VietNamNet Bridge – Three months after Ha Long Bay was recognized as a new natural wonder of the world, its world natural wonder icon is still in stock because the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MoCST) has not found out an appropriate place in Hanoi for it.

Mr. Nguyen Van Tinh, Chief of the International Cooperation Department of the MoCST, said that the New 7 Wonder presented two bronze icons (1.3x1.1m) to Vietnam. An icon was already placed in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh porovince. The other icon was scheduled to put in Hanoi but the MoCST has not found out a suitable place for it.

“Some people said that it is unnecessary to place the icon in Hanoi. Some said that if we place this icon in Hanoi, we have to place the icons of the world heritage sites in Hanoi. Because there are different opinions about this issue, we have been hesitant in seeking a place for the icon,” Tinh said.

He said that the MoCST would cooperate with Hanoi authorities to seek a site for the icon and turn it into a tourist attraction.

An official from the Hanoi People’s Committee said that the MoCST had not discussed with the Hanoi authorities about this. However, the city has designed the Huu Nghi Park as the site for icons and statues that are presented by international organizations. However, this park has not built yet.

Some cultural experts have suggested placing the icon at the Thong Nhat or Hoa Binh Park, while the Huu Nghi Park is not constructed yet. They said icons should not be placed at the Hon Kiem Lake because this area is narrow.

Compiled by Mai Lan