Quick Facts
| Data Field (Title) | Content | Icon/Note |
|---|---|---|
| Official Vietnamese Name | Lễ hội Bạch Đằng | The Bạch Đằng River Festival. |
| Location | Trần Hưng Đạo Temple and Vua Bà Shrine, Quảng Yên Town, Quảng Ninh Province, Vietnam. | Site of the historic Bạch Đằng River battles, near the mouth of the river leading to Hạ Long Bay. |
| Date | 8th Day of the 4th Lunar Month (Main Day) | Celebrations typically span three days, usually falling in April or May. |
| Significance | Commemorates three decisive victories that secured Vietnam's independence and sovereignty. | Celebrates national heroes Ngô Quyền, Lê Hoàn, and Trần Hưng Đạo. |
| Strategic Importance | The battles are famous for the ingenious use of underwater wooden stakes to destroy invading fleets. |
I. Overview and Historical Significance
The Immortal River
The Bạch Đằng Festival is one of Vietnam’s most profound and patriotic celebrations, held annually to honor the three great military victories achieved on the Bạch Đằng River estuary. These battles are considered pivotal moments that secured Vietnam’s independence and defined its national identity.
The festival pays homage to the brilliant military strategists who led the nation to victory:
938 AD (Ngô Quyền): Defeated the Southern Han forces, ending over a millennium of Chinese domination and regaining complete independence for Vietnam.
981 AD (Lê Hoàn): Successfully repelled the invading Song forces.
1288 AD (Trần Hưng Đạo): Dealt a crushing defeat to the massive fleet of the Mongol Yuan dynasty, one of the few decisive defeats suffered by the Mongols in Asia.
The Underwater Stake Strategy
The victories share a common, ingenious military tactic: driving sharp, iron-tipped wooden stakes deep into the riverbed. The Vietnamese commanders would lure the enemy fleets into the stake field at high tide. As the tide receded, the enemy ships would become immobilized and pierced by the stakes, leaving them vulnerable to counter-attack.
II. Festival Activities and Rituals
The festival blends solemn rituals of gratitude with exciting folk and cultural activities.
1. Grand Processions and Incense Offerings
Statue Procession: A major highlight is the solemn procession of the statue of General Trần Hưng Đạo, the hero of the 1288 victory, from his temple to the Yên Giang Communal House. This large procession stretches across the town’s streets, drawing crowds of respectful attendees.
Veneration: Pilgrims and visitors offer incense and prayers at the Trần Hưng Đạo Temple and the Vua Bà Shrine (dedicated to a female deity believed to have assisted the Vietnamese army), showing gratitude to the national heroes and the spirit of the river.
2. Historical Reenactment and Water Sports
Boat Races (Bơi Chải): Fierce boat racing competitions are held on the Bạch Đằng River. These races are not just sports; they are a symbolic reenactment of the naval battles, embodying the martial spirit and strategic movements of the ancient Vietnamese fleet.
Folk Games: Traditional games such as wrestling, human chess, and sometimes cock-fighting are held, providing a lively community atmosphere.
3. Cultural and Educational Exhibits
Exhibitions: The event often features exhibitions of calligraphy, photography, and historical artifacts related to the battles, providing educational opportunities for both locals and tourists to understand the profound historical value of the site.
III. Visitor Information
| Guide Field | Details |
|---|---|
| Location Note | The Bạch Đằng Giang historical site, near the festival location, features a protected relic area displaying preserved wooden stakes and statues of the heroes. |
| Cultural Impact | Attending the festival is an opportunity to witness a deep expression of Vietnamese patriotism and a collective gratitude for the founders and defenders of the nation's sovereignty. |
| Atmosphere | Visitors can expect a bustling and holy ambiance, feeling the echo of the ancient battles alongside the vibrant, collective pride of the coastal community. |
| Recommended Visit | The main procession and the boat races are the most spectacular events, typically occurring on the 8th day of the 4th Lunar Month. |