Halong Bay

Halong Bay - Vietnam

Halong Bay, is the most magical, charming and beautiful place all over Vietnam. The Bay is located in the north of the country, about 300 kilometers from Hanoi, the capital of the country. The Vietnamese call this place the Bay of the descendants of the Dragon (Vinh Ha Long).

Halong Bay
Halong Bay

Halong Bay - Vietnam
Halong Bay - Vietnam

Halong Bay and the New Seven Wonders of the World

Halong Bay was nominated for the New Seven Wonders of the World, unfortunately Halong Bay couldn't get a place among them.

Halong Bay in Vietnam
Halong Bay in Vietnam

What is Halong Bay?

Halong Bay are more than 2000 small islands of karst rock, scattered along 150 miles of coastline, it means more than 15.000 m2 extension, creating an atmosphere and a place of matchless beauty.

The famous Halong Bay
The famous Halong Bay

Halong Bay (Vietnam)
Halong Bay (Vietnam)

Halong Bay Legend

The bay of the descendants of the dragon (Halong Bay) is known that way for the legend that surrounds this area, or better to say, the origin of this place. Halong Bay Legend says during the time of the Emperor of Vietnam, the Chinese invaders wanted to seized that land of the Vietnamese Empire, the Emperor asked for help to a Dragon family, the dragons threw pearls and jade to sink enemy ships. After the battle, the dragons admire the beauty of the resulting place and the dragons and their descendants decided to stay.

Halong Bay waters
Halong Bay waters

Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay

Dusk over Halong Bay
Dusk over Halong Bay

Halong Bay Cruises

A huge place such as Halong Bay demands a cruise to fully enjoy all the beauty and amusements that Halong Bay has to offer.

Cruises on Halong Bay
Cruises on Halong Bay

The most convenient option is to book a 2 days / 1 night cruise (around 99$ USD per person). Depending on the tourist operator, transportation from Hanoi may be included in the price.
Usually a cruise on Halong Bay includes a full board double cabin, but drinks are not included.

Islands in Halong Bay
Islands in Halong Bay

Junk boat sailing in Halong Bay
Junk boat sailing in Halong Bay

Junk boat in Halong Bay
Junk boat in Halong Bay

Halong Bay Caves

During our trip around Halong Bay we will make some stops to visit some of the caves of Halong Bay, formed inside the huge small islands of Halong. The most famous caves are Hang Sung Sot (cave of Surprises), Hang Dau Go (Wooden stakes cave), Hang Thieng Cung (cave of the Heavenly Palace), Hang Bo Nau (Pelican cave), Dong Tam Cung (cave of the three Palaces) y Hang Trong (Drum cave).

Hang Sung Sot: cave of Surprises

Hang Sung Sot cave is famous for its virile male member shaped rock inside the grotto. French called this place Isle de la Surprise. Compounded of 3 different chambers (the famous rock is located on the first chamber). The main access to the cave is a wooden bridge and 90 steps stairs.

Virile male member in Hang Sung Sot Cave. Halong Bay. Vietnam
Virile male member in Hang Sung Sot Cave. Halong Bay. Vietnam

Hang Sung Sot Cave (Vietnam)
Hang Sung Sot Cave - Halong Bay (Vietnam)

Halong Bay Caves
Halong Bay Caves

Halong Bay Surroundings

Hard to believe, but around Halong Bay there is almost nothing. A small fishing town, hotels on the sidewalk of the main road, a nice bridge (similar to the ones they have in Lisbon, Portugal) and an outdoor market.

Bridge over the river in Halong Bay
Bridge over the river in Halong Bay

Halong Bay Town

The only place around Halong Bay that is worth to pay a visit is Halong Bay Town. To get Halong Bay Town we must cross a wonderful red bridge over the river and next to the sea.
Halong Town is just another typical Vietnamese town with colorful narrow houses, a small pagoda and a market (near the harbor).

Halong Bay Town
Halong Bay Town

Floating fishing village in Halong Bay
Floating fishing village in Halong Bay

Halong Bay town outdoor market
Halong Bay town outdoor market

Pagoda in Halong Bay Town, Vietnam
Pagoda in Halong Bay Town, Vietnam

Halong Bay Dock
Halong Bay Dock

Pictures of Halong Bay

Pictures of Halong Bay, shot from a junk boat and also, from some of the caves of the bay.

Ha long Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay

Amazing Cave. Halong Bay (Vietnam)
Amazing Cave. Halong Bay (Vietnam)

Pagoda over a small island in Halong Bay
Pagoda over a small island in Halong Bay

Islands in Halong Bay
Islands in Halong Bay

Bahia de Halong en Vietnam
Bahía de Halong en Vietnam

Bay of Halong (Vietnam)
Bay of Halong (Vietnam)

Boats sailing in Halong Bay
Boats sailing in Halong Bay

Cruise in Halong Bay
Cruise in Halong Bay

Halong Bay Videos

Video of a cruise in Halong Bay sailing the crystal clear waters of Halong.

Cruise in Halong Bay (Ha Long Bay), Vietnam

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