Hạ Long
Ha Long Bay is definitely one of the most scenic areas in the world. For that reason the entire area is on UNESCO‘s list of World Cultural and natural heritage areas.
Did you know that the total number of islands is unknown? on wikipedia they announce less than 2,000 but local people talk about several thousands of islands in the bay, but only approx. 1000 of them are named most often by their unusual shape or an old legend.
The name Halong means “where the dragon descends into the sea”, and legend says that the islands in the bay were created when a giant dragon ran through the area and did great damage with his gigantic tail. Consequently, the area was flooded and only small islands were sticking out of the sea.
In this fantastic landscape which the dragon created, limestone cliffs dramatically rise out of the emerald sea.
You will be able to access the bay by boat from different towns e.g. Halong and Hai Phong.
If you have time you may be interested to visit some families living in small villages build on the water, from where they are able to fish and make some mussel-pearl production.
By kayak you will love to discover beautiful steep cliffs, see amazing colorful caves with stalactites/stalagmites and visit the local villages.
Enjoy incredible Tours in Ha Long:
- Spectacular Halong Bay 2-Day Tour from US$137
- Halong Bay Day Cruise: Private Deluxe Tour from US$81.60
- Halong Bay Junk Cruise - 2 Day / 1 Night from US$240
- 6-Day Tour of Vietnam from US$902
- Ha Long Bay 2-Day Cruise with Taichi and Cooking Class from US$165
Thanks to Margaret and John from Lost & Found Travel for this beautiful video