Ha Long Bay’s calm water and the thousands of limestone outcrops, islands and steep mountainous karsts dotting the seascape make it a truly magical place….

Some of the islands in Ha Long bay are quite large and there are small coves with sandy beaches where swimming is possible, but the best way to experience this wonderland is on baord a junk as part of a tour. Ha Long literally means Descending Dragon and according to local myth, the unique features of the bay were made when the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend the land.

This family of dragons began spitting out their teeth to create a barrier against the invader and when they hit the sea, these teeth turned into the various islands, outcrops and islets you can see today.   Mother dragon lies on what is now Ha Long and her children lie in Bai Tu Long. The dragon’s tails formed the area called Bach Long Vi known for the miles of white sandy beaches.

When you arrive in Ha Long city, you’ll most likely be driving along Bai Chay (Scorched Beach) and the sand on this stretch of beach is indeed very dark. Legend says that in 1287 the Mongols attacked Vietnam and were driven back.  Many Mongolian ships were set afire and drifted towards the shore of Bai Chay, setting the forest that then surrounded the beach ablaze. From that day onwards, it’s been known as the Scorched Beach.

From Bai Chay, you can hire a boat or take a luxury cruise and go out to Ha Long Bay and absorb the mystical qualities and the surrealistic scenery that defines this place. The limestone formations are awesome and over thousands of years the bases of many have corroded to the point where they seem to be balancing on thin air. Seen from afar or above, it really is possible to believe that these incredible formations are the teeth of dragons!