Posted by admin on January 18, 2011 under News | 
Quang Ninh provincial People’s Committee has approved the project to protect and develop the value of Bai Tu Long National Park until 2015.
The project includes afforestation, forest caring, forest restoration, forest plantation farming and construction of forest protection stations, notice boards, a garden for rare plant migration training, etc.
It will be implemented within 4 years from 2011 on all of the islands in Bái Tử Long bay namely Ba Mùn, Trà Ngọ Lớn, Trà Ngọ Bé, Sậu Đông, Sậu Nam, Đông Ma, Hòn Chín, Lỗ Hố, Máng Hà Nam, Máng Hà Bắc, Di to, Chầy Chầy, Đá Ẩy, Soi Nhụ and more than 20 other small islands. The total investment capital is over VND 7 billion, coming from the state budget.
With the total area of 15,783 hectares, Bái Tử Long National Park supports about 2,000ha of lowland evergreen forest, most of which is on Ba Mùn Island. Plant species diversity is high in the forest in the national park, with no one family dominating. Common tree species include members of the Caesalpiniaceae, Theaceae, Dipterocarpaceae, Myrtaceae and Sapotaceae families.
The park is now home to 672 species of terrestrial plants and 178 aquatic floral species, of which 11 species have been listed in Việt Nam Red Book of endangered species.
It also boasts 37 species of animal, 96 species of bird, 15 species of amphibian, 22 species of reptiles, 119 species of fish; 132 species of invertebrate animal and 106 species of coral. One of the most endangered animals in the park is dugong, also known as a sea cow.
Apart from its biological diversity, the park boasts wonderful natural landscapes, intact beaches, archaeological sites of ancient Việt Nam and vestiges of the former busy trading port of Vân Đồn.
Source: QN News
Posted by admin on January 17, 2011 under Halong Festivals, News |
The biggest annual event for singers will be held today until January 19 in the city of Ha Long bay, reported the Organizing Committee.
The musician Le Quang, a representative of Organizing Committee revealed that all of the singers, artists agreed to gather in Ha Long city because they would like to demonstrate their support for the campaign to vote for Ha Long bay to become a natural wonder of the world.
During a three- hour long conference, singers, composers, MC and directors will altogether discuss issues of interest such as celebrity culture, their artistic responsibility to the community, artists and internet, etc.
They will also have an excellent opportunity to enjoy the charming and unique beauty of Ha Long bay via a tour around the bay and magic grottoes. These celebrities will visit small islands and give gifts to poor households in fishing villages on the bay as well.
In addition, the charity gala entitled A New Day in Quang Ninh taking place on January 19 to raise funds for the province’s poor will feature all the performers.
The day is expected to attract around 200 domestic and overseas Vietnamese singers. The previous Singers’ Day was held in Quy Nhon last year.
Source: QN News
Posted by admin on January 15, 2011 under News |
Ha Long Tourism Week 2011 is designed to lure more people to vote for Ha Long Bay, as 2011 is the deadline for voting the New Seven Wonders of the World.
The event is scheduled to take place on April 29-May 2 in Bai Chay, Tuan Chau resorts and the center of Ha Long city under the northern province of Quang Ninh.
Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as the world natural heritage in 1994 and 2000.
Currently, the New Open World Foundation has nominated the Bay as one of the world’s new seven natural wonders, bringing about a unique chance for Vietnam to gain the title and advertise the country’s tourism potentials .
Besides, a series of cultural, sports and tourism activities will be organized in the local key tourist destinations like Mong Cai, Uong Bi, Dong Trieu, and Van Don during the Tourism Week.
Source: VGP
Posted by admin on January 14, 2011 under News |
The Ha Long Tourism Festival 2011 will kick off on April 29, 2011 and is expected to create a strong attraction with the people and international tourists, promote the campaign to vote for Ha Long bay as one of seven new natural wonders of the world and foster the link between sport activities and cultural ones.
Halong Tourism Festival in 2010
As scheduled, Ha Long Tourism Festival 2011 will take place in 4 days from April 29 to May 3, 2011 in Bai Chay tourism area (Ha Long city), Mong Cai city, Yen Hung district, Van Don district and Uong Bi district.
Besides traditional programs such as Tran Quoc Nghien Temple Festival, art performances, food festival, Tuan Chau international beach volleyball tournament, exhibition on Ha Long bay pictures, concert performances, Quang Ninh open tennis tournament, Quang Ninh international trade fair, etc., a wide range of new and alluring cultural activities is also about to be held during the festival.
Particularly, locals and visitors will have a good chance to enjoy amazing light art performances for the first time in Vietnam at a special area which will be officially open within the week of festival.
Having been organized since 1998 and already become a special tourist product which lures the large participation of local people, domestic and international visitors.
Via this festival, the beautiful and impressive image of Ha Long city in particular and Quang Ninh province in general are enhanced, creating positive impact on the province’s socio-economic development.
In 2010, Ha Long Tourism Festival attracted more than 500 thousand visitors within four days.
Source: TWM
Posted by admin on January 13, 2011 under News |
Bai Chay bridge was selected among 20 typical works after Doi Moi period, according to Vietnamese Architecture Association.
The list of 20 typical works after Doi Moi period was made by the Selection Committee which includes famous and experienced architecturers, artists, journalists, historians, etc.
The bridge started to be constructed on May 2003 by the Japan’s joint partners Shimizu-Sumitomo-Mitsui and the Transport Ministry’s Project Management Unit No 18 and was completed on December 2, 2006. The main bridge will be 903 meter long and 25.3 meter wide, with a clearance height of 50 meters, allowing 50,000-tonne vessels to pass through.
This is the type of cable-stayed bridge which has two outer span, reinforced concrete box beams prestressed with the width of the world record pace for this type of bridge.
The finance for the bridge worth VND 2.1 trillion (US$134 billion) primarily came from the Japanese official development assistance loans.
Spanning the Cua Luc Straits in Ha Long City and connecting Bai Chay with Hon Gai, after opening to traffic, the bridge plays an important part in facilitating traffic on National Highway No 18, which links Ha Long City and Hanoi, and boosting the economy of not only Quang Ninh but also the northern port city of Hai Phong and Hanoi.
Source: TWM
Posted by admin on January 12, 2011 under Halong Culinary |
In the Quang Ninh sea many varieties of shrimp can be found, from the smallest morsel to the largest prawn, or even lobster. The most precious are these lobsters.
Their shells are often used are decorative objects in Halong hotels, restaurants or in fishermen’s homes in the sea region of Ha Long. As for prawns, their shells are softer and they are often chosen as specialties at banquets.
There are two ways prawns are cooked in the region; either steamed or battered and then fried. Steamed prawns are preferred by locals as they retain the flavour of the sea. They are often eaten with flattened onions, lemon with a mixture of salt and pepper, or dipped into a Ðại Yên or Cái Rồng fish sauce mixed with red chilly.
When eating steamed prawns, the Vietnamese first eat the layer of liver and pancreas located under the head.
The viscous yellow liquid, that looks horrible to westerners, is believed to cloy one’s appetite. After removing the shell, the pure white flesh of Quang Ninh’s prawns appears.
Posted by admin on January 11, 2011 under Halong Attractions |
The grotto is on Driftwood Island. Seen from afar, the entrance to the grotto appears to be blue, and has a shape similar to that of a jellyfish. After 90 steps up the island, the entrance is reached. The ceiling of the grotto is about 25 m. Hundreds of stalactites falling down from the roof of the grotto look like a waterfall.
The grotto is divided into three main parts. The exterior is a room with a vault full of natural light. Many forms may be seen in the rock formations of the chamber, depending on the imagination of the visitor of course.
Crossing the first chamber, one enters the second chamber through a narrow passage. The light here is mysterious, and new images appear in the stone. It makes us having a fear and be inquisitive.
The third chamber of the grotto is widely opened. At the end of the grotto is a well of clear water. Looking up in the dim light we recognize that surrounded is the image of an ancient citadel and a scuffle of elephants, horses, man with bristly sword and spear. All are making a rush and be petrified suddenly.
The name Driftwood Grotto came from a popular story of the resistance war against the Yuan – Mongolian aggressors. In a decisive battle, Tran Hung Dao was given the order to prepare many ironwood stakes here, to be planted on the riverbed of Bach Dang River. The remaining wooden pieces found in the grotto have given it its present name.
And the name Giau Go is associated with the legend that General Tran Hung Dao (1226-1300) hid ironwood stakes in preparation for the Bach Ðang battle against the Yuan-Mongolian invaders.
If the Thien Cung Grotto is monumental and modern (in its natural form), then Driftwood Grotto is solemn, but also grandiose. In “Marvels of the World,” published in France in 1938, the author called the grotto “Grotte des merveilles” (a site of many marvels)
in the first chamber, in the very middle of the grotto, is a colossal pillar supporting the large vault. On the top of the pillar, there appears to be a monk draped in a long, dark cloak, with his right hand clasping a cane.
The second chamber is narrow. Here, the stalactites look smaller but more graceful. One feels like going to a pagoda with a monk in meditation so that one steps more gently.
The third chamber features high stone columns out of which nature has carved images of a large kingdom, of heroes and soldiers holding swords and spears rushing up, of war elephants and horses or lions, etc. All of them suddenly was petrified and remained there for good.In 1917, Emperor Khai Ðinh came to visit the grotto, and amazed by the beauty of the place, ordered the erection of an engraved stone stele singing the praises of Halong Bay and the grotto. Today, it remains to the right-hand side of the entrance.
Posted by admin on January 10, 2011 under Halong Culinary |
Halong Bay is rich in seafood and offers tons of fish, shrimps and oysters. The catch served in most restaurants usually comes right out of fishing boats in the early hours of the morning.
There are many good restaurants located in Bai Chay Town (Halong Bay Town) and most are the beachfront type. These eateries offer mainly Vietnamese and Chinese dishes with a good selection of seafood, however lately there are more international options to be had.
Floating Restaurant
Several floating restaurants adjacent to Cat Ba Island serve fresh seafood of all kinds. The cooks pick live seafood out of cages and plastic containers floating in the sea inside or next to the restaurants. They will then cook whatever you order on the spot. You simply can’t get fresher seafood than this. Ask the locals or your guide where to get a boat to the restaurants. You’ll love it.
Location: near Cat Ba Island
Green Mango
Green Mango Restaurant is one of the top choices on Cat Ba Island when looking for a restaurant with both good food and service. Customers can sit outdoors enjoying the harbour view or relax in a trendy and hip indoor setting. The menu features fusion food along with tapas, mouth-watering main meals and delectable deserts. Prices are above average. Open seven days a week, from 06:30 till the last customer leaves.
Location: The heart of Cat Ba Island
Noble House Bar & Restaurant
Noble House Restaurant offers delicious Vietnamese/Western food in a lovely and cosy place owned by an Australian. Open from 06:00 to late. Credit cards not accepted.
Location: Centre of Cat Ba Island, next to the post office, across from the pier.
Huu Dung Restaurant
This restaurant is famous for awesome seafood and a great view of the bay. The menu includes spring rolls, fried cuttlefish, battered shrimp and the house special is whole steamed fish with lashings of garlic and soy sauce.
Location: opposite Lan Song Xanh Disco on Nui Ngoc St., Cat Ba Island
Posted by admin on January 8, 2011 under Halong Culinary |
Boiled or steamed squid is not the specialty of the northern coast city of Halong, but the unique flavor of cha muc (fried squid paste) arouses the desire of travelers from near and far.
Usually, diners ask for a second serving of cha muc, even when tasting this food for the first time, and they want to eat it many times once they happen it during their trip to Halong, a renowned tourism city in Quang Ninh Province that is home to Halong bay.
We had cha muc several times during our visit to Halong, whose sea provides a plentiful source of fresh squid for local cooks to make the fried squid paste which appeals to so many visitors.
Locals net fresh squid and then pound it by hand in a mortar until it becomes an elastic paste. Then they mix it with broken pepper and fish sauce before shaping it into cakes for deep frying in a pan until the paste cakes turn brown and smell good.
People eat cha muc when it is hot and with steamed rice rolls or steamed glutinous rice as the oily broth from the paste cakes mixes with the steamed rice rolls or rice to turn it into a delicious dish for breakfast, lunch or dinner.
In Halong, a dish of cha muc and steamed rice rolls or steamed glutinous rice is served with pepper fish sauce and bamboo slices pickled with slices of red chili. Such a dish helps stimulate blood circulation and keeps people warm on chilly winter nights in the north.
Visitors can eat cha muc with steamed glutinous rice at street eateries on Ha Long Street, near Cong Doan Hotel or near the Bai Chay Bridge for VND20,000 a portion.
The flavor and reputation of Halong cha muc has gone beyond the tourist city to Hanoi, HCMC and other cities of Vietnam. However, it is in Halong where you can enjoy the authentic taste and flavor of fried squid paste.
Source: SGT
Posted by admin on January 7, 2011 under Halong Festivals |
Place: Ðình Wharf in Quan Lạn Commune, Vân Ðồn District
Time: The festivities are organized yearly on the 18th day of the sixth lunar month, but the celebration lasts from the 10th to the 20th days of month.
Significance: The festival is organized to commemorate the victory against the Mongol invaders in 1288, as well as the feats of Trân Khánh Dư, a famous Trân general. They also pray for good “harvest” from the sea.
Quan Lạn Communal House Festival is the village-wide celebration for the inhabitants of the island community of Quan Lạn: located the central area of the ancient Vân Ðồn Harbour.
Quan Lan Communal House
The 10th day of the sixth lunar month features the ritual of “closing the village”: the inhabitants cannot leave, but those who have moved away and other guests from any corner of the country are welcome.
The festivities of Quan Lạn Communal House are comprised of a traditional rowing competition: villagers are divided into two sides. They establish their particular training grounds on the 13th day of the month in order to prepare themselves. The boats used are ordinary 5 to 6-tonne fishing boats, with lowered sails and dragon-heads carved on the fronts.
The 16th day is reserved for receiving the genies. There is a procession for the funeral tablets of Trân Khánh Dư from the temple to the village’s communal house.
On the 18th day at about 3:00 PM (every year at this time the tide reaches the temple’s wharf), the boats start. The “soldiers” on one side wear a white jacket and blue pants, while the other group wears gray or black clothing. When the opposing generals meet each other at the communal house, the “soldiers” and spectators shout resoundingly; the noise echoes throughout the region. The two generals make sword-tracings in the air, and the two troops meet each other three times: symbolizing the three victories during the Trân Dynasty. Following the third meeting, they assemble before the shrine, and the rowing contest begins.
The Quan Lạn Communal House Festival bears characteristics of traditional village festivals, but is particularly grandiose, expressing the military spirit of the Vietnamese in the struggle against foreign invaders.
Tip: Stay in a Halong hotel and you can travel to Quan Lan the next day by boat.
