Halong Bay

Halong Bay Tour Boats
see all photos »

February 17, 2006

As a day trip from Hanoi, we were only just able to get a taste of the stunning scenery of Halong Bay.  The name Halong means "the place where the dragon descends into the sea" and refers to the mythological origins of this archipelago.  Of course, since we had a boat trip planned, the morning started off cold and rainy with persistent fog.  Despite the predictably dreary weather, we managed to have a wonderful visit.  The rain held off at crucial moments, and the fog actually seemed to enhance the mysterious beauty of the steep mountain islands jutting out of the bay waters.

An Unforgettable Day Trip

Islands Emerge Out of the Mist
see all photos »

Our beautifully restored wooden boat took us around to visit some amazing islands, expansive caves, and a floating seafood market.  The surrounding views along the whole ride, including during our delicious onboard lunch, were breathtaking, and we should probably let some of our photos speak for themselves.

The two caves that we visited in the afternoon were near each other on the same island.  The first, the Virgin Cave, was discovered in the last decade and has since been oddly decorated and developed with broad walkways and neon colored lighting.  The natural wonder of the stalactite and stalagmite formations still manages to impress, though at times it felt almost like a fake replica one might find in Disney World.  The second cave was a stark contrast to the first, being naturally lit and well preserved as a historical site.  The Vietnamese would use this cave to hide from the Chinese during invasion attempts.  Both caves were quite large with vast chambers and formations.  After the caves, we had a sleepy float back through the incredible bay and drive back to Hanoi.