The city lies in northeast Vietnam, about 160 kilometers from the capital and is known for the bay with its rock formations rising up out of the water. Literally meaning, ‘bay of the descending dragons’, Ha Long first opened to tourists after the Vietnam War and developers have created some amazing accommodations in Ha Long to enjoy the area.
Legend states that the gods sent a family of dragons to protect the Vietnamese people from invaders, and fell so in love with the calm water of the bay, they decided to set up residence in Ha Long permanently. The place where the mother dragon lies became known as Ha Long and the dragons’ tails formed the white sandy beaches.
Ha Long Bay today is a World Heritage Site, with more than 1600 island and islets. Many of the islands are limestone rock formations and are named by locals. Rent a boat and discover the bay, but before you head into the water be sure to purchase your ticket to follow one of the two trails. A trip to Dau Go Cave is a must, where the colorful stalactites and stalagmites are sure to impress. Sung Sot Cave is the other well-known tourist attraction, with rock formations resembling animals and guards.
Known by locals as the eighth wonder of the world, Ha Long also offers visitors a choice of land activities; such as a jungle trek through the Cat Ba National Park or just lying under the Vietnam sun on Bai Chay, a popular beach along Ha Long Bay. Lined with pine trees, under which dozens of local family-run restaurants await to feed the masses, the beach is beautiful and easy to find by asking the staff at your local Ha Long Hotel.