By Dzungtrieu lawfirm

Halong Bay means 'the Bay where the Dragon descends into', is located in the Vietnam’s northeastern seacoast, administratively belongs to Halong City, Quang Ninh Province.

The islands concentrated in two main zones: the southeast (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay), and the southwest (belonging to Halong Bay) forms the core zone of Halong Bay, which was designated by UNESCO as World Heritage Site. This area incorporates 434 km² with 775 islands, delimited by 3 points: Dau Go Island on the west, Ba Ham Lake on the south and Cong Tay Island on the east.

Ha Long Bay's ancient karst landscape is the result of complex geological processes taking over 500 million years, from the earth's movements, sea regression, down-warping tectonics, and sea transgression, creating thousands of limestone islands emerging from the sea.

Halong Bay, a mighty and unique artwork by nature with thousands of islands rising from the emerald water, is the number-one tourist destination of northern Vietnam. Halong Bayis recognized by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000 for its aesthetic and geomorphological values. With breath taking beauty, Halong Bay officially became the 29th member The Club of the Most Beautiful Bays of the World in July 2003.

General information

History

Halong Bay is an important strategic area. Not only spectacular view, giant limestone pillars in Halong Bay made natural walls that block the Chinese invaders. Van Don is the place witnessed glorious victories of Vietnam’s army and people in 938, 981 and 1288 on Bach Dang River. The war against the French and American also left many historical traces here.

Culture

Halong Bay is one of the cradles of ancient Vietnamese people with three pre-historic cultures which are Soi Nhu, Cai Beo and Ha Long.

It is home to three traditional floating villages that date to the early nineteenth century. These communities are approximately 1700 people, who live on boats and floating wooden houses for several generations in the core zone of Halong bay. They have no home or land ownership and their main livelihood is fishing and aquaculture.

Weather and when to visit

Halong Bay has tropical coastal climate, with two distinctive seasons: hot and moist in summer, and dry and cold in winter. The temperature ranges through most of the year from 15°C to 25°C.

Halong Bay can be visited the whole year round. However, the best time for a trip on Halong Bay is from April to the end of October (the time of summer and fall in Vietnam). Halong bay is most beautiful in the summer, but it sometimes has heavy rains or even sea storms. In the fall, the weather is cool and ideal for holiday. The temperature is low in the winter, which is completely able to cause a cold. At the time of spring, it’s usually wet and foggy that can make visibility low.