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 Halong
Bay is a body of water of approximately 1,500 square kilometres in
north Vietnam with a 120 kilometre coastline, in the Gulf of Tonkin
near the border with China, and 170 kilometres east of Hanoi. Ha
Long Bay - means "Bay of the Descending Dragon" in the Vietnamese
language. The bay consists of a dense cluster of 3000 limestone
monolithic islands,
each topped with thick jungle vegetation, which
rise spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are
hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Dau Go (Wooden stakes Cave) is the
largest
grotto in the Halong area. French tourists visited in the late 19th
century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large
chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well
as 19th century French graffiti).
Some of the islands support floating villages of fishermen, who ply
the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds
of mollusks. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a
result of interpretation of their unusual shapes: such names include
Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha
Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names. Birds and
animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and iguanas also live
on some of the islands.
 The bay was World
Heritage listed by UNESCO at the 18th meeting of the Committee of
the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994).
It is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations.
Halong Bay has been the setting for local naval battles against
Vietnam's coastal neighbours. On three occasions in the labyrinth of
channels
between the islands the
Vietnamese army stopped the Chinese
from landing. In 1288 General Tran Hung Dao stopped Mongol ships
from sailing up the nearby Bach Dang River by placing steel-tipped
wooden stakes at high tide, sinking the Mongol Dubhai Khan's fleet.
During the Vietnam War, many of the channels between the islands
were heavily mined by the navy of the United States, some of which
pose a threat to shipping to this day.
The surrounding land region of Halong City is rich with high grade
coal deposits, and is operated by the Vietnamese government. Click
here to read more information of Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Cruises
The best way to tour, see and enjoy Halong Bay scenery is board a
junk boat and cruise around, the following cruises we offers are the
unique idea for those looking to visit to Halong Bay in the future
or near future. Choose which cruise tour you like to join and just
take the tour code and contact us. Remember that if your group is
more than 4 persons you might get discount depending on your
departure date. We note that all cruises listed bellow are including
transfer with pick up and drop off at your hotel in Hanoi. Click
here to see list of cruises
Halong
Bay Hotels
Show all hotels in Halong City and Cat Ba Island
Halong Bay Photos
List of halong bay photos which show islands, islets dotting around
the bay and Cat Ba Island. Click to see
Junk Boat
Pictures
All pictures and Images of the boat cruises offers trips to see the
bay scenery.
Transportation
About transportation to Halong Bay and Halong City.
Hotels in Hanoi
Provide a wide list of hotels in and around Hanoi which is good for
years.
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