Ha Long history

City Origins: From Legend to Modernity

The history of Ha Long is inextricably linked to the bay of the same name, which is renowned worldwide. Although the city was officially established as a modern administrative unit relatively recently, in 1993 (through the merger of the Hon Gai and Bai Chay districts), human settlements have existed here for thousands of years.

The name of the city translates as "the place where the dragon descended into the sea". According to ancient legend, the unique landscape was created by mythical dragons: they spat out precious gems which turned into thousands of rocky islands, becoming a natural fortress for the local inhabitants.

Key Development Factors

The transformation of scattered coastal settlements into a major urban and industrial centre was driven by several important circumstances:

• Rich Natural Resources. The region, historically known as Hon Gai, possesses significant deposits of high-quality coal (anthracite). It was the development of the mining industry in the 19th and 20th centuries that attracted labour and capital here.
• Geographical Location. Deep-water coastal sections and the natural protection of the bay from ocean storms facilitated the creation of port infrastructure and the development of shipping.
• Strategic Trade. Access to the Gulf of Tonkin made this territory a vital hub for maritime trade in the region.

Early Cultural and Economic Way of Life

Archaeologists identify the existence of a distinct "Ha Long Culture" (Late Neolithic), representatives of which inhabited the coastal areas and islands thousands of years ago. Ancient inhabitants were skilled in crafting stone axes and ceramics, using materials available in the locality.

Before the industrial era began, the region's economy was based on traditional maritime trades:

• Life on the Water. A characteristic feature of the early period was the formation of floating villages. Entire generations of families lived on boats and rafts, engaging in fishing and pearl diving.
• Craftsmanship. Beyond foraging for food, local residents developed skills in building boats and fishing gear, perfectly adapted to the conditions of the bay's complex landscape.

Ancient History and Feudal Period

• 3000–1500 BC — The flourishing of the Ha Long archaeological culture, whose representatives inhabited the coast and islands, engaging in fishing and pottery making.
• 1149 — The trading port of Van Don was founded in the immediate vicinity of the modern bay, becoming Vietnam's first international seaport.
• 1288 — The famous Battle of Bach Dang River, where General Tran Hung Dao, utilising a system of stakes and tides, defeated the fleet of Mongol invaders.

Period of Industrialisation and Establishment

• 1888 — Establishment of the French Coal Company of Tonkin, marking the beginning of large-scale coal mining and the development of the Hon Gai settlement.
• 1963 — Formation of Quang Ninh Province, with the districts of the future city becoming its administrative and industrial centre.
• 27 December 1993 — Official establishment of Ha Long City through the administrative merger of the Hon Gai and Bai Chay districts.

Modern Era and Global Recognition

• 1994 — UNESCO inscribed Ha Long Bay on the World Heritage List for the first time, recognising its exceptional aesthetic value.
• 2000 — The UNESCO World Heritage Committee recognised the bay again, adding the criterion of unique geological and geomorphological value.
• 2006 — Opening of the Bai Chay Bridge, which connected the two parts of the city separated by the strait, significantly improving transport logistics.
• 2011 — Ha Long Bay was recognised as one of the "New 7 Wonders of Nature" following a global vote by the New7Wonders Foundation.
• 2013 — The Prime Minister of Vietnam signed a decision recognising Ha Long as a Class I city, cementing its status as a major economic centre.
• 2018 — Launch of Van Don International Airport and the expressway, making the resort more accessible to tourists.

Key Development Milestones and Their Significance

The development of Ha Long is a story of transformation from scattered mining settlements to a modern tourism metropolis. Below are the main stages that have defined the city's current appearance and economy:

• Birth of the Coal Industry (Late 19th Century).

  The beginning of large-scale anthracite mining by French companies turned the Hon Gai area into the industrial heart of the region. This formed a working class, attracted migrants, and laid the economic foundation upon which the city still stands today.

• Unification of Hon Gai and Bai Chay (1993).

  The creation of the unified city of Ha Long was the starting point for centralised urban planning. This decision allowed for the balanced development of two distinct parts: the industrial east (Hon Gai) and the tourist west (Bai Chay).

• Inclusion of the Bay in the UNESCO List (1994).

  This status radically changed the vector of development from purely industrial to tourism-oriented. The city received a powerful influx of foreign investment, leading to the construction of international-class hotels and the reorientation of the economy towards the service sector.

• Opening of Bai Chay Bridge (2006).

  The commissioning of the cable-stayed bridge eliminated dependence on the ferry crossing over the Cua Luc Strait. This was a crucial urban planning decision, physically connecting the two parts of the city and accelerating urbanisation on both banks.

• Awarding of Class I City Status (2013).

  Recognition of Ha Long as a major centre of provincial and national importance allowed for the attraction of additional budget funds. This launched large-scale projects for the beautification of embankments and parks.

• Infrastructure Breakthrough (2018).

  The launch of the Ha Long–Hai Phong expressway and the opening of Van Don International Airport took transport accessibility to a new level. Travel time from the capital was halved, which sharply increased the flow of weekend tourists.

• Annexation of Hoanh Bo District (2019–2020).

  Administrative amalgamation made Ha Long the largest city in Vietnam by area. This decision opened up new territories for development, allowing for the relocation of some manufacturing from the centre and the preservation of ecological balance in tourist zones.

Urban Structure and Development

The architectural appearance of Ha Long is unique in its duality, dictated by geography. The city is divided by the Cua Luc Strait into two contrasting parts, which are today connected by a majestic bridge but retain different atmospheres:

• Western District (Bai Chay): This is a showcase of modern tourism and globalisation. Dense high-rise development prevails here, characteristic of dynamic Asian resort metropolises. The architecture is oriented towards scale: hotel skyscrapers, massive entertainment complexes, and wide promenades.
• Eastern District (Hon Gai): The administrative and cultural centre. A more traditional layout has been preserved here, with colourful markets and residential quarters reflecting the daily life of the Vietnamese people and the region's rich industrial past.

Architectural Styles and Eras

In Ha Long, it is difficult to identify extensive historical quarters like those in Hanoi or Hoi An due to the rapid development of recent decades. The city represents an eclectic mix where the heritage of the past meets a futuristic future.

Traditional Style and Religious Architecture

Despite rapid modernisation, examples of classic Vietnamese temple architecture are carefully preserved in the city. A striking example is the Long Tien Pagoda. Although built in the mid-20th century, its architecture strictly follows the canons of traditional Nguyen dynasty construction: curved roofs with figures of dragons and phoenixes, intricate wood carving, and complex mosaic decorations.

Industrial Functionalism

As a historical coal mining hub, Ha Long was developed for a long time in a style of utilitarian functionalism. In the Hon Gai area and workers' settlements, one can find buildings characteristic of urban planning from the second half of the 20th century: simple geometric forms, minimal decoration, and an emphasis on practicality and structural reliability.

Modern Modernism and High-Tech

The 21st century brought the era of glass, concrete, and steel to Ha Long. High-rise buildings in the international modernist style have sprung up along the coast. The dominant feature of this style is the Bai Chay Bridge — an engineering masterpiece and a single-plane cable-stayed bridge resembling a giant harp strung over the bay.

Iconic Structures Shaping the City's Look

Modern Ha Long relies on architecture as an attraction. The city's appearance is formed by symbolic buildings:

• Quang Ninh Museum and Library. A true masterpiece of modern architecture, designed by Spanish architect Salvador Pérez Arroyo. The complex is executed in a style of bold minimalism. Its facades are covered with black tempered glass, symbolising the region's "black gold" — coal — while simultaneously reflecting the waters of the bay and the sky, turning the building into a giant mirror.
• Sun World Complex. An example of modern entertainment architecture and eclecticism. Stylisations are actively used here: from replicas of classic European buildings and lighthouses to traditional Japanese Zen gardens.
• October 30th Square. A spacious public space in Hon Gai, demonstrating a modern approach to urbanism: a combination of monumentality, open spaces for mass events, and green zones for citizens to relax.

Historical Figures and Rulers

• Tran Hung Dao — Distinguished military commander and national hero.
  His name is inextricably linked to the military history of these waters. In 1288, the general won a brilliant victory over the Mongol fleet in the Battle of Bach Dang River (part of the bay's estuary). Using his knowledge of tides and installing underwater stakes, he lured and destroyed the enemy ships. Monuments to him are established in many places across the city and province.
• Le Thanh Tong — Emperor and poet.
  In 1468, the emperor journeyed through the eastern seas and stopped by the rocky islands. Inspired by the beauty of the landscape, he wrote a poem praising the greatness of nature and the power of the country. By his order, these lines were carved onto the sheer cliff of a mountain, which has since been called Bai Tho ("Poem Mountain") and is one of the main attractions of Ha Long City.
• Nguyen Trai — Great scholar, poet, and statesman of the 15th century.
  One of the first literary figures to appreciate the tourism potential of the region. In his works, he called Ha Long Bay a "wonder of the earth aimed at the high sky". This phrase has become textbook and is often used to describe the uniqueness of the local landscape.
• Trinh Cuong — Ruler (Lord) of the Trinh dynasty.
  In 1729, following the example of Emperor Le Thanh Tong, he also visited the bay and left his poetic mark. His poem was also carved onto Bai Tho Mountain, cementing this peak's status as an open-air cultural monument.

Figures of the Modern Era

• Ho Chi Minh — First President of the Democratic Republic of Vietnam.
  He visited Ha Long repeatedly (in 1957, 1959, and 1962). His visits played an important role in the city's development. He personally visited coal mines and islands, urging residents not only to develop industry but also to protect the unique nature of the bay ("the forest is gold, the sea is silver"). An island (Ti Top Island) which he visited with a Soviet cosmonaut is named in honour of his guest.
• Gherman Titov — Soviet cosmonaut.
  In 1962, together with Ho Chi Minh, he visited Ha Long Bay. As a sign of friendship, the Vietnamese leader named one of the most beautiful islands (Ti Top Island) after the cosmonaut. Today, it is one of the most popular stops for tourists, where a monument to Titov stands.
• Salvador Pérez Arroyo — Modern Spanish architect.
  Author of the design for the Quang Ninh Museum and Library, which has become the architectural symbol of the new Ha Long. His work transformed the city's embankment into a space of contemporary art, proving that Ha Long can be not only a natural wonder but also an urban one.