Halong Cruise Tour
One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, magnificent Halong Bay lies 160km to the east of Hanoi, covers an area of 1,500 km over which are scattered thousands of limestone islands and grottoes tising from the clear, emerald waters of the Dulf of Tonkin... One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, magnificent Halong Bay lies 160km to the east of Hanoi
Ha
Long Bay affords some of Vietnam's most spectacular scenery, including
beautiful limestone formations, rock arches, gin-clear water, virtually
inaccessible lagoons, sheer cliffs, peaceful coves, eerie caves,
secluded strips of white, powdery sand, and thousands of limestone
islets. Like sculpted cartoon characters, these islets are fancifully
named: Frog Island, Face Island, the Isle of Wonders and the Isle of
Surprise. Chinese junks glide over the teal-hued bay between the
grottoes, which are densely carpeted in neon-green ficas, mangrove and
spiky cacti. Pearl oyster farms are tucked into tight channels between
the towering, limestone cliffs. Primitive floating fish hatcheries are
spun across the waters between the grottoes like neglected spider webs.
This maritime mountain range reaches for a distance of more than 100
kilometers and covers an area of some 1500 square kilometers.
Sung Sot Cave
Situated
in the centre of the UNESCO-declared World Heritage area, the Sung Sot
or Surprise Grotto is on Bo Hon Island, and is one of the finest and
widest grottoes of Ha Long Bay.
Ascending to the grotto, the way is
covered by trees and foliage, and consists of great paved stone
blocks.Inside, it is artitioned into two chambers; the first one being
similar to a wide theatre hall. Many stalactites hang from the high
ceiling, with numerous possible forms and shapes.Anarrow passage leads
to the second rooms, where a flow of light meets visitors. The chamber
is so immense it could contain thousands of people at one time.At the
deepest point of the grotto, a "royal garden" appears with a clear pond
and a seemingly fascinating landscape of mountains. Many birds and
plants (benjamin figs, cycads and centenary banyan trees) live here. On
nice days groups of monkeys might arrive in search of fruit.
Thien Cung Grotto
It
is situated on the south-west side the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside
of Ha Long City. The way to Thien Cung is a perilous one, covered on
both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the grotto's
130-meter-long girth opens up. Getting in we are more astonished in
front of the very animated and splendid beauty which is made from
stalactite. On the east wall of the grotto, there is a grandiose and
imposing picture with characters of tales.
Going
out of the Thien Cung Grotto, we have a sensation of just watching a
unique, meticulous, interesting fine-art museum which is made by
nature, get out of the imagine, ability and intellect of man.
This grotto is recently discovered, one of the most beautiful grottoes in Ha Long Bay.
Titov Island
Situated
about 7-8 km south-east of Bai Chay lies the small Ti Top Island. It
displays a beach shaped like a crescent moon, and sand that has been
washed to a snowy white by the tide. On 22 November 1962, this tiny
island had the honour of receiving a visit from astronaut Ghermann
Titov, a hero of the former Soviet Union, accompanied by Ho Chi Minh.
To perpetuate the remembrance of their visit, Uncle Ho named the place
Ti Top Island. It has now become an attractive beach for tourists and
has various of tourist services.
Dinh Huong Islet
In
the itinerary of Thien Cung - Dau Go - Ti Top, one finds Dinh Huong
Islet or Lu Huong (Incense Burner Islet) to the southwest of Dau Go
Island. Passing the Cho Da (Stone Dog) Islet and the Con Meo (Cat)
Islet, one sees an imposing stone slab resting on two other small
stones stands blocked the way. The stone slab resembles a huge incense
burner, which lies in the middle of the sea as a holy object to worship
the Sky and Earth.
Cho Da Islet
In
the itinerary of Thien Cung - Dau Go - Ti Top, after visiting Thien
Cung and Dau Go, one needs 10 minutes boating to the Cho Da Islet or
Stone Dog Islet. Some 8 m up the islet one can figure out a piece of
stone in the shape of a dog sitting with its back to the sea, standing
guard for the safety of seagoing boats for millions of years
Travel Guide 
