When traveling to Quang Ninh, besides Ha Long Bay, Tra Co is also a renowned destination for both its sea and islands as well as cultural structures. Let's discover more about this frontier of the Fatherland through the following article!
Quang Ninh tourism: Discover attractive destinations in Tra Co
Sa Vi Cape
Sa Vi Cape (Got Cape) is a headland at the northeasternmost point located in Tra Co Ward. At Sa Vi Cape, there is a bas-relief in the shape of 3 pine shoots, on which are engraved verses by poet To Huu: '...From Tra Co casuarina forest / To Ca Mau mangrove forest...'. The simple verses make every visitor coming here proud of their homeland.
Photo: nancy_djnh.
When visiting Sa Vi Cape, Quang Ninh tourists can take photos beside the bas-relief. In addition, you can also visit and explore the Sa Vi border propaganda information complex – a symbol of this border land.
Photo: nguyenkhaitrung.
The structure consists of 3 parts: a square, the main architectural cluster, and a service building, coming together into a unique cultural architectural complex. At the top of the main architectural cluster are 8 casuarina shoots pointing towards the blue sky, 27m high, cast from permanent concrete, and coated with zinc on the surface to withstand the impact of weather.
Photo: nguyenkhaitrung.
17km-long beach
Located 8km from Mong Cai City, Tra Co boasts the longest coastline in Vietnam, reaching up to 17km. White sand, clear water, and lush green rows of casuarinas impress visitors from near and far. The pristine nature and peaceful atmosphere of the coastal fishing village also provide a valuable vacation experience.
Tra Co beach attracts many tourists to visit and swim. Photo: quangninh.gov.
Tra Co beach is the longest in Vietnam. Illustrative photo: VOV.tv.
Photo: Quang Ninh Newspaper.
Tra Co Communal House
Traveling to Quang Ninh to Tra Co, visitors cannot miss Tra Co Communal House, an ancient communal house associated with the legend 'Tra Co people, Do Son ancestors'. The communal house was built during the Later Le dynasty (in 1461), and the process of its formation and existence is closely linked to the history of formation and development of Tra Co land today.
The ancient Tra Co Communal House. Photo: hienbh2203.
Legend has it that during the Later Le dynasty, fishermen from Do Son (Hai Phong) traveled far to make a living. Amid big waves and strong winds, twelve families drifted to a deserted peninsula with only mangroves and reeds. Among them, six families persevered with determination to hold on to the land and sea, building a new homeland.
Photo: VnExpress.
Gradually, this place became a prosperous village. Tra Co Communal House was built with contributions of labor and wealth from the people to worship those who rendered meritorious services to this land, the ancestors who founded and reclaimed the land.
Tra Co Communal House Festival. Photo: Mong Cai City.
With its great architectural, artistic, and cultural values, in 1974, Tra Co Communal House was recognized as a National Architectural and Artistic Monument. By 2005, the Tra Co Communal House Festival was chosen to be featured at the "Northeast Ethnic Cultural Festival".
Inside Tra Co Communal House. Photo: vnexpress.
The central sanctuary of the communal house. Photo: Quang Ninh Museum.
Nam Tho Pagoda
According to the inscription on the bronze bell, the pagoda dates back to the 3rd year of Thieu Tri (1843) and was built facing north with a layout in the shape of the Chinese character "Hui" (回), symbolizing the convergence of water flows.
The three-door gate of Nam Tho Pagoda. Photo: Mong Cai City.
Nam Tho Pagoda consists of the main structures: the three-door gate, ancestral house, mother goddess house, and guest house. The pagoda has undergone multiple renovations, yet it still preserves a collection of 53 ancient statues.
Most notable are 4 statues of the newborn Shakyamuni, 2 statues of Avalokiteshvara the Child-Giver, and 2 small statues of the Buddhas of the Three Times. Because of this, it is considered a miniature "ancient sculpture museum" of northeastern Vietnam.
Worship statues inside Nam Tho Pagoda.
Not only a venue for cultural and religious activities, Nam Tho Pagoda is also a historical and cultural relic closely associated with our people's national defense. In 1905, on his way to China to meet Japanese and Chinese revolutionaries to seek support for the Dong Du Movement, Phan Boi Chau was pursued by the enemy and took refuge at Nam Tho Pagoda, where he was sheltered and supported by the local people.
The courtyard of Nam Tho Pagoda. Photo: Mong Cai City.
During the two resistance wars against the French colonialists and the American imperialists, Nam Tho Pagoda served as a site for storing food, sheltering cadres, hiding revolutionary documents, and sending off local youths to join the resistance.
Tra Co is a quintessential destination on the journey of Quang Ninh travel that every tourist should visit to learn more about the nation's frontier land. Follow the iVIVU blog to receive more useful articles for a truly complete vacation!
