🐉 Halong Bay, Vietnam

Vietnamese legends believe that dragons once descended from the sky, spraying jade drops into the waters of Halong Bay, creating thousands of islands to protect the bay and its people from invaders. 🙇 Today, this mysterious waterscape on the edge of the Gulf of Tonkin is dotted with over 2000 rock formations of various shapes and sizes. ⏰ Towering limestone monoliths resemble dogs, elephants, toads, and monkeys, which also inspire the names of the islands. 🤞 The scenery here shines and dreams like classical Chinese and Vietnamese paintings, especially when the sails of the junk boats outline the horizon like giant butterflies. 👈 Halong Bay stretches for over 160 kilometers, with most of the islands uninhabited and deserted beaches. 🙏 Due to its distance from the mainland, the bay's main population is concentrated in floating villages and fish farms built by the so-called sea gypsies. 🤹 Wooden cruise ships travel back and forth in the bay's waters, offering freshly grilled seafood, including giant tiger prawns, which are usually caught just minutes before dining. 💍 The largest island in the bay is Cat Ba Island, a popular overnight stop. 👨‍💻 Cat Ba National Park has many caves and grottoes worth exploring, such as Trung Trang Cave. 🧭 To truly experience Halong Bay's hidden lagoons, caves, and fantastic rock formations, consider a kayaking tour through the maze of jagged islands. 📕 Alternatively, take a cruise: over 300 ships offer tours ranging from a few hours to several days. ⏺ Overnight cruises give you the chance to see the rugged limestone peaks slowly emerge in the indigo dawn of a misty morning, presenting a transition from ink wash paintings to watercolors. ✋ Halong Bay Cruise Company has three thoroughly renovated vessels, including the Halong Violet, a stylish sailboat filled with the charm and style of Indochina in the 1930s. 😗 Location: 160 kilometers east of Hanoi Halong Bay Cruise Company 84/439335561, cruisehalong.c0m Mountain Travel Sobek offers a 13-day adventure tour, including a 4-day kayaking trip in Halong Bay. 👌 888-8317526, mtsobek.c0m Time: March to October Accommodation: The modern Novotel Halong Hotel in Halong City has spacious rooms, most with bay views, novotelhalong.c0m.vn Best time: October to November and March to April are the finest months in the cool and dry season ✌ #GlobalTravel #BucketList #Vietnam #Hanoi #HalongBay #SoutheastAsiaTravelGuide #Seascape