Explore Halong Bay

Ha Long Bay in final round of New 7 Wonders

admin — Wed, 28 Sep 2011 08:37:31 +0000

Ha Long Bay has received a certificate to participate in the final round of voting for the honour of being named as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World.

Bernard Weber, Chairman of the New Open World organisation, which is hosting the vote, handed over the certificate to Quang Ninh province on Sept. 27.

Weber said Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty made a strong impression on him the first time he visited the site. He also promised to vote for Ha Long to become a new natural wonder of the world.

According to Pham Minh Chinh, Quang Ninh Provincial Party Committee Secretary, many methods for voting will be utilised in the final stages, including via SMS message.

He said Quang Ninh province will invest in tourism infrastructure and services and take measures to protect the environment in Ha Long Bay with the aim of turning the site into an attractive destination for domestic and foreign visitors.

The final result of the voting campaign for the New 7 Wonders of the World will be officially announced on November 1.

Source: VNA

First National Comedy Festival kicks off in Hạ Long

admin — Fri, 26 Aug 2011 16:25:36 +0000

The first National Comedy Festival for northern provinces officially kicked off on August 25 at the Palace of Việt Nam-Japan Culture in Hạ Long city by the Việt Nam Stage Artists Association in cooperation with the Quảng Ninh Department of Culture Sports and Tourism.

The event attracts nearly 700 comedians from 22 professional troupes of drama, cai luong (Reformed Theatre), cheo (Traditional operetta), tuong (Classical drama) and circus.

The Organising Board will select the best works for the “Comedy Gala” night held on August 31st with participation of famous artists including Meritorious Artist Hồng Vân, Hoài Linh, Xuân Bắc, Tự Long, etc.

Besides, some outstanding performances will be selected for later event to mark the Việt Nam Stage Day in Hà Nội on September 7th.

The first National Comedy Festival for northern provinces will last until September 1^st.

According to the organising board, the first National Comedy Festival for southern provinces is expected to be held in November, 2011 in Ho Chi Minh City./.

(Source: QNP)

Enjoy the wilderness on Cô Tô Islands

admin — Mon, 22 Aug 2011 03:31:31 +0000

Located around 60 kilometers from the Cái Rồng Port, Cô Tô has over the past several years become a popular destination to tourists who want an escape from the noise and pollution in cities.

Cô Tô Island District comprises three main islands – Cô Tô, Thanh Lân, and Trần – and smaller ones and covers 4, 000 square meters. Local residents, mostly migrants from northern provinces, live in only two communes and a small town. Living standards on the islands are much higher. The islanders now have access to electricity supply and asphalted roads, decent homes, automobiles and a crowded commercial town.

More and more people have come there for the love of nature, thus giving a much-needed boost to tourism. Starting from the Cái Rồng Port in the morning with tender breezes, visitors can spend an hour and a half to sail on the Bái Tử Long Bay where has mountainous sceneries like hundreds of baby dragons were sleeping on a giant green carpet. Then, travelers pass through the Đôi entrance to begin an unforgettable journey circled by the sea.

Next they leave the boat on the Cô Tô wharf, some 500 meters from the center of Cô Tô District, to come to a local guest-house on busy streets with Uncle Hồ’s statue, markets and restaurants.

The attraction is not only known for a long, clear beach near the residential area but also for a green pine forest and a tiled road along the shore where locals love to take a walk at sunset.

For local residents, the best way to explore every corner of the islands is to hire a motorbike and a destination which should not be missed is the solar-powered Cô Tô lighthouse on the peak of a mountain not far from the town. Travelers can reach there through a winding road under the shade of the trees. From the lighthouse balcony, visitors can get a panoramic view of the mountains and the horizon.

Another place of interest is the Bắc Vàn military port, around 20 minutes from the lighthouse. Bắc Vàn Beach is known for the different kinds of coral that the authorities are trying to conserve.

Cô Tô Island has two beautiful beaches: Vàn Chải and Hồng Vàn. Vàn Chải and Hồng Vàn are the two must-see beaches in Cô Tô. Vàn Chải Beach is still unspoiled and tourists can relax and play in the big waves and stay overnight in small bungalows while Hồng Vàn beach is always quiet with small waves. Therefore, it is said that Cô Tô Island’s beaches are the perfect spot for beachgoers looking for somewhere relatively untouched./.

(Source: QNP)

Visiting Bồ Hòn Island, one of the largest in Hạ Long bay

admin — Fri, 19 Aug 2011 03:29:54 +0000

As one of the largest in Hạ Long, Bồ Hòn Island or Soap-Berry Tree Island is famous for not only its splendid scenery but many famous and fascinating grottoes.

It is about 1.5 hours from Bãi Cháy although we took much longer to reach it, as we were cruising slowly and enjoying the view along the way.

There are many grottoes located here, such as the Sửng Sốt (Surprise), Luồn, Trinh Nữ (Virgin) grotto. Each of them has their own marvellous beauty and is related to the moved legends.

Besides, a lot of high mountains with vertical cliffs like citadel wall; mountains follow closely make a huge beautiful watercolour picture on the sea.

The island is also home to various species of plants such as benjamin fig trees, cycads and orchids… and animals are monkeys, deer and chamois./.

(Source: QNP)

First comedy festival to be held in Quảng Ninh

admin — Wed, 17 Aug 2011 15:24:17 +0000

Comedy troupes nationwide will have an opportunity to take part in a comedy festival this month.

Lots of famous performers around the nation will gather at the festival such as Xuân Bắc, Tự Long, Chí Trung, Quang Thắng, Quốc Trượng, Vân Dung, Hồng Vân, Anh Vũ, Hoài Linh, Thúy Nga, Việt Hương, etc. Those performers judged the most creative will receive medals.

According to the Việt Nam Stage Artists Association, troupes in the northern area will perform on stage in Hạ Long city, Quảng Ninh province from August 25 to September 1 while southern groups will perform in November.

“We chose Quảng Ninh because the province attracts thousands of tourists and local people have great interest in arts performances,” association president Lê Tiến Thọ said.

Up to now, 22 northern troupes have already registered for the festival to be organized in Quảng Ninh, according to the deputy head of the organizing committee Trần Nhượng./.

(Source: QNP)

The complex of historical sites and beauty spot of Bài Thơ Mountain

admin — Tue, 26 Jul 2011 03:40:39 +0000

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.

Tran Quoc Nghien 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 Tien 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./.

(Source: QNP)

Quang Ninh to build a global geological park in Ha Long Bay

admin — Wed, 20 Jul 2011 03:30:48 +0000

Thanks to its unique value, Ha Long Bay may be recognized as the World’s Geological Park, said specialists in the annual conference on heritages sites, biosphere reserves and global geological parks in Việt Nam on July 19.

According to experts, Ha Long Bay has outstanding global geological value. The total area of Ha Long Bay is 1,553 sq. km with 1969 islands of various sizes, of which 989 have been named. Most of the islands on Ha Long Bay are limestone and were formed over 500 million years ago, and are massed in the southeast and southwest. The schist islands scattered in the southeast have an average height of between 50-200m, and have a rich covering of flora.

The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. The process of nearly full erosion and weathering of the karst created the unique Hạ Long Bay in the world.

In addition, historical research surveys have shown the presence of prehistoric human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago.

According to the Head of Ha Long Bay Management Board Ngô Văn Hùng, the system of interesting and magic caves, lakes and bays is one of the important features that help Ha Long Bay to become a global geological park.

Within the islands of the Bay there are hundreds of beautiful caves of different shapes and sizes, including many famous names such as Thiên Cung, Đầu Gỗ, Sửng Sốt, Tam Cung and Bồ Nâu, etc. Some of them are archaeological sites retaining tangible archaeological evidence, such as Đầu Gỗ, Bồ Nâu, Sửng Sốt, Soi Nhụ, Tiên Long, Mê Cung and Trinh Nữ caves.

Thus, Quang Ninh is planning to build a geological park in Ha Long Bay which is expected to be admitted to the UNESCO Global Geo-parks Network (GGN) in the near future, said Mr. Hùng./.

(Source: QNP)

Yên Tử Festival Around Halong Bay – Vietnam

admin — Mon, 18 Jul 2011 02:56:30 +0000

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.

Yên Tử 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 Yên Tử 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 Yên Tử 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 Yên Tử to do sightseeing and to enjoy the pure atmosphere of a mountain region. Foreign visitors come to Yên Tử to witness a famous beauty spot, a mysterious tourist attraction.

Anyone who makes all the way to the Bronze Pagoda feels the magnificence of Yên Tử and forests. Atop Yên Tử 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 Yên Tử. Some pilgrims go to Yên Tử to know the reasons why our ancestors chose to lead a religious life in Yên Tử./.

(Source: Quangninh.gov.vn)

Trà Cổ Festival 2011 held in Móng Cái city

admin — Sat, 09 Jul 2011 03:35:08 +0000

The 14th Trà Cổ Festival was organized from June 30 to July 6 (or from the 30th day of the fifth lunar month until the sixth day of the sixth lunar month) in Móng Cái city.

The procession of the King to the sea

Trà Cổ Communal House was built nearly 600 years ago to commemorate the tutelar genies of the village. The festival held every year also aims at memorizing the merit of the tutelary genies of the village and prays good lucks to villagers.

This year’s festival included a wide range of traditional and attractive activities. The festivities began with the procession of the King to the sea accompanied by an armed troop, an orchestra, a strong and young man chosen by the village people holding the flag and carrying palanquin.

After the ritual procession, there were agricultural contests, such as a pig-breeding competition. The animals receive intensive care many months before from their masters in hopes of getting the first prize.

A cooking contest was held from June 3-5. After the contest, the best cooks acquired fame throughout the village.

The festivities ended on June 6 with a flower dance. In this rituals, the people prayed to the genies to allow them to catch more fish, to have good lucks to their trading activities and to have prosperous lives./.

(Source: QNP)

Me Cung Grotto

admin — Wed, 29 Jun 2011 02:30:10 +0000

Two kilometers south-west of Ti Top Beach is the Me Cung Grotto or Bewitching Grotto. It formed on Lom Bo Island, and seen from afar, the entrance is like the roof of a house denting the island’s side.

After a narrow crack only allowing one person through at a time, many partitions appear. These chambers are somewhat small and narrow, but very refined, and with many stalagmites and stalactites bearing beautiful forms.

Threading your way through narrow passages, you find a dim light from afar, which signals the exit of the grotto. On getting out of the grotto, climb up several rugged stone stairs and look down, you see a large round lake surrounded by the mountain. Its waters is blue all year round. The lake is home to many kinds of fish, shrimps, octopuses, algae, see weed, and coral. Lying adjacent to the lake there is an area of old trees popularly known as an alluring “royal garden”.

It is dry and well-ventilated, and features a thick layer of shells forming the foundation of the entrance. Formerly, this layer was 1.2-meter-thick and semi-fossilized. In the course of research, there was also a fossilized animal’s skeleton discovered in the interior. The Me Cung Grotto has been recognized by archaeologists as one of the vestiges of the pre-Ha Long new Stone Age culture, that existed between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Pushing into the grotto, tourists feel like walking in a palace of a Persian king. Hearing the murmur from out of nowhere, you think that Scheherazade is telling the stories of the Thousand and One Nights for her king.

On the island, there are many ancient trees casting long reflections on the water of the bay. They are home to many species of birds and animals (monkeys, chamois and varans).

Source: HalongbayVietnambeauty