The name Ha 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; which struck the rocks. After winning the battle, the dragons were interested in peaceful sightseeing of the Earth, and then decided to live in this bay.
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Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay features about 2,000 limestone karsts and islets in various sizes and shapes. The limestone in this bay has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate. [Wikipedia]
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Ha Long Bay was the main reason for my travel to Vietnam this year. It was on my list in 2010 when I visited Cambodia and Thailand. But, I was unable to fit it to my schedule.
This year, I put Ha Long Bay at the top of my bucket list and on the third day of the travel I boarded Marguerite Junk operated by Vietnam Impressive Travel. I have been told that one has to be lucky to get two sunny days in a row in Vietnam in August, the most rainy month of the year, which averagely consists of 20 rainy days. And, thanks God, I got lucky! The sky didn’t drop a tear during my two days and one night trip to Ha Long Bay.
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Junk under full Sails. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
The Kissing Rocks. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Sunset in Halong Bay. Vietnam
Before Sunrise. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
Just amazing, amazing pictures. Just like a paradise…
That’s true, just like a paradise.
Thank you, Guest!
Memographer recently posted..Descending Dragon’s Bay, Vietnam
You’re so lucky. When we were there we saw nothing but fog, fog, and more fog. Great pics!
jill recently posted..What’s It Like to Live in San Francisco?
Thanks, Jill! It was very foggy in the second morning… if it makes you feel a little better ;)
Memographer recently posted..Santa Monica Pier: Route 66 Ending Point
Ha Long Bay looks so beautiful. I recently spent some time in Phang Nga Bay in Thailand, which is similar, though I have heard Ha Long is more beautiful. Great photos! ;)
Koren @ City Gal recently posted..Brooklyn Night Bazaar: Inspired by Night Markets in Asia
Unfortunately, I haven’t visited Phang Nga Bay. Can’t compare. Yes, Ha Long Bay is gorgeous! Thanks for stopping by.
Memographer recently posted..On My Shelves. My Travel Bring-back Collection. Season 2
One of my favorite places in Asia. I recommend that anyone going spend the extra $ for the overnight cruise. Some of the best views I had were early morning and late evening.
Jenny recently posted..Family Fun in Seattle
Thanks, Jenny! I totally agree! I got amazing sunset shots on 2days/1night cruise. The morning was very quite and foggy… but very photogenic :)
Memographer recently posted..EuroTrip 2013: Czech Republic and Belarus
An impressive series of images of this famous bay.