HALONG
Halong city
Halong city is divided into 2 parts by the straits: Bai Chay and Hon Gai. For the time being, in order to cross the straits, visitors have to take a ferry boat. In the near future, a suspension bridge of 903m in length will be built to connect the 2 sides of the city. Hon Gai used to be a coal-exporting port and is now one of the most important commercial centres for transporting passengers and goods in north eastern Vietnam. Bai Chay is a low gently sloping range of hills running along the sea for 3kms. It was planned to be a windward seaside resort in the French colonial time. Now with many international standard hotels, recreational parks, green trees and white sand, Bai Chay has become one of the most beautiful beaches in Vietnam.
junk at sunset in Halong bay
Halong bay is one of the most magnificent scenic spots in all of Vietnam and was designated as a World Natural Heritage in 1994. It is a picturesque bay with some 1969 islets rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. The limestone basin has been carved into stalactic caves, crescent beaches and odd-shaped formations. It is also famous for its varied ecological system with thousands of kinds of fish, hundreds of sorts of coral and other sea creatures. Moreover, the global value of Halong Bay in terms of geological process has been highly appreciated. Halong Bay really becomes a must in the trip to Vietnam.
The Bai Tho Mountain, a limestone mountain of 201m in height, lies in the middle of Hon Gai. In 1468, in an inspection tour of this region, King Le Thanh Ton, inspired by the magnificent beauty of the natural surroundings, penned a poem which was later engraved on a flat stone cliff of the mountain. Since then, the mountain has been renamed the Bai Tho Mountain (Poem Mountain) and has also become an inspirational site for writers and readers of poetry alike. Walking along Bai Tho street, visitors can have a view of the bustling daily life of the local people.
Hon Gai Market is located downtown Halong and is one of the most attractive stops on the tour to Halong. Here visitors can learn many interesting things about the life of local fishermen and find some lovely souvenir items such as coal carvings, ceramics, lacquerware, etc. One of the highlights of Hon Gai market is its fresh seafood which varies according to the tide and the weather.
Tuan Chau Island covers an area of 300 hectares. It used to be an important staging ground in naval battles against the Mongols in the 13th century. At present some resort and eco-tourist projects are being carried on the island. With a 2.2 km-long road connecting the island with the mainland and a range of villas nestled in the shade of green trees; this small island is becoming an ideal place for holiday-makers and honey-mooners.
Long Tien Pagoda, the biggest in Halong, it was built at the end of the Nguyen Dynasty. In addition to Buddha, this pagoda is also dedicated to the “Holy Mother” and to the heroes of the Nguyen Dynasty. The mosaic dragon and phoenix decoration of the pagoda symbolizes the typical style of the architecture of this time. Hence, the pagoda has become a site of pilgrimage for the local people and other visitors. Each year, the Pagoda organizes a procession of holy palanquins which draws big crowds.
Limestone islets have 1969 islets. These islets give a picture of a lively life right on the clear, emerald waters with such names as “Cock Fight”, “Horse Saddle” and “Old Man and The Sea”. While navigating on the green clear waters, visitors may feel lost in the legendary world of these islets, whose shapes change depending on the sunlight or the position of the boat or ship visitors are on. The treasures of the islets are the very wonderful caves and grottoes to be discovered. Due to the rock type of the islets, Halong Bay is endowed with thousands of caves and grottoes. Visitors can see an Elysium right on earth with pictures of the heavens, fairies or simply the lives of all living beings. Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave and Dau Do Grotto are easily visited thanks to newly-installed electric lights and beaten paths. Visitors to other caves and grottoes must be equipped with flash-lights because of their virgin nature.
Cat Ba Island is Halong Bay's largest island. Most of the island remains unspoilt and inaccessible, just one paved path winds through the valleys and coastal plains. In 1986 the island was declared a national park. Its landscape is ruggedly beautiful, covered in lush forest and dramatic jutting limestone peaks. The giant fishing village of Cat Ba Town is a great spot to witness stunning sunsets over outlying islands. The village is just over an hour by boat from Haiphong, so a day trip is possible. But spending a night on this beautiful island will be well worth your while.