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Whatever the legend is.

Halong Bay is definitely a can-not-miss destination for your Vietnam tours and a Halong Bay vacation would bring you more than you ever expected.

With its 1969 limestone island and 23 grottoes, this natural marvel has twice been proclaimed a national heritage site, thus remaining under the watchful eyes of UNESCO. In 1994, the committee first considered the bay a natural wonder, confirming its appointment because its overwhelming beauty. In1998, a British geologist ventured to explore the bay, finding what the Vietnamese government had proclaimed since 1962 - that the bay has rare and precious geological features. Following his report, UNESCO once more placed Ha Long under consideration and in July 1999 recognized the site for its geological and geomorphic value.

The legends of the origins of the Bay's name as numerous as the guides and locals who tell them. Literally, Ha Long means 'Dragon Descending.' As one story goes, the inhabitants of Ha Long once lived in peace with a family of dragons. The mother and her children would descend over the bay to play over the waters. When a drought came, the dragons would spit rainwater to fill the bay. One day, according to the legend, a group of pirates pillaged the village and attacked its inhabitants. Hearing the cries of the villagers, the dragons rushed to their rescue, spitting fire into the bay to ward off the invaders. When the fire hit the water, it turned into the gray limestone rocks that now fill the bay.

Another story claims that the bay was formed when a dragon spat out divine pearls, forming a barrier against an invading Chinese fleet. Once the enemy had been turned back, the dragon settled in the bay and its scales turned into rocky islets. A third version of the story portrays the island formation with less heroism and more clumsiness on the dragon's part: the dragon mother is fabled to have simply fallen into the sea, her body and tail carving out holes in the land during her descent. These later filled with water, surrounding the untouched land and transforming it into a network of separate islands.

Whatever the real legend of the bay is, your Halong Bay tours would be splendid and enjoyable. Majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious, no, words cannot do justice to the natural wonder, you would have to immerse its beauty with your own sense. Taking you beyond the breathtaking vistas is what IOT, the professional Vietnam tour operator is working on!
Itineraries differ in different cruise junks, nevertheless, you will likely see Bai Tu Long Bay, Coc Island, Cap De Island, Bo Cau Island, Vong Vieng fishing village,Trong Cave,Ho Dong Tien Cave, which are all the golden nuggets for your Vietnam holiday. In IOT's cruise junk list, you will certainly find a favorite one to enlighten your Vietnam holiday.