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  Majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious: words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. Imagine 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Halong Bay is pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.

  In 1994 it was designated a World Heritage site. Visitors can't help but compare the magical, mystical landscape of limestone islets to Guilin in China and Krabi in southern Thailand, but in reality Halong Bay is more spectacular. These tiny islands are dotted with beaches and grottoes created by the wind and waves, and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with birdsong.

  Beyond the breathtaking vistas on a boat cruise through the bay, visitors to Halong come to explore the caves - some of which are beatifully illuminated for the benefits of tourists - and to hike in Cat Ba National Park. There are few real beaches in Halong Bay, nut Lan Ha Bay ( off the coast of Cat Ba Island ) has more than 11 sandy strips.

  As the number - one tourist attraction in the northeast, Halong Bay draws a steady stream of visitors year-round. From February to April, the weather in this region is often cold and drizzly, but this adds an ethereal air to the place and the temperature rarely falls below 10 degree celcius. During the summer months tropical storms are frequent, and tourist boats may have to alter their itineraries, depending on the weather.

  Halong Bay is the stuff of myths and naturally the Vietnamese have concocted one. Halong translates as "where the dragon descends into the sea". Legend has it that the islands of Halong bay were created by a great dragon that lived in the mountains. As it charged towards the coast, its flailing tail gouged out valleys and crevasses. When it finally plunged into the sea, the area filled with water, leaving only the pinnacles visible.

  After finishing reading, you can check out this site to have more vision of Halong Bay: www.world-heritage-tour.org/asia/vn/halongBay/island.html

  And let's vote for Halong Bay to become one of the 7 new wonders at this site: www.new7wonders.com

  And one more time: WELCOME TO MY DEAR COUNTRY - VIET NAM.

                                                              ( from lonely planet )