If you've embarked on a Vietnam tour and you wish to experience this southeast Asian nation in all its natural beauty, then head towards the world-famous Halong Bay - a UNESCO World Heritage site and recently voted as one of the New Seven Wonders of the World.This popular tourist haven is located in the province of Quang Ninh, about 3.5-hour drive from Hanoi.Undoubtedly the top tourist draw in Vietnam, Halong Bay attracts tens of thousands of visitors, both local and foreign, each one wishing to experience this patch of paradise on earth.Halong Bay boasts of more than 120 kilometers of open coastline featuring more than two thousand limestone karsts of various shapes and sizes, nestled in emerald green waters.Unless you've been living under a rock lately, it's quite likely that you've seen photos and footages of this crown jewel in the southern frontier of Vietnam.In fact, has been one of the filming locations for the 1997 James Bond flick 'Tomorrow Never Dies'.The Legend of Halong Bay.In Vietnamese folklore, shortly after the locals established their sovereignty, foreign invaders came to seize control of the territory.It was then that a Mother Dragon and her children descended upon the bay to protect the Viet people and help them repel the aggressors.The dragons then started spitting jade and jewels which turned into thousands of stone islets that jut out from the waters of the bay, forming an impregnable natural fortress.The invaders' boats ended up breaking into pieces as they crashed into each other and into the islands.Today, lush outcroppings represent the jade and jewels.The Mother Dragon and her children fell in love with the place and opted to stay where the epic battle took place.The spot where the Mother Dragon touched down is now what is called Halong Bay while the area where the Child Dragons landed has been called Bai Tu Long.It is believed that the dragons' tails created the area's pristine coastline.Things to Do in Halong Bay.Obviously, the main activity is cruising along the bay and exploring the islands on board the iconic junk boats.But don't let the name fool you, these "junks" are like floating hotels complete with some of the most luxurious amenities found in their land-based counterparts.Cruises usually last two or three days, and include a variety of activities designed to keep guests entertained throughout their stay.Dining aboard a Halong Bay junk boat will give you a sample of exquisitely prepared Vietnamese cuisine.Halong Bay also has some of the most spectacular caves in Vietnam.The Sung Sot or the 'Amazing cave' on Bo Hon Island is the perennial favorite.Also commonly known as the Surprise Grotto, it is arguably the largest and most magnificent grottoes of Halong Bay.Other caves of interest include the Dau Go Cave, Bo Nau and the Thien Cung Cave.There are also floating fishing communities throughout the area.The locals depend on a variety of marine life, including more than 200 species of fish and 450 species of molluscs.The setting and tranquil ambiance of Halong Bay is also ideal for water based activities like kayaking, boating, snorkelling and swimming.There's simply something for everyone to enjoy, and more importantly, memories of the tantalising landscape that will truly last a lifetime.
0 comments:
Post a Comment