Halong Bay - Majestic Water
Imagine 2000 or more islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty.
Hanoi
HCM City (Saigon)
Hue
Danang
Hoian
Nha Trang
Phu Quoc Island
World Heritage listed Halong Bay is a must for all visitors to Vietnam. Halong Bay is home to 2,000 limestone islets that were formed by millions of years of erosion combined with a change in sea levels. Spread out over 1,500 square kilometres (579 square miles), local fishermen have given unique names for each of the islands; the name Halong in Vietnamese means, “Dragon Descending.” Spending a night on a converted junk has been a popular pastime for guests as far back as French Colonial times, and it is still the best way to experience the majestic sunsets, misty mornings, and many moods that has made Halong Bay one of the top tourist destinations in the whole of Southeast Asia.
Not only is Halong Bay one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam, with large caves open for exploration, it has a historical link as well: while fighting off Chinese invaders, the entrance to the bay was lined with steel tipped wooden spikes, that trapped the invading Mongol army’s vessels, delivering victory to the Vietnamese, who are very proud of the bay and it’s role in their struggle against the Chinese. A wide variety of delicious seafood is harvested in Halong Bay, and boats will row out to offer up fresh crabs and shrimp; swimming in the bay in the summer months is a delight, with warm, jade green waters lapping the towering limestone rocks
Staying on board a traditional junk is a wonderful experience, but there are an overwhelming number of boats that ply the bay. We choose cruises that offer a different itinerary, avoiding the most crowded parts of the bay as well as having good crews and high safety standards.
