It is impossible to imagine or describe in words what an impression Halong Bay makes. This is an amazing natural treasure, which is shrouded in secrets. Each islet is unique, caves and grottoes are picturesque in their own way, and flora and fauna add more flavor to the surrounding area. And although the Vietnamese government is not particularly trying to ennoble this resort area, tourists are not counted here during the favorable season for recreation.
Halong Bay and its geographical features
Few people know where the interesting bay is located and how to get to these virtually uninhabited places on their own. The islands that are part of the harbor belong to Vietnam. They are located in the South China Sea, in the Gulf of Tonkin. Halong Bay is understood as a cluster of almost three thousand islands, caves, rocks and reefs. Most of them do not even have specific names, and there are probably still areas of land that no man has set foot on. 
The accumulation of thousands of small plots of land among the sea surface occupies no more than 1,500 square kilometers, so from different angles you can see unusual landscapes formed by layers of limestone and slate. Most of the surface is covered with various plants. A third of this area is allocated to the national park, which has been a World Heritage Site since 1994.
If you want to visit these places, you should give preference to a calmer time of the year. It has a tropical climate, so the weather may vary slightly from month to month. There are two main seasons: winter and summer. In winter, from October to May, there is a low temperature, about 15-20 degrees, and cool dry air. Summer is longer and more favorable for recreation, however, it often rains during this period, but mostly at night. It is not recommended to visit the bay from August to October, as typhoons are not uncommon during these months.
Where and how best to relax
Halong Bay is very popular among tourists, although the authorities do not develop this recreational area properly. There is practically no civilization here, and only a few islands can boast of having places to live, eat and have fun. To enjoy your vacation to the fullest, it is better to go to Tuan Chau, where you can soak up the beaches, take a massage course, and rent diving equipment. 
Tourists also praise other places, for example:
Truth and fiction about the history of Halong Bay
Many unusual stories are connected with the wonderful world of the islands of the South China Sea. Some of them are documented, others are retold as fascinating legends. Each local resident will tell the story of the origin of the bay associated with the dragon living in the local waters. It is believed that he lived in the mountains that used to be on the site of the archipelago. When the dragon descended from the peaks, with his powerful tail he divided the land into small parts, which turned into rocks, cliffs and small hilly areas. Water quickly flooded everything around, which is why a picturesque bay appeared. Halong translates to "where the dragon descended into the sea." 
However, it is impossible to say with certainty that the dragon has never been in these waters. There are sailors' stories about the mystical inhabitant of Halong Bay, whose dimensions are frighteningly large. According to various descriptions, it looks like a giant eel, from time to time looking out of the water, but it was not possible to capture it in the photo. Similar reports appeared in the late 19th and early 20th centuries, but since 1908 no one else managed to meet the mysterious inhabitant of the depths. 
Since the bay is a cluster of thousands of islands, it is the perfect place to hide. It was for these purposes that it was often used in different historical eras. Ancient tribes preferred to hide among uninhabited islands from raids from enemies. Later, pirate ships often moored to local shores. Even during the Vietnam War, guerrilla troops successfully carried out their operations, localizing forces in Halong Bay. And today you can retire here on the beaches, because many of them are not included in sightseeing tours, despite their attractive landscapes.
tell friends
