Luke Wood

Halong Bay is situated in the Gulf of Tonkin and includes over 3000 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. The area, covering over 1500 square kilometres, is mostly uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence.

Halong Bay’s outstanding natural beauty is complemented by its great biological interest. In 1994 Halong Bay was designated as Vietnam’s second Unesco World Heritage site.

According to local legend, Halong Bay was created by a dragon who lived in the mountains.  When the Vietnamese were fighting Chinese invaders, the gods sent a dragon to help defend the land. This dragon descended upon what is now Halong Bay (hence the name "Bay of Descending Dragons"). It ran towards the coast flailing its tail and gouging. It plunged into the sea, the areas dug out by its tail filled with water leaving only the high land visible.  These islands and islets linked together to form barriers against the invaders. The people kept their land safe and formed what later became the country of Vietnam.

Hang Dau Go