New Discoveries in Ha Long Bay

In 1994, Ha Long Bay was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site for its aesthetic value. In 2000, UNESCO further acknowledged Ha Long Bay as a World Natural Heritage site for its exceptional global significance in geology and geomorphology. However, over the 30 years since Ha Long Bay first became a UNESCO World Heritage site, many new values have been discovered, most notably its biodiversity and cultural and historical significance.

Biodiversity

According to the Ha Long Bay Management Department, Ha Long Bay is geographically connected to Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago, creating a marine and island ecosystem with numerous favorable natural conditions. This environment has fostered the development of a diverse range of marine and island habitats.

Scientists have assessed Ha Long Bay as one of the areas with the highest biodiversity value. The biodiversity of Ha Long Bay is demonstrated in its diverse ecosystems, the presence of rare and valuable genetic resources, and the variety of species that inhabit the area. This rich diversity makes Ha Long Bay a globally significant natural treasure, providing essential ecological services and supporting a variety of life forms across land and sea.

According to the World Natural Heritage file of Ha Long Bay from the Department of Cultural Heritage (Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism), the geological environment formed from Karst terrain is the foundation for the emergence of other values of Ha Long Bay, such as biodiversity, archaeological culture, and other humanistic values.

Statistics from the Department of Cultural Heritage show that the total number of plant species found on the islands in Ha Long Bay is over 1,000 species. Various plant communities have been discovered, including mangrove species, plants along the sandy shores of the islands, plants growing on mountain slopes and cliffs, on mountain peaks, or at cave entrances and rock crevices.

21 rare terrestrial plant species have been recorded in the Red Book and can be found in Ha Long Bay.

Researchers from the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) have discovered seven plant species endemic to Ha Long Bay. These species have adapted to life on the limestone islands of Ha Long Bay and cannot be found anywhere else in the world. They include: Ha Long cycad, Ha Long purple kadsura, Ha Long rattan, Ha Long velvet kadsura, Ha Long ear, Ha Long devil's club, and yellow lady's slipper orchid.

To date, 17 endemic plant species of Ha Long Bay have been discovered.

According to statistics, the tropical moist evergreen forest ecosystem in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long includes 477 species of magnolia, 12 species of ferns, and 20 species of mangrove plants.

Some plant species have been successfully propagated by the Ha Long Bay Management Department. For instance, Ha Long rattan was the subject of a scientific project initiated by the Ha Long Bay Management Board, which successfully propagated it for planting on several islands in Ha Long Bay, such as Hang Trai, Cat Lan, and Ti Top. Ha Long rattan has also been propagated by the Cat Ba National Park and planted on Cat Ba Island.

Additionally, the Ha Long lady's slipper orchid has been successfully propagated, with 100 plants established on the slopes and cliffs of Cong Dam and Cua Van. To date, around 600 lady's slipper orchids are thriving in these two areas, adapting well to their new environment and enhancing the landscape.

The Ha Long Bay Management Department has also proactively researched and successfully identified the growth characteristics of the cottonwood tree, an endangered species listed in Vietnam's Red Book. As a result, this beautiful flowering and fruit-bearing plant, which grows in clusters, has been successfully propagated and planted in large patches at various sightseeing spots. There are currently around 200 trees at places like Dau Go and Luot Island, and more than 100 trees at islands such as Sung Sot, Ti Top, Me Cung, and Bai Dong.

The distinctive feature of Ha Long Bay's endemic plants is that most of them grow on the peaks or cliffs of the islands. These plants have deep and sturdy root systems that anchor firmly into the crevices of the rocks, allowing them to survive. Some species, like the Ha Long rattan, bloom in the spring, while others, such as the purple kadsura and Ha Long cycad, bloom in the summer. These plants have adapted to the unique environmental and climatic conditions of Ha Long Bay's islands and are not found anywhere else in the world.

Other endemic plant species in Ha Long Bay are likely to be discovered in the future, as there has not yet been a comprehensive and complete study on the flora across all the islands of Ha Long Bay and its surrounding areas.

Regarding the animal species, surveys have recorded 4 amphibians, 10 reptiles, 40 bird species, and 14 mammal species.

Research in recent years has shown that over 300 fish species, 545 benthic animal species, 154 types of coral, 35 plankton species, 139 seaweed species, 5 seagrass species, and 31 mangrove plant species are present in Ha Long Bay.

Scientists have also discovered several animal species that are endemic to Ha Long, such as the Ha Long eel (scientific name: Draconectes narinosus), which was found in the Duc Tien Cave on Van Gio Island, a small island with narrow, long stretches, the widest part of which is only about 400 meters.

In addition, the Tachung Mi (a species of gecko), which was previously only recorded on Cat Ba Island, was discovered in several islands in Ha Long Bay by a survey team from the Vietnam Museum of Nature (Vietnam Academy of Science and Technology) and the Ha Long Bay Management Board in 2016 and 2018. This discovery was published in the prestigious scientific journal Amphibian & Reptile Conservation, which led to the species being included in the IUCN Red List. This highlights the increasing recognition of Ha Long Bay's biodiversity.

Regarding biodiversity conservation in Ha Long Bay, Mr. Vu Kien Cuong, Head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board, acknowledged that biodiversity conservation remains a challenge due to insufficient experts and resources. The management team currently lacks the necessary knowledge, expertise, and equipment for comprehensive exploration, surveys, evaluations, and the implementation of biodiversity conservation projects.

Mr. Cuong emphasized the importance of future research projects that are thorough and accurate, with proposals aimed at preserving Ha Long Bay's biodiversity. "Currently, the biological diversity of Ha Long is still an untapped resource," he affirmed.

10 Distinct Ecosystems in Ha Long Bay

In addition to the geological and aesthetic values, Ha Long Bay also preserves many typical ecosystems of tropical marine regions, such as hills, caves, mangrove forests, and coral reefs. These ecosystems are distributed in a region with a relatively mild climate, with average sea temperatures ranging from 19 to 25°C, making it an ideal environment for various species. These ecosystems contribute to the exceptional biological diversity of Ha Long Bay.

The 10 distinct ecosystems in Ha Long Bay are:

1. Island Vegetation Ecosystem: This ecosystem is home to 507 plant species, with 21 endangered species listed in Vietnam's Red Book and 17 endemic species that are found only in Ha Long Bay.
2. Tung Ang Ecosystem: A unique and distinctive ecosystem found in tropical karst islands like Ha Long Bay, where small lakes or ponds are isolated within the islands. The ecosystems in these ponds support a range of marine life, including 21 species of algae, 37 species of mollusks, and more.
3. Cave Ecosystem: The cave ecosystem in Ha Long Bay is characterized by environments with no natural light and high humidity. These caves have species that have adapted to such unique conditions, and many are endemic to the area. Notable species include the Ha Long cave gecko and other cave-dwelling animals.
4. Hard-Bottom Intertidal Ecosystem: Found around the islands, this ecosystem is made up of rocky shores, with a rich diversity of marine species such as seaweed, coral, mollusks, and crustaceans.
5. Soft-Bottom Intertidal Ecosystem: This ecosystem is located on sandy and muddy shores near Ha Long Bay's islands. It has a complex and fluctuating environment, influenced by tidal movements. The species composition here is less diverse compared to other ecosystems but still hosts a variety of life forms.
6. Sandbar Intertidal Ecosystem: Found along small islands with sandy shores, these ecosystems are home to a variety of species, though the habitat is often subject to tidal exposure, which limits the presence of diverse marine life.
7. Mangrove Forest Ecosystem: Mangroves play a crucial role in Ha Long Bay's biodiversity, providing habitats for various marine species. The region is home to 30 species of mangrove plants and a rich variety of marine animals.
8. Seagrass Bed Ecosystem: This ecosystem is vital for marine life, offering nurseries for various species of fish, shrimp, and crabs. Unfortunately, seagrass beds in Ha Long Bay have been significantly reduced due to human development and coastal construction.
9. Shallow Water Coastal Ecosystem: This ecosystem comprises shallow waters, where a diverse array of plankton, marine plants, and animals thrive. Several economically valuable species such as crabs, shrimp, and various fish can be found here.
10. Coral Reef Ecosystem: Ha Long Bay's coral reefs, mainly composed of hard corals, support a wide range of marine species, including valuable species like clams, oysters, and lobster, as well as endangered species like seahorses and certain types of coral.

Cultural Heritage of the Sea

Dr. Ha Huu Nga, a specialist in archaeology and culture, has noted that in prehistoric and early historic periods, the communities of the Ha Long-Cat Ba region were organized along the coastline and islands, from Hai Phong up to the northeastern areas, possibly as far as the Ka Long River mouth. This is considered one of the oldest maritime human ecosystems in Vietnam. The region's coastal and island communities have long been integrated with the surrounding marine environment, contributing to the development of unique cultural and historical values.

Cau Vang Temple in Cua Van

The people of Ha Long primarily settle around the systems of the Bach Dang – Chan River, the Cua Luc River system, Tien Yen River, Ha Co and Ka Long River mouths, with their way of life closely linked to forests, rivers, bays, and seas. Therefore, the people of Ha Long – Cat Ba revere all the forces of nature, particularly the sea, supernatural beings, and the deceased, considering these as powers that govern their spiritual lives, making them grateful, fearful, respectful, and worshipful. Over time, these beliefs have developed into systems of belief, faith, and religion with a unique cultural identity.

According to Professor Nguyen Van Kim, regarding the sea, the aquatic communities are both grateful to the sea gods, as the deities provide them with their livelihood, and, on the other hand, constantly face the unpredictable changes of nature. Thus, coastal inhabitants have a complete system of deities that include human deities, natural deities, and celestial deities. Today, the Ha Long Bay area still contains many historical relics and cultural sites, such as Quan Lan Communal House, Lam Pagoda, and Ba Men Temple.

Fishermen on Ha Long Bay preparing for the year-end ceremony to honor the "River God" and "Sea Goddess." (Photo: Quang Ninh Province's Electronic Information Portal)

In the traditions and cultural lifestyle of the coastal communities, many legends about the sea are still preserved. Every year, they hold boat races, buffalo fighting festivals, and rituals honoring the Sea God, Càn Hải Đại Vương, Tứ vị Thánh Nương, and other sea deities. These festivals, cultural activities, and beliefs not only reflect the reverence of humans for the power of nature, but also serve as a way to express gratitude to the Sea God for providing livelihood and protecting their lives.

According to Professor Nguyễn Văn Kim, the people of the Ha Long - Northeastern coastal region possess a deep and rich knowledge of the sea. They understand the monsoon winds, tidal patterns, and sea routes; they know about boats and boat-building techniques; fishing zones, the timing of fishing and salt production; methods of processing seafood and their culinary culture; the psychological and spiritual life of the coastal residents, and the system of shrines dedicated to sea deities; the sea-related cultural heritage (such as poetry, folk songs, and sea-related chants); the social relationships and human interactions with the vast sea...

In particular, the people of Ha Long have preserved unique traditional cultures through generations, expressed through folk songs, proverbs, festivals, and customs passed down over time. These intangible cultural values of the sea, such as folk chants, wedding songs, love duets, sea chants, and traditional rituals like the boat bowing ceremony and the planting of the "Nêu" tree, represent the cultural heritage of the Ha Long - Gulf of Tonkin region, which has been formed early in history and continues to evolve through generations.

One of the unique elements of Ha Long Bay is the floating fishing villages, where people live entirely on the water with no land. This is a unique living model of Ha Long’s people, considered a distinct cultural feature closely linked to the sea and aquatic life.

Reenacting the customs of life on the boat, carried out by the Cửa Vạn Floating Culture Center. (Photo: Ha Long Bay Management Department)

These fishing villages, such as Cửa Vạn, are not only places of residence but also distinctive cultural spaces, where generations of people have developed special community values, such as close relationships between families, a spirit of mutual assistance, and unique daily life practices.

The floating fishing villages on the bay, like Cửa Vạn and Ba Hang, have existed for centuries, with their own customs, habits, and distinctive traditions.

Nguyễn Thị Minh, a tour guide at the Cửa Vạn Floating Culture Center, who is also one of the children of the Cửa Vạn fishing village, introduces the most unique cultural features of the fishing village and the bay region to both domestic and international visitors every day.

Nguyễn Thị Minh, a daughter of the fishing village, shares the unique customs and traditions of her village.

The customs and traditions of the floating fishing villages on the sea are what Minh finds most fascinating when sharing with visitors. These include the wedding and engagement ceremonies, the customs for welcoming a newborn, and the unique way of saying farewell to the deceased. She also talks about the songs and chants during weddings, festivals, and the love songs exchanged by fishermen while going fishing at sea.

In the Ha Long Bay area, there are many temples that represent the spiritual beliefs of the local fishermen, such as the Ba Men Temple, Cậu Vàng Temple, and Đầu Mối Temple. Before going fishing or before important events, including weddings and funerals, fishermen hold ceremonies to honor the sea gods, seeking good fortune, success, and safety. Annually, fishermen also organize festivals such as the Cậu Vàng Temple Festival on the 16th of April in the lunar calendar and the Ba Men Temple Festival on the 19th and 20th of the first lunar month.

Reenactment of the fishing village wedding. (Photo: Ha Long Bay Management Board)

Especially, according to Nguyễn Thị Minh, in the old days in Cửa Vạn fishing village, the customs and rituals of life were quite different from those on land. For example, at weddings, the groom's family would have to sing duets with the bride's family. The bride's family would hang three strips of silk symbolizing "three paths": yellow silk for the "guest path," green silk for the "hanging path," and red silk for the "flower path." Therefore, the groom's family had to "borrow" talented singers from the village to help with the duet, gradually removing the "hanging paths" on the bride's boat.

In addition, the fishing villagers were very skilled at observing the sky and the land to predict the weather, fish routes, and favorable conditions for fishing.

One of the valuable pieces of traditional knowledge passed down through generations of fishermen is the use of herbal remedies sourced from highland plants in the bay. "In the past, there were no motorboats or fast, convenient means of transportation. So, whenever fishermen fell ill, they used local plants to create remedies. These folk remedies have been passed down through generations and are still used today," Nguyễn Thị Minh shared.

The Men’s Temple is located on the southern part of Ha Long Bay, about 30 km from the International Passenger Port of Tuan Chau. According to the fishermen, a woman named Men once went fishing and encountered a storm. Her boat capsized, and her body was washed ashore to a bay near the northwest of Dau Be Island. The fishermen took pity on her, retrieved her body, buried it, and built a small temple to honor her. From then on, anyone who prayed at the temple found their wishes fulfilled. Initially, the temple was just a grass-thatched shrine. In 1985, Mr. Nguyễn Văn Miên (from Cát Bà, Hai Phong) funded the construction of a more spacious temple. The temple has been renovated several times, including in 2006 and 2019.

The Men’s Temple Festival consists of two parts: a ceremonial ritual for fishermen at sea and a folk festival with activities like tug-of-war and boat races. Before the festival, fishermen from all over the area gather and anchor their boats around the temple. Each family brings offerings to the temple, praying for a peaceful year with calm seas and successful fishing. After the ceremony, they stay to cheer for the participants in the tug-of-war and boat races.

The unique cultural values of the Ha Long Bay region are being preserved and shared by many generations of its residents, enriching the beauty of Ha Long, the "precious jewel." These cultural treasures offer much for researchers and those who admire and honor the nation's traditions to explore.

New Tourist Destinations Explored in Ha Long Bay

Alongside new cultural and historical values, several new tourist spots including caves, islands, and beaches have been surveyed, assessed, and planned for future development. According to Mr. Vũ Kiên Cường, Head of the Ha Long Bay Management Board, we have only explored about 20% of Ha Long Bay's value. Therefore, these newly surveyed islands are significant in enriching the area's appeal.

Some newly surveyed caves and beaches include:

• Thiên Long Cave on the Đầu Gỗ islands, an archaeological site from the Soi Nhụ culture (18,000-7,000 years ago), ideal for archaeological tours combined with landscape and geological experiences.
• Hoa Cương Cave on Vếu Island, featuring stalactites, stone pillars, and rock curtains, perfect for cave exploration and learning about landscape and geological values.
• Hang Hanh (and surrounding caves) on Bom Mê Island, known for its stalactites. It has a large saltwater lake and is ideal for cave exploration and ecosystem tours.
• Vụng Ong Area on Vụng Ong Island, rich in flora and fauna, suitable for ecosystem tourism.
• Đại Thành Cave on Vụng Chậu Island, known for its high biodiversity, with tropical ecosystems, mangrove forests, and more.
• Lờm Bò Island, a rare land island in Ha Long Bay with fruit trees, scenic beauty, and caves, ideal for island and cave tourism.
• Đình Thu Cave on Bồ Hòn Island, with diverse stalactites, perfect for nature-based cave exploration.

Other caves and beach destinations such as Trống Cave, Hồ Động Tiên Cave, and Áng Dù, offer a blend of natural beauty and rich historical significance, making them great options for ecotourism, archaeological exploration, and cultural heritage tourism. Additionally, Cọc Chèo Beach on Hang Trai Island, famous for its serene and untouched environment, has also been used in Hollywood productions like Kong: Skull Island.

The Ba Hầm Area located on Đầu Bê Island is a system of three interconnected lagoons with vertical cliffs. These lagoons are connected through three narrow, winding caves resembling tunnels. During high tide, the caves are submerged, forming walls that separate the lagoons from the outside world. This area is also home to a unique ecosystem of evergreen forest on limestone mountains, featuring drought-resistant plants whose roots penetrate deep into the cracks of the steep cliffs to thrive.

The sand beaches in the Đầu Bê Island area consist of multiple sandbanks and are one of the three main areas for yacht exploration activities.

Tam Cung Cave is located on Hòn 365. It has a rich system of stalactites, making it an ideal spot for cave exploration tourism, particularly for those who prefer self-guided exploration.

Vụng Gianh Cave, situated on the eastern side of Vụng Gianh Island, features an ancient karst floor with brownish-red sediment deposits. It is suitable for cave tours and exploration.

Cặp Lờm Cave on Cặp Lờm Island contains inscriptions on its cave walls, suggesting that it may have been a significant location during the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the Sea during the intense years of the American War.

Lưỡi Liềm Sandbank, located on Lưỡi Liềm Island, is part of the conservation and restoration project for the coral ecosystem. This area aims to develop eco-tourism and cultural community products, particularly in the Vụng Hà - Bọ Hung - Lưỡi Liềm region.

These newly surveyed sites in Ha Long Bay highlight the region's rich natural and historical significance and offer great potential for future tourism development, combining both environmental conservation and cultural heritage experiences.

Translated by Thuy Ha