Posted by admin on March 3, 2011 under Halong Bay Overview | 
Four days, two nights spent boating through majestic Halong Bay is like a dream. Turquoise blue water and giant dragon-shaped cliff islands covered by jungle forests simply equals magical. There are a million different tour companies taking foreigners through the bay with varying prices and packages, but they’re all the same boats and go to the same destinations.
The accommodations on the boat are not cruise-like – more Treasure Island-style. Small rooms, average beds, but priceless views right out your window to watch the sun rise and set from. Traditional Vietnamese dishes are served on board along with bountiful alcohol and Pringles for Happy Hour cravings.
It takes a few days to get deep enough into the bay where you really feel as though you’re on another planet. A day or two, and all you see are the thousands of cliffs jutting out of the lagoon-colored water and nothing else. You forget which way’s east and west, and living on a houseboat with pet dolphins could easily be your reality.
We stopped on one island and spent the night in a hotel where we had a group dinner with the rest of our boat. Vietnamese like to be in charge, have things done a certain way, and don’t understand independence, so we didn’t get away with trying to hide away in our room enjoying some solace when dinner was served. It made me feel like I was on a cruise vacation where every minute of an itinerary is planned for you.
After spending so much time in Thailand, “the Land of Smiles,” I found a lot lost in the translation with the Vietnamese. The language already sounds aggressive, and their body language and facial expressions tend to be serious and dominating. I felt like I was getting yelled at when someone was asking how dinner was, and the feeling went way beyond the obvious American guilt for Vietnam and our role in their history.
We did a hike into the jungle and took in panoramic views of absolute beauty. There were the usual colorful birds and monkeys as we trekked behind our sandal-clad guide in hiking boots and moisture-wicking shirts in a way that made us feel like typical tourist Americans. There was a supposed tiger on the island, but surprisingly, we didn’t see it on our trek.
We cruised alongside the cliffs by day, stopping at colorful floating markets with every fruit imaginable and observing the various communities living on houseboats in this enchanted bay.
We kayaked one morning at sunset and it was the most peaceful, surreal time I’ve ever had. It definitely aroused the, “Am I really here right now? Is this really happening?” out-of-body feelings that only traveling in a distant land can conjure up.
Source: DTI
Posted by admin on February 12, 2011 under Halong Bay Overview |
Considering the long periods of struggle the country had to withstand, Vietnam is almost instantly associated with war and conflict. However, in this tropical country, there’s a rare and unique paradise that has flourished over the last few centuries and continues to be one of the most fascinating and intriguing tourist spots on the planet.
A world in itself, Halong Bay is located in the Quang Ninh province. Spectacular rock formations, islets and stunning ecosystems that bring together a rare marine habitat and the tropical environment to give us a magical journey that leads us into a world of its own, the Halong Bay is a must when visiting Vietnam.
The legend has it that the spectacular and almost living islands were formed after a family of dragons was sent from the heavens to defend the country. They spewed jewels and jade, which ended up being the islands.
Of course, there is a very sound geographic theory as well for the formation of these rocks. The bay consists of a dense cluster of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands with each and everyone of them resembling some spectacular form to the imaginative mind.
There are also many caves in the area with Dau Go Cave (Wooden stakes Cave) the largest of them all. The spooky and stunning caverns and intricate caves offer a rare and once in a lifetime glimpse into the depths that are adored by a series of stalactites and stalagmites along with some nineteenth century French graffiti.
The marine life in the Ha Long Bay is also pretty exciting with 200 species of fish and 450 species of mollusks around, along with tiny pockets of tropical forests on each island.
For food lovers, the Ha Long Bay is an absolute heaven as the 10 floating villages that reside here all rely on fishing for their livelihood, meaning you would be served some of the best marine cuisine in the world.
There are more than 989 amazing islands and islets to see and that will surely leave you pretty busy over a week or two, but make sure you don’t miss out on the Kissing Rocks, Voi Islet, Ga Choi Islet and Mai Nha Islet.
Tourism has had a negative impact on this delicate ecosystem while it has boosted the area’s economy. So if you happen to visit this tropical paradise, be sure you cause as little damage as possible to the fragile ecosystem, while you enjoy its natural wonders.
Author: Alex Ion
Posted by admin on January 24, 2011 under Halong Bay Overview |
Quang Ninh’s climate is symbolic of the climate of North Vietnam; featuring all four seasons. In summer, it’s hot, humid and rainy, while monsoons flourish. In winter, it’s cold, dry, and sees little rainfall.
The average heat radiating during a year is 115.4 Kcal/sq. cm. The average temperature is over 21oC, while the average humidity is 84%. Annual rainfall totals between 1,700 and 2,400 mm, and there can be between 90 to 170 rainy days in a year. These are mainly concentrated in the summer (more than 85%), and especially in the months of July and August. In winter, rainfall only reaches between 150 and 400 mm.
In comparison to other provinces in the north, Quang Ninh has been more under the influences of north-eastern monsoons. The wind blows strongly and the temperature drops to between 1 and 3ºC. During a north-eastern monsoon, high mountainous regions such as Bình Liêu and Hải Hà, Ðầm Hà sometimes see the temperature drop below 0ºC.
Storms have a large influence on the province, mainly in June, July and August. The intensity can be extremely strong, especially in island and coastal regions.
Due to differences in terrain, the climate of sub-regions vary. The border area of the Móng Cái District is colder and rainy, with an average temperature of around 22ºC and rainfall reaching 2,751 mm. In the Yên Hưng District, the most southern area, the average temperature is 24ºC and sees an average rainfall of 1,700 mm. The high mountainous region of Hoành Bồ, and Ba Chẽ districts, is victim to 20 days of frost a year, and is subject to little rainfall. In the Bình Liêu District there is heavy rain (2,400 mm) and winter lasts for six months. The offshore island region is not the wettest area, with only 1,700 to 1,800 mm of rainfall per year, but winter is often accompanied by thick mists.
Collected by Vietnam Hotel
Posted by admin on January 21, 2011 under Halong Attractions, Halong Bay Cruises, Halong Bay Overview, Halong Culinary, Tips for Halong tours |
Almost every traveler who visits Southeast Asia makes it a point to visit Halong Bay: a picturesque bay set amidst emerald waters and craggy limestone cliffs. Next to Ho Chi Minh City, Halong Bay is right up the list of must-see destinations for travelers in the region.
Flickr photo by qureyoon
So what can one do around Halong Bay besides taking that once-in-a-lifetime cruise into the UNESCO World Heritage site here? Fear no more as I had one extra day around Halong City when I visited Halong Bay, Vietnam recently. So here are 5 things you can do around Halong Bay if you have time to kill waiting for your junk boat cruise.
Bai Chay Tourist Wharf and Jetty
Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. It is here that most of the travelers will arrive at before heading out on the Halong Bay Overnight Cruise. Depending on your departure time, you may or may not have time to explore the area.
Vietnamese Coffee
Try some Vietnamese Coffee the Cafe 555 opposite the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. Well, you need to walk about 100 meters to your right if you exit Bai Chay. The cafe is located in between a row of shops by the main road. They serve some potent coffee here so if you are a coffee lover, you hit jackpot here. If you don’t drink coffee, they have other drinks there too.
Karaoke anytime of the day
Try the Cafe Kinh Moi Karaoke just further down the road from Cafe 555. Start your karaoke sessions early if you must here. Singing is inside but if you so desire to do it outside, by all means.
Halong Market
Take a taxi to Halong City and visit the Halong Market. This market is right in the heart of Halong City and you cannot walk there unless you have a few hours to spare. Best would be to take a taxi there. Once here, explore the dry and wet market. A number of interesting items can be seen here while it would be wise to stock up on snacks and drinks for your Halong Bay Cruise.
Vietnamese Snacks and Herbal Drinks
Indulge in the local Vietnamese food and drinks at Halong City. In and around the Halong Market, there are quite a number of exotic foods available if you are up to it. One of the must-try items are the Squid Cakes which are similar to Thai Fish Cakes, these are sold in the open area behind Halong Market.
A number of stalls sell them and they are reasonably cheap and quite tasty. If you walk around the wet market area, you will come across various local foods and delicacies. One of them, the deep fried mini crabs sold cooked or raw. Also, if you have an iron stomach, try some of the local mixed rice dishes and finally wash it down with some local Vietnamese Herbal Drinks. Don’t forget to buy some local fruits for your Halong Bay Overnight Cruise trip.
Halong Bay Casino
Take a walk to the Halong Bay Casino (Royal International Casino). This super small and only casino in Halong Bay can be seen just located by the main road to Bai Chay. Walking here can take you about 10-15 minutes from the wharf. Foreigners need to show your passport to enter and there is no deposit required.
A coffee lounge with slot machines on the ground floor is open to all while there are two gambling halls, one on the ground floor which is closed on weekdays while the main hall is up on the first floor. So small that I walked round it in less than two minutes. So if you’re feeling lucky, head on to the Halong Bay Casino.
Author: 
David Jr
Posted by admin on December 24, 2010 under Halong Bay Overview |
National Geographic magazine has ranked Viet Nam’s Ha Long Bay sixth in a list of the world’s 10 best sailing cruises.
The magazine describes Ha Long Bay as consisting of “strangely sculpted limestone islands and outcrops, dotted with small floating villages and deserted sandy beaches. In spring and early summer the water is particularly calm and clear. This UNESCO World Heritage site is best explored by a cruise on a junk.”
The list also included the Nova Scotia and Labrador Tall Ships cruise in Canada; US Washington state’s San Juan Islands; a Pirate Cruise of the Grand Cayman Island; the Star Clipper to French Polynesia; a Junk Cruise in Andaman Sea, Thailand; the Seychelles Islands; a Dhow Cruise through the Strait of Hormuz, Oman; Lamu Island, Kenya and the Evia Island Cruise, Greece.
Last month, the Lonely Planet magazine also introduced the Ha Long bay
as one of the world’s top ten best boat journeys.
Source: VNS
Posted by admin on December 7, 2010 under Halong Bay Overview |
Ha Long Bay, the most natural attraction in Vietnam, has recently been selected by the leading British tourism magazine, “The Lonely Planet,” as one of the 10 most famous boat-touring sites in the world.
The Vietnam Tourism General Department confirmed the information and unveiled the other 9 places that are ideal for boat-tours, including the Amazon River; the bay of Norway; the Franklin River, Australia; Disko Bay, Greenland; and Galapagos, Ecuador.
Visiting Ha Long Bay, in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh, tourists can enjoy Halong Bay cruise around the bay, enjoying spectacular natural sceneries, or row kayaks on their own to explore multi-shaped islets and caves in the bay.
At present, there are some 500 tourist boats in Ha Long, with millions of domestic and international visitors flocking to the Bay every year.
According to statistics, Quang Ninh Province has welcomed 5.3 million tourists over the past 11 months of 2010, of which, over 2.5 million arrived in Ha Long.
Posted by admin on November 24, 2010 under Halong Bay Overview |
There are many wonders in the natural world and then there is Halong Bay. Located in northeast Vietnam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is stunning to say the least. The Bay is littered with around 3,000 limestone islands that soar up from the blue waters. For the tourist a visit to the Bay is enhanced by a stay on one of the many refurbished junk boats that ply the waters.
It was on a summer day that the guide from the junk boat operator, Columbus, collected us from our Hanoi Hotel for the over four-hour long drive to Halong Bay. We spent a few minutes going around the Old Quarter Hanoi picking up various other tourists and before long we were on our way. The drive, through the suburbs of Hanoi and briefly through the Vietnamese countryside was uneventful. After giving us a brief about the Bay and its many features, the guide let us enjoy the scenery. Mid-way through the drive we stopped at a handicraft store, supposedly run by a government agency. The large store featured all the usual suspects of beautiful lacquer ware, Vietnamese silk dresses, silk-embroidery paintings, crafts made of wood and even a gem section. After browsing through the selection of goods and a quick bite, we continued on our journey.
We were deposited at the Halong Bay wharf, crowded with small boats, around noon and we quickly scrambled onto a boat, which would hopefully take us to our junk. A little out of the jetty, the Bay opened up and there they were-the limestone karsts. Standing majestically in the sheet-like water and shimmering in the noon-day sun, the islands took my breath away. We began to spot junk boats, some many storey-high and some topped by sails. Then we spotted our boat, the Pinta Cruiser, a two-storey tall statuesque beauty. With just eight cabins, the Cruiser, is of the perfect size-neither too big, nor too small.
I had been worried that the cabin in the boat might be a bit too tiny, but my fears were laid to rest as soon as I glimpsed the room. The room, on the lower deck, was adequately big, with a comfy bed, lamps and night tables, air conditioner and a large window. The ensuite bathroom was also quite good. But, I did not spend too much time in the cabin as we had been told to assemble in the dining room, on the upper deck. The closed dining room had large windows and sturdy tables and chairs. A few minutes after we were seated, the servers started a steady procession of food. There was fresh and delicious seafood and meats cooked in the simple Vietnamese style. The vegetarians also had a choice of dishes, some made with tofu.
After the heavy and satisfying lunch, we retired to the open deck attached to the dining room. All this while, the Cruiser was riding the waves at a steady clip. The karsts were all around us and I could see why the Bay associated with a dragon (Ha Long translates to descending dragon). The many limestone hills resemble the exposed spiky spine of a submerged dragon. We passed fishermen in tiny boats and the other Halong phenomena-floating villages. It is believed that around 1,600 people live in floating houses in the Bay. As the limestone islands are mostly barren and cannot support agriculture, the inhabitants depend on the sea for survival. The floating villages have existed for hundreds of years and on some tours, visitors can visit one of these villages to experience the simple and difficult life of these people. The tour I was on did not have this option.
But we were to visit a limestone cave. Many of the rock formations, in the Bay, are hollow and there are enormous caves with numerous stalactites and stalagmites. So, we found ourselves being transferred into a smaller boat again and were taken to one of the karsts. Steps lead up to a cave opening and for about an hour, we walked around the most massive cave that I have seen. With multiple chambers and walls that have tinges of various colors, the cave was a wonder within a wonder. While coming back, pause a moment, like I did, at the top of the steps to take in the sight of the islands spread out before you. I made use of the opportunity to take as many photographs as possible. From this vantage point, any photo you click will result in a masterpiece.
Back on the Cruiser, we had some quiet time for ourselves. We made our way to the upper sun deck, which has many sun beds. By now, there were no other junks in sight. While there are many junk boats at Halong, the bay is so large that most junks are able to find secluded spots to moor at night. The sun deck was the perfect spot to enjoy the beauty of the Bay and also for some socializing with the other guests. But all talk stopped the moment the Sun started to set-the karsts bathed in the light of the setting Sun and framed by the stunning colors on the sky is a glorious sight. Then it was time for dinner and we were fed copious amounts of delicious food again. Post dinner, we were back on the sun deck. The sky was cloudless and the stars winked at us mischievously and the gentle, cool breeze lulled us to sleep. After a few hours, we reluctantly dragged ourselves to our cabin.
Next day, after breakfast, we went for a kayaking trip. This is the highpoint of the trip. While my husband and I tried valiantly to kayak in a straight line and steer our way, we fumbled and floundered. But we did manage to make our way between some beautiful karsts and seeing them from sea level made them seem all the more beautiful. After a point we just stopped kayaking and sat in the silence, surrounded by the rocks, taking in the gorgeous views. We returned to the junk for yet another massive meal and then it was time to say goodbye to the Cruiser and her reliable crew.
By Radhika P. Nair
Posted by admin on March 8, 2009 under Halong Bay Overview |
Vinh Ha Long considered as Bay of the Descending Dragon is often touted by proud Vietnamese as the world’s Eighth wonder. One of the main attractions of Ha long is the bay’s calm water and the thousands of limestone mountains dotting the seascape. The Bay’s water is clear during the spring and early summer. Some of the islands are quite large and there are small alcoves with sandy beaches where swimming is possible. Ha Long bay lies in the northeastern part of Vietnam and is 165 Km from Hanoi.
Ha Long literally means descending dragon(s) and according to local myth, the story goes as follows:
Long ago when their forefathers were fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend their land. This family of dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long bay and began spitting out jewels and jade. Upon hitting the sea, these jewels turned into the various islands and islets dotting the seascape and formed a formidable fortress against the invaders. The locals were able to keep their land safe and formed what is now the country of Vietnam. The Dragon family fell so much in love with this area for its calm water and for the reverence of the people of Vietnam that they decided to remain on earth. Mother dragon lies on what is now Ha Long and where her children lie is Bai Tu Long. The dragon tails formed the area of Bach Long Vi known for the miles of white sandy beaches of Tra Co peninsula
This myth is in line with the Vietnamese myth of their origin Con Rong Chau Tien. This myth describes the union between a king (representing the dragon) and his bride (representing a goddess) giving birth to 100 children which are the ancestors of the Vietnamese people. The Ha Long myth illustrate the Vietnamese belief of their origin and the fact that throughout their history, they are aided by their ancestors, the dragon and the gods, in the defense of their land.
| If you like and want to see the bay of descending dragon, visit this site to get the easiest way to get visa to Vietnam |
Posted by admin on October 2, 2008 under Baitho Junks, Bhaya Cruise, Emeraude Cruise, Ginger Cruise Programs, Halong Bay Cruises, Halong Bay Overview, Halong Bay Tours, Halong Ginger Cruise, Halong Jasmine cruise, Huonghai Junks, Indochina Junks, Indochina Sails, Tips for Halong tours, Tropical Sails |
You’re recommended to bring
- Original Passport with valid visa
You’re not recommended to bring
- Pets or any kind of animal
- Inflammable and Explosives
How to get there
- 3 and a half hour by drive
Cruise Facilities
- Kayaking Service (Optional)
- A/C cabins with en-suite bathrooms
- Major credit cards accepted
Posted by admin on September 30, 2008 under Halong Bay Overview |
Ha Long Bay is said to be a magic land of natural sea bay beauty, attracting more and more tourists ever since UNESCO’s recognition of its nature!
Location & Climate
Ha Long Bay is located in the Northeast of Vietnam, belonging to Ha Long city, Quang Ninh Province, in the Gulf of Tonkin. On the world map, it has borders to China in the North and adjacent to the East Sea in the East .
The Bay has a medium size of 1,553 square kilometers. It is accomodation of many fishing communities, including the 4 communes of Cua Van, Cong Tau, Vong Vieng and Ba Hang with a population of more than 1,600 people. The residents live on floating houses and boats, making their own lives by fishing and aquaculture.
The bay is a sea islands in tropical wet with 2 seasons: hot and moist summer, dry and cold winter. Average temperature is from 15°C- 25°C. Annual rainfall is between 2,000mm and 2,200mm. Ha Long Bay has the typical diurnal tide system (tide amplitude ranges from 3.5-4m). The salinity is from 31 to 34.5MT in dry season and lower in rainy season.
Historical name
Literally, “Ha Long” means “Bay of Descending Dragons.” Before the 19th century, this name was not recorded in any document or archive. In this term, there is a mysteriously legendary tale as follows
“Long ago, in the first founding days, the Viet people were attacked by foreign aggressors. The Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her band of Child Dragons to help the Viet people fight the invaders. While the enemy vessels were launching massive attacks against the mainland, the dragons descended in flocks from the sky. They spat out innumerable pearls which changed into jade stone islands the moment they touched the water. These islands linked together to form firm citadels that checked the enemy’s advance and smashed their vessels to pieces. After the invaders were driven out, Mother Dragon and her Child Dragons did not return to Heaven but stayed on earth, right at the place where the battle occurred. The spot where the Mother Dragon landed was Ha Long, and where the Child Dragons came down was Bai Tu Long. The place where their tails violently wagged was called Long Vi, the today’s Tra Co Peninsula with its soft sandy beach stretching a series of kilometers.”
Gifted Beauty & top sightseeings
In 1962, the Ministry of Culture and Information classified Halong Bay as a National Landscape Site, covering an area of 1,553 km2 with 1,969 islands. Halong Bay has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Heritage Area for its universal values of landscape, geology and geomorphology, respectively in 1994 and 2000, an area of 434 sq. km. including 775 islands.
The dense cluster of 1,969 limestone monolithic islands within the bay is topped with thick jungle vegetation, which rise spectacularly from the ocean. Most of the islands were formed over 500 million years ago, and massed in the Southeast and Southwest. Those in the Southeast have an average height of 50-200m, covering lots of flora. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes Cave) is the largest grotto in the Ha Long area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants. Both of them have tourist facilities, including hotels and beaches. There are a number of wonderful beaches on the smaller islands. The others are Bai Chay, Ti Top, Minh Chau, Quan Lan and so forth.
Viewed from above, Ha Long Bay looks like an extremely vivid huge drawing, and sailing beneath the bay is like leisuring in between a huge valey on water. Ha Long bay is exactly a wonderfully skillful masterpiece of Nature that turns thousands of dumb soulless stone islands into fantastic sculptural and artistic works of various graceful shapes, both familiar and strange to human beings. Thousands of islands emerging in the fanciful waves look strong and magnificent but also mild and vivid. Amidst these islands tourists may feel as if they were astrayed in a petrified legendary world. The names given to the islands were based on their shapes and forms, such as, Human head Island, Sail island, Fighting cocks islands… Inside the stone islands are various breath-taking caves like Thien Cung, Dau Go, Sung Sot, and others. These are really magnificent palace of many huge stalactites hanging poised in mid air and stalagmites growing majestically upwards. Ha Long’s sea is always the same, blue, smooth and still.
What is more, the bay has its own seasoned beauty. In Spring, buds of trees burst on limestone islands. In Summer, it is cool and clean with many sparkling sun rays reflecting from the sea’s surface. In Autumn, especially at night, moonlight illuminates the mountains, making them like gold, inlaid into the earth. In Winter, with pervasive frost, Ha Long is glamorous as “a floating flower basket on smooth wave” (by writer Nguyen Tuan). All of them, stone, water and sky, make the Aesthetic value of Ha Long Bay.
The Bay’s Geological value is evaluated in two ways: by the history of its formation and its karst geomorphology. It is also home to the ancient Viet people beginning from 7,000 to 18,000 years ago, Ha Long’s Cultural − Historical value. Besides, Bio-diversity is an important natural resource, to be well-conserved so as to maintain the ecological balance of the whole region.
Ha Long Bay is undoubtedly not only a national but also a world nature, a magnificient work of Natural Creator. People who are admirers of natural beauty should stand up, pack their luggages, and right away pick up a flight to Ha Long, or else they will soon feel regretful!
