Halong Bay, Vietnam

First came across this place on flickr, somewhere I must definitely visit before I'm 50. I am so going windsurfing here.




A google image search brings up a bunch more pictures.

found at

Comments

Nguyen Minh Tuan writes... ABOUT HA LONG BAY Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1600 islands and islets forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by man. The exceptional esthetic values of this site are complimented by its great biological interest. PHYSICAL FEATURES Ha Long is a large bay with a multitude of limestone rocks emerging from the Hon Gai sea, schistic islands from the Cam Pha sea and a limited number of earth islands formed from decayed lateritic mountains. In total, there are 1,600 islands and islets, of which 1,000 have been named. Larger islands, rising to 100-200m, are found in the south, with smaller islets of only 5-10m height interspersed. To the east of the Bay medium size islands feature almost vertical slopes. Numerous caves and grottoes are found, with stalactites and stalagmites. The earth islands are inhabited. VEGETATION There is a diverse flora throughout Ha Long, and primary tropical forest is found, mostly on the islands of Ba Mun and Cat Ba. FAUNA Results from preliminary surveys indicate the presence of about 1,000 fish species. Mammals, reptiles and birds are found on the islands, especially the earth type. CULTURAL HERITAGE Numerous archaeological sites have been found and at Giap Khau (Hon Gai) there is evidence to suggest occupation by the Hoa Binh Culture, some 10,000 years ago present. Archaeological sites at Tuan Chau, Ngoc Vung, Cai Dam, Dong Naim and Cat have revealed so many artifacts that they have been grouped under the term `Ha Long Culture`, typical of the northeastern coast of Viet Nam in the Neolithic Age.During prehistoric times, Ha Long was a significant port, located on the trade routes between China, Japan, and other countries in South East Asia. LOCAL HUMAN POPULATION An unspecified population makes its living in and around Ha Long, which is a major centre for fishing, agriculture and maritime transport. Steps have been taken to open new ports, factories and housing on the shore in line with a long -term economic development programme. http://www.halongbay-vietnam.com website: http://www.halongbay-vietnam.com posted: 2006-06-09 05:56:58

Photo Galerry of Halong Bay in Vietnam writes... Beautiful photos gallery of Halong bay in Vietnam. http://www.halongbay-vietnam.com website: http://www.halongbay-vietnam.com/photos/index.htm posted: 2006-06-09 06:05:27

Nguyen Van Tu writes... Ha Long Bay is northern Vietnam`s biggest attraction, one of the most magnificent natural splendors of the Far East. ``Ha Long`` means ``Where the Dragon Descends into the Sea.`` From the emerald-green waters of Ha Long Bay some 3000 limestone and dolomite islands (. or ``grottos``) rise jaggedly from the Gulf of Tonkin like medieval stone cathedral spires, or the scales on a dragon`s back. Local lore has it that an enormous dragon created the bay, grottos and outcroppings as it thrashed its way toward the open sea to prevent the intrusion of enemy navies. Today, local fishermen still report encountering a giant sea beast called Tarasque, sort of the Nessie of the South China Sea. Ha Long Bay affords some of Vietnam`s most spectacular scenery, including beautiful limestone formations, rock arches, gin-clear water, virtually inaccessible lagoons, sheer cliffs, peaceful coves, eerie caves, secluded strips of white, powdery sand, and thousands of limestone islets. Like sculpted cartoon characters, these islets are fancifully named: Frog Island, Face Island, the Isle of Wonders and the Isle of Surprise. Chinese junks glide over the teal-hued bay between the grottos, which are densely carpeted in neon-green ficas, mangrove and spiky cacti. Pearl oyster farms are tucked into tight channels between the towering, limestone cliffs. Primitive floating fish hatcheries are spun across the waters between the grottos like neglected spider webs. This maritime mountain range reaches for a distance of more than 100 kilometers and covers an area of some 1553 square kilometers. Two major battles were fought in Ha Long Bay during the 10th and 13th centuries. In 1882, French Captain Henri Rivière was beheaded here after trying to capture the region`s enormous coal deposits. The locals paraded his head from village to village. The French weren`t amused, and decided that Vietnam should be permanently annexed as a French colony. Coal remained the mainstay of local industry until recent years, when hydroelectric projects in both Vietnam and China (where much of the coal was destined) largely relegated it to the proverbial back burner. Locals have diverted their attention from the coal mines to the gold mine of tourism. Nevertheless, coal mining remains an eyesore to the more adventurous travelers who decide to head to Mong Cai in Vietnam`s far northeast. Ha Long`s only natural drawback is the weather: It can be horrible. It is often damp, rainy and cold, particularly during the winter months. Visitors during the winter tend to spend most of their time in the bay itself, as Ha Long`s waters remain bathtub-warm year-round. If Ha Long were, say, a thousand kilometers closer to the equator, this would be paradise on Earth. As it is, it`s still darn close. Catch the area on a nice day, particularly during the spring and fall months, and you`re in for one of the biggest treats of your Vietnam visit. website: http://www.amazinghalongbay.com posted: 2006-12-16 04:53:15

Anonymous writes... Just next to the world famous Ha Long Bay, a world natural heritage, Bai Tu Long Bay is not any the less beautiful with hundreds of islets rising from the clear water and long and smooth sand banks website: http://travelhalongbay.com posted: 2007-04-28 15:52:39

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