ironwood trees were recognized as The Historical Vestiges by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1998 (Certificate No.191 VH/QĐ dated February 23, 1998), a supplement to Bạch Đằng stake-yard Historical Site. Yên Giang Communal House Yên Giang Communal House is situated on a high mound in the center of Yên Giang Commune, Yên Hưng District, Quảng Ninh Province. It was built in the 16th century to honour national hero Trần Hưng Đạo. It was rebuilt in 1993. It is built in the shape of the letter dinh (J). Its Front Ceremonial Hall has five compartments. Its Back Ceremonial Hall has three compartments. Its Back Sanctuary includes one compartment. The building still preserves a delicate china incense burner from the Le Dynasty, two stone engravings with designs of dragons from the Nguyen Dynasty, parallel sentence boards and six decrees from Emperors Nguyen conferring to Tran Hung Dao the title of tutelary genie of the village; Five King's chairs, a pair of eight pole palanquin; a royal court was carved with dragon and red lacquer trimmed with gold flowers and leaves which marked from Nguyen Dynasty. The festivities at the communal house take place on the eighth day of the third lunar month every year. Trung Cốc Temple Trung Cốc Temple is located on a high mound in the middle of Đông Cốc hamlet, Nam Hoà commune, Yên Hưng district, Quảng Ninh province. The temple was recognized as The Historical Site by The Ministry of Culture and Information (Decision No.310 QĐ/BT dated February 13, 1996). The temple was built with bamboo many years ago and rebuilt in the 6th Gia Long year. The temple is used to dedicate the national heroes Trần Quốc Tuấn and Phạm Ngũ Lão. Legend says that so as to prepare for the construction of the stake yard in Vạn Muối field (at the gate of Kênh river), these two heroes’ big boat was stuck on the mound in Đông Cốc (nowadays) and lots of soldier and fishermen was mobilized to pull it out of this place. Therefore, after Bạch Đằng victory, people built the temple here to memorize this event. Vân Đồn trade port Vân Đồn, a part of Vân Hải set of islands (Vân Đồn district now) in the southeast of Hạ Long bay, is the first international trade port in Vietnam. Vân Đồn trade port used to be a really bustling and hustling one. Archeologist has found lots of stations and wharfs with a plenty of pottery products and copper coins of different reigns along the islands from Cống Đông, Cống Hẹp, Cống Yên, Ngọc Vừng to Minh Châu, Quan Lạn, etc. Additionally, some glazed terra-cotta jars, used to store ancient copper coins from Đường dynasty to Thanh dynasty and Vietnamese paper money from Lý dynasty to Nguyễn dynasty, could be found under some ancient house floors. In the area of the ancient port, a so-called Hiệu well or Nàng tiên well (fairy well) is full of water all year round which contributes to confirm that Cái Làng was an ancient boat wharf of Vân Đồn port. In addition to the remains of commercial activities, archeologists have also discovered some religious constructions, pagodas and towers in Vân Đồn. Just in Cống Đông island, there are four pagodas and a stupa. The large area of Lấm pagoda built in the period of Trần dynasty is situated on the western mountain slope in Cống Đông island, opposite to the boat wharf on the eastern mountain slope. The remains namely Tam Quan pagoda, Hộ pagoda, Phật pagoda, ancestor house, lotus throne, etc prove that Lấm pagoda area was the important center of Buddhism in Vân Đồn island. Besides, the vestige of a brick stupa can be seen on the high mound in Cống Đông island, about three kilometers northeast away from Lấm pagoda. This stupa was at least as large as Phổ Minh stupa built in the period of Trần dynasty in Nam Định province. Vân Đồn was a big trade port where a lot of goods including forestry products, seafood, spice, silks and satins were exchanged with foreign cargo ships. From Lý dynasty to Trần dynasty, the main goods, however, were porcelain and glazed terra-cotta products. Porcelain products had different colors throughout each dynasty such as gem (Lý dynasty), brown (Trần dynasty), light blue (Lê dynasty). These products were then bought in Japan, China, Southeast Asia countries and even Eastern Europe. Vân Đồn trade port was still bustling until Tây Sơn period. The port was recognized as the Historical Site by the Ministry of Culture and Information. The complex of historical sites and beauty spot of Bài Thơ Mountain Núi Bài Thơ or Bài Thơ (means Poem) mountain is 610ft (186m) high. It runs along the coast of Hạ Long Bay, half on land and half in the sea. In the old day, sailing in the bay, one or two hundred meters from the mountain, one can see a poem carved on a flat stone cliff, but now the view is blocked with houses. In 1468, during his inspection tour to the eastern region, King Lê Thánh Tông stopped here. Inspired by the stunning beauty of Hạ Long, the King wrote a poem and had it carved into the southern side of the mountain, hence its name Bài Thơ (Poem). In 1729, Lord Trịnh Cường composed a poem in response to that of King Lê Thánh Tông and also had it carved near the former. The mountain features other poems by Nguyễn Cẩn and some other poets. Atop Bài Thơ Mountain, you feel surprised at the magnificent landscape of Hạ Long Bay. In the background of immense emerald waters, of rock bobbing, of high sky, of surrounding flowers and trees, you can figure out the tiny images of boats. Bài Thơ makes up one of the beauty spots of Hạ Long. Trần Quốc Nghiễn Temple The temple is situated in an elevation at the foot of Bai Tho Mount, in the area of Bến Đoan - Hòn Gai, Hạ Long City, Quảng Ninh Province, looking to the sea. The temple is dedicated to Trần Quốc Nghiễn, one of Trần Hưng Đạo's sons and a brave, talented general in the resistance against the Yuan-Mongol invaders. Trần Quốc Nghiễn was also famous for his filial piety, and Bài Thơ Mount together set up a temple dedicated to him. The temple has a three-compartment Ceremonial Hall, and a Back Sanctuary. The Holy Mother Temple lies to the right of the main temple. Inside the main temple, the middle altar is dedicated to Trần Quốc Nghiễn. The other two altars on the right and left sides are dedicated to the First Lady and Second Lady respectively. The Temple has a set of eight ornamental weapons, and various worshipping objects. It has undergone many restorations. The captivating Temple is also famous for its sacredness. It has become a tourist destination in Hạ Long City. Long Tiên Pagoda The pagoda is situated at the foot of Bài Thơ Mount in the Long Tiên Street, near Hạ Long Market, in Quảng Ninh Province. Built in 1941, Long Tiên is the biggest pagoda and a well-known historical place in Hạ Long City. The pagoda has original and unique architectural style of the Nguyễn Dynasty. Atop the three-gate entrance stands a statue of Buddha in a sitting position. Below is a bell tower, featuring three words Long Tiên Tự (Long Tiên Pagoda), flanked by two parallel panels. The main altar is dedicated to Buddha. The altar on the right worships generals of the Trần Dynasty, while the altar on the left is dedicated to the Holy Mother of Three Palaces. It is very convenient for tourists to come there as the pagoda lies in the heart of Hạ Long City. In the past, the festival of Long Tiên Pagoda opened on the 24th day of the third lunar month. At present, every day is a festival. Tourists and Buddhist followers from near and far visit the pagoda for sightseeing, or presenting their offerings to Buddha. The pagoda gets extremely crowed on the 1st and the 15th day of each month and during Tet traditional holiday. Cửa Ông Temple Recognized as a beauty spot and historical site by the Ministry of Culture and Information, Cửa Ông temple is located in the Cửa Ông Quarter of Cẩm Phả Town, 40km from Hạ Long City to the north-east. The temple was built at the beginning of the 19th century, and included three main areas: the lower temple (Đền Hạ), the middle temple (Đền Trung) and the upper temple (Đền Thượng). In the lower temple, people observe the cult of the mother (Mẫu), while the upper temple is sacred to the cult of Trần Quốc Tảng. Formerly, in the main temple, people observed the worship of Hoàng Cầu, a regional hero, but it was later changed to honour the third son of Trần Hưng Đạo, who was very heroic in the defence of the border in the Cửa Suốt area. It was built according to the Chinese character "cong" which consists of a three-compartment Front Ceremonial Hall, a two-compartment Back Ceremonial Hall, and a three-compartment Back Sanctuary. This unique temple is sacred to the cult of the whole family of Trần Hưng Đạo. There are 34 statues and statuettes, elaborately and meticulously carved, and with striking engravings depicting various scenes. These statues are of: Trần Hưng Đạo, his wife (Thánh Mẫu), the two princesses (Trần Hưng Đạo's daughters), Trần Quốc Tảng, Trần Anh Tông, Trần Khánh Dư, Yết Kiêu, Dã Tượng, Phạm Ngũ Lão, Lê Phụ Trần and Đỗ Khắc Chung. The Cửa Ông Temple's annual festival begins on the second day of the first lunar month and lasts three months in spring. Tiên Công Shrine Tiên Công Shrine is built next to the Cẩm La Commune People's Committee, in the Yên Huưng District, Quảng Ninh Province. The shrine is dedicated to the cult of the 19 founding fathers, who built dykes on the sea, creating the Ha Nam Island with its seven communes. The ancient shrine was rebuilt during the third year of Emperor Gia Long reign (1804), and since then has undergone many restorations. The shrine was built according to the Chinese character "nhị" (=) which consists of a three-compartment and two lean-tos in the Front Ceremonial Hall, a three-compartment in the Back Sanctuary. The carving alter, stone stele, parallel sentences which marked the Nguyễn Dynasty. Festivities at the shrine take place annually on the seventh day of the first lunar month. Formerly, the island was a submerged alluvial beach at the mouth of the Bạch Đằng River. In 1434, 19 elderly people born in the Hoài Đức District arrived here in search of a new land. They based themselves on the earthen roads above the water level and together with the local fishing people, built the dykes, then founded Bông Lưu ward which then became Phong Lưu commune district including Cẩm La and Yên Đông. Quảng Ninh festivals Yên Tử Festival Place: Yen Tu historical site and beauty spot, Uong Bi Town, Quang Ninh Province. Time: From the 10th day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month. Objects of worship: Sakyamuni Buddha. Participators: People from all walks of life. Characteristics: Pilgrimage in respect of Buddha, going sightseeing. Yen Tu Festival commences annually on the 10th day of the first lunar month and lasts three months. Tens of thousands of pilgrims begin their journey after a solemn ritual held at the base of Yen Tu Mountain. After the three-hour trekking along winding path, going through forests of pines or bamboos, tourists reach the Bronze Pagoda atop the mountain. Upon getting up there all visitors feel like entering Nirvana. The complex of historical sites and beauty spots in Yen Tu features various pagodas, shrines or stupas now appearing now disappearing under the thick foliage of the primary show their belief, or doing away with all sorrow and sadness. Others go to Yen Tu to do sightseeing and to enjoy the pure atmosphere of a mountain region. Foreign visitors come to Yen Tu to witness a famous beauty spot, a mysterious tourist attraction. Anyone who makes all the way to the Bronze Pagoda feels the magnificence of Yen Tu and forests. Atop Yen Tu Mountain, one feels like standing by the Heave Gate shrouded in white cloud. On clear days one can have a partial view of the northeastern region. Anyone who makes all the way to the Bronze Pagoda feels the magnificence of Yen Tu and forests. Atop Yen Tu Mountain, one feels like standing by the Heave Gate shrouded in white cloud. On clear days one can have a partial view of the northeastern region. During the festival the people near and far flock to Yen Tu. Some pilgrims go to Yen Tu to know the reasons why our ancestors chose to lead a religious life in Yen Tu. Bạch Đằng Festival Place: Festival center is at Tran Hung Dao Temple - Vua Ba Shrine and other temples and communal houses in Yen Hung District, Quang Ninh Province: - Yen Giang Communal House (Yen Giang Commune) -Trung Ban Communal House (Lien Hoa Commune) -Trung Coc Temple (Nam Hoa Commune) - Dien Cong Communal House (Dien Cong Commune) Time: 8th day of the third lunar month. Objects of worship: Tran Hung Dao. Characteristics: Bach Dang traditional swimming festival. At Tran Hung Dao Temple and Vua Ba Shrine on the main festival day (the victory day of defeating Yuan - Mongol invaders on Bach Dang River) the 8th of the fourth lunar month there are reappearing the drill of Tran Dynasty's people and troops performance, sacrifices, Tran Hung Dao's statue procession, Bach Dang traditional swimming festival, Bach Dang traditional performance, wrestling, human chess... Bach Dang Festival, in which many governmental leaders attend, is big and sacred. Cửa Ông Temple Festival Place: Cua Ong Ward, Cam Pha Town, Quang Ninh Province. Time: From the 2nd day of the first lunar month to the 30th day of the third lunar month. The main festival day is on the 3rd of the second lunar month. Objects of worship: Hung Nhuong Vuong Tran Quoc Tang (Royal Highest Dong Hai), Hoang Cau - a local general. Characteristics: Incense offering Ceremony, procession of ancestral tablet. Cua Ong Temple dedicated to Tran Quoc Tang, the third son of Tran Hung Dao, many generals of Tran Dynasty and Hoang Cau - a local general who fought bravely against invaders. Every year, the festival is held at the temple to commemorate his merit of defeating the aggressors and defending the Northeast region. The festival is big and last long in Quang Ninh with incense offering ceremony and a procession of his votive tablet from Cua Ong Temple to the shrine in Trac Chan Commune (called Vuon Nhan), according to the legend, is the place where Duc Ong was embodied and drifted. Then the procession turns back to the temple, symbolizing the royal progress of the Duc Ong. Long Tiên Pagoda Festival Place: Long Tien Pagoda, at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province. Time: The 24th day of the third lunar month. Objects of worship: Tran Hung Dao. Characteristics: Procession of ancestral tablet of Duc Ong palanquin. Long Tien Pagoda is situated at the foot of Bai Tho Mountain, built in 1941 to worship Buddha and generals of Tran Dynasty who had marits of the country. The pagoda has unique architectural style. The tam quan (three-entrance gate) includes 3 doors: Huu, Vu and Dai. Atop of the three-entrance gate stands a statue of A Di Da, bellow it is a bell-tower. Outside of the three-entrance gate stands statue of Bo De Dat Ma, the Patriarch of Chinese and Vietnamese Zen. In bai duong and the main altar of the pagoda stand worshipping statues. The festival involves palanquin procession which starts from Long Tien Pagoda, then Duc Ong Temple to An Duong Vuong Temple and return. Traditional folk games in the festival: Chinese chess, wrestling, chau van singing, cheo performance. | 