Ba Men Temple Festival

Ba Men Temple is situated on a stone island in the Dau Be Archipelago, which marks the southern boundary of Halong Bay and the Cat Ba Sea in Hai Phong.

The local fishermen recount a tale over 200 years old about seven sisters who faced a tremendous storm while relaxing on their boat along Vietnam’s coastline. Tragically, they were unable to save themselves from the ferocity of the storm and perished. Their bodies were washed ashore in different locations: the eldest sister and the second sister were found in Cat Ba, while the third sister's remains were discovered in Ha Long, where a temple was built to honor her memory.

The people of the region consider Ba Men Temple a sacred site, where individuals often visit and pray before embarking on their sea journeys. Although the temple's construction was funded by charitable donations from both local and distant communities, it boasts impressive architecture, including spacious halls and gardens. The Ba Men Temple Festival has become an annual event over the last decade, organized primarily by the fishermen of the region.
Photo: halongbay.com.vn

On the 19th day of the lunar calendar, a day before the festival kicks off, many visitors bring offerings to the temple. Alongside traditional items like sticky rice, chicken, wine, fresh fruit, and cakes for the goddess, they also present sugarcane and sweet potatoes to honor wandering souls. To conclude their worship, participants burn paper boats with their written wishes for the upcoming year, asking for good health, calm seas, bountiful catches, and prosperity. The festivities officially commence the following day.

On the 20th, early in the morning, boats return to the harbor to prepare for a swimming competition featuring various local villages. This event usually sees participation from four teams: Va Gia, Ky Da, Ha Nam, and Cao Minh. Following an exhilarating race, the winners are celebrated and awarded in front of the temple, where onlookers can admire their strength and skill. Regardless of the outcome, all participants revel in the joy of embracing the fresh atmosphere of spring with their families during the festival.

A unique aspect of the Ba Men Temple Festival is that it is organized independently, without intervention from local government or national tourism authorities. Nevertheless, the festival is a well-coordinated traditional gathering rich with cultural significance, reflecting the fishermen’s hopes for a better future, their gratitude towards their ancestors, and their appreciation for the opportunity to live and work each day.