Halong Bay
Halong Bay, Vietnam is one of world’s natural wonders and is one of the top tourist attractions in Vietnam. The literal meaning of “Halong” is “Bay of Descending Dragons”. A local legend says that a family of dragons was sent to defend the land long ago when the Vietnamese were fighting the Chinese invaders. These dragons had descended upon what is now Halong Bay. Halong Bay – famous for its scenic rock formations – has been listed among the World Heritage Sites by UNESCO.
Halong Bay is a spectacular location for sightseeing in Vietnam. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, it forms an amazing seascape of limestone pillars along with more than 1,969 islands and islets of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. Coming to Halong Bay and taking a boat trip cruising on the bay to discover paradise in Halong Bay with the clear water of the Bay, with some islands, beautiful grottos, sandy beaches is an unforgettable experience. If weather permits, tourist can have some swimming in the calm bay water. Besides, visitors can go kayaking, swimming and hiking in the mountains in the islands. There are several cruises offering tours and overnight on cruises.
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Attractions |
Bai Chay beach
Bai Chay is a resort located along the coast of Halong Bay. This is a windward ocean resort which has a year round average temperature of 20oC (68oF). Bai Chay is a low gently sloping range of hills that runs along the sea for more than 2 km. Blended in among the pine trees are large hotels and small villas with distinguished architectural styles. Traveling down the asphalt road along the coast, visitors see long white stretches of sand and green rows of Casuarina trees, tucked under which are small family-run restaurants. After swimming at the beach, tourists can enjoy cold drinks and cool off in the breeze that sweeps in from the sea.
Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Tho Mountain is 106 m high. It runs along the coast, half on land and half in the sea. Sailing in the bay, one or two hundred meters from the mountain, one can see a poem carved on a flat stone cliff. In 1468, Emperor Le Thanh Tong, who was also a poet, made an inspection tour of the North-East region. He stopped at the foot of the mountain, and inspired by the magnificent beauty of his surroundings, he wrote a poem. Later, he had the poem engraved on the wall of the mountain. It is very interesting to climb the mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of the bay.
Dau Go Grotto
Dau Go Grotto is found on Driftwood Island, formerly known as Canh Doc Island. The name Driftwood Grotto comes from the popular story of the resistance war against the Nguyen Mong aggressors in 12th century. In a decisive battle, Tran Hung Dao was given an order to prepare many ironwood stakes to be planted on the riverbed of the Bach Dang River. In this grotto, there remains an engraved stone stele singing the praises of Halong Bay ordered by Emperor Khai Dinh when he came to visit the grotto in 1917.
Quang Hanh grotto
Located 9 km west of Cam Pha, Quang Hanh Grotto is the longest grotto in Halong Bay. It is 1,300 m long, and stretches throughout the stone mountain of Quang Hanh. The French named it “Le Tunnel,” or Tunnel Grotto. Quang Hanh Grotto is accessible by either boat or car, but the entrance only appears when the tide is out. Ba Co Shrine (shrine of three girls) is in the grotto beside a smooth stone block. Legend tells that three girls, who were once journeying on the sea, came to the grotto to take shelter from the rain. They were so engrossed with the beauty of the grotto, that they did not notice the rising tide. They drowned, only to become water goddesses.
Thien Cung grotto
This recently discovered grotto is one of the most beautiful in Halong Bay. Thien Cung is situated on the southwest side of the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Halong City. It is located in a small range of islands that resemble a throne embracing two superb grottoes at its core. The way to Thien Cung is perilous, covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the magnificent, 130 m long grotto opens up.
Tuan Chau Island
Situated 3 km west of Dao Go Islet, Tuan Chau Island has an area of 300 ha. On the islet, there is a very simple bamboo house built by the inhabitants of Quang Ninh for Uncle Ho to rest after visiting Halong Bay. Tuan Chau Island Resort was newly built on a location 8 km from the centre of Ha Long City. It stretches for 220 ha and built of gradual hills. A 2-km cement road connects the island with the mainland. Many constructions in Tuan Chau are underway or have been finished. From the entrance you will pass a cluster of hills. Investors are accelerating the flattening of this site to build a villa complex whose infrastructure is expected to meet international standards. Further on you will come to a gastronomical street composed of 5 
restaurants and round-shaped houses modeled after the royal architecture. They can serve 500 customers at a time with Asian and European and Vietnamese dishes cooked by famous domestic and foreign cooks. Restaurant staff is dressed in traditional costume. In the centre you will be stunned by the club where there are performances of whale, seal and sea lion fashioned after the Sydney theatre in Australia. The Tuan Chau Beach with 3 km of sand carpet will bring you great comfort while swimming in the turquoise water. Close by the beach is a 50-room international standard villa complex which will bring you great moments of relaxation. You can also participate in water sports such as high-speed motorboat, parachute-pulled canoe, water skiing, rowing, or go fishing, tour around Ha Long Bay on balloon, or other activities such as mountain climbing or camping.
Trinh Nu Grotto -Trong grotto
The Virgin Grotto is situated in the island range of Bo Hon, in the system comprised of the Surprise Grotto, Dong Tien Lake, and Luon Grotto. The grotto is 15 km south of Bai Chay Beach. For some fishermen, the Virgin Grotto is home, while for young lovers it is a popular romantic rendezvous site. When visiting the Virgin Grotto, you can still see the petrified girl with her long hair hanging down and eyes looking towards the mainland. Opposite the Virgin Grotto, the Male Grotto is still home to the lover whose his face is turned towards his mate. At times, his passionate calls and blows against the walls of the grotto can still be heard.
Sung Sot Grotto
It is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Halong Bay. Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage and consists of great paved stone blocks. Inside, it is partitioned into two chambers; the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall. Many stalactites hang from the high ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes. From the wharf, you climb 50 steep stone stairs to the mouth of the grotto, which lies 25m above the sea level. Going down some 10 stone stairs, you reach the mouth of a grotto. The grotto covers some 10,000m2. Inside the grotto there have thousands of stalactites and stalagmites along the 500-meter paved passage. At the deepest point of the grotto, a “royal garden” appears with a clear pond and a seemingly fascinating landscape of mountains. Many birds and plants (benjamin figs, cycads and centenary banyan trees) live here. On nice days groups of monkeys might arrive in search of fruit. Up in the 30-meter roof of the grotto, one can figure out small, soft and even concave spots, which look like patterns in the ceiling of a theater. A huge piece of stone stands up to the ceiling by the grotto’s mouth. This evidences one of the typical karst-style grottoes with high scientific values.
