Halong Hotels
Halong Bay with a 120 km long coastline is situated 170 km from Hanoi. Halong Bay means Bay of the Descending Dragon but that’s not what attracts millions of tourists each year. It’s the 1,969 limestone islands with thick forests that provide one of the best travel experiences ever. There are many deep limestone caves to explore in the islands along the Halong Bay.
The largest cave is called the Grotte des Merveilles and it was discovered by the French. This cave has 3 huge chambers completely made of stalagmites and stalactites. Among the stalactites, you will get a glimpse of French graffiti from the 19th century. You can also take a boat and visit the two big islands of Cat Ba and Tuan Chau. But if you are looking for secluded beaches and tranquility then head straight for the smaller islands.
There are some floating fishing villages close to the smaller islands and more than 200 species of fishes and nearly 500 different types of mollusk. Some of the islands here have quite unusual names like Voi Islet, which means an elephant, Ga Choi Islet stands for fighting cock, while Mai Nha Islet means roof. You will find different types of animals and birds like antelopes, bantams, iguanas and monkeys. Some of the islands have also been named after these animals and birds.
Halong Bay has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage site in 1994.