Ha Long Bay: The bay of descending dragon

Ha Long Bay

By Venkat Ganesh

When the traffic, the noise and the chaos of Vietnam gets too much to handle. Ha Long Bay is one of those places that offers respite to the traveller from the utter, disorder of the mainland. Located in the gulf of Tonkin in South China Sea, the seascape is a collection of about 2000 limestone karsts of all sizes, shapes and shades of green jutting out the sea. It is a site that you’ll see nowhere else in the world and the feeling of cruising on a boat, no matter if the skies are sunny or overcast, is an extraordinary feeling

Claimed to be at the top among the seven natural wonders of the world, you could easily spend a couple of days wondering at this magical creation of nature. A local myth explains that the bay was karst were created when a dragon descended on the ocean to thwart Chinese invaders and spat out jade stones and pearls that eventually became the islands. The word ‘Ha Long’ meaning ‘descending dragon’ is why it is called so. The geological reason of it being created by millions of years of mountain formation, encroaching sea and tectonic plate movements is equally awe inspiring.

At a 4 hour drive from Ha Noi is Ha Long city - the gateway to Ha Long Bay, which is nothing impressive, but provides you with first glimpse of the limestone karsts rising from the sea piercing the skies. Half an hour after the boat leaves the pier, your jaws drop at the sheer beauty of this place. While some just lie down on the sunloungers soaking in the sun and the views others go on a picture clicking frenzy.

Ha Long Bay

For those looking for a bit of activity, there are kayaks available and tourist can go paddling into the undercuts, and at times even caves made in the karst by years of tides. You can also jump of the boat and go for a swim in the ocean. Overnight accommodation can be arranged on the boat itself or on Cat Ba Island or both depending on what one might require. A night on each is highly recommended.

Ha Long Bay

While you can enjoy some solitude on the boat in middle of the sea, a day or two Cat Ba island gives you some time to lie on the beach reading a book or go cycling among rice paddies and get an insight into the island life. Rock climbing on the karsts is another popular activity that a lot of tourists as well locals and expats from Ha Noi indulge in. The island is also a great base for exploring the not often visited Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long bay as they are usually not included in the itinerary of packaged cruises.  For seafood lovers, it can’t get any fresher. Fish, squids, crabs and prawns you name it and the freshest of the catch is available for you to barbecue by the beach.

All inclusive tours can be booked at a number of tour operators in Ha Noi’s Old Quarter and you’ll have a wide variety of options available to you based on your budget, style and length of the tour. If you’re in Vietnam don’t give Ha Long Bay a miss at any cost.

(Venkat Ganesh blogs at India Backpack Motorbike where he writes about responsible travel, backpacking advices and motorbiking roadtrips. You can follow him on Twitter @indiabckpckmoto and @indiabackpackmotorbike on Instagram)