Ba Men Temple Festival: An Unique Cultural Heritage of Halong Bay and Cat Ba Fishermen
Every year, on the 18th and 19th days of the first lunar month, fishermen from the floating villages of Halong Bay and Cat Ba archipelago gather at the Ba Men Temple Festival. More than just a spiritual tradition, the event stands as a vibrant testament to the unique maritime culture of Vietnam’s coastal communities.
A Sacred Border Between Two Wonders
Ba Men Temple is situated on a spacious sandy beach at the foot of a limestone karst, approximately 30 kilometers from the mainland.
Located near Ba Ham Lake, the temple sits on the administrative boundary between the UNESCO World Heritage site of Halong Bay (Quang Ninh Province) and Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong City).
Unlike most traditional Vietnamese festivals managed by local authorities or formal committees, the Ba Men Festival is organized entirely by the community. For over 20 years, Mr. Nguyen Van Mien, a fisherman from Cao Minh village, has served as the temple’s custodian. Respected for his selfless dedication, Mr. Mien oversees the sanctuary and coordinates the festivities with the consensus of the local fishing community.
Nautical Offerings and Spiritual Devotion
The ritual ceremonies take place from the morning of the 18th until noon on the 19th of the first lunar month. During this time, the waters in front of the temple are filled with hundreds of fishing vessels anchored in an orderly fashion.
A distinctive feature of the festival lies in the offerings. While inland festivals typically feature paper effigies of horses or elephants, the fishermen here offer meticulously crafted miniature models of ships and boats.
This tradition symbolizes their prayers for a year of “smooth sailing,” bountiful harvests, and protection from the unpredictable elements of the open sea.
The Adrenaline of the Dragon Boat Race
The festival reaches its climax on the afternoon of the 19th with the traditional boat racing competition (dua chai). The race features four elite teams representing the prominent floating villages of the region: Cong Dam – Vung Vieng, Cua Van, Ha Nam (Ba Ham Lake), and Cao Minh (Cat Ba).
Each racing boat is manned by 14 rowers and one helmsman. The 500-meter course starts directly in front of the temple, requiring teams to complete two grueling laps. The atmosphere is electric, with spectators on nearby vessels cheering to the rhythmic beat of drums.
To these fishermen, the race is more than a sport; it is an omen. It is widely believed that the village claiming victory will be blessed with exceptional luck and a prosperous fishing season throughout the coming year.
A Growing Attraction
The Ba Men Temple Festival has increasingly become a highlight for travelers on Halong Bay tours. Its raw, authentic atmosphere offers a rare glimpse into the “living heritage” of Vietnam’s sea-faring people, ensuring that despite the pressures of modernization, these centuries-old customs continue to thrive in the heart of the Gulf of Tonkin.
