Halong Bay: A Natural Wonder

Some have called this unique UNESCO World Heritage site one of the wonders of the world, and for good reason. At first glance, the area reminds one of a scene from a pirate movie. Unsurprisingly, each year, thousands of photographers come to Halong Bay simply to capture images of this marine paradise. Halong Bay is situated in Quáng Ninh Province, Vietnam. Walk along its more than 120 km coastline and you'll see hundreds of towering limestone cliffs and unbelievably green islets (1969 in all) of various sizes and shapes nestled in the bluest of ocean waters. Halong Bay has often been described as a 'magical' place due to its unearthly beauty and untouched and mysterious ambiance.
Listed below are some activities and sites you may consider during your trip to Halong Bay.

Ride a wooden junk and explore the islands.

The best way to see the beauty of Halong Bay is to cruise around the islands in a wooden junk. Depending on the service you engage, these junks generally stop at specific islands and offer guided tours, similar to many other places in Vietnam. Walk around these islands you'll truly be in awe of nature's majesty. A number of the islands are hollow and hold enormous caves, others house floating fishing villages, and still others boast scenic lakes within.

Eat the freshest seafood.

The beautiful blue waters of Halong Bay, which is perfect for water-based activities such as swimming, boating, snorkelling, and kayaking, also support over 200 types of fish and 450 different types of molluscs, which are served by the local restaurants and cruise ships. If you're a fishing enthusiast, check with your agent regarding fishing cruises, including night fishing cruises, with local fishermen. Fresh seafood can also be bought from local fishermen and can be cooked and served on deck; or head over to one of the nearby restaurants where much of the day's catch is kept fresh and alive in tanks, ready to be cooked. Take a chance and choose a local dish - you'll be sure to remember the taste long after you've left Vietnam. Walk on the beach after your meal and enjoy the beauty of the sunset or night sky - truly the perfect end to your day.

Go spelunking.

The islands of Halong Bay feature some of the most amazing caves in Vietnam. Walk through Sung Sôt or Surprise Grotto (also known as the 'Amazing cave'), which was only recently discovered. This Grotto lives up to its name, being one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Ha Long Bay, if not Vietnam. Walk up about a hundred stone steps to reach its aperture, which opens to two chambers. The first is as a wide theatre hall, with many stalactites hanging from the high ceiling. The second is bathed in natural light filtering in from above through a large opening serving, giving the whole chamber an otherworldly appearance. This chamber is so big that it can hold thousands of people! Other caves of interest are the Bo Nau Cave, the Dau Go Cave, and Thien Cung Cave. No matter which you choose to visit, it will surely be an experience you'll always remember.

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Tags: Vietnam, Vietnam walk, Halong Bay