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by Jonny Platt
Discover Halong Bay, An Unforgettable Wonder Of The Natural World
Halong Bay, situated in the north-east of Vietnam along the western bank of the Bac Bo Gulf, is a place of inspiration that at turns leaves the visitor speechless and at others allows for poetic inspiration and prolific description. Halong Bay is of seemingly mythological origins boasting astounding natural beauty.
1969 limestone islands and islets of distinctive shapes and characteristics form an effective natural protection from invasion. These are said to be created by powerful ancestor dragons protecting the loved area by spitting out jewels that became the islands dotting the bay, and once these protections were in place, the mother dragon descended to make Halong her home.
Trai’s “rock wonder in the sky” is home to caves aptly called “magnificent palaces of the creation on earth.” Although most of the islet caves remain free of charge, entrance to some now require fees. The stalactites and stalagmites are awesome. Halong Bay is home to thousands of plant, bird and animal species, some quite rare. Monkey Island has non-indigeneous monkey species shipped in to attract tourists. There are documented 200 species of fish and 450 kinds of mollusks swimming the warm, salty waters. Swimming and snorkeling are pleasant pasttimes in the spring and summer when the waters are clear and calm.
Cruises on adapted exotic junk boats combine classic beauty and modern comforts. Boat captains offer excursions into the bay when weather conditions are favorable where amazing rock formations and interesting floating fishing villages can be appreciated. Fresh seafood is sold and cooked for genuine Vietnamese culinary experiences, although the cities of Cat Ba and Halong offer more formal dining opportunities. One regional favorite is Su fish which is only found around Halong Bay, but the variety of marine offerings are delicious and plentiful.
Hotels and a nearby resort are good staging points for visits to the over 7 beaches, Poem Mountain named from a 15th century work, a National Park, archaeological sites, Mangrove, coral and tropical forests, a bamboo hut shrine, kayaking and hiking.
The natural wonders of Halong Bay, with its outstanding geographic and geomorphic value and exceptional scenic beauty, have twice been recognized as a Unesco World Heritage Site, named the 8th wonder of the natural world, and nomimated for a position by the New Seven Wonders Foundation. Truly Halong Bay is an unforgettable destination.
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Jonny Platt writes for VietnamTravel.org, a comprehensive guide to the country of Vietnam and popular destinations such as Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An and Saigon.
Halong bay is one of many destination in world wonder selection this year but there is still hidden dangerous behind. Safety is the most priority at this moment.
Btw, Halong bay is my favorite place.