Located in the northeast of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh Province, Halong Bay covers an area of 1,553 square km, including 1,969 islands. Halong’s islands are concentrated in two main areas – in the southeast (Bai Tu Long Bay) and the southwest (Halong Bay).
Halong is
famous all over the world for the majestic beauty of the dense rocks and
islands, and the natural caves in the centre of Halong Bay. It is twice recognised as a World Natural Heritage Site by UNESCO.
According
to local legend, ever since the first settlement of the country,
Vietnam has been attacked from the sea. Knowing this, the Jade Emperor
sent Mother Dragon and her child down to help the Vietnamese against
invaders. When enemy ships were approaching, the dragons flew down from
the sky and spat countless pearls into the sea. These turned into a
myriad of jade islands. They linked together to create a solid wall that
blocked the approaching enemy ships. These crashed into the rocks and
were torn into pieces. After driving away the invaders, the Mother
Dragon and her child were so charmed by the beauty of the bay that they
decided to stay rather than returning to heaven. Where the Mother Dragon
landed was called Halong, her child settled in Bai Tu Long Bay, and where their tails writhed is called Bach Long Vi.
Halong Bay
was formed by millions of years of geological changes, which created
thousands of islands. Hidden inside these are beautiful caves such as
Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Grotto, Thien Cung, Trinh Nu and Thien Canh Son Cave.
Recognised by Unesco as a World Natural Heritage for its biodiversity, geology and local culture, Halong Bay’s
beauty and charm make it an attractive tourism destination. The
landscape of Halong is always attractive, with each season bringing its
own colours.
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