6 Things You Should Know About Halong Bay Culture
Customs and traditions in Halong Bay and its surrounding area have been passed down from generation to generation and this gives Halong Bay great cultural importance within Northern Vietnam.
1. People
The inhabitants of Halong Bay are primarily from the Kinh ethnic group, which is the largest ethnic community in Vietnam. Vietnamese remains the predominant language spoken, while basic English is often spoken by those involved in the tourism sector.
Historically, many residents of Halong Bay have lived in distinctive floating fishing villages, relying on fishing and marine harvesting for their livelihoods. Local fishermen employ a variety of methods for catching fish, such as cast-fishing, trawling, and netting. Nighttime squid-fishing is a popular activity for visitors, offering a unique local experience. In addition to fishing, many locals generate income through the thriving tourism industry, creating handmade jewelry and operating small floating stores from row-boats.
Families have occupied these floating villages for generations, with many choosing to live there their entire lives. However, in recent years, the Quang Ninh government has initiated programs to relocate some inhabitants to land-based settlements. The aim is to safeguard Halong Bay's natural beauty and to maintain its designation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
2. Religion
Local residents engage in various religious festivals celebrated throughout Vietnam, with Tet, or the Lunar New Year, being the most significant. During Tet, Vietnamese families often clean their homes in preparation for the new year, host large family gatherings, and exchange lucky money as tokens of good fortune among relatives and friends.
3. Food
Halong Bay's prime coastal location contributes to its reputation for exquisite seafood. Diners can enjoy Quang Ninh specialties like Cha Muc (fried squid cakes) served with sticky rice, Banh Cuon (meat pancakes), crab, lobster, and oysters. A diverse array of mollusks is frequently used in local cuisine, with Ngan clams being particularly popular. These flavorful clams can be prepared in numerous ways and are also utilized to create wine. Shrimp, often served with lemon salt, is another culinary highlight of the region.
Grilled chopped cuttlefish, a iconic dish in Halong Bay.
4. Music
Music plays an essential role in Vietnamese culture, and Halong Bay is no exception. 'Hat Giao Duyen' is a popular traditional love song that bears similarities to the Quan Ho style of singing, originating from the nearby Bac Ninh province. Quan Ho songs often explore themes of love and heartbreak. These songs are commonly performed during weddings in Cua Van, one of Halong Bay's four floating fishing villages, particularly on the 15th day of the lunar calendar when the moon is at its fullest.
5. Art
The artistic expressions found in Halong Bay deeply reflect the local culture. Handcrafted sculptures made from Anthracite coal are a hallmark of Quang Ninh province and make for excellent souvenirs. Many artisans at Halong Market offer various designs, including the Fighting Cock statue that symbolizes the iconic Fighting Cock islet in Halong Bay. Visitors can also observe the process of pearl cultivation at Halong Bay's Pearl Farm, where pearls are transformed into intricate jewelry using methods influenced by Japanese techniques.
Rice paintings, crafted from rice grains that are skillfully fried to different shades of brown, are also prevalent in Halong Bay. These artworks require significant time and effort, with larger pieces taking weeks or even longer to complete.
6. Ancient Culture
Halong Bay is recognized as one of the cradles of human civilization, with several ancient cultures originating in the area dating back to 3000 BC.
Although Halong's cultural heritage has thrived for millennia, it gained international attention during the French colonial period over 65 years ago, when a team of Vietnamese and international archaeologists unearthed evidence of ancient cultures in Halong Bay. They reported discovering 27 sites of ancient habitation, including complex cave systems and various stone tools.
Utilizing these tools for agriculture, hunting, and fishing, the prehistoric inhabitants of Halong made significant advances. The hand axe, in particular, was a vital instrument in their daily lives and is now regarded as a symbol of the Halong people.
Another defining aspect of Halong culture is its rich tradition of ceramics. The local population created a wide array of ceramic items using a pottery wheel, and these works were a significant source of pride for the community, highlighting how Halong's culture stood unique among neighboring regions.
Currently, most of Halong’s approximately 1,600 islands and islets remain uninhabited. Only around 2,000 individuals reside in Halong Bay, predominantly in four prominent fishing communities housed in floating villages. Life in Halong Bay is inherently tied to the sea, and residents maintain a simple lifestyle that honors traditions passed down through generations.
