Halong Bay

A harmony of mysticism and beauty, consisting of over 2,000 islands sprouting from breath-taking emerald waters.

There’s no wonder this fairy-tale like landscape is a World Heritage Site. Descending Dragon is the translation of this geographical phenomenon, steeped in ancient myth and legend. Although, the name is variously attributed to a 19th century French sailor who believed he had come across a giant sea monster, legend has it that when Vietnam first formed itself as a country, a family of dragons rose from the Red River to create this renowned bay. These dragons are said to have assisted locals in protecting the land at Halong Bay by dropping giant emeralds on incoming enemy troops, in turn forming the towering limestone islands that stand there to this day. Wherever you travel in Vietnam, legends and myths are commonplace, so it doesn’t surprise us to hear there’s more to this tale. The enchanting waters of Halong Bay will be a truly memorable trip on a private junk boat or a luxurious cruise. You’ll be amazed by the myriad of limestone islands and islets, beautiful beaches, fishing villages and mystical grottoes. Take some time to search for the rare Cat Ba langurs – some of the world’s most endangered monkeys found nowhere else in the world and with only an estimated 70 of them remaining. We’ve seen some amazing places in our time, but this UNESCO site is truly unique.