Overview
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, has often been suggested as one of the major natural wonders of the world. It is populated by local fishermen who have lived in villages scattered throughout the area for generations.
Halong is 170 kilometres east of Hanoi. The name translated into English means ‘’ Bay of Descending Dragons’’ and first appeared in print in a 19th Century French map. There was a story about a huge sea snake being seen by a French boat in 1898 and the name emerged from there as a French newspaper described the snake as a dragon.
No modern development is permitted and as the number of people visiting Vietnam has risen so has the number taking Hanoi tour packages. There is over 100 kilometres of coastline and almost 2,000 islands as well; plenty to include in such tours. This Halong travel guide aims to provide ideas about what is available for tourists to get a comprehensive idea of the Bay and its many attractions.
