Bach Dang estuary is a special place because it is closely linked to three great naval battles and symbolizes Vietnam’s undauntedness in protecting the nation from stronger aggressors. 

The first battle took place in the year 938, when Ngo Quyen defeated 20,000 Chinese naval troops. The second battle occurred 43 years later when Le Dai Hanh wiped out Song enemies from China. The third Bach Dang battle in 1288 is attached to General Tran Quoc Tuan, who helped the Tran Kings to win over the Mongolian  invaders.

Chu Xuan Viet is a visitor from Hanoi: "These glorious victories reflect the bravery of Vietnamese soldiers and civilians with their determination to defend national sovereignty and creative military tactics.”

The map of the first naval battle of King Ngo Quyen in 938 against foreign invaders

Since 2008, Hai Phong city has recreated part of the historical complex in Trang Kenh and built a number of monuments to honor the three victories in the Bach Dang river.

Nguyen Viet Ma is another visitor from Hanoi: “The historical relic site highlights national significance featuring national victories of the two Kings and a general of the Tran dynasty. The relic is also a destination for spiritual tourism. Vietnamese people come here to pay tribute to predecessors and honor exploits of the struggles against foreign invaders.”

Three temples dedicated to King Le Dai Hanh, General Tran Quoc Tuan and King Ngo Quyen were built in traditional architectural style with natural wood and stones. A new road leads to intricately carved stone bridges and the three statues of the General and the Kings near the Bach Dang wharf. In the river, fields of sharpened logs have been recreated as historical evidence of Vietnam’s past glorious victories. Vu Toan Thang is Head of the Bach Dang Giang Relic site Management Board:  “Many students have come here to learn history in a practical way. When they saw compasses, simulation models, and sharpened logs, they can imagine more vividly how their predecessors fought against foreign enemies.”

In the first half of this year, the relic site welcomed more than 600,000 visitors. More festive activities are scheduled including a spring festival, Tran temple seal opening festival, the death anniversaries of King Le Dai Hanh and General Tran Quoc Tuan and the Buddha Birthday. The complex is also expected to be expanded to accommodate also Bach Dang Victory Park. Hai Phong is proposing the State recognize Bach Dang Giang as a special national relic site.