A dream holiday to enchanted places
Ha Long Bay is a World Heritage site in Vietnam twice recognized by UNESCO – in 1994 and 1999. With almost 2000 islands rising from the emerald water of the Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long is an excellent example of a Karst landscape created by a complex chain of millions of years of geological movement.
A local legend tells the following tale of the origins of Ha Long Bay:
“Long ago, the Viet people were attacked by foreign aggressors. The Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her band of Dragon Children to help the Viet people fight the invaders. While the enemy vessels were launching massive attacks against the mainland, the dragons descended in flocks from the sky. They spat out innumerable pearls which changed into jade stone islands the moment they touched the water. These islands linked together to form firm citadels that checked the enemy’s advance and smashed their vessels to pieces.
After the invaders were driven out, Mother Dragon and her Dragon Children did not return to Heaven but stayed on earth, right at the place where the battle occurred. The spot where the Mother Dragon landed was Ha Long, and where the Dragon Children came down was Bai Tu Long.”
Vung Vieng floating village
This floating village of about 50 families has a population between 200 and 300 residents, including almost 100 children.
These families have lived in this village for generations. The village is a "floating village” with no structures built on land. Traditionally, income for food and potable water (imported from the mainland) came solely from fishing. Now tourism provides an additional source of income.
Their floating houses look spacious and clean. One community house is where villagers come to have meetings. This is also the place where tourists stop over to buy traditional handmade items.
It is interesting to see the lively children going to “school”. Their bustling calls and the sound of their oars breaking water enliven the atmosphere of the quiet bay. Looking at the small boats driven by tiny oars and the radiant faces of the children going to school, one feels confident in a bright future for the fishing village.
Bai Tu Long bay
Bai Tu Long Bay is a long string of islands which was created when the entire limestone plateau sank below sea level. It lies in Quang Ninh Province just north of the beautiful Ha Long Bay region. It has little tourist infrastructure which makes getting around a bit tougher, but this is more than compensated for by the stunning scenery and less pollution.
Sung Sot cave (Surprising cave)
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 strangely shaped stalactites hang from the high ceiling.
A narrow passage leads to the second room, where a flow of light meets visitors. The chamber is so immense it could contain thousands of people at one time.
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 fine days groups of monkeys might arrive in search of fruit.
Lan Ha bay
Situated in the southeast of Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is 30 minutes by boat from Cat Ba. The large bay with an arched shore welcomes tourists with a number of islands and beautiful beaches.
Lan Ha Bay is famous not only for its beautiful beaches, but also for the imposing caves and ideal fishing location. Many visitors fond of fishing do not want to leave once staying here for a while!
Monkey Island
Yes, the island has monkeys, but you will probably find only a few around the accommodation area. And be careful! These animals, used to getting their food from guests or the bins, are not afraid of humans.
Van Gia fishing village
Visiting the village, tourists have a chance to experience the daily life of villagers as well as the traditional culture and customs of the fishermen living in the World Heritage Area of Halong Bay.
This makes it ideal for anchoring boats where you can see firsthand their spacious and clean floating houses. The well-off families even have tiled roofs, radios, television sets, tables and chairs.
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