A few hours east of Ha Long Bay, the seaside city of Móng Cái celebrates the Trà Cổ Festival every summer. The festival commemorates the spiritual guardian of the community, whose shrine was built in 1511 during the Le Dynasty. This relic of Vietnam’s feudal era is honoured with a colourful procession ending on the beach, followed by traditional games and activities. The local highlight is the pig competition, when the victor Ông Voi (Sir Elephant) is offered up to the ancestors. Other activities include cooking and chess competitions.