Halong Bay, also known as Ha Long Bay or Vinh Ha Long (“Where the Dragon Descends to the Sea”), is a bay on the Gulf of Tonkin’s northwest coast. It is located near the city of Ha Long (Hong Gai), in the province of Quang Ninh in northern Vietnam. It’s 102 miles (164 kilometers) southeast of Hanoi.
Where is Halong bay in Vietnam
There are 3,000 rocky and earthen islands in the 580-square-mile (1,500-square-kilometer) area. It usually took the form of jagged limestone pillars protruding from the water, as well as caverns and grottoes. All of these elements come together to create an unusual and beautiful seascape. The waterways and tropical forests are home to a diverse population of marine and terrestrial mammals, reptiles, fish, and birds.
Halong bay facts
The origin of the bay is the subject of two stories. These qualities are reflected in the name. According to the earliest legend, a dragon stamped so hard on the earth that mountains crumbled. Large troughs were formed, which quickly filled with water.
Only the summits of the mountains remained above the surface, which are today the rocky islands of Ha Long Bay. According to alternative folklore, a dragon with a long tail tore up the ground. When the beast plunged into the surrounding water, it inundated valleys and fissures, causing flooding. Tarasque’s modern-day tale can be found in both forms. It’s a sea creature that looks like a dragon and is said to live in the bay.
Numerous stone artifacts discovered offered proof of the Hoabinhian culture, which thrived 10,000 years ago. A distinct Ha Long culture has also been discovered. Chinese and Vietnamese pirates used the bay as late as the nineteenth century.
Human occupancy of the islands in Halong Bay was, however, limited in the twentieth century. A large population lives along the shore and relies on Ha Long Bay for shipping and fishing. Tourism is another important industry, with some visitors hoping to see the famous Tarasque.
Plans have been made to expand the area’s economic growth by adding manufacturing and residential zones, but these attempts are being resisted by efforts to preserve the bay’s biological and physical characteristics. In 1986, a portion of Cat Ba, one of the region’s major islands, was established as a national park, and in 1994, the entire bay was inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Ha long bay Vietnam
The ethereal splendor of Halong Bay is defined by towering karst limestone pillars and little islets of varying forms and sizes set against a backdrop of crystal blue waters. It is the most popular tourist destination on this side of the country, and it is located in northern Vietnam.
Luxury Cruises Halong Bay
The most popular way to see the region is on a cruise or day-trip boat, which allows travelers to relax while cruising among the limestone pillars and islets. Many cruises and day trips include a visit to an island and cave exploration. There are also several floating towns where tourists may engage with the locals, sample their cuisine, and purchase trinkets.
Another pastime that has exploded in popularity in recent years is kayaking. On a bright sunny day, kayaking alongside and around the limestone pillars is possible. A few caverns also allow kayak exploration, which is a highly recommended experience.
