Attraction in Halong Bay
Dau Go (Driftwood) Grotto - Dau Go Grotto is found on
Driftwood Island, formerly known as Canh Doc Island. The name
Driftwood Grotto comes from the popular story of the resistance
war against the Nguyen Mong aggressors. In a decisive battle, Tran
Hung Dao was given an order to prepare many ironwood stakes to be
planted on the riverbed of the Bach Dang River. The remaining
wooden pieces were found in the grotto and, as a result, the
grotto was given its present name. The entrance is reached via 90
steps up the island. The grotto is divided into three main parts.
In the first chamber, many forms can be seen in the rock,
depending on the imagination of the observer. In the middle of the
chamber, on the top of the pillar, there appears to be a monk
draped in a long, dark cloak, with his right hand clasping a cane.
Moving into the second chamber, visitors pass through a narrow
"door", naturally formed through erosion. The light here
is mysterious, and new images appear in the stone. At the end of
the grotto is a well of clear water surrounded by four ancient
walls.
More!
Attraction in Haiphong
The city center - Most of Haiphong's attractions
concentrate between the curve of the Tam Bac River and the loop of
the train tracks. To the north of the main city's street, Dien
Bien Phu, you will find the most attractive colonial architecture
of Haiphong along the broad, quiet avenues. On Dien Bien Phu
Street, itself, locates the Haiphong Museum with its classic
wine-red façade, but it is often closed due to lack of demand. If
so, head south towards the Haiphong cathedral instead. The
cathedral was built in the late nineteenth century and restored
after years of abandon. Then keep going down the bustling street
of Hoang Van Thu to the pink theatre, facing a wide open square.
The square is the memorial site of the deaths of forty
revolutionaries during the November 1946 street battles against
the French troop.
If you would like to experience the vibrant life of the locals,
go to Haiphong's merchants' quarter, a decaying area of street
markets. Although the nineteenth-century halls of Sat Market have
been replaced by the shinier six-storey blocks, most of the stall
holders prefer yelling on the streets, giving the impression of
local colors.
Also of places of interest in the city is the Hang Kenh Carpet
Factory where you can experience how the delicate carpets are
being made. Most of carpets here are still traditionally hand-made
on old wooden looms. More!
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