Once a district, now a ward. Are you ready to explore Hoành Bồ in Ha Long?
Hoành Bồ is more than just a place. It is a story of transformation. It shows how Ha Long has grown. It has changed over time.
Once upon a time, Hoành Bồ was a district. It was part of Quảng Ninh province. This was in the northeastern region of Vietnam. In 2003, about 39,650 people lived here. The district covered a large area of 824 square kilometers. Trới was the district capital.
Hoành Bồ was divided into smaller parts. There were 13 commune-level subdivisions. These included Trới township and rural communes. Bằng Cả was one. Dân Chủ was another. You would also find Đồng Lâm. Đồng Sơn was present too. Hòa Bình added to the variety. Kỳ Thượng was another commune. Then there were Lê Lợi, Quảng La, and Sơn Dương. Tân Dân contributed to the area. Thống Nhất and Vũ Oai completed the list.
But things changed on December 17, 2019. Hoành Bồ district became part of Ha Long city. It marked a new chapter in its history.
Ha Long itself has an interesting past. It began as a fishing village called Bai Hau. During the Nguyễn Dynasty, it was renamed Mau Le commune. Later, other communes appeared. These included Ha Lam, Luy Phong, and Giang Vong. Trúc Vong also emerged. Most of these communes were managed by Hoành Bồ district.
The French came in 1883. They occupied Ha Long Bay. They mined coal and established Hon Gai. Hon Gai became the metropolis of Hong Quang in 1954. In 1963, it became the metropolis of Quảng Ninh province. This happened after merging Hai Ninh province and Hong Quang.
Ha Long city was officially established in 1993. It was based on Hon Gai town. In 2001, it expanded further. It merged Viet Hung commune and Dai Yen commune from Hoành Bồ district.
Today, Ha Long city is large. It has 20 wards. It stretches from Yen Lap to Deo But.
Ha Long’s economy is diverse. It includes industry, tourism, and agriculture. It has five economic zones. Each zone focuses on different activities.
The city is home to many people. Most are Kinh ethnic people. But there are also other groups. These include San Diu, Hoa, and Tay. Nung, Han, and Dao people also live here. You can also find Tho, Muong and Van Kieu people. Cao Lan people also call Ha Long home. Vietnamese is the common language.
Ha Long is a major tourist destination. Ha Long Bay is a World Natural Heritage site. It is also one of the new seven natural wonders of the world. Millions of tourists visit each year.
There are hotels and beaches for tourists. Bai Chay beach is popular. Tuan Chau beach is also well-known. There are also many caves to explore. Thien Cung cave and Dau Go cave are famous. Sung Sot cave is another highlight.
Besides natural beauty, Ha Long has historical sites. Bai Tho Mountain is a landmark. Tran Quoc Nghien Temple is a cultural treasure. Long Tien Pagoda is also worth visiting.
Ha Long hosts many festivals. Tien Cong Festival honors the land’s founders. Cua Ong Temple Festival celebrates local traditions. Tra Co Temple Festival features a cooking contest. Quan Lan Festival commemorates a victory against invaders.
The Ha Long Carnival is a major event. It features unique themes and vibrant performances. It is a highlight for international visitors.
Hoành Bồ’s story is now part of Ha Long’s larger narrative. It shows how Ha Long has grown. It continues to evolve. It embraces its past. It looks forward to the future. This is Hoành Bồ in Ha Long.