Ha Loang Bay (Ha Long By) - Vietnam

Seen from above, Ha long Bay resembles a light blue handkerchief dotted with emeralds. The bay cover only 1,553 squares kilometers yet has 1,969 islands. The artistic hand of creation made islands that look like people, animals and familiar objects. Trong Mai (Cock and Hen) resembles a pair of chickens bobbing in the water; Rua (Turtle) is a giant tortoise with half-closed eyes. Ong su (The Monk) looks like an old monk, his face turn out to sea as he clasps his hands in prayer to Buddha and Đinh Huong (Incense Urn) is like a giant incense burner atop the altar of the sea.

 
Ha Long bay is the deep blue during all seasons. In spring, the islands seem to bob on the water. As summer approaches, they appear to  awaken in unison and rise from the blue depths. Fig trees and orchids in cracks along the rocky faces bloom with snowy flower. Boats take tourists anytime of year along meandering channels through the forest of  islands. Sometimes, a rock face seems to block the route. However, once the boats come nearer, the wall appears to crack open as if to let boats pass. One scene disappears as yet another panorama opens. The winding route feels endless.

Ha Long bay has  a rich collection of grottoes and caves concentrated mostly in the UNESCO- protected area. Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto) feels modern and refined while Đau Go ( Timber Hiding Cave) is ample and grandiose and Sung Sot (Amazing Cave) seem deeply secretive. Many sites – such as Đong Tien (Fairy Grotto) Lake and Trinh Nu and Trong (Virgin and Male) Grottoes  – are linked to legends and popular tales. Each cave is a grandiose yet refined architectural creation of nature.

At sun set, the mountain shadows stretch out across the bay and the water turns grey-blue before suddenly changing to crimson with the sun’s last rays. For an instant, the landscape becomes one color and then sunlight disappears. After the moon climbs into the sky, the sea seems coated with silver, with the lights of  Ha Long city reflect off the water.

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