Proud of Ha Long Bay – Where the Dragon Descended to the Land of Vietnam

1 Discover Ha Long Bay – Where the Dragon Descended to the Land of Vietnam

Famous for its unique natural scenery, surrounded by vast expanses of blue sea and silvery waves, Ha Long Bay has always been one of the most beloved attractions. Not only is it fortunate to boast thousands of limestone islands in countless shapes, a fascinating and mysterious cave system, and a diverse ecosystem, but this bay is also notable for its very name. 

Read more: Bai Tu Long Bay – A breathtaking landscape reminiscent of a fairyland

According to legend, this bay was once home to a giant dragon—a symbol representing the divine world in Eastern beliefs. As it flew over the land, the dragon’s body accidentally struck the mountains, shattering them. Much later, when the sacred dragon had fallen asleep beneath the sea, its enormous size caused the sea level to rise and flood the entire area. At that point, only the shattered mountain peaks remained above the water. 

Today, those peaks have become islands of all sizes and shapes. That is why this beautiful bay was named Ha Long Bay, meaning “the place where the dragon descended.” According to local elders, even today they believe that the sacred dragon still roams somewhere in the deepest part of the bay, quietly protecting the peace of this place. 

In addition, Ha Long Bay is considered one of the important geological records of the Earth’s formation and development, as well as a cradle of settlement for ancient Vietnamese people. So, besides winning people over with its pristine, majestic natural scenery, Ha Long Bay is also a fascinating destination for those interested in history and archaeology.

2 What types of transport can you take to Ha Long Bay?

Today, Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province, with Cat Ba Island to its southwest. If you’re planning to explore Ha Long, you can travel by motorbike, coach, or train from Hanoi, or by plane if you’re coming from Saigon. If traveling by motorbike, you can follow this route: Hanoi Highway 5 – Sai Dong intersection – Sai Dong Highway 1 – Bac Ninh – Bac Ninh Highway 18 – Pha Lai – Chi Linh – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long. 

Once you arrive at Ha Long Bay, you can explore and admire the entire bay by boat. A wide range of services is available, including speedboat rentals in Ha Long and luxury cruises with high-end amenities. Be sure to do some research and contact the boat operators directly to find the best price and itinerary for you.

3 Ha Long Bay – Natural scenery that leaves a lasting impression

It is no coincidence that Ha Long Bay proudly tops the list of the world’s 10 most beautiful bays. People fall in love with this bay for its majestic yet romantic natural scenery and hundreds of thousands of islands, large and small, in countless shapes. 

If you get the chance to see Ha Long Bay from above, you’ll find that this landscape of mountains and water resembles a vast ink-wash painting, with exquisite works of art shaped by the skillful hands of nature, of Mother Nature herself. The hundreds of thousands of seemingly lifeless, still islands become perfect works of sculpture and painting—both unfamiliar and somehow deeply familiar. Rising from the blue sea and silvery waves, these limestone formations are strong and imposing, yet also remarkably soft and graceful. 

Beyond its imposing islands and caves rising amid mountains, water, and sky, Ha Long Bay also boasts a coastline stretching 50km, just as romantic as the rest of the landscape. Here, you can admire the picturesque seascape, with crystal-clear turquoise water and waves gently lapping the shore all year round. The bay is also home to a diverse ecosystem and thousands of species of plants and animals.

4 Exciting experiences in Ha Long Bay you shouldn’t miss

4.1 Explore Ha Long Bay’s mysterious cave system

Ha Long Bay is famous for its beautiful islands and caves. Its islands fall into two main types—limestone and schist—and are concentrated mainly in the southeastern part of Bai Tu Long Bay and the southwestern part of Ha Long Bay. So, if you visit this beautiful bay, don’t miss the chance to take a boat through the caves and explore the stunning, somewhat mysterious and atmospheric cave system here.

The hundreds of islands here offer endless surprises and delights, with each one taking a different, vivid shape: Human Head Islet, Dragon Islet, La Vong Islet, Sail Islet, Fighting Cocks Islet, Incense Burner Islet, and more. 

Hidden deep within these imposing limestone islands is a dazzling, somewhat mystical cave system, associated with ancient legends and stories. It includes Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Tam Cung Cave, and more. This place is so beautiful and romantic that the great Vietnamese poet Nguyen Trai once called it “a wonder of the earth rising up to the sky.”

When you visit the caves hidden within hundreds of thousands of islands, large and small, you’ll be deeply moved by the wondrous landscape of rock and water. These caves are linked to ancient legends of mother and baby dragons, who spat out pearls and jewels to create thousands of rocky islands and block the enemy’s advance. Today, these “old guardians” have become an indispensable part of what makes Ha Long Bay a place people long for whenever they have to leave.

4.2 Visit Cua Van Fishing Village, peacefully nestled amid the vast sea

As the oldest fishing village in the area, Cua Van has long been one of Ha Long’s most beloved attractions. Set in a special location surrounded by vast waters, the village also wins visitors over with its kind, honest residents, who work hard throughout the year. Here, you can spend a day as a real fisher, taking part in activities such as aquaculture and fishing.

4.3 Visit Dragon Eye Island and its fascinating lake in the middle of the island

Located in the southern part of Ha Long Bay, Dragon Eye Island, also known as Bai Dong Island, is a favorite among visitors thanks to its lake in the middle of the island, surrounded by a distinctive limestone mountain range. In addition to its beaches with smooth, white sand, the island’s crystal-clear water is also unforgettable—visitors won’t mind getting sunburned and will simply want to splash around in the cool water.

4.4 Take as many photos as you like at Fighting Cocks Islet, Basket Islet, or Incense Burner Islet

These three destinations are among the unique natural landmarks that Ha Long Bay is lucky to have. Skillfully shaped by nature, the limestone formations have taken on a variety of forms, and locals named them after their appearances. You’re sure to get some stunning Ha Long photos here—ones that will have everyone hitting the like button!

4.5 ‘Conquer’ the virtual world on Ti Top Island

Located right in the middle of Ha Long Bay, Ti Top Island has a staircase of 400 steps leading from the beach up to a viewing platform on the summit. If you’d like to take in a panoramic view of the bay from above in peaceful surroundings and feel the sea breeze, carrying the salty scent of the open sea, ‘dance’ across your face, Ti Top Island is the place to go.

5 What to eat when visiting Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay not only boasts majestic yet romantic scenery, but also countless delicious dishes that people remember fondly. If you get the chance to visit this beautiful bay, be sure to try some of its local specialties, such as Ha Long squid cakes, mantis shrimp noodle soup, stir-fried snails, horseshoe crab, and more.

Ha Long Bay is always beautiful. Its beauty lies in the harmony of mountains, water, and sky—a vivid ink-wash painting brought to life by the skillful hands of Mother Nature. This bay has always captured people’s hearts and made them want to visit at least once. What about you?