Online Travel Vietnam: In 1994, Ha Long was recognized as a world natural heritage site by UNESCO. In 2000 it was recognized again for the second time for its outstanding geological and geomorphic value. At present, Ha Long Bay is one of the nominees for the New Open World corporation’s Seven Natural Wonders of the World.
Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province in the northeast of Vietnam. Covering approximately 1,500km2, it is the home of 1,000 small and large islands, excluding unknown islands, that presents a spectacular seascape. The islands, made of limestone, were created in various sizes and shapes. In one place, if looking from afar, the islands appear to be on top of each other. In other places, some islands are divided into two cliffs, opposite each other, with a small rivulet between them. Others stand horizontally and vertically for dozens of kilometers that create many layers like a firm wall.
The thousands of limestone islets, each with a unique shape and form, have names like Con Cho (dog) Islet, Con Con (toad) Islet, Ga Choi (fighting-cock) Islet, Yen Ngua (saddle) Islet and Thien Nga (swan) Islet. It makes tourists think of a world of giant animals that have been fossilized for millions of years.
Ha Long Bay has not only imposing sculptures but also grandiose natural architectural works. These islands with strange shapes like pyramids and cones are called Dinh Huong (incense burner) Islet and Qua Dao (peach) Islet. There are islands standing alone on rivulets, such as Dua Islet and Ga Choi Islet or lying on the side of a row of islands, such as Yen Ngua Islet and Buom (butterfly) Islet. Some islets, such as Am and Dinh Huong, have four flat faces while others have sharp-pointed peaks. The islets look green all-year-round with creepers, wild trees, and precious plants, such as Choi, Sam, stone pine and orchids.
On the islets, there are several mysterious caves and grottoes, Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto), Trinh Nu (Virgin Cave), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto) and Hoa Cuong, that fascinate visitors. Under opaque lighting, the caves have beautiful stalactites and stalagmites resembling humans, animals and other shapes that make tourists feel lost in a legendary world.
In summer, Ha Long has a spectacular beauty thanks to creepers, wild plants and orchids in bloom. The winds from the ocean bring the mainland cool air. In the very early mornings when the morning star still shines on the peak of Bai Tho (Poem) Mountain, many tourists are on Bai Chay Beach to enjoy the fresh air and behold the landscape at sunrise. When the sunlight spreads over the Bay with strips of colours, the shading of the islands of different shapes and forms are reflected on the water. At that time boats with white and brown sails like butterflies from many estuaries pass through the forest of limestone islands towards the bustling harbour.
The autumn brings Ha Long marvelous moonlit nights. The moonlight shines on the Bay and the water sparkles like it is laminated with a layer of quicksilver. Under the moonlight, the islands become strange and mysterious.
When spring comes, the forests of jujube and apricot trees surrounding the bay show their white blossoms, creating a romantic landscape for Ha Long. At that time, Ha Long exists in a thin veil of mist. Rowing a boat in the mist makes tourists think that they are in floating clouds.
Ha Long is not only beautiful but also rich in seafood. There are about 1,000 species of fish, of which 730 species have names and are famous for their delicious flavours. They include butterfish, codfish and Chinese herring. It is also the home of such specialties, as abalone, blood cockles and pearls, which are expensive exports.
Ha Long has a system of islets, nearly 50km long with many mountains that are 150-200m and even 300-400m in height. The ranges of the limestone mountains divide Ha Long Bay into many secret sunken areas and the bottom of the bay is rather deep, creating a natural seaport that help ships and boats avoid storms.
Ha Long is an area with an ancient history. Tens of thousands of years ago, human beings lived there. Archeologists have found relics left by people from the Stone Age like agricultural tools, stone axes and fish-hooks.
Ha Long has many large and small sunken areas with tortuous rivulets so when touring the bay, tourists will go from one surprise to another. The scenery changes suddenly. From a distance, it seems that a boat will be blocked by a wall of limestone mountains but getting closer there is a small space to go through. Anyone who visits Ha Long Bay will be impressed by its wonderful landscape and unusual caves formed throughout by the complicated process of geological tectonics thousands of years ago.
Also
No comments:
Post a Comment