Ha Long Bay (Vietnamese: Vịnh Hạ Long, literally: "descending dragon bay") is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and a popular travel destination, located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam. Administratively, the bay belongs to Hạ Long City, Cẩm Phả town, and part of Van Don district. The bay features thousands oflimestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes. Ha Long Bay is a center of a larger zone which includes Bái Tử Long bay to the northeast, and Cát Bà islands to the southwest. These larger zones share similar geological, geographical, geomorphological, climate, and cultural characters.
Ha Long Bay has an area of around 1,553 km2, including 1,960–2,000 islets, most of which are limestone. The core of the bay has an area of 334 km2 with a high density of 775 islets. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karstin this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. The geo-diversity of the environment in the area has created biodiversity, including a tropical evergreen biosystem, oceanic and sea shore biosystem. Ha Long Bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species.
Historical research surveys have shown the presence of prehistorical human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago. The successive ancient cultures are the Soi Nhụ culture around 18,000–7000 BC, the Cái Bèo culture 7000–5000 BC and the Hạ Long culture 5,000–3,500 years ago. Hạ Long Bay also marked important events in the history of Vietnam with many artifacts found in Bài Thơ Mout, Đầu Gỗ Cave, Bãi Cháy.
500 years ago, Nguyen Trai praised the beauty of Hạ Long Bay in his verse Lộ nhập Vân Đồn, in which he called it "rock wonder in the sky". In 1962, the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism of Vietnam listed Hạ Long Bay in the National Relics and Landscapes publication. In 1994, the core zone of Hạ Long Bay was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site according to criterion vii, and listed for a second time according to criterion
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The kissing cocks
Etymology
The name Hạ Long is derived from the Sino-Vietnamese , meaning "descending dragon".
According to local legend, when Vietnamese had just started to develop into a country, they had to fight against invaders. To assist Vietnamese in defending their country, the gods sent a family of dragons as protectors. This family of dragons began spitting out jewels and jade. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. Under magics, numerous rock mountains abruptly appeared on the sea, ahead of invaders' ships; the forward ships struck the rocks and each other. After winning the battle, the dragons were interested in peaceful sightseeing of the Earth, and then decided to live in this bay. The place where the mother dragon descended was named Hạ Long, the place where the dragon's children attended upon their mother was called Bái Tử Long island (Bái: attend upon, Tử: children, Long: dragon), and the place where the dragon's children wriggled their tails violently was called Bạch Long Vỹ island (Bạch: white-color of the foam made when Dragon's children wriggled, Long: dragon, Vỹ: tail), present day Trà Cổ peninsula, Mong Cai.
Overview
The bay consists of a dense cluster of over 3,000 limestone monolithic islands each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Đầu Gỗ (Wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Hạ 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, Tuần Châu and Cat Ba, that have permanent inhabitants, as well as tourist facilities including hotels and beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches on the smaller islands.
A community of around 1,600 people live on Hạ Long Bay in four fishing villages: Cửa Vạn, Ba Hang, Cống Tàu and Vông Viêng in Hùng Thắng commune, Hạ Long city. They live on floating houses and are sustained through fishing and marine aquaculture (cultivating marine biota), plying the shallow waters for 200 species of fish and 450 different kinds of mollusks. Many of the islands have acquired their names as a result of interpretation of their unusual shapes. Such names include Voi Islet (elephant), Ga Choi Islet (fighting cock), and Mai Nha Islet (roof). 989 of the islands have been given names. Birds and animals including bantams, antelopes, monkeys, and lizards also live on some of the islands.
Thien cung grotto
Almost all these islands are as individual towers in a classic fenglin landscape with heights from 50m to 100m, and height/width ratios of up to about six.
Another specific feature of Halong Bay is the abundance of lakes inside the limestone islands. For example, Dau Be island has six enclosed lakes. All these island lakes occupy drowned dolines within fengcong karst.
Location
Hạ Long Bay is located in northeastern Vietnam, from E106°56' to E107°37' and from N20°43' to N21°09'. The bay stretches from Yên Hưng district, past Hạ Long city, Cẩm Phả town to Vân Đồn district, bordered on the south and southeast by the Gulf of Tonkin, on the north by China, and on the west and southwest by Cát Bà island. The bay has a 120 km long coastline and is approximately 1,553 km² in size with about 2,000 islets. The area designated by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site incorporates 434 km² with 775 islets, of which the core zone is delimited by 69 points: Đầu Gỗ island on the west, Ba Hầm lake on the south and Cống Tây island on the east. The protected area is from the Cái Dăm petrol store to Quang Hanh commune, Cẩm Phả town and the surrounding zone.
Climate
The climate of the bay is tropical, wet, sea islands, with two seasons: hot and moist summer, and dry and cold winter. The average temperature is from 15°C- 25°C, and annual rainfall is between 2000mm and 2200mm. Hạ Long Bay has the typical diurnal tide system (tide amplitude ranges from 3.5-4m). The salinity is from 31 to 34.5MT in the dry season and lower in the rainy season.
History
Soi Nhụ culture (16,000- 5000 BC)
Located in Hạ Long and Bái Tử Long are archaeological sites such as Mê Cung and Thiên Long. There are remains from mounds of mountain shellfish (Cyclophorus), spring shellfish (Melania), some fresh water mollusk and some rudimentary labour tools. The main way of life of Soi Nhụ's inhabitants included catching fish and shellfish, collecting fruits and digging for bulbs and roots. Their living environment was a coastal area unlike other Vietnamese cultures, for example, like those found in Hoà Bình and Bắc Sơn.
Soi Nhụ culture
Tam Cung Grotto
Continuing on to the second chamber, the bumpy way leads to a spring with fresh water. The last room contains further incredible stone depictions. Tam Cung Grotto lies in May Den, a luxuriant island nearly isolated from other islands. Mây Ðèn’s cliffs are extremely vertical, while its forest is flourishing.
Entering its first chamber, one can hear the sound of t’rung or stone musical instrument from near and far. Pushing further inside, tourists meet a “fairy” whose white beard flies in the wind climbing the mountain. High in the wall of the chamber there stand three statues representing prosperity, happiness and longevity, looking down at the earthly world. From the ceiling falls down a stalactite which resembles the bud of a hydrangea among a garden of stone flowers. Going through a narrow passage, one comes to a natural museum of lively animals, including lions, seals, even god of the sea. In the middle of the second chamber lies a stream murmuring all year round, making the two surrounding cliffs rustle. In the last chamber, tourists can find an imposing bas-relief in which are carved elaborate strange images, lying layer after layer in a harmonious layout. One can figure out flowers, bamboos, stone curtains, or sleeping elephants
Yen Tu moutain
Some 150,000 pilgrims are expected to make the trek before the festivities wrap up, making Yen Tu one of the nation’s key tourist attractions. The site deserves its popularity. The breathless climb leads one higher and higher, giving the climber the impression of an ascent to the heavens. But those seeking a quicker route to salvation can take the cable car. It may seem like cheating, but the birds’ eye views are superb. This year, most tourists and pilgrims are sticking to the well-worn path. The trek may be tough, but a pilgrimage isn’t a pilgrimage without a dose of suffering, or at least exertion. And visiting this holy site is, after all, a must on their religious calendar.
Yen Tu Mount, which stands some 1,068 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the nation’s north-east. It is also known as Elephant Mountain, because those with creative minds think it resembles a reclining elephant looking out towards the sea. It has played a part in history for centuries, as monks seek out its sanctuary and solitude. But the mountain, just north of the provincial capital of Uong Bi and nestling close to the world-famous Ha Long Bay, really came to prominence after King Tran Nhan Tong retired from the throne in 1299 to become a monk.
Tong (who lived until 1308) took two other monks: Phap Loa Ton Gia (1284-1330) and Ly Dao Tai (1254-1334), and founded the Zen Buddhist sect known as Truc Lam. Before Tong came to prominence for his religious activities, he had already established a reputation as a strong and true governor. Aided by legendary general Tran Hung Dao, the young king led the nation to victory in two out of three resistance wars against the Yuan- Mongol invasions in 1285 and 1288. The first Mongol invasion in 1258 was repelled by his father, King Tran Thanh Tong (1240-1290). Even after King Tran Nhan Tong had abdicated in favour of his son, he still advised the court and came up with strategies to protect the northern and southern borders. He had developed a taste for Buddhist teachings and a love of letters in his childhood.
But it was only after he retired from the throne that he could pour his heart and soul into his religion. Yen Tu Mount, and the Truc Lam sect, flourished during the reign of the Tran Dynasty (1200-1400). Pilgrims wishing to pay their respects to this founding father nowadays walk a 20 kilometres path, passing 10 pagodas and hundreds of shrines and stupas. Their ultimate goal is the Dong Pagoda, sitting on the peak of the mountain. The many places to visit along the way are said the replicate the path King Tran Nhan Tong followed on his first pilgrimage. The first stop is the Suoi Tam (Bathing Brook), where he washed off the dust and grime of his earthly life.
Legend has it that the Yen Tu peak is the final line separating heaven from earth, where the celestial world touches the clouds. Whenever the pagoda’s bell chimes, rain clouds will mass. Visitors to this mount cannot fail to notice a row of pine trees, believed to have stood in this spot for more than 700 years. They are said to have existed when King Tran Nhan Tong ascended to the peak. But these trees are now at risk, from the very popularity of their homeland. Travellers use their aged roots as stepping stones or resting places, and quite a few of the trees have died as a result. A new path bypasses them, but few pilgrims want to change the habits of a lifetime – even if it means giving new hope to a part of their revered place.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is the only soil island of all. It is not only a place having beautiful natural surroundings: pine trees, lakes, beautiful beach…but also where President Ho Chi Minh chose to be the relax place of other State officials’ and his when they came here in 1959.
On the total area of 400 ha, Tuan Chau has the population of 1500. As planned, the total area of Tuan Chau will be widen to 675 ha. It enjoys the advantage of having both road and river transportations. It is about 18 km away from National Highway No.1. This route is an important blood vessel of the robust Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic triangle. It takes about 3 hours from Mong Cai ( 2 hours by boat) and 1 hour from Hai Phong.
Continuing on to the second chamber, the bumpy way leads to a spring with fresh water. The last room contains further incredible stone depictions. Tam Cung Grotto lies in May Den, a luxuriant island nearly isolated from other islands. Mây Ðèn’s cliffs are extremely vertical, while its forest is flourishing.
Entering its first chamber, one can hear the sound of t’rung or stone musical instrument from near and far. Pushing further inside, tourists meet a “fairy” whose white beard flies in the wind climbing the mountain. High in the wall of the chamber there stand three statues representing prosperity, happiness and longevity, looking down at the earthly world. From the ceiling falls down a stalactite which resembles the bud of a hydrangea among a garden of stone flowers. Going through a narrow passage, one comes to a natural museum of lively animals, including lions, seals, even god of the sea. In the middle of the second chamber lies a stream murmuring all year round, making the two surrounding cliffs rustle. In the last chamber, tourists can find an imposing bas-relief in which are carved elaborate strange images, lying layer after layer in a harmonious layout. One can figure out flowers, bamboos, stone curtains, or sleeping elephants
Yen Tu moutain
Some 150,000 pilgrims are expected to make the trek before the festivities wrap up, making Yen Tu one of the nation’s key tourist attractions. The site deserves its popularity. The breathless climb leads one higher and higher, giving the climber the impression of an ascent to the heavens. But those seeking a quicker route to salvation can take the cable car. It may seem like cheating, but the birds’ eye views are superb. This year, most tourists and pilgrims are sticking to the well-worn path. The trek may be tough, but a pilgrimage isn’t a pilgrimage without a dose of suffering, or at least exertion. And visiting this holy site is, after all, a must on their religious calendar.
Yen Tu Mount, which stands some 1,068 metres above sea level, is the highest peak in the nation’s north-east. It is also known as Elephant Mountain, because those with creative minds think it resembles a reclining elephant looking out towards the sea. It has played a part in history for centuries, as monks seek out its sanctuary and solitude. But the mountain, just north of the provincial capital of Uong Bi and nestling close to the world-famous Ha Long Bay, really came to prominence after King Tran Nhan Tong retired from the throne in 1299 to become a monk.
Tong (who lived until 1308) took two other monks: Phap Loa Ton Gia (1284-1330) and Ly Dao Tai (1254-1334), and founded the Zen Buddhist sect known as Truc Lam. Before Tong came to prominence for his religious activities, he had already established a reputation as a strong and true governor. Aided by legendary general Tran Hung Dao, the young king led the nation to victory in two out of three resistance wars against the Yuan- Mongol invasions in 1285 and 1288. The first Mongol invasion in 1258 was repelled by his father, King Tran Thanh Tong (1240-1290). Even after King Tran Nhan Tong had abdicated in favour of his son, he still advised the court and came up with strategies to protect the northern and southern borders. He had developed a taste for Buddhist teachings and a love of letters in his childhood.
But it was only after he retired from the throne that he could pour his heart and soul into his religion. Yen Tu Mount, and the Truc Lam sect, flourished during the reign of the Tran Dynasty (1200-1400). Pilgrims wishing to pay their respects to this founding father nowadays walk a 20 kilometres path, passing 10 pagodas and hundreds of shrines and stupas. Their ultimate goal is the Dong Pagoda, sitting on the peak of the mountain. The many places to visit along the way are said the replicate the path King Tran Nhan Tong followed on his first pilgrimage. The first stop is the Suoi Tam (Bathing Brook), where he washed off the dust and grime of his earthly life.
Legend has it that the Yen Tu peak is the final line separating heaven from earth, where the celestial world touches the clouds. Whenever the pagoda’s bell chimes, rain clouds will mass. Visitors to this mount cannot fail to notice a row of pine trees, believed to have stood in this spot for more than 700 years. They are said to have existed when King Tran Nhan Tong ascended to the peak. But these trees are now at risk, from the very popularity of their homeland. Travellers use their aged roots as stepping stones or resting places, and quite a few of the trees have died as a result. A new path bypasses them, but few pilgrims want to change the habits of a lifetime – even if it means giving new hope to a part of their revered place.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is the only soil island of all. It is not only a place having beautiful natural surroundings: pine trees, lakes, beautiful beach…but also where President Ho Chi Minh chose to be the relax place of other State officials’ and his when they came here in 1959.
On the total area of 400 ha, Tuan Chau has the population of 1500. As planned, the total area of Tuan Chau will be widen to 675 ha. It enjoys the advantage of having both road and river transportations. It is about 18 km away from National Highway No.1. This route is an important blood vessel of the robust Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh economic triangle. It takes about 3 hours from Mong Cai ( 2 hours by boat) and 1 hour from Hai Phong.
Tuan Chau island’s name is the combination between ‘linh tuan’ (the patrolman) and ‘tri chau’ (district chief) because in the feudal time, the royal army set up a guard station here to patrol and defend the borderland. Prior to 1999, the island’s residents suffered from a very modest living standard.There was no power network and no clean water. Roads were only trails and there was no mechanical means of transportation. Tuan Chau was a very poor town where fishing with very rudimentary tools is the only means of living. The first project of great significance was to link Tuan Chau and the National Highway No18 by building a road. The work was officially started on February 28th, 1998. All company staff had to overcome numerous hardships to achieve this difficult task, which translated people’s dream into reality.
