Ha Long Bay: The Majesty of Vietnam's Paradise

The second stop on my journey to Asia is Vietnam. I stayed in the capital, Hanoi, but the real reason for my trip lies about 200 km to the east – the astonishing Ha Long Bay. It is one of the most beautiful and wild places in Asia, an incredible wonder of nature with views that will leave you breathless.

A magic created by nature

Along the bay’s 120-kilometre coastline, around three thousand islands, islets and solitary rocks are scattered. There are also coral reefs, mangrove groves, small freshwater lakes, swamp forests and, of course, sandy beaches. Magnificent limestone pillars, the widest karst tower in the world, mysterious caves, beautiful lagoons, sheer cliffs that look as if they were carved with a chisel and the boundless blue of the sea will enchant you and once again leave you breathless before the mastery of Mother Nature.

The bay is on the UNESCO World Heritage List, and translated from Vietnamese its name means “Bay of the Descending Dragon”.

The legend of Ha Long Bay

The rocky islands were inhabited by the first Vietnamese nearly 20,000 years ago. In the Middle Ages, Ha Long Bay was an important defensive frontier point. According to local legends, after the Vietnamese state was established, many neighbouring armies tried to conquer it. Such was the aim of the Chinese emperor, who decided to attack Vietnam precisely through Ha Long.

The battle was fierce, and the Chinese had a vast fleet and the upper hand over the locals. Then the Vietnamese emperor decided to pray to the gods to send the Mother Dragon and her children to save the Vietnamese people from the Chinese raids. The Mother Dragon heard the emperor’s prayers and descended from the mountains to the seashore. With her mighty tail she struck the earth, which split apart.

With their fire the dragons destroyed the Chinese ships and plunged into the sea, leaving behind countless huge emeralds. These were the teeth of the Mother Dragon and her children. The emeralds remained in the waters, turning into huge rock formations to create a barrier against future attempts at invasion, and so peace returned to Vietnam for a thousand years.

In honour of the Mother Dragon, the bay was named Ha Long – “The Descending Dragon”.

Life in the bay

Many of the rocks and caves throughout the bay have their own legends and tales. The locals are truly devout and honour their ancestors and their history. Some of the islands have fishing villages. Over 200 species of fish live in the sea, and fishing is the main livelihood for many of the local people.

In the shallower parts of the bay you can see wooden houses built literally on the water – these are the fishermen’s homes. Some of them are so poor that they cannot afford to build a house and spend their whole lives on their boats.

The secrets of the karst caves

One of the unique features of Ha Long Bay is the caves found in the karst rocks. Many of them can only be reached by boat or kayak. Among the most impressive are:

• Sung Sot (Surprise Cave): This cave is famous for its enormous interior spaces and stunning stalactites and stalagmites.
• Thien Cung (Heavenly Cave): So called because of its intricate shapes, which resemble heavenly scenes.
• Dau Go (Cave of Wooden Stakes): According to legend, wooden stakes used in the battle against the invaders were hidden here.

The best time to visit

The ideal season to visit Ha Long Bay is between October and April, when the weather is dry and the temperatures are pleasant. During these months the sky is clear and the views of the bay are even more impressive.

How to get to Ha Long Bay

The bay is about three hours by car or bus from Hanoi. The most convenient way is to book a transfer through a travel agency or through your hotel in Hanoi. For a more luxurious experience, you can take a cruise that includes a transfer from the capital.

What to do in Ha Long Bay

1. A cruise around the bay: A chance to enjoy the most beautiful islands, caves and lagoons.
2. Kayaking: Explore smaller and hard-to-reach places.
3. Fishing with local fishermen: A unique experience that connects you with the life of the locals.
4. Ti Top Mountain: Climb to the top to see the whole bay laid out before you.
5. Cat Ba Island: A great option for those who want to combine nature with culture.

Ha Long Bay is not just a destination – it is an experience that will leave you with lasting memories. The beauty of nature, combined with the magic of the local legends and the warmth of the people, will make your trip unforgettable. If you are ever looking for a destination that takes you away from everyday life and immerses you in a fairytale atmosphere, Ha Long Bay is just the place.