Vietnam Famous Landscape

HaLong Bay - 3 or 5 star Hotels

2007-11-06T12:55:00.000+07:00

3 - 5 star Hotels
(Idd code: 84-33)

Hạ Long - Plaza Hotel Add: 8, Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 845 810 - 845 818 Fax: 846 867 International joint venture, located next to Hạ Long's coast. (200 decorated and well-equipped rooms. ) Price: 98-245 USD Facilities: European and Asian restaurant serving Japanese, Thailand and European dishes, bar, conference hall and other services.	Sài Gòn - Hạ Long Hotel Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 845 845 - 845 848 - 845 284 Fax: 845 849 It is a group of hotels and 5 villas, situated on the beautiful pine hill of Bãi Cháy. Overlooking Bãi Cháy Beach and Hạ Long Bay. (228 modern and decorated rooms , 23 villas rooms and 205 hotel rooms)
Heritage Hạ Long Hotel Add: 88 Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 323 - 846 888 Fax: 846 999 - 846 718 The first joint-venture hotel in Quang Ninh, located near the coast of Hạ Long Bay. ( 101 decorated rooms of an international standard. ) Facilities: Swimming pool; Tennis court; Souvenir shop; Satellite TV; Dancing room; Karaoke room; Laundry and dry cleaning service; Health service; Business centre; IDD; Bar; 300-500 seat international conference hall, banquet-room; Restaurant serving Vietnamese, Singapore, Japanese, Indian, Indonesia dishes and European. Price: 70 - 150 USD.	Hạ Long Bay Hotel Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 845 209 - 845 210 - 845 211 - 845 212 - 846 624 Fax: 846 856 The hotel has a beautiful architectural style, is located near Bãi Cháy Beach and overlooks Hạ Long Bay. ( 82 rooms of an international standard. ) Facilities: restaurant, bar, car-parking, colour TV and international direct dial telephone (IDD).
Hạ Long Hotel Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 320 - 846 321 Fax: 846 318 The Hạ Long Hotel is one of the firsts in Quang Ninh. It opened its doors in 1960 and since then has had the honour of serving state-delegations. The hotel is made up of Hạ Long 1, Hạ Long 2, and Hạ Long 3, all of which belong to Quang Ninh Tourism. Situated on an area of 100,000 sq. m, and with plenty of trees overlooking Bãi Cháy Beach and Hạ Long Bay. ( 200 well-equipped bedrooms. ) The finest services and facilities are available: restaurants, bars, pubs, ballrooms, karaoke, swimming pool and tennis court. The hotel has been listed in international dictionaries, and was the first to receive a gold medal in the Madrid International Tourist Fair in January 1994..	Hạ Long P&T Hotel Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 844 890 - 844 891 - 844 892 Fax: 845 416 Located on the centre of Bãi Cháy, newly built modern 3-star hotel with 11 storeys well equipped. (112 decorated and designed in modern architecture rooms) Facilities: 500-600-seat restaurants with European and Asian foods and Vietnamese specialities, bar, large halls and small meeting rooms for conferences, seminars and signing contacts, IDD phone, satellite TV and other services such as tours operating, air ticket booking, visas extension, cars for rent, etc...
	Công Ðoàn Bãi Cháy Hotel Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 780 - 846 782 - 846 442 - 846 443 Fax: 846 440 Overlooks Bãi Cháy Beach. ( 115 rooms of an international standard) Facilities: elevator, satellite TV, IDD, three air-conditioned restaurants, 200-seat meeting room and other services. Price: 30 - 45 USD.
Bạch Ðằng Hotel Add: 2, Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 330 - 846 415 Fax: 845 892 Located next to the coast of Hạ Long Bay, near the Bãi Cháy Ferry. ( 82 modern equipped rooms) Facilities: Two restaurants overlooking Hạ Long Bay and diversified services.	Moonlight Hotel (Ánh Trăng Hotel) Add: Cái Dăm St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 844 739 Fax: 844 303 Located at the beach of Cái Dam, 4 km from Bãi Cháy, on the way from Tuần Châu Island to Bãi Cháy. ( 52 well-equipped rooms)
Hoàng Gia Villas Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 658 Fax: 847 148 ( 112 standard and deluxe rooms)	Hạ Long Hotel 1 Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 014 Fax: 846 318 ( 23 rooms )

HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Life

2007-11-06T12:50:00.000+07:00

HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Life

Hạ Long - Life 01

Hạ Long - Life 02

Hạ Long - Life 03

Hạ Long - Life 04

Hạ Long - Life 06

Hạ Long - Life 07

Hạ Long - Life 08

HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Islands

2007-11-05T20:24:00.000+07:00

Rều Island

Tuần Châu Island

Đâu Bê Island

Ngoc Vừng Island

Quan Lạn Island

Công Tây Island

Ti tốp Island

Trống Mái Islet

Sư tử biển Islets

Đỉnh Hương Islet

Sỏi Sim Island

Thẻ Vàng Island

Yên Ngựa Island

Ba Trái Đào Island

Thiên Nga Islet

Bút Islet

Bồ Hòn Island

Ngón Tay Islet

Quan Lạn Island

Rùa Islet

Con Cóc Islet

Đầu Người Islet

Ấm Islet

Đầu Mối Islet

Oản Islet

Xếp Islet

Mặt Quỷ Islet

Đũa Islet

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HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Rock & Scenic beauty

2007-11-05T20:20:00.000+07:00

Hạ Long Bay 01

Hạ Long Bay 01 02

Hạ Long Bay 03

Hạ Long Bay 04

Hạ Long Bay 05

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HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Grotto

2007-11-05T20:16:00.000+07:00

Thiên Cung Grotto

Đầu Gỗ Grotto

Sửng Sốt Grotto

Mê Cung Grotto

Tam Cung Grotto

Trinh Nữ Grotto

Hang Trống Grotto

Hanh Grotto

Luồn Grotto

Bồ Nâu Grotto

Ba Hầm Lake

Tam Cung Grotto 02

Thiên Cung Grotto 02

Kim Quy Grotto

Sửng Sốt Grotto 02

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HaLong Bay - Kim Quy Grotto

2007-11-05T20:11:00.000+07:00

Kim Quy Grotto or Golden Tortoise Grotto is situated on Dâm Nam Islet, with a peak 187 m above sea level. Dâm Bac Islet is in the front of the grotto and Soi Sim Islet in the back.

The grotto is 100 m long and 5 to 10 m wide, running in a north-south direction.

A narrow way leads to the interior of the grotto where a stream flows. The stalactites here are snow-white and lightly hang from the ceiling.

It is linked to the ancient legend of the Golden Tortoise: after having helped Emperor Lê Loi defeat his enemies, the Golden Tortoise took back the magic sword he had given him, and swam towards the sea. Arriving in Hạ Long Bay, it met with so many evil spirits and demons hindering its journey that it remained to do battle. After having defeated them all, the Golden Tortoise was so exhausted that it searched for a grotto to rest in, and once inside, turned to stone.

Today in the grotto, it can be found dozing, still with ancient wounds covering its body.

HaLong Bay - Soi Sim Islet

2007-11-05T20:10:00.000+07:00

Soi Sim is an soil island 400 m away from Ti Tốp Island, and 7-8 km from the Bãi Cháy Tourist Wharf. In the island there are many ancient trees. The Hạ Long Bay Management Board is going to build a system of guesthouses equipped with modern facilities. At present, a small beach has been improved and upgraded, adding more charm to the attractive holiday resort.

HaLong Bay - Ti Tốp Island

2007-11-05T20:06:00.000+07:00

Situated about 7-8 km south-east of Bãi Cháy lies the small Ti Tốp Island. It displays a beach shaped like a crescent moon, and sand that has been washed to a snowy white by the tide. On 22 November 1962, this tiny island had the honour of receiving a visit from astronaut Ghermann Ti Tốp, a hero of the former Soviet Union, accompanied by Hồ Chí Minh. To perpetuate the remembrance of their visit, Uncle Hồ named the place Ti Tốp Island. It has now become an attractive beach for tourists and has various of tourist services

Thirty-five years afterwards, on 27 June 1997, Ti Tốp returned to the island having his name. Deeply moved, he wrote in the souvenir book of the Management Board of Hạ Long Bay: "My deepest thanks to destiny, which has allowed me to come back to this tiny island.” It has become a beach attracting many visitors.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Thẻ Vàng Island

2007-11-05T20:05:00.002+07:00

This is one of the eco-tourism site in Bái Tử Long Bay, Cẩm Phả District, in the itinerary of Bài Thơ Mount – Ấm Islet – Ðầu Mối Islet – Ðũa Islet – Monkey Islet – Thẻ Vàng Islet – Vân Ðồn. In Thẻ Vàng Islet, a resort is under construction to attract holidaymakers during weekends. An artificial beach is also underway. In the future, a system of villas and guesthouses will be built.

HaLong Bay - Rều Island

2007-11-05T20:05:00.001+07:00

Rều Island lies just 500 m from the tourist boats wharf. The Hoàng Gia International Joint Venture is implementing a project to turn the island into a resort complex with many kinds of services. At present, the island has a lot species of animals, including many rare ones. Rều Island is fast changing into an interesting holiday resort.

HaLong Bay - Ba Hầm Lake

2007-11-05T20:02:00.000+07:00

Situated on the south-west side of Hạ Long Bay, Ba Hầm Lake is found on Ðầu Bê Island (Calf Head Island) in Lan Hạ Bay. This island is part of the range of islands at the farthest end of Hạ Long Bay, bordering the immense zone Long Châu Sea. Ba Hầm Lake is situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs.
The lake is a system comprising three wide and round pits, linked together by a narrow and meandering tunnel. Stalactites hang from the ceiling in a myriad of strange, coloured forms. The silence is disturbed only by the sounds of the boat’s oars. On the island are many species of plants such as orchids, benjamin figs, banyans and cycads, which blossom throughout the year. It is also the home of yellow-haired monkeys, birds, flying squirrels and bats. Under the deep blue surface of the water are the animated lives of shrimp and fish.

Although 25 km from the shore, it has long been considered an ideal tourism zone. The entrance is a open semi-circular hole in the flat stone wall on the north-west side of the island, 4 to 5 m above the sea.
Starting from the entrance, tourists enter the first tunnel, which boasts a forest of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and various colours. They fall down the water surface like the roots of banyan or ficus trees. The deeper one pushes into the tunnel, the darker it becomes. The river is deep yet so clear that one can see shoals of fish swimming. Some 100 m from the entrance one finds a shaft of light coming from the roof of the tunnel, which reveals different kinds of orchids clinging to the cliff, cycads growing here and there, trúc duôi gà (a kind of reed with cock’s tail-liked yellow leaves) flourishing in clumps. In the southeast cliff of the second tunnel there grows an old carambola tree, which bears fruits all year round. Tourists can find groups of monkeys, flying squirrels, or silver-headed parrots gathering in its branches. Lying one cliff away from the second one, the third tunnel is home to various species of bats and butterflies.
Amidst the tranquil atmosphere, you feel like boating in an abyssal well walled by mountains. Ba Hầm Lake is one of the beauty spots of Hạ Long Bay.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Đầu Bê Island

2007-11-05T20:01:00.000+07:00

On the south-east side of Hạ Long Bay, Ðầu Bê Island is 500 m from Hang Trai Island to the east, and 28 km from the Bãi Cháy Tourist Wharf, in an archipelago comprised between the Trà Ngư and Ðá Lẻ islands outside Hạ Long Bay (seaport of Lan Hạ Bay). It has an area of 22,863 sq. m, and its highest peak reaches 139 m. When speaking of the island, it is impossible not mention to Ba Hâm Lake, a famous spot which people had known long time ago.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Cống Tây Island

2007-11-05T19:59:00.000+07:00

In the Ngọc Vừng - Quan Lạn islands itinerary, one will visit Cống Tây Island, which lies at the Bái Tử Long Bay, 40 km away from the Bãi Cháy Tourist Wharf. From Cẩm Phả, express boats will take you 30 minutes or 90 minutes by common boats to reach Cống Tây Island.

Cống Tây Island is considered the Cinderella in a legendary tale. The Cẩm Phả Coal Construction and Port Company built a resort in the island to attract holidaymakers. A system of villas and restaurants lies very close to the beach. Red brick-paved, coconut-lined roads lead from the villas to the beach. Hammocks are available here and there for tourists to relax and view the sea.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Cống Đỏ Island

2007-11-05T19:58:00.000+07:00

On the south-east side of Hạ Long Bay, about 25 km from Bãi Cháy Wharf, Cống Ðỏ is in Bái Tử Long Bay in the region which recognised as the World Heritage. It has an area of 23,363 sq. m, and its mountain reaches a peak of 172 m. The island features many lagoons, which are the residence of numerous species of sea-life, such as shrimp, crab, fish, squid and aquatic plants. On the south-west side of the island, there is a wide coral reef displaying a myriad of colours.

Coral reef ecosystem is more than 700 m long and 300 m wide. It is preserved almost undamaged. In the future, there are plans for the development of a zone for scuba-diving. On the south-east side of the island, vestiges of the ancient commercial port of Vân Ðồn were discovered. This confirms beliefs that Cống Ðỏ Island once held an important position in terms of foreign trade.

HaLong Bay - Ba Mùn Island and Primitive Forest

2007-11-05T19:57:00.000+07:00

Ba Mùn Island is a schist island belonging to the Minh Châu Commune, Vân Ðồn District. It stretches out parallel to Quan Lan Island, separated by the Ðối Gate that runs in a north-east direction. It has the other name, Cao Lô Island. It is 15 km from the shore, 1,800 ha in area with more than 20 km long and narrow wide. It consists of a narrow stretch of earth and stone that runs east to west. The highest peak is Quít Mountain with a height of 397 m. The fauna and flora here are very plentiful. There are many rare species.

It is the only island in Hạ Long Bay that is home to a primitive forest. There are countless species of plants and trees, some with giant trunks. This forest is also home to many rare animals such as chamois, deer and monkeys. It is said that many years ago tigers, panthers and elephants once resided on the island. In order to help preserve the forest, on 24 January 1997, the government recognised it as a national park

HaLong Bay - Bồ Hòn Island

2007-11-05T19:56:00.000+07:00

When speaking of the beautiful islands of Hạ Long Bay, one must speak of Bồ Hòn Island or Soap-Berry Tree Island, not only because of its splendid scenery, but also as it is one of the largest in the area. There are many grottoes located here, such as the Surprise, Luồn, Virgin and Male grottoes. There is also a concentration of high mountains with vertical cliffs like citadel wall; mountains follow closely make a huge beautiful watercolour picture on the sea.

French call this island Les Surprises. There are various species of plants such as benjamin fig trees, cycads and orchids... and animals are monkeys, deer and chamois. Perhaps, Bồ Hòn Island famous for the grotto system hiding inside it. Each of them has their own marvellous beauty and is related to the moved legends.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Quan Lạn Island

2007-11-05T19:53:00.000+07:00

Quan Lạn Island belongs to Bái Tử Long Bay; part of an island range on the outside of the gulf of Bắc Bộ. It has an area of 11 sq. km, and features eight populated hamlets. Quan Lạn Island stretch toward East – West from the foot of Vân Đồn Range to the Gót Mount with many high mountains to the east barring waves and winds, protect the villages. The island is situated on an important navigation route that connects China, Japan, Thailand and Philippines to Vietnam. Along two sides of the island are tens kilometres of sand beaches. This is the endless resource for glass making which the sea gives to man and it is also the extremely interesting tourism

Since the 11^th century, Quan Lạn had been one of the centres of the ancient commercial port of Vân Ðồn, which was animated and prosperous at the time. Today, there are still many vestiges linked to the ancient commercial port. This also explains why the island, lying deep in the sea, has the large pagodas and archaeological sites seen today. On the island there is the Quan Lạn Communal House built in the 18^th century; exceedingly beautiful and almost entirely preserved. Next to it is Quan Lạn Pagoda (Linh Quang Tự), which is dedicated to Buddha and God Liêu Hạnh. The pagoda also worships the statue of old Hậu, a local person who made lots of contributions to the construction of the pagoda. The statue features a gentle and cheerful old woman, which adds an original character to the pagoda. Beside Quan Lạn Pagoda lies Nghè Quan Lạn (Ðức Ông) Shrine, which is dedicated to Phạm Công Chính, a local people who participated in the historical Vân Ðồn battle against the Yuan invaders. He was later honored as a god. Quan Lạn has many valuable sea products such as octopuses, butterfish, mackerel, holothurian, shrimp, and sái sùng.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Tuần Châu Island

2007-11-05T19:45:00.000+07:00

On the south-west side of Hạ Long City it is Tuần Châu Island, a schist island, very pretty, with a luxuriant forest. It has an area of 220 ha, and to the east and south are two beaches endowed with very white and fine sand. In 1962, Hồ Chí Minh visited Hạ Long Bay and made a stop here for vacation. Nowadays, Tuần Châu Island is one of the most attractive destinations in Hạ Long City.

Tuần Châu is in an important position at the entrance of the waterway system of Thăng Long, Bặch Đằng and Vân Ðồn, and this is why it was formerly a military watch station. The Office of Feudal Customs was also installed there.

The island also has many archaeological sites pertaining to the ancient Hạ Long culture from 3,000 to 5,000 years ago.

One can go to Tuần Châu Island via the 2-km cement road from the mainland. Investments have been poured into the island to turn it into a modern tourist resort. It includes such fascinating extras as the dolphin, sea lion, and seal-performing club, animal circus club, golf court, cultural-sports center, beach, rural market, ornamental fish lake, villas in Hill 1 and Hill 2, guesthouses, five 80-room villas by the beach. The ensemble of five restaurants and one round house built in the pagoda motif can serve up to 500 guests at the same time.

In Tuần Châu, the octagonal house where President Hồ Chí Minh rested when he visited Hạ Long now became his memorial site. Tuần Châu Island is expeditiously putting the finishing touches to its construction works so that they can be made available for the 2003 Hạ Long Tourism Year.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Ngọc Vừng Island

2007-11-05T19:44:00.000+07:00

Ngọc Vừng, or Gem Island, is a pretty site sitting between the Nét Islet and Phượng Hoàng (Phoenix) Island, in the Vân Ðồn District. From above, Ngọc Vừng looks like a beautiful velvet handkerchief with exquisite white edgings; it seems to float on the water surface. On the east side of the island there is a kilometres-beach with pure white sand. At the centre is a luxuriant benjamin fig tree; it was under this tree that Hồ Chí Minh stood and conversed with the population in 1962 during a visit.

Formerly, under the feudal dynasties, this island zone contained a great quantity of rare and precious species of mother-of-pearls. At night, fluorescent pearls would light up the whole region. So there are several islands having name “Ngọc” such as Ngọc Vừng (dazzling pearl), Minh Châu (Ngọc Châu)...

During the war against the US, the island belonged to a front of outward islands that served as protection for the eastern waterways.

It is also on the beach that many stone artefacts were discovered in 1937, opening a string of excavations and archaeological research aiming at providing some explanations of the mysteries of the ancient Hạ Long culture.

source: halong.com

HaLong Bay - Mê Cung Grotto

2007-11-05T19:38:00.000+07:00

Two kilometers south-west of Ti Tốp Beach is the Mê Cung Grotto or Bewitching Grotto. It formed on Lom Bò Island, and seen from afar, the entrance is like the roof of a house denting the island’s side.

After a narrow crack only allowing one person through at a time, many partitions appear. These chambers are somewhat small and narrow, but very refined, and with many stalagmites and stalactites bearing beautiful forms.

Threading your way through narrow passages, you find a dim light from afar, which signals the exit of the grotto. On getting out of the grotto, climb up several rugged stone stairs and look down, you see a large round lake surrounded by the mountain. Its waters is blue all year round. The lake is home to many kinds of fish, shrimps, octopuses, algae, see weed, and coral. Lying adjacent to the lake there is an area of old trees popularly known as an alluring “royal garden”.

It is dry and well-ventilated, and features a thick layer of shells forming the foundation of the entrance. Formerly, this layer was 1.2-meter-thick and semi-fossilized. In the course of research, there was also a fossilized animal’s skeleton discovered in the interior. The Mê Cung Grotto has been recognized by archaeologists as one of the vestiges of the pre-Ha Long new Stone Age culture, that existed between 7,000 and 10,000 years ago.

Pushing into the grotto, tourists feel like walking in a palace of a Persian king. Hearing the murmur from out of nowhere, you think that Scheherazade is telling the stories of the Thousand and One Nights for her king.

On the island, there are many ancient trees casting long reflections on the water of the bay. They are home to many species of birds and animals (monkeys, chamois and varans).

source: www.halong.com

HaLong Bay - Values of Biological Diversity

2007-11-05T18:09:00.000+07:00

Hạ Long Bay has a very complicated structure with its meandering coastline and many river mouths. Rich and diversified sources of food for many species of plants and animals are also found here. In particular, the bay, partitioned by thousands of large and small islands, creates areas of water with an average and stable sea level. Meanwhile, the climate in Hạ Long Bay is also very stable, with an average temperature of between 19 and 25ºC, and an average heat radiation rate of 17 kcal/ sq. cm/ month. It sees an average rainfall of 2,000 to 2,200 mm/ year. These favourable conditions have seen the development of many varied ecosystems.
Results of scientific research show that Hạ Long Bay features ecosystems of a tropical ocean region, such as: salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs and tropical rain forests.
In the sea surrounding Hạ Long, coral grows in many places, but is densely concentrated on the eastern and southern sides, far from the mainland. According to research conducted by scientists from the Oceanographic Institute, Hạ Long Bay is home to 163 species of coral, from 44 lines of descent and 12 families. Coral reefs are distributed everywhere, generally at a depth of 4 to 6m. The coverage rate of coral reef is 30% on average, but there are areas where it attains 70 to 80%, such as at Cống Ðỏ and Bọ Hung. The coral forests of Hạ Long Bay are a wonderful sight, with many extraordinary shapes and diversified colours. When the tide flows, the coral moves with the water, pumping as rhythmically as a heartbeat. At the same time, the reefs are residence to a great number of species: fish (107 varieties), water plants, algae and transitory animals and plants.
The salt water-flooded forests also offer especially interesting scenery along the coastline of Hạ Long Bay. These forests are chiefly concentrated in the zones of Tuần Châu, Cửa Lục and Ba Chẽ. Many species of salt water-flooded plants, the most diversified collection in North Vietnam, are found here. Also living in these flooded forests are a great many species of animals: migrating birds (37 species), sea-bottom animals (81 species) and fish (90 species belonging to 55 families). In particular, bottom-feeders account for 61% of the total species in the whole tidal region, with many species being of great economic value: arcae, meretrixes and all kinds of crustaceans.
The tropical rain forest ecosystem also features a rich quantity of species: đinh, hương, sến, táu trees. This is the residence of various rare and precious creatures: deer, weasels, squirrels and in particular, white-tabby and red-haired monkeys.
At the same time, there is a system of small caves along the sea, which are the living and development places for many animals and plants: seaweed, water plants, algae, fish and shrimp. Deeper into the water, there are also many species of shrimp, fish (almost 1,000 species), abalone and other sea-specialities; harvested every year to the tune of several thousand tons.

source: www.halong.com

HaLong Bay - Cultural and Historical Value

2007-11-05T17:57:00.002+07:00


Stone	Pottery

The beauty of Hạ Long Bay consists in its mountains, water, clouds, caves and grottoes. Many, however, do not realise that Hạ Long was also the cradle of an ancient people who helped create the present Hạ Long culture.
At the end of 1937, a Swedish archaeologist named Anderson, together with two French archaeologist sisters named Conani, journeyed for months through Hạ Long sea. They climbed mountains, visited caves and explored the coastline, finding many stone artefacts: axes, grinding tables, sewing needles and jewellery. They called the culture that formed these remnants “Ngọc Vừng” In the months and years following, Vietnamese archaeologists continued their research and made many excavations; discovering more archaeological sites, such as Ðồng Mang, Xích Thổ and Soi Nhụ. Through an area of some hundreds of square kilometres, they discovered many stone artefacts and pieces of broken designed pottery.
Throughout its development, Hạ Long has had a particularly important position; being situated on the communication routes between China, Japan and Thailand. Gradually, it became the centre of cultural and commercial exchanges between these countries and ancient Vietnam. The book Comprehensive History of Ðậi Việt reads: "In the second month of the spring of the year of Kỷ Tỵ, the 10^th year of the reign of Lý Anh Tông (1149), the commercial port of Vân Ðồn was established.” In the long period overlapping the Lý, Trần and Lê dynasties, Vân Ðồn was a place of busy commercial and cultural exchanges between Vietnam and its South-East Asian neighbours. A remaining vestige of the ancient commercial port is Cái Làng Wharf (Quan Lan).
Vân Ðồn is also a site that witnessed glorious feats of war against the invasion of the Yuan-Mongols aggressors. It was here that the enemy, General Trương Hổ, had an entire fleet of food supply boats set ablaze by Trần Khánh Dư. This contributed greatly to the victory of Bạch Đằng.
Closely linked to this animated commercial centre were many religious architectural constructions; built to meet the requirements of both traders and the population that practised Catholicism and Buddhism.


Đồng Pagoda (Yên Tử Vestige)	Poetry (Bài Thơ Moutain Vestige )

At Soi Nhụ, researchers found three fossilised human skeletons.
In particular, in the central zone of the present UNESCO World Heritage Site area, there have been recent discoveries of fascinating archaeological finds: Mê Cung, Thiên Long and Tiên Ông grottoes. The quantity of ancient shellfish in the Melina Spring, indicated by the 1.5 m-thick heaps of shells, amounts to hundreds of cubic metres.
The archaeological sites of the Hạ Long culture are distributed everywhere, but are mostly found on the sandy beaches of the coastline, and in these caves and grottoes: Ngọc Vừng, Tuần Châu, Xích Thô and Ðông Mang. There are also sites far from the coast, such as Thoi Giêng and Tiên Ông. Wherever the remnants of the first peoples of Hạ Long are found, they seem to bear a common characteristic: the same materials, techniques, forms and designs. Scientists have called it the "Hạ Long culture of the late period of the new Stone Age.”
In Cái Làng Wharf, along to 200m-long coastline scientists had found broken pieces of pottery and china forming a 0.6 m-thick layer. Ages date from between the Lý and Trần dynasties. Here, there are also foundations of ancient houses once built along the wharf. Apart from here, many other ancient wharves have been found, such as: Cống Ðông, Công Yên, Ngọc Vừng, Quan Lạn and Cái Bầu. They have featured similar artefacts.
On Cống Ðông Island alone, four pagodas were built. Among them, the Lâm Pagoda is one of the most ancient in the area. It was built under the Trần Dynasty with three gates, a shrine to Buddha, anterior cult room and house of ancestors. On the north-east side of the pagoda was a tower, the remnants of which indicate it was a large and solemn construction.

Source: www.halong.com

HaLong Bay - Value of Geology

2007-11-05T17:54:00.000+07:00

The most remarkable geological events of Hạ Long Bay’s history in the last 1,000 years include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area and the strong erosion that has formed coral and pure blue and heavily salted water. This process of erosion by seawater has deeply engraved the stone, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Present-day Hạ Long Bay is the result of this long process of geological evolution that has been influenced by so many factors. Some of the most remarkable are: the formation of the limestone layer more than 1,000 m thick during the Carboniferous and Permian periods (240 to 340 million years ago); and the development of the Hạ Long depression during the Neogene period (10 to 26 million years ago). The erosion process forming the limestone plain was most active in the Quaternary Pleistocene epoch (11,000 to 2 million years ago). It is because of all these factors that tourists now visiting Hạ Long Bay are not only treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but also to a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for the last 300 million years.
At the beginning of the Cambrian era (500 to 570 million years ago), the area, which now forms Hạ Long Bay, was basically mainland, submitted to a process of rain erosion. At the end of the period, it was flooded, commencing the existence of Hạ Long Bay. During the Odovic and Silurian periods (400 to 500 million years ago), the area of north-east Vietnam was basically a deep sea, submitted to the constant activity of tectonic plates. At the end of the Silurian period, it underwent a phase of inverse-motion that created mountains deep under the water. From the end of this period and throughout the whole Devonian period (340 to 420 million years ago), the area was subjected to powerful forces of erosion from the hot and dry climate. At this point, Hạ Long was part of a wide mainland that comprised most of today’s East Sea and Chinese continental shelf. Due to tectonic activity, the Hạ Long area and the entire north-east region were raised from the depths at the end of the Devonian period. In the later Carboniferous and Permian periods (240 to 340 million years ago), a shallow and warm sea reformed, which existed for approximately 100 million years. It created two kinds of limestone: the Cát Bà layer of the early Carboniferous period (450 m thick); and the Quang Hanh layer of the middle Carboniferous and the early Permian period (750 m thick). These two layers constitute the majority of the islands of the Bay.
Passing into the early periods of the Contemporary era (67 million years ago), Hạ Long Bay existed in the environment of a high mountainous mainland due to the influence of strong mountain-forming phases. The middle of the Paleocene period saw these motions remain continuous and stable, while strong processes of erosion began, and after millions of years, a form of semi-highland topography took shape. The continuation of this erosion has progressively cut the highlands into blocks with altitudes similar to today's mountains.
Into to the Quaternary era, the process of erosion began dissolving the limestone-rich region of Hạ Long. The islands of today’s Hạ Long Bay are basically remnants of these mountains flooded during the early Holocene period. Rainwater flowed into crevices in the limestone that had formed from tectonic activity. This steady erosion constantly widened the cracks, eventually creating today’s formations. The middle and late Pleistocene epoch (11,000 to 70,000 years ago) marks the period when the famous caves and grottoes of the area formed.
The Holocene period (from 7,000 to 11,000 years ago) is notable for the advance of the sea. This movement reached its peak 4,000 to 7,000 years ago and forming today’s Hạ Long Bay. After that, 3,000 to 4,000 years ago, with the sea in a steady process of recession, Hạ Long culture began to develop. At the beginning of the late Holocene epoch, the level of the water once again increased, forming a marshy floor of canals and streams, and creating the water marks that can be seen on the stone cliffs of today.

source: www.halong.com

HaLong Bay - Natural Beauty

2007-11-05T17:50:00.000+07:00

Speaking of Hạ Long, one must above all talk of the beauty of its water and sky. In a relatively small area (1,553 sq. km), there are 1,969 islands rising from the sea.

Seen from above, Hạ Long Bay resembles a light blue handkerchief dotted with emerald gems; sometimes clustered together, sometimes isolated. The clever artistic hand of creation has made thousands of stone islands simulating familiar personages or animals. Like the constellations of the night sky, it’s possible to find a familiar form in every island of Hạ Long Bay: one brings to mind a pair of chickens bobbing on the spacious water (Trống Mái Islet); another is like a giant tortoise with half-closed and sleepy eyes (Rùa Islet); another is like an old monk joining his hands in prayer to Buddha, with his face turned to the sea (Ông Sư Islet); yet another is like a giant incense-burner standing in the middle of the sea which used to pray heaven and earth (Ðinh Hương Islet). It is a safe bet that many other islands bearing familiar forms remain undiscovered in the mysterious bay.
The sea of Hạ Long is deep blue water throughout all four seasons. In spring, sailing amidst the waves, the stone islands look to be bobbing on the water. As summer approaches and the sun is setting on the far horizon, they appear to awake in unison and rise from the blue depths. The whole bay is bright red, and then turns to blue as the crests of the waves run together towards the shore. Orchids and fig trees, growing from fissures in the stone, bloom with snowy flowers.
As a boat makes its way through this forest of islands by ways of meandering channels, sometimes stone seems to be spread in front of you; forming a wall heeding further progress. Once nearer, the wall appears to crack open as if letting your boat pass. The scenery disappears behind you as yet another panorama opens to your view.
The winding route seems to be endless, but the beauty of Hạ Long Bay does not consist only in the forms of it’s mountains, islands and the colour of its waters, but also in its infinitely rich system of grottoes and caves; concentrated mostly in the middle of the UNESCO-protected area. Thiên Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto) bears a modern and refined trait, while Đầu Gỗ (Driftwood Grotto) is ample and grandiose and Sửng Sốt (Surprise Grotto) appears deeply secretive. There are many beautiful examples, closely linked with legends and popular tales, such as: Trinh Nữ and Trống Grottoes (Virgin and Male Grottoes) and the Fairy Grotto Lake (Ðộng Tiên Lake). Each is a grandiose and refined natural architectural creation.
At sunset, when the mountains’ shadows stretch out long across the bay, the water turns grey-blue, before suddenly transforming to a crimson red as the last of the sun’s rays reach the far away islands. For one short instant, the whole scene mingles into one colour, and then all light is extinguished. After the moon climbs into the sky, the sea seems to be coated with silver, with the lights of Hạ Long City reflected on the surface of the water.
It seemed that every islands, caves and beaches in Hạ Long closely linked with the legend and popular tale of love, of the heroic song for safeguarding country... Visiting Hạ Long Bay is a good chance to witness the romantic and attractive love story, which happened only in the legend.
The 18^th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17^th, 1994), officially recognized Hạ Long Bay as a natural heritage of worldwide importance. And Hạ Long Bay is honorly recognized as a world natural heritage once again for its geological value.

source: www.halong.com

HaLong Bay - Introduction

2007-11-05T17:37:00.000+07:00

Geography

Situated in the north-east region of Vietnam, Hạ Long Bay is a part of the Gulf of Bắc Bộ, and comprises Hạ Long City, the township of Cẩm Phả and a part of the island district of Vân Ðồn. To the south-west it borders the island of Cát Bà, to the east is the sea and the mainland follow a coastline of 120 km. It stretches between the 106º58 and 107º22 eastern meridians and the 20º45 and 20º50 northern parallels.

Topography

Hạ Long Bay covers a total area of 1,553 sq. km, including 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the south-east (belonging to Bái Tử Long Bay), and the south-west (belonging to Hạ Long Bay). The average geological age of the islands is between 250 and 280 million years old.
The densely concentrated zone of stone islands, grottoes and caves, world famous for its spectacular scenery, forms the central zone of Hạ Long Bay, which has been listed as one of UNESCO’s World Heritage Sites. This protected site covers an area of 434 sq. km, comprises 775 islands and forms a triangle: with the Ðầu Gỗ Island (Driftwood Island) to the west; the Ba Hầm Lake (Three Shelter Lake) to the south; and the Cống Tây Island to the east. The regions immediately surrounding the area were classified as a national site by the Ministry of Culture and Information in 1962.

Climate

Hạ Long Bay is located in a tropical and temperate zone. The four distinct seasons are most evident in a year. The annual average temperature is 22,8ºC. The average temperature in summer is 26,4ºC and the hottest temperature is 35,7ºC. The annual average rainfall is 2,005.4 mm. The period from May to October receives the more important rainfall. The winter lasts from 4 to 5 months. Between the main two seasons are a shorter spring and autumn. The period from August to October is typhoon season.

History

Hạ Long Bay has been called by the great national poet Nguyễn Trãi: "a wonder of the earth erected towards the high sky.” It is also a place closely linked to Vietnam’s history with such famous geographical names as: Vân Ðồn (site of an ancient commercial port); Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems by emperors and other famous people of the past); and Bạch Ðằng River (the location of three fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors).
This is not all; Ha Long has been proven by scientists to be one of the first cradles of human existence in the area, with such archaeological sites as Ðồng Mang, Xích Thổ, Soi Nhụ and Thoi Giếng. It is also a region of highly-concentrated biological diversity with many varied ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs and tropical forests, featuring thousands of diverse species of animal and plant life.
While exploring the bay, it’s hard not to feel lost in some legendary world of stone islands. There is an island resembling a man standing and looking towards the mainland. Dragon Island looks like a dragon hovering above the turquoise water. Yet another island, Lã Vọng, resembles an old man fishing, and was named after a famous Chinese mandarin who abandoned his position to become a fisherman. There are also the islands of the Sail, the Trống Mái Islet (Cock and Hen Islet), which look like a pair of chicken lovingly playing with each other above the sea; and the Ðỉnh Hương Islet (Incense Burner Islet), which all bear astonishing resemblance to their namesakes. The forms of the islands change incessantly, depending on the angles of lighting and from where they’re viewed.
At the core, are wonderful caves and grottoes such as: Thiên Cung Grotto (Heavenly Residence Grotto), Đầu Gỗ Grotto (Driftwood Grotto), Sửng Sốt Grotto (Surprise Grotto) and Tam Cung Grotto (Three Palaces Grotto).
With such special values, at the 18^th Session of UNESCO’s Council of World Heritage held on 17 December 1994 in Thailand, Hạ Long Bay was officially placed on the list of the World Natural Heritage. In 2000, UNESCO recognized it as the World Heritage for the second time for its geographical and geomorphologic values. This confirms the global premier value of Hạ Long Bay.

source: www.halong.com

Vietnam Famous Landscape

HaLong Bay - 3 or 5 star Hotels

Hoàng Gia Villas

Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 658 Fax: 847 148 ( 112 standard and deluxe rooms)

Hạ Long Hotel 1 Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City Tel: 846 014 Fax: 846 318 ( 23 rooms )

HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Life

HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Islands

HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Rock & Scenic beauty

HaLong Bay - Photo Album - Grotto

HaLong Bay - Kim Quy Grotto

HaLong Bay - Soi Sim Islet

HaLong Bay - Ti Tốp Island

HaLong Bay - Thẻ Vàng Island

HaLong Bay - Rều Island

HaLong Bay - Ba Hầm Lake

HaLong Bay - Đầu Bê Island

HaLong Bay - Cống Tây Island

HaLong Bay - Cống Đỏ Island

HaLong Bay - Ba Mùn Island and Primitive Forest

HaLong Bay - Bồ Hòn Island

HaLong Bay - Quan Lạn Island

HaLong Bay - Tuần Châu Island

HaLong Bay - Ngọc Vừng Island

HaLong Bay - Mê Cung Grotto

HaLong Bay - Values of Biological Diversity

HaLong Bay - Cultural and Historical Value

HaLong Bay - Value of Geology

HaLong Bay - Natural Beauty

HaLong Bay - Introduction

Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City
Tel: 846 658
Fax: 847 148
( 112 standard and deluxe rooms)

Hạ Long Hotel 1
Add: Hạ Long St., Bãi Cháy, Hạ Long City
Tel: 846 014
Fax: 846 318
( 23 rooms )