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Ha Long at a glance:
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Imagine a mystical landscape of turquoise water sprinkled with thousands of jagged, limestone islands. The Halong archipelago is one of the world's natural wonders - a bay with more than 3,000 islands, which time, wind and wave have sculpted into fantastic shapes. The best way to appreciate this magical scene is from a boat, cruising between these karst cliffs, which loom like fairy-tale castles, complete with rocky spires and hidden caves. |
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In this enchanted setting, you wouldn't be surprised to catch sight of a mermaid slipping from her rocky perch, or a sea serpent rising from the deep. In Vietnamese, Ha Long means 'where the dragon descends into the sea', in reference to the bay's legendary origins. According to an ancient tale, Halong Bay was formed by a dragon, which descended from the northern mountains, gouging out deep valleys with its flailing tail. When the dragon sank into the sea, water flowed into these valleys, leaving thousands of steep peaks to rise above the waves. These cliffs are riddled with caves, some of which are easily accessible. With some magnificent stalagmites and stalactites, these caverns are well worth exploring. A boat cruise through Halong Bay is an unforgettable experience. But for the occasional fisherman rowing past in his bamboo coracle, you'll be left alone to enjoy the sound of the waves lapping against deserted beaches. With thousands of uninhabited island to explore, the possibilities are endless. Pull into a hidden cove, collect seashells on the beach, and swim in the aquamarine sea. In this enchanted atmosphere, work, deadlines and the stresses of modern life are soon forgotten. Halong Bay will soothe your soul and rekindle your belief in magic. The Halong Bay is one of the Unesco Wold Heritage Sites. This beautiful bay covers an area of 1500 km2 in the northern part of Vietnam's East Sea.
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Climate:
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Quang Ninh’s climate is symbolic of the climate in the North Vietnam; featuring all four seasons. In summer, it's hot, humid and rainy, while monsoons flourish. In winter, it's cold, dry, and sometime rainly. |
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Attraction List:
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Scorched Beach (Bai Chay)
| Wooden Stakes Cave (Hang Dau Go)
| Hang Bo Nau (Pelican Cave)
| Virgin Cave (Hang Trinh Nu)
| Cave of Awe (Hang Sung Sot)
| Tuan Chau island
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Local delicacies:
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Getting there:
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By Road: Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Halong: 155km. This is the shortest land route from Hanoi to Halong. Hanoi - Hai Duong - Halong: 163km.
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By Air: Offers a helicopter flight every Saturday from Gia Lam Airport (Hanoi), departing at 8 am and returning at 3 pm.
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By Train: Every day runs a train depart from Yen Vien Railway Station (Gia Lam District, Hanoi) for Ha Long at 4.50 am and arrive at 11.40 am.
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By Boat: Hon Gai Port and the boat system in Halong Bay have the capacity to serve many visitors.
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