Halong Bay
Information about Ha Long Bay
Known to the Vietnamese as the "Bay of the Descent of the Dragon", Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This magical place is on the list of must-see destinations in Vietnam.
The whole area is made up of more than 1,500 limestone islands that emerge from the waters in all directions, shaping an unforgettable landscape. As you cruise the waters aboard your Chinese sailing boat, or "junk," you'll spot fishing villages, floating huts attached to rocks, and tiny beaches where children fish.
Descent of the Dragon
According to legend, a huge dragon descended into the bay millions of years ago, having escaped many eggs. These eggs hatch into thousands of rocks and islands. The tail of the dragon extended far out to sea, forming the island of Bach Long Vi, or the "tail of the white dragon". Upon returning to heaven, the dragon bid farewell to its offspring in Bai Tu Long Bay (meaning "The dragon separates its offspring").
Bai Tu Long Bay
Instead of following the crowds, we chose to take you on a 2-day cruise to the northeast of Ha Long Bay in Bai Tu Long Bay. This area still protected under the aegis of UNESCO is a limestone plateau in decline, which gave birth to the islands which extend over a hundred kilometers to the Chinese border.
By many accounts, Bai Tu Long Bay is just as impressive as Ha Long Bay. Moreover, it is not a tourist destination as such. Nature and local life are not disturbed by the daily shuttles. If you're looking for an off-the-beaten-path experience in a grand setting, this is an ideal alternative to the tourist bustle of Ha Long Bay.
Bai Tu Long offers magical landscapes and many attractions or corners to explore: Cong Do area, Vung Vieng fishing village, Da Xep park, Cong Dam area, Thien Canh Son cave, or again the beach of Tra Gioi.
You will also see some populated islands: Quan Lan, Ngoc Vung, Cong Dong and Cong Tay, as well as some beautiful sandy beaches. In addition, Bai Tu Long Bay National Park is renowned for its biodiversity, home to rich and varied flora and fauna.
Interesting facts about Ha Long Bay
More than 1500 islands and islets make up Ha Long Bay. Many owe their name to their shape or appearance
The formation of these karstic mountains is dated 3 million years ago
Bai Tu Long Bay has been a protected natural area since 2001 by the Vietnamese government
This ecotourism site is home to more than 600 species of terrestrial plants and more than 150 aquatic floral species
The area also has more than 160 species of terrestrial animals, more than 100 species of fish, more than 130 species of invertebrate animals and more than 100 different types of coral!
You will spend one night on a traditional style junk
Pictures of Ha Long Bay
