Halong Bay literally means "descending dragon". According to local legend, when Vietnamese started to develop into a country, they had to fight hard against invaders. The God, in order to assist them in defending their country, sent them a family of dragons as protectors. The jewel and jade spit out from the dragons turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay and linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. Numerous rock mountain magically and abruptly appeared on the sea, ahead of the invaders ships causing them knocking each other or striking into the rock. Vietnamese finally won the battle and the dragon, fell in love with this peaceful sight of the earth, decided to stay and live in the bay.
It was said that the place where the mother dragon descended was Halong Bay and Bar Tu Long Island site was the place where the dragon children descended. The spot where the dragon kids wriggled their tails was at Bach Long Vy Island (Mong Cai area)
The name Halong was first time appeared on a French Marine map in late 19th century. In year 1898, it was reported by an article in a French newspaper that a sub-lieutenant and many of the crews saw a large huge snake in Halong Bay. The European image of Asian dragon was then emerged.
Dragon were hidden but rocks remain.
Halong Bay often mentioned in the list of natural wonder of the world, is famous for its scenic ocean karst topography.
Beside its importance in geomorphology and biodiversity, Halong Bay is also significant for cultural and historical reasons. The bay is the home of the ancient Viet people with occupations by various culture dating back to about 18k years.
Calm morning water of Halong Bay at dawn.
Cruise boats anchor at the parking bay
The ocean limestone karsts.
Its another fresh day for the Junks to cruise through Halong Bay.
View of lagoon.
Beautiful day
Halong Bay at dawn
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