1. General introduction to Bach Dang River (Hai Phong)
Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is a national historical relic site. (Source: Collected)
The Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) relic site is one of the most historically and culturally significant destinations in the North, where the national spirit is preserved through three legendary victories on the mythical river. Not only a "red address" (a place of patriotic significance) on a journey of remembrance, Bach Dang Giang is also a symbol of the indomitable spirit, intellect, and patriotism of the Vietnamese nation.
1.1. Geographical Location and Updated Guide 2025
The national historical relic site of Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is located in Trang Kenh village, Thuy Nguyen – about 25 km northeast of the city center. It lies beside the legendary Bach Dang River, which witnessed three glorious battles in the nation's history, becoming a destination rich in the cultural and historical values of the port city.
From Hai Phong city center, visitors can choose National Highway 10 or Provincial Road 359 to travel to the relic site, taking only about 35-40 minutes by motorbike or car. If starting from Hanoi, the Hanoi-Hai Phong expressway significantly shortens the journey; you just need to continue through Binh Bridge towards Thuy Nguyen, and it will take about 2 hours and 15 minutes to arrive.
Another notable advantage is that Bach Dang Giang is only about 15 km from Uong Bi city (Quang Ninh), making it very convenient to combine visits to Yen Tu, Ha Long, or Do Son tourist area in the same trip. Clear signposts and flat roads are suitable for both personal vehicles and tour buses, ensuring a complete and convenient exploration of the relic site.
1.2. History and Value of Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong)
The Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) River is a heroic symbol of Vietnamese national history, associated with three great victories against foreign invaders. In 938, under the command of King Ngo Quyen, the tactic of planting stakes in the riverbed helped our army and people defeat the Southern Han forces, ushering in an era of independence and self-rule for the country after more than a thousand years of Chinese domination.
In 981, King Le Dai Hanh again chose this river as the site for a decisive battle, achieving a glorious victory in the resistance against the Song dynasty's invasion. Notably, in 1288, Hung Dao Dai Vuong Tran Quoc Tuan commanded the naval battle of Bach Dang, sinking the entire fleet of the Yuan-Mongol invaders led by Omar Nhi, affirming the peak of Vietnamese military art during the Tran dynasty.
The three consecutive victories on the Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) River not only created an immortal source of pride but also deeply ingrained the heroic spirit, intellect, and unyielding will of the Vietnamese nation. Today, this place has become a significant site for journeys of remembrance and a sacred cultural-historical destination attracting tens of thousands of visitors annually.
1.3. Why Visit the Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) Relic Site?
In 2025, the Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) relic site marks a period of outstanding development with a series of special festivals and cultural activities, attracting a large number of domestic and international tourists. The infrastructure has been comprehensively upgraded, from a modern reception system and expanded parking lot to vivid audio-based automatic commentary technology, offering a more professional and engaging experience for visitors.
Notably, 2025 marks the launch of many new experiential programs such as cruising the Bach Dang River by boat, virtual reality experiences recreating historical battles, and interactive educational activities for students. The riverside area has been uniformly greened, becoming an ideal spot for photography, picnics, or relaxation amidst nature.
The biggest highlight of 2025 is the grand Bach Dang Giang traditional festival, gathering art troupes from many regions. Performances recreating history combined with modern light and sound technology will revive the heroic atmosphere of past battles, helping visitors gain a deeper appreciation for the historical value and national pride.
2. Guide to Traveling to Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong)
Getting to Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is quite simple. (Source: Collected)
In 2025, traveling to the Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) historical site becomes more convenient than ever thanks to improved transportation infrastructure and smart guidance systems. Visitors can easily plan their journeys from Hanoi, Quang Ninh, or Hai Phong city center with various flexible means of transport, suitable for both day trips and cultural – historical exploration tours.
2.1. Traveling from Hanoi, Quang Ninh, Hai Phong city center
Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is an ideal destination for those who want to learn about national history combined with short trips. Thanks to the modern transportation system, visitors from Hanoi, Quang Ninh, or Hai Phong city center can easily travel to the historical site by various flexible, convenient, and time-saving means.
From Hanoi to Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong), the Hanoi – Hai Phong expressway is considered the fastest and most convenient route. After reaching the Thuy Nguyen intersection, you just need to turn towards Binh Bridge to enter the historical site. The total travel time is about 2 hours and 15 minutes, suitable for a day trip. Bus ticket prices on this route range from 120,000 – 150,000 VND/trip, while all-inclusive tours (including shuttle bus and tour guide) usually cost from 450,000 – 650,000 VND/person.
If departing from Hai Phong city center, visitors can follow National Highway 10 or Provincial Road 359, taking only 35 – 40 minutes. Traveling by taxi costs about 180,000 – 220,000 VND/trip, while public buses No. 07 and 18 are more economical options with tickets costing only 15,000 VND/trip.
From Quang Ninh, especially areas like Uong Bi or Cua Ong, the distance to Bach Dang Giang is only 20 – 25 minutes via Da Bac Bridge. During festival seasons, inter-provincial bus routes often increase frequency, with ticket prices ranging from 35,000 – 45,000 VND/trip. For convenience, you should book tickets in advance through reliable apps or agents to avoid sold-out situations during peak times.
2.2. Transportation within the historical site
The Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) historical site is equipped with a comprehensive infrastructure, including a large parking lot, which is a great advantage for visitors. This area can accommodate over 200 motorbikes and 50 cars, ensuring absolute safety with a 24/7 security team. Parking fees are clearly listed: 10,000 VND for motorbikes and 20,000 VND for cars, allowing visitors to explore with peace of mind.
Inside the historical site, the pedestrian pathways are scientifically designed, facilitating movement between attractions – most are within 500m. Bilingual Vietnamese – English signs help international guests easily navigate. During festival seasons or peak times, the historical site also provides mini electric vehicles for the elderly and young children, with tickets costing only 20,000 VND/trip.
3. Exploring the Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) historical site
The Bach Dang Giang historical site (Hai Phong) is a witness to a glorious history. (Source: Collected)
The Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) historical site is not only a witness to the nation's glorious history but also a unique cultural and spiritual complex, converging the beauty of architecture, nature, and Vietnamese spirit. The journey to explore this place takes visitors back in time, allowing them to feel the sacred atmosphere of three great battles and admire historical structures amidst a poetic river landscape.
3.1. Overview of the Historical Complex and Architectural Masterpieces
The Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) historical complex impresses with its unique architecture, harmoniously blending traditional national styles with a modern touch. Prominently at the center is the Ngo Quyen Temple, built in the Ly Dynasty palace style with gracefully curved roofs, intricately carved ironwood pillars, and majestic dragon-adorned statues, clearly reflecting the spirit of victory on the historic river.
To the right is the Le Dai Hanh Temple, featuring an ancient "Dinh"-shaped architecture with tiered yin-yang tiled roofs creating a solemn appearance. Inside the temple, meticulously crafted lacquer paintings vividly recreate the glorious victories of the Dai Co Viet people in the 10th century.
The focal point of the entire complex is the Tran Quoc Tuấn Temple (Hung Dao Dai Vuong) – the largest structure, with a square in front spanning over 2,000 m². A 15m tall bronze statue of Hung Dao Vuong is solemnly placed, depicting the image of the talented and resilient general in the Bach Dang naval battle of 1288. The entire area of railings and stone columns is intricately carved with dragon and phoenix motifs, deeply reflecting Vietnamese culture, creating a sacred and majestic space in the heart of the port city.
3.2. Bach Dang Stake Field and New Archaeological Discoveries
The Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) stake field is an unmissable stop on the journey to explore historical sites in the North. It vividly recreates the legendary Bach Dang victory with over 100 ironwood stakes restored to their original size and positions. Each stake is 3–4m high, sharpened and meticulously treated for waterproofing, forming a defensive system simulating the famous naval tactics of our ancestors.
Right next to it is the Bach Dang Giang mini-museum, housing many precious archaeological artifacts such as ancient wooden stake fragments, pottery, and weapons from various dynasties. A unique highlight is the 360-degree virtual reality experience, allowing visitors to transform into warriors on the river, reliving the heroic atmosphere of the historic naval battle.
In addition, the historical site organizes daily historical education activities such as making wooden stake models, drawing illustrations, and storytelling about national heroes. These activities are not only educational but also help younger generations deeply feel the indomitable spirit of the Vietnamese nation.
3.3. Spiritual and Cultural Space and Natural Landscape
The spiritual space of Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) offers visitors a sense of tranquility and relaxation amidst a gentle river landscape. An ancient paved path winds around, flanked by ancient banyan and bodhi trees providing shade year-round, creating a peaceful, Zen-like atmosphere.
From the stone steps with palace-style architecture, you can walk down to the riverbank to breathe in the fresh air and admire the gently flowing, emerald Bach Dang River. The picnic area is neatly arranged with stone tables and benches and miniature rock gardens, ideal for families with young children to visit and relax.
This place is also an ideal check-in spot for photography enthusiasts, with beautiful photo opportunities such as the ancient Tam Quan gate, hero statues, and the four-season flower garden. Especially in spring, the scenery becomes vibrant with peach and apricot blossoms throughout the garden, while at sunset, the golden-red light covers the river, creating a romantic picture that captivates anyone who visits.
4. Culture, Festivals, and Unique Experiences at Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong)
Organizing many festivals at Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong). (Source: Collected)
Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is not only a sacred historical relic associated with glorious victories, but also a convergence point of culture, festivals, and unique experiences. Each year, this place welcomes thousands of visitors to pay homage, immerse themselves in the vibrant festival atmosphere, learn about traditional crafts, and fully experience the cultural life along the river of the port land.
4.1. Traditional Festival and Art Program "Heroic Spirit of Bach Dang Giang"
The traditional Bach Dang festival 2025 takes place from April 3rd to 6th, 2025 (corresponding to the 6th to 9th day of the 3rd lunar month) with the largest scale ever, bringing a sacred and vibrant atmosphere. The opening ceremony begins with the ritual of parading the statue of Saint Tran from Tran Hung Dao Temple to Yen Giang Communal House, gathering over 50 procession teams marching along a 2km route, recreating the tradition of honoring national heroes.
The highlight of the festival is the art program "Heroic Spirit of Bach Dang Giang", where 200 artists perform to recreate the historic naval battle of 1288 through vivid laser light and 3D sound technology. Audiences will be immersed in the battlefield on the river, with boats, smoke and fire effects, and majestic music, providing an emotional and patriotic experience.
The festival part is lively with a series of folk activities such as chung cake and tet cake making competitions, traditional rice cooking, tug-of-war on the river, along with attractive folk games. The Bach Dang rural market gathers hundreds of stalls of regional specialties, allowing visitors to enjoy local cuisine and explore Vietnamese culture. Throughout the festival, there are also lion dance performances, music, and drum performances, creating a cheerful, bustling atmosphere rich in Hai Phong identity.
4.2. Interplay of Traditional Craft Culture and Local Life
Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is not only a historical destination but also a space for preserving and honoring the unique traditional crafts of the riverside region. Here, the net-weaving craft of Bach Dang fishermen is demonstrated live, offering an authentic experience of the diligent labor of the local people. Visitors can try weaving nets themselves, learn traditional techniques, or purchase small, charming handicrafts as souvenirs.
Minh Duc Pottery Village near the relic site is also an attractive stop, famous for its worship statues, artistic pottery, and feng shui items. Here, you can experience mini pottery making, learn traditional firing techniques, and choose exquisite products such as vases, dragon statues, and traditional decorative plates for prices ranging from 50,000 – 200,000 VNĐ.
Beyond craft culture, the local cuisine of Bach Dang Giang also makes a strong impression on visitors. Hai Phong specialty stalls serve famous dishes such as crab noodle soup (banh da cua), crab spring rolls (nem cua be), and charcoal-grilled squid, spreading the rich flavors of the coastal region. Especially, visitors have the opportunity to interact with elderly fishermen, listen to stories about riverside life, and further appreciate the cultural beauty and resilient spirit of the people of the port land.
5. Travel Tips for Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) 2025
Choose the best time to visit Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong). (Source: Collected)
To make your visit to Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) in 2025 complete, visitors should prepare thoroughly from the timing of their visit, attire, to behavior at the historical site. Here are some useful tips to help you fully enjoy the historical and spiritual beauty, and capture impressive souvenir photos in the sacred space by the legendary Bach Dang River.
The ideal time to visit Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is during spring (February – April) and autumn (September – November), when the weather is mild, and the river landscape is peaceful, offering a comfortable experience. Especially, in the 3rd lunar month, the festival at the historical site is bustling, both solemn and vibrant with traditional colors, attracting a large number of visitors.
Visitors should choose elegant attire, prioritizing traditional ao dai or simple, respectful outfits for the sacred space.
Impressive photo spots include: the Tam Quan gate, stone steps by the river, the statue of Hung Dao Vuong, and the area under ancient trees. When participating in rituals, visitors must maintain order, dress respectfully, and bring traditional offerings such as fruits, sweets, and incense. Simultaneously, absolutely no smoking, no loud noises, and adherence to the management's instructions are required to preserve the solemnity and historical value of the relic.
6. Combined tourist destinations when visiting Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong)
Travel by Sun World cable car to reach Cat Ba Island. (Source: Collected)
Tourism in Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is not just about exploring a sacred historical site, but also opens up opportunities to connect with many attractive nearby destinations. From here, visitors can easily combine spiritual, cultural, and beach resort experiences to create a complete, meaningful, and relaxing trip.
6.1. Connecting to visit prominent destinations around Bach Dang Giang
Thanks to its prime location at the gateway between Hai Phong and Quang Ninh, the Bach Dang Giang relic site is not only a prominent historical destination but also a hub connecting many attractive surrounding exploration journeys. From here, visitors can easily combine visits to spiritual, cultural, and scenic tourist spots within a radius of a few tens of kilometers.
Ba Vang Pagoda in Uong Bi, about 25 km away, is a famous spiritual destination with a solemn atmosphere.
Cao Linh Pagoda in An Duong, Hai Phong, attracts visitors with its exquisite Buddhist architecture and tranquil space.
About 35 km away, Dong Trieu ancient village offers an experience of traditional rural life, with old houses and a long-standing pottery craft.
Binh Bridge, a famous cable-stayed bridge, is also an ideal check-in spot with an open view of the river.
Visitors can spend half a day exploring Dinh Vu industrial park, combining visits to the maritime museum and Hai Phong port, to learn about maritime history and feel the bustling life at the seaside gateway.
6.2. Spiritual Tourism – Beach Tourism Itinerary Combo
If you want to both pilgrimage and enjoy the sea air in one trip, the spiritual tourism – beach tourism combo in Hai Phong is the perfect choice. This itinerary offers a balance between cultural and historical experiences at Bach Dang Giang and moments of relaxation amidst the beautiful nature of Cat Ba Island.
The ideal combined itinerary starts in the morning at Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong), visiting temples and historical stilt-stake areas, then enjoying lunch with local specialties.
In the early afternoon, you travel back to Hai Phong city center to prepare for the journey to Cat Ba Island by Sun World cable car. In Cat Ba, you can also go kayaking, explore caves, or relax on the poetic white sandy beaches.
In the evening, visitors can return to the city center to enjoy attractive specialties such as crab noodle soup, spicy fish vermicelli, coconut jelly…
Bach Dang Giang (Hai Phong) is not only a historical site but also a unique cultural highlight of the city. In 2025, the Bach Dang Giang festival will offer special festival experiences, recreating the traditional values and heroic spirit of the nation. This is a great opportunity for visitors to explore the history, culture, and vibrant atmosphere of Hai Phong.
