The most remarkable geological events of Ha Long Bay�s history in the last 1,000 years include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area and the strong erosion that has formed coral and pure blue and heavily-salted water. This process of erosion by sea water has deeply engraved the stone, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Present-day Ha Long Bay is the result of this long process of geological evolution that has been influenced by so many factors. It is because of all these factors that the tourists now visiting Ha Long Bay are not only treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but also to a precious geological museum that has been naturally preserved in the open air for the last 300 million years.

Results of scientific research show that Ha Long Bay features ecosystems of a tropical ocean region such as ecosystem of coral reefs with 232 species of coral distributed mainly in the areas of Cong Do and Bo Hung. It is also home to 81 species of gastropoda, 130 species of bivalvia, 55 species of polycheta and 57 species of crab. The ecosystem of salt water-flooded forests chiefly concentrated in the zones of Tuan Chau, Cua Luc and Ba Che has the most diversified collection of species of salt water-flooded plant in North Viet Nam. Also living in this ecosystem are a great many species of animals: migrating birds (200 species), polycheta (169 species), seaweed (91 species), reptile (10 species). Ha Long Bay also has ecosystem of tropical rain forests with various rare and precious creatures: deer, weasels, squirrels and in particular, white-tabby and red-haired monkeys. In addition, there is a system of small caves along the sea, which are the living and development places for many animals and plants: seaweed, water plant, algae, fish and shrimp. Deeper into the water, there are also many species of shrimp, fish, abalone and other sea-specialities.

Ha Long is a place closely linked to Viet Nam�s history with such famous geographical names as: Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port); Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems by emperors and other famous people of the past); and Bach Dang River (the location of two fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors). This is not all, Ha Long has been proven by scientists to be one of the first cradles of human existence in the area, with such archaeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu and Thoi Gieng�

On December 17, 1994, Ha Long Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for its natural beauty at the 18th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Thailand. On December 12, 2000, Ha Long Bay was recognised as world natural heritage for the second time based on its geological value at the 24th meeting of the World Heritage Committee of UNESCO in Cairns, Australia. The recognised site covers an area of 434km�, comprises 775 islands and forms a triangle: with Dau Go Island (Driftwood Grotto) to the west; Ba Ham Lake (Three Shelter Lake) to the south and Cong Tay Island to the east.

SURROUNDINGS

 Cong Tay Island Tourist Area              Tuan Chau Island and Beach

Sung Sot Grotto                                   Ngoc Vung Island and Beach  

Quan Lan Beach                                             Thien Cung Grotto                              

Me Cung Grotto                                    Ti Top Island and Beach

Other tourist services:

- Yacht tour: Visitors will have the opportunity to stay overnight at sightseeing sites in the bay such as Bo Nau Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Cong Do Island, Ba Ham Lake and participate in a party in Trong Cave. The price depends on the types of yachts and visiting time.

- At the beaches in Soi Sim Island and Titov Island, visitors can choose types of marine entertainments as water motorcycle, flying boat, parachute, etc.

- In the lakes of Cong Do and Ba Ham, there are fishing, diving services to explore coral reefs.

- Bathing and climbing tours in Titov Island.

- Ecotourism tour in Soi Sim Island; experience of the life, fishing activities of Ha Long fishermen in Cua Van Floating Cultural Centre.

- Helicopter tour: Discover the bay by helicopter tour held by Northern Service Flight Company (Tel: (84-24) 3877 1410/ ext. 105; Hotline: 0983848909 or 0983116067; email: marketing@northernsfc.vn).

 - Dining service: Visitors can orders menu with ship owners before departing 1 hour to enjoy sea specialties and admire the wonderful scenery of Ha Long.

- Souvenirs: Visitors can buy souvenirs (traditional handicrafts made ??from coal, ceramic, pearl, shell, wood, glass; mosaics; embroidery pictures; postcards, maps of Ha Long Bay, etc).

Ha Long Bay Management Department

Add: 166 Le Thanh Tong Street, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
Tel: (84-203) 3824 867
Fax: (84-203) 3821 307
Email: banquanlyvinhhalong@hn.vnn.vn
Website: http://halongbay.com.vn