In the cherished memories of every resident of Ha Long City, the Hon Gai clock tower holds a deeply special significance. Erected in 1987, the clock tower was celebrated at the time as the iconic symbol of Hon Gai town. Its architecture was inspired by the fluid passage of time. The structure was conceptualized by architect Nguyen Lan, with artistic design by sculptor Kieu Sy Khue, featuring three main facades and standing at a height of approximately 8 meters.
Ha Long Clock Tower in the 1980s
According to sculptor Kieu Sy Khue, the overarching concept of the original clock tower was to indicate precise time, with its three faces symbolizing dawn, noon, and dusk. These three facades corresponded to three major thoroughfares: one leading from Ha Lam, one from Cot Tam, and one ascending from the Hon Gai ferry terminal. The three relief panels mounted on the tower represented Coal, Forests, and the Sea. Coal (represented by an open-pit coal mine at night) featured red reeds and flying storks; Forests symbolized the Northeast region; and the Sea (symbolizing the rising sun) featured the image of a rooster crowing to herald a brand-new day. Ever since its construction, the intersection has remained affectionately known by the familiar landmark name: Hon Gai Clock Tower.
Ha Long Clock Tower today
In 2017, a magnificent new clock tower was erected on the site of the former landmark, inspired by the geological formation of coal in Quang Ninh’s renowned coal basin. The project was backed by a total investment of 35 billion VND drawn from the municipal budget. Today, it stands as a defining architectural symbol of Ha Long City. Bathed in a striking golden hue from the exterior, the design embodies the timeless adage “time is gold.” The winning architectural design was crafted by the celebrated Spanish architect Salvador—one of the world’s top 10 renowned architects closely associated with numerous prestigious landmarks across Quang Ninh province. The clock tower was constructed using specialized, high-grade materials. According to the blueprints, the structure comprises 53 interlocking blocks of varying sizes. Its robust framework is forged from 18 tons of steel, cloaked entirely in golden tempered glass, culminating in an impressive overall height of 28 meters. At the pinnacle are four large, multi-directional clock faces. Beneath the clocks lies the Heritage emblem—a proud tribute to the city that home to the globally renowned Ha Long Bay. The tower is equipped with 16 LED display panels showing both Vietnam standard time and the time zones of various international cities. Set elegantly amidst a tranquil reflecting pool, the clock tower features an intricate fountain system interwoven with cascading stone tiers.
