Mystical Halong Bay 神奇的下龙湾之旅

Halong Bay 下龙湾 (literally "descending dragon bay") is voted a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994. The most iconic tourist destination located in Quang Ninh province in north eastern Vietnam, about 170km east of Hanoi.

Mystical Halong Bay has 1,969 magnificent limestone monoliths islands, formed some 500 million years ago rising from the clear emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin in the east Vietnam Sea. And there are 775 islets within the core of the bay.

According to legend, a long time ago, Jade Emperor sent Mother Dragon and her children to help the Vietnamese who had just started to establish their country but were about to be attack by foreign invaders. The Dragons descended in flocks from the sky, spatting out pearls which changed into stone islands once they touched the water; forming firmed citadels and smashing the enemies' vessels. After the invaders left, Mother dragon and her children did not return to heaven but remain to live in the peaceful Halong Bay.

We took a one day tour. Arrived at Bai Chay Wharf at noon after 4 hours ride from Hanoi.

Set off to cruise and explore the mazes of Halong bay in a dragon tourist boat.

Fleets of tourist boats gliding further into the tranquility of Halong bay.

The Beauty of the Bay took my breath away. Together with a cloud resembling a descending dragon with a pearl in its mouth hovering in the sky was one in a million shot! Clouds are considered Bringers of Good News. Dragons are symbols of Good Fortune. 

 

After the dragon, came the Eagles' greetings: 

"Have A NiCe DaY '.' "  

Another one in a million shot that lifted my spirit sky high!

Enchanting mountains and sea sceneries like a 3D Chinese 'shan shui' (山水) painting.  And there in the mountains, I could see beautiful Chinese fairies singing and dancing gracefully to the rhythm of heavenly melodies..

A community of 1,600 local people live in four fishing villages for generations in floating houses anchored in sheltered coves nestled at the base of tall mountainous islands.

One of the village school that floats on plastic barrels. Children have  primary education here, after which, they will continue their secondary education on the mainland.

Stop at a floating fish farm. Check if your tour price is inclusive of seafood which you may pick from the fish farm or if not, purchase on the spot if you want a fresh seafood lunch. Otherwise, a simple Vietnamese lunch (5 dishes to be shared with 6 person per table) is served on the tourist boat. After lunch, it was time for further exploration.

Boating or Kayaking? Your choice. Check if your tour price is inclusive of any of these rides or if not, pay at the spot if want to explore further. Otherwise, you can just remain on board the tourist boat at your own leisure. 

One of the hollow island with a hidden lagoon inside - Heaven's Lagoon is accessible by smaller boats or kayaks through the tunnel. (during low tide only)

Heaven's Lagoon: Cool, Calm, Silence, 

Peaceful like heaven, perhaps?

Upon exiting the Heaven's Lagoon, bedazzled by a spectacular row of towering limestone mountains, beautified by lush vegetation and characterized by jagged and sheer overhanging cliffs. My jaws dropped slightly whilst blinking in dumbfounded silence! And he was clicking non-stop with his Canon in different shooting angles.

Boat vendors selling fruits, drinks and snacks at the docking platform. We embarked back to the tourist boat to continue our journey of more discoveries. 

Passing the famous Fighting Cocks Rocks. Some called them The Kissing Rocks. So are they fighting or kissing? Depending on one's perception and mood of the day!

I've no idea what's the name of this rock. 

Look like a baby gorilla looking out for his mum.

Disembarked from the tourist boat, climb a fleet of wooden stairs, then enter a narrow passage way into a 130m magnificent Thien Cung cave (天宮洞窟 Heaven Palace cave) where the legendary tale of a beautiful lady named May and the Dragon prince held their wedding for 7 days and 7 nights. It was believed that the wedding scenes were fossilized in the grotto. All you need is the power of visualization to make them come alive!

The passage way to heaven? 

Or just me and my imagination?

Hang Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Caves) is the largest grotto in Ha Long area. It has 3 large chambers with  thousands of stalactites and stalagmites coloured by hundreds of neon lights to illustrate the legendary tales made up by the collection of rock formations.

Back to the tourist boat. So long, Halong Bay! 

A truly mystical destination that let you lost your sense of time.
And be charmed into a spiritual magical world..

  

Note:

1. Cruise itinerary and schedule may change due to weather and operations conditions.

2. There are many tour packages options from a day trip to a 4D3N tour with numerous junk selections (for overnight stay only). It is advisable to choose a reliable tour agency with legal junks that meet safety standards.

3. For day trip tour, the tourist boats are the same. The price vary in terms of meal variations and boat/kayak options. 

4. Passport may be taken or personal particulars required before embarkation on the tourist boat.  

5. The tours are relatively safe. However, it does not mean it comes without its fair share of risks. Purchase travel insurance for a worry-free holiday!