Video source: Blue Dragon Tours

Halong Bay Vietnam, or Descending Dragon Bay, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular travel destination along the coast 170km east of Hanoi. The Bay features thousands of limestone karsts and isles dotted with caves and grottoes.

Halong Bay is 1,553km2 and includes 1,960 islets, most made of limestone. Nearly 500 years ago, it was called the ‘rock wonder in the sky’ by poet Nguyen Trai in his verse Lo Nhap Van Don.

The geo-diversity of the environment has created an incredible range of biology spread over tropical evergreen, oceanic and sea shore ecosystems. While tourism and industry have taken a toll on the ecology, constant efforts to practice sustainable bio-tourism ensure that we will continue to enjoy this natural wonder in a responsible manner.

After enjoying the above ground wonders, step into another world through the expansive caves dotted throughout the islets. Each cavern contains jagged stalactites and stalagmites in a vast spectrum of shapes, all open to interpretation.

A fine example of aging with grace, the bay has been in geological transformation for 500 million years. Be respectful and it just might last 500 million more.

Apart from natural beauty, Halong Bay has also been the setting of two James Bond films. Though it may be difficult to imagine a speedboat chase through such serenity, how can you blame them for taking advantage of the cinematic scenery?

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