Posted by admin on December 20, 2010 under Halong Attractions | 
It is situated on the south-west side the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Ha Long City. The way to Thiên Cung is a perilous one, covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto’s 130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in we are more astonished in front of the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and imposing picture with characters of tales.
Going out of the Thiên Cung Grotto, we have a sensation of just watching a unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum which is made by nature, get out of the imagine, ability and intellect of man.
This grotto is recently discovered, one of the most beautiful grottoes in Halong Bay.
Legend has it, that beautiful young lady named Mây (cloud), caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed, and their wedding lasted seven days and seven nights in the very centre of the grotto.In honour of the wedding, small dragons flew about through the stalactites and stalagmites, elephants danced together happily, snakes twined themselves around trees and two stone lions danced with their manes flowing in the wind. A large elephant, smartly dressed, waited for the bride and the groom. The genies of the south and north stars also came to attend the banquet, and the atmosphere was definitely animated and lively. All these scenes have been seemingly fossilized in the grotto.
In the centre are four large pillars supporting the “roof of heaven.” From the base to the top, many strange images seem to live in the stone: birds, fish, flowers and even scenes of human life. On the north wall of the grotto a group of fairies seem to dance and sing in honour of the wedding. Under the immeasurably high roof, stalactites make a natural stone curtain. Somewhere there is the sound of a drum beating, but it is actually just the noise made by the wind blowing through stone.
Arriving at the last partition of the grotto, a natural gushing stream of water babbles throughout the year. Here are three small ponds of clear water. Legend has it, that this was where Mây bathed her 100 children, bringing them up wisely and happily into adolescence. One path meanders out of the grotto; it was the way Mây, together with 50 of her children, took to harvest new lands. The 50 remaining children, together with their father, were left to build the native land. Left behind by the mother was the natural stream described above.
Posted by admin on December 18, 2010 under Halong Attractions |
Situated in the centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area, the Sửng Sôt or Surprise Grotto is on Bồ Hòn Island, and is one of the finest and widest grottoes of Ha Long Bay.
Ascending to the grotto, the way is covered by trees and foliage, and consists of great paved stone blocks.
Inside, it is partitioned into two chambers; the first one being similar to a wide theatre hall. Many stalactites hang from the high ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes.
A narrow passage leads to the second rooms, where a flow of light meets visitors. The chamber is so immense it could contain thousands of people at one time.
At the deepest point of the grotto, a “royal garden” appears with a clear pond and a seemingly fascinating landscape of mountains. Many birds and plants (benjamin figs, cycads and centenary banyan trees) live here. On nice days groups of monkeys might arrive in search of fruit.
It is situated in the central tourism centre of the bay, as well as Ti Tốp Beach, Bô Nâu Grotto, Mê Cung Grotto and Luồn Grotto. French named it “grotte des surprises” (grotto of surprise)
From the wharf, you climb 50 steep stone stairs to the mouth of the grotto, which lies 25 m above the sea level. Going down some 10 stone stairs, you reach the mouth of a grotto. The grotto covers some 10, 000 m2. Inside the grotto there have thousands of stalactites and stalagmites along the 500-meter paved passage. Light posts line the passage and serve as signposts and ornaments. The lighting system with elegant styles adds more charm to the beauty of the grotto.
Up in the 30-meter roof of the grotto, one can figure out small, soft and even concave spots, which look like patterns in the ceiling of a theater. A huge piece of stone stands up to the ceiling by the grotto’s mouth. This evidences one of the typical karst-style grottoes with high scientific values.
At the side of the entrance, the rock seems to form the shape of a horse with a long sword. Legend has it, that after having defeated the Ân aggressors, Thánh Gióng (the Saint Gióng) helped the population to chase away evil spirits and demons. After this feat, Saint Gióng flew to heaven, leaving a stone horse and sword to continue to keep the demons away.
Posted by admin on December 16, 2010 under Halong Hotels |
Morning Star Hotel is one of the best Vietnam hotels which is located on the hill side area of Tuan Chau Island. The convenient location makes it a favorable accommodation option for the business as well as leisure travelers. The hotel is situated at close proximity to the market and entertainment areas. It also shares the closeness with surrounding beautiful natural landscape. The hotel is exactly positioned at Tuan Chau Island, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam.
Panorama Bar in Morning Star Hotel
This property lies in close proximity even with the nearest airport and railway station. This feature increases the quality and popularity of the hotel even more.
The 4-star Morning Star Hotel, Tuan Chau Island’s newest hotel is one of the best Vietnam hotels which is prominently located on Tuan Chau Island hillside. Each of its 106 luxurious and comfortable rooms and suites has its own special magnificent and romantic view of Halong Bay.
Posted by admin on December 15, 2010 under Halong Attractions |
Going shopping in Quang Ninh is an attractive activity that any tourist should not miss. Mong Cai comprises many markets of different scale and various types of commodities like food, clothing, electronic equipments, toys, most of which are imported from China. Visiting the market system of Mong Cai, you can find nearly everything. All the markets and shopping center are situated in an area, so you can walk from this one to another easily. There are lots of markets and commercial centers to be named like Mong Cai border-gate market which includes three main markets: Market No. 1, 2 and 3. The markets occupy thousands of businessmen of both Vietnamese and Chinese. Commodities imported to Vietnam include mostly clothing, shoes, high quality equipments, fruits and sweetie products. Especially, the Market No. 1 which has been constructed recently is modernly equipped with 3 storeys. Here you can find various types of products from clothing, electronic equipments to Chinese herbs products in Chinese stores which also provide examination services. Besides, there are many newly-built commercial centers like Vinh Co, Hong Van (where you can not only go shopping, but they also include bar, coffee and restaurant), To-Gi. After going shopping, tourists can enjoy delicious dishes in the restaurants which server both Vietnamese and Chinese foods.
In Halong Bay, you can visit Halong 1 and Halong 2 market where all types of commodities are displayed. Like in Mong Cai, most products is Halong markets are imported from China. These market are reasonably structured so as for customers to find their needs in an easiest way. Coming to Halong, you can also find a specialty, chả mực (a kind of grilled chopped made from cutter fishes), sold here. Many stores stay next to each other creating a long line of stores selling chả mực. This has become a special feature of Ha Long market which is so dainty that you may not miss.
Besides, other regions of Quang Ninh also have markets and shopping centers. Quang Ninh is a frontier province with several border gates where Chinese commodities are imported to Vietnam and Vietnam’s are exported also. That is the reason why most tourists coming to Quang Ninh consider shopping an interesting activity. If you have chance to visit this province, do visit the markets to choose for yourself what you need. Especially, you can also visit the market of China which is not very far from Mong Cai.
Source: http://vietnamhotels.net
Posted by admin on December 14, 2010 under Halong Attractions |
Large Co To Island is about 3 hours by boat from Cai Rong Town, Van Don Island District, about 150km from Halong Bay. The Quang Ninh province’s tourism sector has surveyed potential to develop tourism on the island, especially eco-tourism.
Large Co To Island belongs to Co To Island District, Quang Ninh Province. Co To Island District includes 40 large and small islands, of which the three largest are large Co To, Thanh Lan and Tran.
Co To Sea is beautiful both day and night, sunrise and sunset, bright moon and dim moon. Beaches in the large Co To Island are deserted and not quite polluted by modern industrial society. Trinh Sat Beach is typical with white sands and blue water as clear as crystal.
The forest is also appropriate for ecotourism tours. You can walk or catch xe om to visit lighthouse on a low hill. It’s about 10 minutes by xe om from centre of island to the foot of hill.
And then you’d better walk along a path to the lighthouse. This path is about 1km and lye among pine tree forest together with thousands of violet wild flowers. The light house is on the highest peak of the Co To island, 70 metres above sea level.
Large Co To Island has abundance of seafood such shrimp, cuttle, fish… Their price is very cheap. You can bring gas cooker and cook your own meal or hire native to cook.
From large Co To Island, hiring boat to around islands, you will discover another things such as play kinds of water sports: snorkeling, fish stabbing… On Thanh Lan Island, oranges are a special harvested fruit. During harvest time, the island turns a splendid orange-yellow colour.
Charming landscape with fresh air make Co To become an attractive place for visitors who are keen on exploring.
Posted by admin on December 13, 2010 under Halong Hotels |
Mithrin Hotel Halong, the international 4 star hotel, was officially put into operation in 2004 and has become an additional landmark in the tourist booming hub in Halong City. This is one of the Luxury hotels Vietnam with modern facilities and qualified services. With 12 storeys, Mithrin Hotel Halong boasts scenic views over the city and the picturesque Halong Bay Vietnam.
Just few minute walking distance from the tourist boat wharf and rooms overlooking Halong bay, Mithrin Hotel Halong is a preferred place for both leisure and business travellers With 88 well-equipped and well-designed rooms and suites, and English speaking staff will make the guests’ stay really comfortable and enjoyable.
Lobby Bistro Restaurant: With cozy atmosphere we serves international cuisines, seafood and Vietnamese specialties
Bay View Bar: Enjoying the cocktail, wines or drinks while relaxing on the roof top bar overlooking the marvelous Halong Bay Free billiard and dart games are available
Recreation Centre: located on the second floor providing the services such as body massage, food massage, sauna, steam bath. Well-equipped swimming pool makes guest really relaxing in the light breeze from the bay.
Friendly and smiley team members make your stay an unforgettable one.
Posted by admin on December 11, 2010 under Halong Attractions |
An interesting story…
In 1962, this tiny island had the honor of receiving a visit from astronaut Ghermann Titov, a hero of the former Soviet Union, accompanied by President Ho Chi Minh. To perpetuate the remembrance of their visit, Uncle Ho named the place Ti Top Island. It has now become an attractive beach for tourists and has various tourist services.
Thirty-five years afterwards, in 1997, Ti Top returned to the island having his name. Deeply moved, he wrote in the souvenir book of the Management Board of Halong Bay: “My deepest thanks to destiny, which has allowed me to come back to this tiny island.” It has become a beach attracting many visitors.
Then being an attractive island… 
Located about 14 km east from Bai Chay Wharf, Ti Top Beach takes the shape of a crescent encompassing the island. Small though it might be, it wins kudos for its quiet and airy atmosphere, as well as its alluring landscape.
The beach boasts pristine white sand, clear and blue water and small waves, which make it ideal for recreational activities like swimming and other sea sports. At present, there has a bar in the island which also provides swimming costumes, floats and lukewarm shower. Fresh water was carried to the island from inland. Swimming at Ti Top Beach is really enjoyable. After swimming, you can enjoy fresh sea food specialties in an ideal environment of immense sky and sunshine.
This beach is very beautiful and is well worth a visit to cool off when the heat starts to get to you. If you spend a day at the beach and elect to take a deckchair, you will be asked to buy a baguette, some lovely pineapple or a drink; otherwise you will have to pay for the seat. During the full moon, you are able to wander around until late at night.
The island has become a popular tourist destination. On summer holidays, the famous beach of Ti Top Island cools off visitors heading to Quang Ninh Province and you will surely have a chance to join in an interesting journey to the natural wonder…
Posted by admin on December 10, 2010 under Halong Hotels |
Halong Trade Union is ideally located near the beautiful Halong Bay Vietnam in the center of Bai Chay. As a 3-star hotel, Halong Trade Union is a budget hotel which provides an easy access to the major attractions of the city. International travelers can fly down at any of the two airports in Hanoi and Hai Phong and drive to halong bay Vietnam to stay with us. The hotel is only 600m from the central post office. Halong Jetty is just 5 minutes’ drive from the hotel.
Halong Trade Union Hotel in Vietnam is located at Hung Thang Avenue, Bai Chay district, Halong City. Its convenient location, this popular state-run hotel Halong Trade Union (a member of Vietnam Trade Union) is the biggest 3-star hotel in Halong Bay Vietnam. Tourists visiting Halong may properly find it comfortable to stay in this hotel. It is a well-known 3 star hotel which has been serving international travelers for quite a long time. From here you can go shopping at the biggest market in Hon Gai area or enjoy attractive activities at Tuan Chau Island such as Dolphin show or Water music show. Moreover, Halong Trade Union Hotel also offers an excellent and a comfortable venue for banquets and conferences, weddings or for special occasions.
Posted by admin on December 9, 2010 under Halong Hotels |
Ideally located by Halong Bay, a World Natural Heritage Site, Halong Plaza Hotel combines a warm
welcome and excellent service to provide the ideal venue for business and leisure travelers
The hotel consists of 200 luxurious, spacious and stylistically furnished rooms. A strong point of the hotel is that all rooms have bay views. This enable guests to enjoy the fresh air and beautiful natural landscape of Halong Bay.
Four Seasons Restaurant is where you can enjoy European, Thai, Japanese and traditional Vietnamese food cooked by Thai and local talented chefs. The breakfast buffet with 50 dishes is regarded as the best breakfast in Halong. At present Halong Plaza is the first hotel that has dinner buffet with numerous options appealing to all tastes.
The entertainment area offers various types of activities. Soak up the fun in our pool and in state-of-the-art fitness center designed to help you relax, unwind, and get fit. Our traditional and modern massage therapist will take guests on exhilarating journeys with their special skills and personal care.
There are also conference and banquet rooms with an excellent capacity for handling organizational events.
The service standards of Halong Plaza feature great attention to detail in a welcoming and friendly atmosphere. It is service delivery that sets Halong Plaza apart from other hotels. Perhaps, this is the reason why the hotel has become a favourite destination of many VIP guests such as Mr. Tran Duc Luong – Former President of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam, Mr. Li Peng – Former Prime Minister of the People’s Republic of China, Ms. Yostin Lissette Pasek – Miss Universe, Mr. Jackie Chan – Goodwill Ambassador for UNICEF…
Come discover the beauty of Halong Bay, and experience the luxury Halong Plaza Hotel. We trust our “4-star deluxe hotel with 5-star service” will make you feel at home while relaxing or conducting business.
Posted by admin on December 8, 2010 under Halong Attractions |
Based at the first point of the S-shaped Vietnam, Tra Co beach, one of the most beautiful beaches, is an important stop-over when tourists arrive in Vietnam from the north.
Tra Co beach is located in the Northeastern extreme of the “S-shaped Vietnam”, in Quang Ninh province. It is by the border with China, and around 8 kilometers from Mong Cai mountainous town and some 170 kilometers far away from Ha Long. With its advantages in terms of location, the beach is the destination of a number of travelers, especially those who come from China.
To the west, the province borders an extended forest and mountainous region. To the east, it is adjacent to the Gulf of Tonkin. It features a meandering coastline, numerous estuaries and tidal flats, and more than 2,000 large and small islands. Of which 1,030 have been named. The local annual temperature is around 22.7oC with two main seasons (Hot and Cold). The best time for swimming is summer season from April to September.
From Hanoi, going there by bus is a bit tired because of a long and uneven way of about 300km, and a long time of 7 hours. However, it is worth that you can enjoy the scenes of the Red river delta and will be surprised at different natural beauties from time to time and from plain to mountainous area.
Getting there by marine seems to be much easier and faster. After visiting Ha Long bay or Cat Ba island, we can take an express boat and reach to the beach after about two hours. By this way, you can also have a chance of enjoying the feelings of floating on the sea.
Tra Co is considered one of “the most lyrical beaches in Vietnam” with a wide and plain beach, white and smooth sand, and blue sea water all the year round. The beach is about 15 kilometers long, on the edge of Tra Co peninsula, which was created by waves and flows. As a result, it covers some 3-4m sand-banks. Just nearby you can see a shadowed casuarinas forest, used to protect the inner village from hurricanes and the sand from erosion. It is neighboured to an original eco-system of mangrove forest is the zone lung. Known as one of the most beautiful beach in Vietnam, Tra Co is occasionally put in comparison with Nha Trang beach. Accordingly, if Nha Trang is as beautiful as a modern girl, Tra Co is a coyly rural girl since it has not yet been much exploited for tourism. Tra Co beach is much far from the city, industrial zone and harbour, which make it possess a cool and pure air, and a quiet and pristine environment.
If you would like to enjoy fresh seafood, Tra Co fishermen can surely meet your requirement. The fresh sea foods are always available on the seaside after fishing time. You can buy what you want at very low prices. Staying here, you still have a very good opportunity to taste every sea delicacies of your interest, such as lobsters, sea crabs, etc., while you can still save your money.
Just 6 kilometers from the beach, there is a place where tourists could relax by watching the romantic sunrise and sunset. It is the beautiful Con Mang sand-bank, whose sand is fairly smooth and so solid that you can ride a motorbike on it. Imagine that you are sitting on the rocks, listening to the sounds from the sea waves. This will make you feel free, relaxed, and harmonized with the nature.
Closed to Con Mang, it is Vietnam’s border point with China, Sa Vi, where nature starts to write the “S”-shape of the nation. Tourists can clearly see China from this point. Though the Border War was left behind long ago, people can find some underground shelters, scattered along the two sides.
For those who are interested in local historical vestiges, Tra Co communal house, the pride of Tra Co people since it was built long time ago in 1462, should also be a stop-over, if time is available. Though having been repaired many times, it still retains the original architectural style as well as the sculptural art.All of six people who are worshipped in the house came from Do Son, Hai Phong city. They were the first people to step in the zone and established the village 400 years ago. Besides, they worship Quan He (Nguyen Huu Cau), a leader of uprising farmers under Le-Trinh dynasty.
Notes: At the end of the fifth lunar month, local people always organize the Village festival. A group of activities, such as boat paddling from Tra Co to Do Son – the father land, from 25th to 30th, cooking competition, boat racing, and so forth.
