Best traditional festival in Quang Ninh, Viet Nam

Quang Ninh is a land of rich history and traditional festivals taking place every year. Lots of religious and traditional rituals and customs are held in celebration of the Buddhist monk and heroes who rendered great merits to the people and the country.

Bach Dang Festival

According to the ancient history of Vietnam, in the 10th and 13th centuries, on the Bach Dang River( belongs to Quang Ninh province), three fierce naval battles- Battle of Bach Dang (938- 981- 1288)  against the northern invaders occurred, with the resounding feats associated with the military genius of three national heroes Ngo Quyen, Le Hoan and Tran Hung Dao. At the Battle of Bach Dang River in 938, led by Ngo Quyen defeated the invading forces of the Southern Han state of China. The victory marked the independence of Dai Viet (the old name of Vietnam for the periods from 1054 to 1400 and from 1428 to 1804) and ended up the First Chinese domination of Vietnam. Until 981, The Song dynasty of China had a military conflict with the Early Le Dynasty, the battle of Bach Dang River resulted in a victory for Dai Viet over the Chinese forces. 

Last but not least, the Battle of the Bach Dang River (1288) was one of the greatest victories in Vietnam history. Led by commander-in-chief Tran Hung Dao, the battle the last confrontation between Dai Viet and Yan Dynasty- Mongol China History, took place at the Bach Dang River, near Halong Bay in present-day northern Vietnam. The victory ended the Yuan-Mongol troops hopes of invading Dai Viet. These wars make the Bach Dang River more mysterious, holy and sacred. Today, people always remember these victories and worship the heroes. Moreover, Bach Dang River still attracts the attention of many visitors and researchers from all over the world to remember with admiration. 

Bach Dang festival takes place on the 8th day of the third lunar month every year to worship the national hero Tran Hung Dao, others hero,  royal members and famous generals of the Tran Dynasty, who three times defeated Mongol invaders. You can join this festival at Tran Hung Dao Temple, Dong Bang Temple and others around Bach Dang River. People organize traditional folk games and activities such as swimming, boating, wrestling, human chess playing, and cock-fighting. Many groups of pilgrims and visitors are welcomed. 

Yen Tu Festival

Yen Tu historical site became a Buddhist center since King Tran Nhan Tong gave up his throne to his son after gaining victory over the Nguyen-Mong army.  He spent all of his time seeking spiritual awakening. In 1299, he came to Yen Tu mountain and established Truc Lam Zen Buddhism. He continued developing The Complex of Yen Tu monuments and landscape as places for practicing and preaching Buddhism.

People always remember his contribution to Buddhism and hold Yen Tu Festival every year from the 10th day of the first lunar month until the end of the third lunar month. During three months of spring, many pilgrims go to Yen Tu pagoda and Dong pagoda on the top of Yen Tu mountain, Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh Province in respect of Buddha, going sightseeing. Due to the high elevation at 1,920m, it is not easy to reach the top of the mountain. However, most Buddhist and visitors still decided to make a pilgrimage. Dong pagoda proudly stands on the top of the mountain and is the desired destination of all pilgrims visiting Yen Tu.

Cua Ong Temple Festival

Cua Ong Temple festival worships Hung Nhuong Vuong Tran Quoc Tang, the third son of King Tran Hung Dao. People commemorate his contribution to defeating enemies as he gained many merits during the resistance against the Mongolian army and bringing peace to Dai Viet in the 13th century.  The festival was held on a large scale from the 2nd day of the first lunar month to the 30th day of the third lunar month. The main festive day falls on the third and the fourth days of the second lunar month. Some key activities you can notice are incense offering Ceremony, the procession of the ancestral tablet to depict Tran dynasty Cua Ong temple, Cua Ong Ward, Cam Pha Town, Quang Ninh Province. Visitors come here to pray for some luck and health, wish for the New Year as well as remember the contribution of the heroic General of Vietnam. Many folk games, traditional activities take place to serve domestic and foreign tourists such as dragon dance, Quan ho (duet folk singing), cockfighting, boat racing,...

From this temple, visitors can observe the breathtaking scenery with the mountain at its back and the sea upfront. Standing on the yard of the temple, you can see Bai Tu Long Bay with hundreds of islands of all spectacular shapes and sizes, a densely- populated valley, a mountain range in a distance running to Mong Duong. According to Feng Shui principles, Cua Ong temple is located in the venue of good spirit which makes it a holy land. 

If you visit Quang Ninh in Springtime in the Lunar Calendar, you can join a lot of festivals. So, don’t forget to immerse yourself in the sacred and spectacular places. Let’s enjoy your trip to Quang Ninh!