Halong Bay in Vietnam is the habitat of the legendary dragon. Thousands of islands in Ha Long Bay. Vietnam Ha Long Bay in May

In the north of Vietnam, in the South China Sea, lies one of the most beautiful corners of the planet - Ha Long Bay. Every year, millions of tourists come there from all over the world to see with their own eyes the picturesque cliffs, rocky islands and mystical caves embraced by the turquoise abyss of the waves. It is not for nothing that the bay was included in the UNESCO World Heritage List and is considered a new wonder of the world. We will tell you later in the article how to get to the most iconic resort of the Republic of Vietnam and have a beautiful holiday there.

Getting to know a popular tourist spot in Vietnam

In the native language, this earthly paradise sounds like “Vịnh Ha Long”, which translated means “where the dragon descended into the sea”. As the ancient legend tells, the fiery beast lived in the local mountains for many years, but one day decided to come down. As he walked, he hit the ground with his giant tail and left behind huge valleys. And when he plunged into the sea, the waves flooded part of the land destroyed by the traces. As a result, thousands of quaint islands were formed that have survived to this day.

Ha Long Bay

Did you know? Ha Long Bay became the location for the filming of the famous film« Indochina» , which won an Oscar in 1993. In 1997, the James Bond film Tomorrow Never Dies was filmed in the bay. In addition, the scenic spot has been featured in many entertainment programs and television shows.

Geographical position

Ha Long Bay must be sought in the Asian Pacific Ocean, in the Vietnamese province of Quang Ninh, which is washed on the northern side by the Gulf of Tonkin. The tourist resort extends over 1.5 thousand square meters. m and consists of 3 thousand small rocky islands, as well as many grottoes, cliffs, and caves. Administratively, this land is assigned to Van Don County and the cities of Halong and Cam Pha. It is famous for its amazing wildlife scenery and rich biodiversity.

Among the island parts of the bay, the island stands out as the most civilized. Tuan Chau, where the first president of Vietnam and respected politician Ho Chi Minh was once located. But the largest area is characterized by the island of Cat Ba from the archipelago of the same name. Its forested area covers about 285 square meters. km, most of which are declared a national park.

When entering the bay, enthusiastic tourists often associate it with a fairy tale. Indeed, the countless lakes, waterfalls, grottoes, cliffs overgrown with mysterious vegetation, as well as rich flora and fauna that are present throughout the landmass, make one believe in this.

Did you know? In 1962, Halong Bay received the status of "National Famous Landscape Monument" from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam.

A little history

There are various legends about the origin of the Halong Bay islands, many of which are so tiny that they don’t even have names. But the echoes of some of them hide real facts that have gone down in history. It is known that this land has survived numerous wars and at a certain period was a refuge for pirates, whom the Vietnamese-Chinese authorities tried in every possible way to exterminate.

In the long-term struggle for a place in the sun, the Vietnamese learned to recapture their shores. By cunning they captured the troops of the Mongol Khan Kublai Khan, who tried to conquer Vietnam at the end of the 13th century. Throughout the coastal area of ​​the bay, local residents drove wooden stakes with sharpened metal tips into the ground.

Hang Dau Go Cave

The tide hid the trap underwater, allowing enemy ships to get too close. One of the local attractions, Hang-Dau-Go, which translates as “cave of wooden stakes,” also reminds us of the victory over the Mongols. Rumor has it that military ammunition was stored in this place.

During the entire existence of the bay in the rocky labyrinths of Halong Bay, the Vietnamese army stopped the invasion of its Chinese neighbors three times. And during the war against the United States of America, the People's Republic of China took the side of North Vietnam, transferring to it ships with anti-aircraft installations. These gifts have long been used by the Vietnamese fleet to control the Halong coast from sudden invasions of enemies, including the Chinese.

Did you know? Vietnam has firmly secured second place in per capita rice consumption. Over the course of a year, the average Vietnamese eats 169 kg of this product, i.e. a family of two people needs almost a kilogram of rice per day.

How to get there

You can also get to Halong Bay by cruise ship

Getting to Ha Long Bay is much easier as part of an excursion tour than on your own. This is what most tourists do. However, if you wish, you can travel on your own, which, of course, will be cheaper.

Airfare prices depend on the start of the tourist season. The cheapest tickets are in October, November and the first half of December. In general, a round trip flight will cost approximately 2 thousand US dollars. The flight lasts more than 9 hours.

Today, many airlines from different parts of the world cooperate with Vietnam, so the choice of convenient flights is very large, but there are no direct airlines to Halong Bay. According to reviews from experienced travelers, it is better to get to this resort from the Vietnamese capital Hanoi or Chinese Nanying. You can do this by bus or rented car with a driver. But be prepared for the fact that public transport will cost 10–20 dollars, and for rented wheels you will have to pay at least 100 US dollars:

1. From Kyiv, the starting point can be both Boryspil and Zhulyany airports. From there, for about 24-33 thousand hryvnia you can fly to Hanoi Non Bai Airport.
2. It is better to fly from Moscow starting from Domodedovo or Sheremetyevo. For 32–38 thousand rubles you can be delivered to the Vietnamese airports of Ho Chi Minh City or Hanoi.
3. There is also a direct flight from Minsk to the Vietnamese capital. Its cost varies between 2-3 thousand Belarusian rubles, but you will have to spend about 13.5 hours in the sky.
4. It is more convenient to get from Bangkok, Thailand to Vietnam using one of the local low-cost airlines. The flight takes about two hours and costs approximately $150.

If independent travel is not your thing, then it makes sense to contact any of the local travel companies to purchase an excursion. All tours last 1-4 days and cost between $25 and $85.

Important! Walking tours in Halong are carried out in the morning (the last boat departs at 13:00), so when planning your route, take this into account if you don’t want to waste a day on a useless stay at the hotel.

Climate and weather

It is better to plan a holiday in Ha Long Bay in September, October, March, April and May. During this period, the coast is sunny and warm. The average air temperature ranges from +22…+32 °C. The water warms up to +30 °C. Sea salinity reaches 31–34.5%.

Ha Long Bay

At the end of November, the beach season ends and the dry, cold winter begins. The harshest months here are December and February. The thermometers do not drop below +15 °C, but a piercing wind blows, and there is practically no precipitation.

In summer the bay is quite hot, but there is dampness in the air due to the onset of the rainy season. About 2200 mm falls in northern Vietnam per year. August is especially rainy.

In general, the climate on the tropical coast is mild and humid. Excursions are available all year round, but given the proximity of the ocean and cold winds in winter, it is not advisable to come here.

Did you know? Fish sauce produced by fermentation is very popular in Vietnamese cuisine. To do this, the caught fish is thoroughly salted and put under pressure in wooden barrels for several months. The resulting unpleasant-smelling discharge is that notorious sauce, without which local residents cannot imagine their lives.

Best beaches

With the rapid influx of tourists, Ha Long Bay began to actively develop. Hotel complexes, restaurants and entertainment centers have appeared on the large islands. But, in addition to everything created by man, there are wonderful, outlandish places, one of which is the beaches.

1. This is a very popular place in the bay, which is located 10 km from the capital of Vietnam on the island of the same name, Tuan Chau.
   

   Its area measures 220 hectares, most of which are covered by mountains and hills. Near the three-kilometer coastline there are hotel and entertainment complexes and catering establishments. There are also golf courses, water parks, and a dolphinarium. The width of the beach strip reaches 30 m. Here you can organize a holiday for every taste: ride a water ski or scooter, play on the shore or go fishing. The place is noisy and not suitable for a family weekend with children.

2. This is an equally popular beach among tourists, which stretches for half a kilometer on the shore of the bay. Its width reaches 100 m. The coastline is characterized by clean sand and water. Restaurants, a market, and Hoang Za Park are concentrated along the coast.

   
   

3. This beach is located on the island of the same name, named after the Soviet cosmonaut. Its peculiarity lies in its semicircular shape, wonderful landscapes around and privacy. Occasionally, wandering tourists land on the clean sands of the crescent beach to relax and enjoy the pristine nature. The length of the coastline is a little more than 2 km.

   
   
   

4. To find this beach, you need to go to the largest island in the bay, Cat Ba Island. The beach, up to 350 m long, is located in a quiet bay. It is distinguished by clean soft sand, crowded people and a rocky descent into the water. The Chinese love to relax here.

   
   

5. This beach holiday option is more suitable for those who want to move away from civilization and people. It is located on a tiny island of the same name, which is a 10-minute boat ride from Cat Ba. There is only sand, water, bungalows and the only hotel, Monkey Island Resort. The length of the coastline is up to 250 m.

   
   

Important! Be vigilant and do not forget for a minute about the entrepreneurial spirit of the Vietnamese. For example, you may be offered a boat or kayak trip to a cave. They will say that the trip will cost 1 or 2 dollars, and when you get on the boat, they will ask you for 5 or more dollars. Therefore, check the price and pay before boarding the ship.

What to see for a tourist

Once in Vietnam, be sure to plan your vacation in such a way that you visit new attractions in the country every day. There are a lot of them in Ha Long Bay. These are not museums and sculptures, but the most ancient masterpieces of nature.

Here is a list of the most popular and unforgettable of them:

1. - recognized as one of the newest natural wonders of the world, located on the island of Bo Ho. It was discovered only at the end of the 19th century, although its age reaches 500 million years. The length of the cave stretches for half a kilometer. Inside there are many very ancient stalactites and stalagmites, the bizarre shapes of which are displayed in natural bodies of water. To many they resemble wild animals.

   
   
   

2. - consists of two illuminated halls. The first one receives sunlight, and the second one is illuminated with lamps. To see them you need to climb 100 steps.

   
   
   

3. is the longest cave in Vietnam, which stretches for 30 km. In its depths you can see a stone arch, underground streams and even rock paintings of primitive people.

   
   
   

4. National Park on Cat Ba Island. It is remembered for its picturesque hills, mangroves of the hills, the marvelous nature of the subtropics and countless beaches for every taste and budget. By the way, there are coral reefs near the coast.
5. - in the labyrinths of the islands there are several settlements on the water. Their inhabitants rarely set foot on land. For them, their main source of income is fishing.

   
   
   

6. Ceramics factory- on weekdays it is open to everyone. There you can see the process of making ceramic products and an exhibition of the works of masters.
7. - amazes the imagination with its mysterious hills and rocky cliffs. But the most attractive thing about this place is the panoramic peak, which offers views of the entire bay.

   
   
   

8. - represents the central attraction of the Republic of Vietnam. In 1917, she was honored by a visit from Emperor Khai Dinh himself. This is evidenced by the memorial inscription that the leader left on a special stele. There is a lot of interesting things in the cave, in addition to the bizarre stone giants. What surprises visitors most of all is the natural reservoir inside the grotto with the purest drinking water.

   
   
   

9. ― this is one of the largest caves in the bay, reminiscent of an endless tunnel. Its length reaches 1300 m.

   
   
   

10. Acoustic grotto― deserves attention not only due to the amazing shapes of stalactites and stalagmites, but also due to its unreal acoustics. During the winds, such unusual sounds are heard in this place that it may seem that the Dragon Mother, who protected the Vietnamese from the evil Chinese, has not yet left Ha Long Bay.

Did you know? A bottle of beer on a cruise ship costs about 40 thousand Vietnamese dong. For alcohol brought with you or purchased not on the ship, they often require the so-called right of cork - about 10 thousand dong per bottle.

Other types of entertainment

After walking tours through the island labyrinths of the bay, exploring caves and grottoes, amazing vegetation and wild animals, you can begin a more active holiday.

In Vietnam you may be offered the following options:

1. - This is the main children's playground in Hanoi. It combines theatrical and circus art and a cafe. Moreover, visiting children do not need translation at all to understand everything that is happening with the waterfowl puppets. Elementary stories with funny voice acting are quite accessible to any viewer.

   
   
   

2. is a legendary place in Hanoi, which has a reputation for having the hottest dance floor. The establishment is always crowded, noisy and smoky. But men should not come here alone. Otherwise, you’ll have to fend off intrusive, cheeky flip-flops all evening.

   
   
   

3. Sea cruise- you can find a boat to suit every taste and budget. In addition, the Vietnamese, at your request, can drop you off on any of the indicated islands. Just keep in mind that local residents closely monitor the behavior of tourists so that they respect nature. This walk will last for several days, but you don’t have to worry about food - the guides will take care of it.
4. Fishing- It’s best to go fishing at night, when the water, reflecting the coastal lights of Vietnam, takes on a new look. Local fishermen will reveal their secrets on how to catch squid and other oceanic delicacies.
5. - This is an activity for those who love active recreation. A tourist on a rowing boat can independently get to any island he likes and thoroughly explore everything on it, as well as relax on a wild beach. The main thing is not to get lost.

   
   
   

6. Water skis and jet skis- this type of active recreation will be offered to you on most of the large islands of the bay. It is best to prefer o. Cat Ba and Bai Chai.
7. Diving- for lovers of this type of recreation, diving excursions are recommended, which start from Hanoi. During your dive, you will be pleasantly surprised by the richness of the local underwater world. According to experts, in local waters there are about 200 species of plankton, 75 species of algae, 177 species of corals, and 196 species of fish.

Important! While on Quan Lan Island, beware of swimming as high coastal waves pose a threat to life. The local beach is clean and has pleasant soft sand, making it ideal for sunbathing.

Where to stay

In northern Vietnam there is a temporary home for tourists with different tastes and financial capabilities. If you want to relax in luxury, various hotels are at your service. Many five-star hotels provide their residents with a benefit in the form of free access to entertainment venues and attractions. And for those who are planning budget accommodation, the good-natured Vietnamese will offer hostels.

Hotels

If you have limited your visit to the bay to a few days, then it is better to choose hotels in the capital for accommodation. Well, for those who plan to spend their entire vacation admiring unforgettable sunrises and sunsets, and basking on the warm sand, island variations are ideal.

For the convenience of our readers, we have compiled a review of the best hotels in the bay:

Important! The most beautiful photos in Ha Long Bay are taken at sunrise or sunset. But keep in mind that the sun is here« falls» beyond the horizon at almost a right angle, and the time of dawn or sunset is very short.

Hostels

If your plans include saving on accommodation, you can spend the night in one of the budget hostels.

The following hostels are popular among tourists:

Did you know? The Vietnamese eat about 3 million dogs every year..

Where to eat and what you can try from the “exotic”

In Halong Bay, many hotels have their own restaurants. And since this resort enjoys an international reputation, local chefs try to satisfy the needs of every visitor. Having visited Vietnam, unexpectedly for yourself, you can taste dishes not only from Asian, but also from American, Australian, African, European, Japanese and even Slavic cuisines.

At the same time, they do not forget about their culinary traditions here. According to reviews from “experienced” tourists, Vietnamese cooking is radically different from Slavic. It is known that in these parts they eat everything that runs and moves, so exotic food for tourists is common food for the aborigines.

The following dishes are especially popular here:

Did you know? Don't be surprised if you see a plastic trash can under every table in a cafe or pub..This is a must-have at cheap local eateries. If this is not provided, then visitors throw garbage directly under the table.

For those who are not sure that their stomach can easily tolerate non-traditional food, there are restaurants and cafes with international cuisine.

Among these, the following have a good reputation:

What to bring

As a souvenir for family and friends from Vietnam, you can bring jewelry, jewelry, clothes or traditional trinkets. It won’t take much time to search for this type of product. They are sold everywhere.

Slavic tourists note the abundance of gift assortment and reasonable prices. For example, a tiny primitive refrigerator magnet can be bought here for 0.3–0.5 dollars, a painted plate for 2–3 dollars, and silk paintings will cost 10–50 dollars.

Most often, vacationers bring edible souvenirs from Ha Long:

Important! In Vietnam, as in many other eastern countries, it is customary to bargain for the thing you like. But this must be done good-naturedly and with a smile on your face. Bargaining is only appropriate in markets.

If there are concerns that the above gifts will not leave lasting memories, then you need to look at more significant things:

1. Jewelry. In Vietnam, even in the market you can buy inexpensive items made of gold, silver, precious stones and pearls. Of course, vigilance will not hurt, because they can easily sell you a cheap plastic or glass counterfeit at a “profitable” price. Since there are pearl farms on the islands, this product is very affordable. An exquisite bracelet will cost about $10, beads - $20, a silver chain with pearl elements - $10, and the same earrings will cost only $2.
2. Clothes and shoes. It is better to choose such products in shopping centers. A branded T-shirt can be purchased for $15, sneakers for $50.
   
   

   Silk items are preferred because they are natural and of high quality. Their prices start at $10. According to experienced tourists, silk products must be measured, and if you are not buying for yourself, then choose items one size larger. This is due to the peculiarity of natural material to “shrink” after washing.

3. Embroidered products. These are very beautiful and popular souvenirs. You can choose from silk embroidered handkerchiefs to tablecloths, tapestries and paintings. But for such a product it is better to go to a factory or specialized stores. The purchase price starts from $100.
4. Leather goods. These can be belts, wallets, ladies' and men's bags. Moreover, you will have to choose products from exclusive snake or crocodile skin at “ridiculous” prices - from 2 to 20 dollars.

   
   
   

In Ha Long Bay, tourists like to visit the following shopping establishments:

• Ha Long Pearl (pearl shop);
• Ha Long Night Market (night market);
• Viet Yacht (gift shop);
• Bai Chay Commercial Center (shopping center);
• Halong Tourism Market - Day Tours (shopping tour store).

A holiday in Halong Bay will be remembered for a long time by the colorful sunsets and sunrises, the indescribable beauty of the outlandish landscapes, the warm shore and the caressing waves of the ocean. You definitely need to see all this with your own eyes.

According to ancient legend, in ancient times on the land that is today the location Ha Long Bay, lived a huge dragon. The strong monster made hollows in the earth's surface with its limbs and tail and crawled into the sea, and the hollows themselves gradually filled with water. Only those islands that were not touched by the dragon's paws appeared on the surface. Today they rise above the surface of the bay. According to another version, the history of the appearance of Halong dates back to the times of the Ancient Kingdoms, when the inhabitants of neighboring China every now and then staged devastating raids on. Seeing the suffering of the Vietnamese people, the Gods themselves intervened in the fate of their country and sent powerful dragons to help the warring people. Having plunged into the sea, they created a barrier and did not allow the Chinese invaders into the country. Breathing out flames, mythical creatures turned fires into precious stones. As they touched the surface of the water, they transformed into islands. Countless pearl islands became an insurmountable obstacle for the Chinese. So the dragons helped the Vietnamese win the battle with the enemy. The Mother of Dragons, who wished to visit the jubilant people, liked the picturesque bay so much that she chose it as her favorite place to relax. Swinging her tail, she plunged into the sea. That is why the bay received the name Ha Long, because this word denotes the whole phrase “the dragon that descended into the sea.”

Halong Bay - photos

But no matter what the legends say, in 1288 the bay really had to take part in hostilities. Historical chronicles tell how the Mongol invaders tried to conquer Vietnam by hook or by crook. But the talented commander Chan Hung Dao saw excellent strategic opportunities in the bay. Under his leadership, the fighters drove millions of sharp spears into the bottom of Halong, and then lured the conquerors into the waters of the bay. Having flown their ships into pointed peaks, the strangers broke through their vessels and were defeated.

Natural attractions of Ha Long Bay

Halong's area covers about 1,500 square kilometers. Its territory is rich in caves, rocks and cliffs, and scientists have counted more than 3 thousand islands. What awaits tourists in the mysterious Ha Long Bay? In addition to the quaint green islands, the attractions of the bay are the rocks with towering karst. Internal formations were formed in them under the influence of rainwater, which eroded the limestone for decades.

Among all the grottoes, the following are especially popular among vacationers:

• An acoustic grotto, impressive with unreal echoes of the wind. When there are strong gusts, such unusual sounds hover here that impressionable tourists get the impression that the Mother of Dragons is here.
• A grotto of stone pillars, rich in stone giants. Its feature is considered to be an internal natural reservoir with drinking water. In 1917, Vietnamese Emperor Khai Dinh visited this cave. He immortalized his visit with an inscription on a stele made especially for this occasion.
• Quang Hanh Grotto is the largest cave in this bay. Its length is 1,300 meters, so it resembles an endless tunnel.

Halong Bay - video

Halong Bay - where it is and how to get there

Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, which belongs to the South China Sea. You can find the bay in the north of Vietnam, 170 kilometers from its capital -. You can get to this paradise from Hanoi or Nanying (this is a Chinese city). For tourists vacationing in the south in , it is better to get to the archipelago by plane, using a flight to Haiphong. It is more convenient to travel to Ha Long from Hanoi by bus. You can buy a ticket for it at travel companies or just on the street. The cost of the pass is low - 10 - 12 dollars (the price is set based on the class of the vehicle and the characteristics of the route).

Ha Long Bay on the map

(Vietnam). A photo of this natural attraction will be enough to understand why UNESCO included the bay on the World Heritage List of Humanity in 1994. And all tour operators sending their clients to Southeast Asia repeat as a refrain: “If you haven’t admired Ha Long, you haven’t seen Vietnam!” Well, let's follow the recommendations of the travel agency workers. In this article we will tell you when is the best time to visit Ha Long, how to get there from popular ones, where to stay and what else to see in the area. The origin of the bay is connected with a beautiful legend about a dragon. The monster lived in the mountains for a long time until it suddenly became furious. Destroying everything in its path, the dragon plunged into the sea. Now only its teeth-islands protrude from the surface of the water. And the name “Halong” translates as “The place where the dragon sank into the sea.”

Where is the bay located?

The main natural one is located in the northeast of the country. The city of the same name belongs to Nuang Ninh province. And Halong Bay (Vietnam) is part (locals call it Bac Bo) of the South China Sea of ​​the Pacific Basin. What is this lagoon so famous for? Its area is one and a half thousand square kilometers. And over one thousand six hundred islands and simply rocks are scattered in a chaotic manner throughout the bay. Some have such a bizarre shape that when you look at them it seems as if you are Alice in the land of fairy tales. If you approach the islands by boat, you will see numerous grottoes and caves with stalactites and stalagmites. There are also deserted beaches, jungles and other beauties. In a word, paradise. And a visit here is recommended for everyone who comes to this country in Southeast Asia.

When is the best time to visit Halong

This landmark of unearthly beauty never lacks guests. And the residents of the city of the same name profit from this, which, with the exception of the bay, does not represent anything interesting in terms of tourism. But still, do not forget that this region is Northern Vietnam. Ha Long in winter is often shrouded in fog and drizzling rain. This low season lasts from February to early April. And although the sea is not stormy, visibility is quite poor. And the windy, damp and slightly cold weather is not conducive to admiring the beauty. And during the rest of the year, the bay appears to the gaze of amazed travelers from all over the world in all its irresistible charm. If you want to combine contemplation of natural beauty with swimming, of course, it is good to choose the hot summer months for this. But then there is a high probability of rain. The high season in these parts is April-May and September-October.

Vietnam, Ha Long Bay: how to get there

The attraction is only one hundred and seventy kilometers away from the capital of the country. Therefore, you can easily go here for one day. Intercity buses run from Hanoi to Halong City. They depart from Mai Dinh. It is possible to leave by train, either regular or high-speed express. Another interesting option is to buy a one-day excursion to Halong Bay. You will be quickly taken to your place in comfortable minivans and taken on a tourist boat to the large Cat Ba Island. The tour lasts over six hours and includes visits to the bay's iconic landmarks. Independent tourists need to reserve a place on the boat themselves. The ticket will cost one hundred thirty thousand dong. This price includes entrance to the national park. A taxi ride from Hanoi will cost fifty US dollars.

Day trip to the fabulous bay from other resort towns

Many tourists dream of seeing the marvelous Halong Bay (Vietnam) with their own eyes. Getting to it from Hanoi is not very difficult. After all, modern modes of transport will help you cover a distance of one hundred and seventy kilometers in a couple of hours. But is it possible to visit the bay in one day, coming from other resorts in Vietnam? If you are vacationing in the north of the country, in Haiphong or Sapa, then getting to the city of Ha Long will also not be difficult. You may not even need to go to Hanoi to do this. But is it possible to visit the bay from the more southern resorts of the country? This is unlikely to happen from Ho Chi Minh City. At least for one day. Is Halong Bay (Vietnam) accessible to tourists from Nha Trang? The local bureaus undertake to organize excursions to the fabulous bay for 450 US dollars per person. But often they return the money because there are not enough people willing to form a group. For a hundred dollars you can easily go to Ha Long on your own. But to do this, you first need to get to Hanoi. This is easy to do on board a Vietnam Airlines, JetStar or VietJet aircraft. And from there you can easily get to the coveted bay by train or bus.

Halong Hotels (Vietnam)

This town is called the Gateway to Heaven. Doors are like doors. For those who rush to heaven, the gates to it are of no interest. And all the guidebooks bypass the sights of the city of Ha Long in deathly silence. So what can you see in this settlement, built on an artificial dam that connected two capes? Only Ha Long Bay! The sandy beaches of the city are artificial and are of no interest to divers. The city is regarded by most travelers as a place to spend the night after admiring the evening bay. Therefore, there is no shortage of hotels in Ha Long. You can stay in budget hotels far from the sea or in luxurious “five” hotels on the first line. Among the most worthy is the Vinpearl Ha Long Resort. If you want to extend your vacation in a fabulous bay, you can book a hotel on one of the large islands of the bay - Cat Ba or Tuan Chau are at your service. An unforgettable night will be on board a luxury liner (for example, Signature Royal Cruise) or a traditional junk (Imperial Classic), which is moored in a picturesque place.

Types of excursions. Flight over the bay

For travelers arriving in Vietnam, Ha Long is the #1 must-see. Therefore, travel agencies offer a variety of excursions to this bay. Those who don't mind parting with $175 can get a bird's eye view of Halong Bay. In order for the helicopter excursion to take place, it is enough to recruit six people. You can book such a trip from the Northern Airport Flight Service Company. Departures operate every Saturday at eight in the morning from Hanoi's Gia Lam. If you are a guest of the Sofitel Metropole Hotel, you will be delivered to the hotel for free. From above, you will see all the islands of Ha Long Bay and take breathtaking photographs.

Other excursions

You don't need a boat to get to the nearby island of Tuan Chau. After all, it is connected to the mainland by a one-kilometer bridge. There is a dolphinarium and several hotels on the island - both expensive and simple guesthouses. A typical excursion involves a two-hour cruise around the bay on a simple boat with a landing on one of the Cat Ba beaches. Russian tourists arriving in Vietnam may be interested in Ha Long by Titov Island. The famous Soviet cosmonaut visited here in the 70s, and now one of the rocks bears his name. The islands of the bay are replete with caves and grottoes, which can be reached directly by boat. Cat Ba is famous for its virgin jungle and mangroves along its banks.

What to bring from Halong

This bay is famous throughout Vietnam. Halong is depicted on advertising posters about the country, replicated on many postcards, magnets, mugs and T-shirts. Therefore, you will be provided with souvenirs. As a reminder of the beautiful legend that tells the story of the origin of Halong Bay, purchase a dragon figurine. Also at the city souvenir market you can buy a beautiful model of a traditional junk with scarlet sails. These cruise around the bay. If you book a boat in advance, you can spend the night on board or go fishing from it.

Ha Long Bay is one of the most beautiful sea bays on the planet. Thousands of amazing islands are scattered over a vast area off the coast of northeastern Vietnam.

general description

The bay covers an area of ​​1553 km 2 and consists of approximately 2000 islands, rocks and steep cliffs. Most of the islands are formed by limestone rocks that are up to 20 million years old. There are 775 islands in the central part of the bay, covering an area of ​​334 km2.

The length of the coastline alone is as much as 120 kilometers. The average depth of the bay is about 10 meters, but there are places up to 20 meters deep.

The incredible beauty of the bay is known far beyond the borders of Vietnam.

Where is

Ha Long Bay is part of Van Don County and lies in the northeastern coastal waters of Vietnam.
Geographically, the bay is divided between the cities of Ha Long, Cam Pha and Van Don County itself.

The bay extends from the Yen Hung area, through Ha Long, Cam Pha and is bordered by Lan Ha Bay to the south and Bai Tu Long Bay to the west.

Geographic coordinates 20.863099, 107.132327

Legends of the formation of the bay

The name "Ha Long" in the local dialect means "descending dragon" or "the place where the dragon descended into the sea."
Legends, one way or another, mention dragons.

According to one of them, a bay with a large number of islands was created by a huge dragon. He constantly lived inside the mountains, but one day he decided to get out. To get to the surface, he had to work hard and plow deep valleys with his powerful tail. Having had plenty of fun, the dragon descended into the sea, and the valleys filled with water, leaving thousands of islands on the surface.

There is another legend about the appearance of Ha Long Bay.
In ancient times there were brutal wars. Vietnam often had to fight conquerors. The gods decided to help and sent dragons to protect the country. They began to spew out large quantities of jewels from their mouths, which turned into islands and blocked the invaders' path. Therefore, no one succeeded in conquering Vietnam.
Having won, the dragons remained to live in these places, that is, they actually descended from the sky into the sea, hence the name.

It is noteworthy that until the 19th century the bay was called “En Bang”, “Luc Tui” or “Van Don”. It was only at the end of the 19th century that the name Halong appeared on French nautical charts. This name is still used most often. The name Ha Long Bay is very common.

Climate and nature of Ha Long Bay

Since the bay is located in the classic tropical zone, the climate is appropriate - tropical and quite humid with two characteristic seasons: dry and wet.

The average annual temperature is about 25 o C. August is the warmest month. At this time, the air temperature reaches 33 o C during the day, and at night rarely drops below 28 o C. The water in August warms up to 30 o C. But this month is also the wettest. The precipitation level exceeds 330 mm, and the average annual precipitation level is about 2 – 2.2 meters.

Hang Trong Cave

It is also called the Drum Grotto. The name is due to the sounds that are heard here during strong gusts of wind.

Cable car

Built with the participation of Austrian engineers, the Halong Bay cable car is 2165 meters long. There are 2 funiculars running along it, each of which can accommodate up to 230 passengers.

Ferris wheel

Sun Wheel Halong – that’s exactly what it’s called.
The wheel is located on the top of Mount Ba Di at an altitude of about 250 meters above sea level and is one of the highest observation wheels in the world. Sun Wheel Halong, consists of 64 cabins, designed for 384 passengers. The wheel's capacity is 1200 passengers per hour. Wheel diameter is 115 meters.

Naturally, from the top point there is an indescribable view of Halong city and the bay.

As you understand, this is a negligible fraction of all the attractions of Halong Bay. It is unlikely that you will be able to see them all in one day. Excursions should be taken for at least 2-3 days, and preferably more.

1. Different sources indicate different numbers of islands (from 1600 to 3000). As with , this is most likely due to counting methods. Some people consider a small island to be a full-fledged island, but others do not.
2. Only 989 islands have their own names
3. One of the islands in the bay is named after the legendary Soviet cosmonaut German Stepanovich Titov
4. In the film “Tomorrow Never Dies”, the ship of Elliot Carver, the main villain of the plot, was hiding in Halong Bay. But in fact, filming took place in Phang Nga Bay (Thailand)
5. The beautiful and even fantastical landscapes of Halong Bay were used in the film “Kong: Skull Island”
6. Ha Long Bay has been included in the UNESCO World Heritage List since 1994.
7. Historical research indicates the presence of prehistoric people in this area tens of thousands of years ago. Starting with the Soi Nhu culture, which dates back to 18,000 - 7,000 BC.
8. The former residence of Vietnamese leader Ho Chi Minh is located on Tuan Chau Island.

December 8th, 2012

“Where the dragon descended into the sea” is the translation of the name of Ha Long Bay, and one of its bird's-eye views of a dragon actually lying in the water. According to legend, the islands of Ha Long, of which there are more than 3,000, were created by a great dragon who lived in the mountains. He hollowed out all these valleys and hollows with his tail, and when he sank into the sea, they filled with water, and only islands remained on the surface.

Ha Long Bay is one of the natural wonders of Vietnam and is included in the list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The bay and its numerous islands cover an area of ​​more than 1,500 sq. km. Tiny limestone islets are framed by countless beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves. Almost all the islands are uninhabited.

To begin with, I offer you a virtual tour. Click on the link or picture above!

The dragon may be a legend, but sailors in the Ha Long Bay area have often reported sightings of mysterious sea creatures of enormous size known as tarasques. The military, in turn, suspects they are spy submarines, while eccentric foreigners believe they have discovered a Vietnamese version of the Loch Ness Monster. Meanwhile, the monster, or whatever it is, continues to lurk in Ha Long Bay, eluding NCIS and Vietnamese tourism and immigration authorities. Enterprising Vietnamese ship owners have put the search for the monster on a grand scale, offering cash-strapped tourists the chance to rent a junk and search for the Tarasque.

Halong Bay is bordered by Cat Ba Island from the southwest, washed by the East Sea from the east, and from the mainland, located 120 km from the coast.

The bay consists of 3,000 islands of varying sizes, 989 of which have names. Dau Go Island (Driftwood Grotto) from the West, Ba Ham Lake (Three Shelter Lake) from the South, and Cong Tay Island from the East make up the triangle - Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is a work of art created by nature. The view from above is especially stunning. A man feels lost in this world of legendary

rock islands with various names and shapes. There is an island here - Human Head, and Dragon Head. La Vong Island is like a fisherman. There are Sail Islands, a Pair of Fighting Roosters, and Incense Smoke. From different sides of the world the islands look different, depending on the lighting, they change their shape. The core of the islands is a stunning collection of rocks with caves and grottoes such as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto), Dau Go, Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), and Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto).

There are many stories about Vietnam associated with Halong Bay. For example, it is home to the famous site of Van Don (home to the oldest commercial and industrial port), Mount Bai Tho, a poetic mountain (where many poems about emperors and other historical figures are engraved), and Bach Dang River (where many brutal naval battles took place with foreign conquerors).

At the 18th meeting of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee (held in Thailand on December 17, 1994), Halong Bay was officially recognized as a natural heritage of world importance.

Because the Ha Long Bay islands are rocky, the area is home to thousands of caves of all sizes and shapes. Hang Dou Guo (Grotto of Stone Pillars), known to the French as the Grotte des Merveilles (Cave of Wonders), is a huge cave consisting of three halls, each reaching a length of 90 steps. Among the stalactites of the first hall, it seems that the gnomes are about to appear to hold their meeting here. The walls of the second hall sparkle if bright light hits them. The cave takes its Vietnamese name from the third hall, which is said to have been used in the 13th century. to store the sharp bamboo stakes that Tran Hung Dao placed at the bottom of the Bat Dang River to stop the fleet of Kublai Khan.

Drum Grotto is so named because when the wind blows through the numerous stalactites and stalagmites, visitors think they hear the sound of distant drums beating. Other well-known caves in Ha Long Bay are Bonau Grotto and the 2 km Hang Khanh Cave.

Tourist boats stop at the island of Zeu (Reu), which is home to an unusual breed of monkey, distinguished by its red bottom. Some tourists also visit Ngoc Vung Island, which has a red brick lighthouse.

Tuan Chau Island (5 km west of Baichai) is one of the most comfortable islands in Ha Long Bay. Here is the former summer residence of Ho Chi Minh, there are villas and restaurants.

And the most important area for tourists is located on the western side of the bay and is called Baychay. A short ferry ride will take you to the Hong Gai area. Hotels can be found on both sides of the bay, however Bai Chay is more picturesque and closer to Hanoi, and there are also more hotels and restaurants. Hong Gai is the main port area where coal (the province's main product) is shipped for export. The ferry from Hai Phong Docks goes to Hong Gai, so if you arrive late, it will be much easier to spend the night here before heading to Baichai the next morning.

How to get to Ha Long on your own? Getting to Halong From Hanoi you can take a bus. Bến xe Gia Lâm Bus Station, located at Duong Nguyen Văn Cu, offers buses to Ha Long every morning. You need to arrive at the bus station as early as possible, because the drive to Halong is 170 km (with an average speed of 40-60 km/h in Vietnam), and the last ship for a tour of the bay leaves at 13:00. The safest option would be to buy a ticket in advance, since if you run to the bus station at the last moment, you risk ending up on a local bus. Such a bus will travel to Halong for at least five hours, collecting people and parcels along the way.

Getting to Halong from Hanoi will cost 90,000-100,000 thousand Vietnamese dong per person. Buses, as a rule, arrive immediately at the pier, but it is possible that the bus can also stop a few kilometers before the pier, from which ships leave for excursions around Ha Long Bay. There is no need to despair, because the ubiquitous taxi drivers will not hesitate to offer their services here either. Taking a taxi to the pier will cost 50,000 VND (this is the price for the whole car, not per person!).

There are ticket offices on the pier where you can buy a ship ticket for $15 per person. Some companies offer to go to Ha Long for two or three days. This is not worth doing, since you will have to spend the night in a ship's cabin and you will not see anything more than what you see in one day in Ha Long. In addition, many ships are in such a state that it is simply unsafe to sleep in a cabin.

Be careful! As soon as you approach the pier, you will be attacked from all sides by people who will offer to buy tickets from them. These people, as a rule, try to sell tickets two to three times more expensive. You can resort to their services only if you are late for the last ship. But even then, tickets cannot cost more than $20 per person. There are known cases when private offices sold tickets for $100 to people who were late for the last ship. This is an unrealistic ticket price; such prices a priori cannot exist in Vietnam.

At the box office you will also be asked to buy tickets for 40,000 VND per person to visit one of the caves in Halong Bay. Don't refuse, this is a real price and the cave is really worth visiting.

The ship moves slowly, especially to allow you to enjoy the view of an unforgettable Ha Long Bay. 30 minutes after departure, the ship will stop near the cave for which you bought tickets at the ticket office on the pier. The parking time will be 45-60 minutes. This time is enough to visit the cave, souvenir shops, and also take photographs. In the cave, which is very beautiful in itself, the lighting is skillfully made, giving everything around a fabulous look.

About an hour after departure, the ship will stop at a floating village where you can buy fresh seafood and some fruits. Prices there, of course, are for European tourists. If you want to buy anything in this village, be sure to bargain, as the prices are at least twice as high.

Important warning! Intoxicated by the beauty of Halong, many tourists want to swim and dive while the ship is anchored in a floating village. This cannot be done, because there are many rocks underwater that are initially invisible. This can be costly, and there have been cases where people suffered severe injuries (fractures, dislocations).

On the ship you will also be offered lunch, the cost of which is 50,000 - 70,000 dong.

Pleasure ships dock overnight at Cat Ba Island. Most likely, you will be offered to stay overnight on the ship if there are free cabins. The cost of a cabin with dinner for two people is 30-50 dollars. They will tell you for a long time and popularly that on Cat Ba Island hotels are very expensive, from 50 dollars and more, that it is better not to go there, but to have fun on the ship. The main thing is not to succumb to psychological pressure! Under no circumstances should you spend the night on a ship in a stuffy cabin with one small porthole. It’s better to go on an exciting trip to Cat Ba Island, which can impress even seasoned travelers. Cat Ba Island, like Halong Bay, is very popular both among tourists and among the indigenous population of Vietnam. If you have the opportunity, be sure to visit this island and stay there for two or three days.

The climate in the bay is tropical, humid, with two seasons: hot, rainy summers and dry, cold winters. Coldest and driest months are December-February. The rainiest months are from June to September with maximum rainfall in August. Well and the most favorable tourist months are April-May and September-October.

Theoretically, the bay can be visited at any time of the year, and excursions there never stop. But, as in general in the northern part of Vietnam, you should be prepared for low temperatures during the winter months. Of course, there is no frost here, but given the proximity to the ocean and the piercing winds, you are unlikely to experience much pleasure from being here from December to February inclusive. Sometimes at this time at night the temperature can drop to 10 degrees Celsius, although during the day it stays at least 20.

From March, the temperature begins to improve and it becomes quite hot, although the water may not yet be warm enough and the swimming season is just beginning to open. Although, in general, the weather is already quite favorable for visiting the bay. In April we can safely talk about the beach season in Halong.

In June-September the weather is very hot, but there may be heavy rains, which, fortunately, are usually not prolonged.

The end of the beach season can be observed as early as November.