Halong Bay, Vietnam
One of the great natural wonders of Asia, Ha Long Bay – which could be translated as descending dragon, ranks among the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam. Lying in Quang Ninh – the northeastern province, it is just nearly 170 km from Ha Noi so almost every capital visitors do not miss the chance to discover this beautify bay. And . Halong Bay has twice been recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Area for its exceptional scenic beauty and one of the world's greatest natural wonders.
It is 165kms from Hanoi, after 3.5 hours en-route, you will be rewarded with some of the most spectacular and memorable sightseeing of your trip.
Ha Long Bay features the calm water beaches, dense of exciting limestone mountains, islets and caves those usually got the names according to their interesting shapes, historical events and animal living on them.
Once arriving Ha Long, visitors could hire the boat, going out to the bay for formidably picturesque of enormous seascapes. There is plenty to explore in the 4000 square kilometer body of water, and it is easy to find peaceful places to swim, fish, or just relax without seeing another soul, yet surrounded by majestic scenery.
Moreover, Ha Long Bay is a limestone area with many wonderful caves, such as Dau Go, Bo Nau, Trong, Trinh Nu and Sung Sot Cave, each with their own fascinating legend.
Highlights of Ha long Bay:
1. Wooden Stake Cave ( Dau Go Cave)– amongst the most well-known tourist attractions in Ha Long Bay, will be renovated after 20 years of operation. Floating on the emerald water, Wooden Stake Cave is amongst the most famous tourist attractions in Halong Bay. Inside Wooden Stake Cave, tourists will find a very interesting cave.
The entrance of Wooden Stake Cave is a hole in the middle of a cliff. The inside of the cave is divided into three main conpartments. The outer compartment is domed and full of light. It's ceiling is like a giant picture with lively scenes of wild elephants, staring deer and lions sitting in dynamic postures. Below the ceiling is a whole forest of multi-colored and multi-shaped stalagmites.
Wooden Stake Cave is proudly listed in the world famous tourism book Merveille de Monde published in France in 1938, which presents the most beautiful and worth visiting tourist attractions in the world, including Wooden Stake Cave under the name “Grotte des marveilles” (Cave of Wonders).
2. Pelican Cave ( Thien Cung Cave) – located in the southwest of Halong Bay, 4 km away from Wooden Stake Island, which is considered the most beautiful primitive cave of the Bay. The cave is 10,000 square meters with complicated interior structure, many floors, and high ceiling. The cave becomes famous thanks to a unique system of stalactites and stalagmites with different forms and shapes.
Exploring Thien Cung Cave’s craggy cliffs is no easy task. Going through a narrow door, you would be surprised by a large space inside the cave that the further you walk, the more beautiful formation of stalactites come to your eyes. Leaving the cave, you would feel a lingering sensation like just finish a tour to a massive art museum created by the Mother Nature.
3. Yen Tu Pagoda – located in Yen Tu Mountain, in Uong Bi city, Quang Ninh province. And Yen Tu, Buddhist capital of Vietnam, is famous for its beautiful landscapes, historical relics and ancient pagodas thus making it uniquely positioned in the hearts of the Vietnames.
At an altitude of 1,068m above sea level, the breathless climb leads one higher and higher till you find yourself at the top in the pristine of white cloud surroundings. The journey seems to gives one the feeling of a stairway to heavens – away from worries of the world, a peace of mind and heart.
4. Cat Ba Island - situated a mere 50 km east of Hai Phong city in the north of Vietnam.Cat Ba Island is the most beautiful, largest island in Halong Bay,and Cat Ba is also famous for spectacular array and island scenery. The National Parklocated in this pearl island that is home to typical rare flora and fauna species. Cat Ba Island also has a large collection of marine creatures in fishing grounds such as shrimp, red snapper, anchovy trap fish and a grass cover to breed tortoise shells.The World Natural Heritage Site recognized by UNESCO and Catba itself was recognized as a World Biosphere.
Cat Ba is known for its rugged limestone mountains, hot & cold springs, moist tropical forests and coral reefs, as well as its deserted beaches and casual island lifestyle. Cat Ba is now much sought after by both domestic and international visitors as a ready alternative to the city madness and bus tour boredom.