Historical records and ruins have proved that Quan Lan Commune (Van Don District) used to be the center of ancient Van Don Trading Port. The first international port in Vietnam established by King Ly Anh Tong in 1149 was recognized as national relic in 2003.
Ancient Van Don Trading Port lied within Quang Ninh with total area of more than 200 km2, stretching from Quang Yen to Mong Cai. Cai Lang Berth in Quan Lan has been proved as the main area for transaction with both domestic and international trader, and loading and uploading commodities.
Realizing precious assets left by forefathers, Quan Lan Commune’s people have been treasuring and preserving the port relic. Being as a developing land, especially in tourism sector, Quan Lan has proposed plans to protect the area of ancient port.
Quan Lan Communal House, a typical illustration for ancient Van Don Trading Port, was built around the end of 19th century and 20th century. The communal house, worshiping King Ly Anh Tong, poses beautiful coastal architecture and is said a sacred one in Quan Lan. Quan Lan Communal House Festival is organized in the 6th month of lunar calendar to pay tribute to King Ly Anh Tong, marine gods, and tutelary gods while celebrating Tran Dynasty’s victory against Mongolian invaders in 1288 and General Tran Khanh Du’s defeat against Truong Van Ho as well as praying for abundant aquatic resource…
In the past, the festival ran dozens of days with solemn ritual ceremonies and interesting festive part. Notably, the boat race in the festive part is prepared in a year with the participation of all the youngsters in the commune.
Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee has recently approved to grant nearly 25 billion VND for upgrading Quan Lan Communal House. Functional bodies are also completing the dossiers to submit to the Government for recognizing ancient Van Don Trading Port relic as a special national one. In addition, JICA and Department of Tourism have conducted farm trips in order to set up suitable tours and attract more visitors…All have fortified the ambitionof developing tourism under the concept of ancient trading port in Quan Lan.
Translated by Quynh Trang
