Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay adjoins the Gulf of Tonkin. The land around it is karst, or limestone. The interaction of limestone and acid water form caves, mountains that go straight up into the air, and other interesting formations. It's one of the most beautiful areas of Vietnam, and a popular destination. The area looks very similar to Guilin in southern China, which is not that far away.

Click for a larger version Ha Long Bay

With mountains in the mist.
Click for a larger version Submarine-shaped island

There are fanciful legends about many of the mountains.
Click for a larger version Inlet with floating houses.
Click for a larger version Floating houses

Note the TV aerial.
Click for a larger version More floating houses

It pays to keep an eye on the kids.
Click for a larger version Temple and grotto
Click for a larger version Temple in grotto
Click for a larger version Cave dwelling

On the way to see the large cave below, we peered in to someone's home. Unlike Neanderthal dwellings, this one has a stereo, television and furniture. It would have been great to get a closeup, but there were people in bed and snoring at noon.
Click for a larger version Cave interior

Paved floor and colored lights courtesy of the Chinese, presumably the same people as the ones who did Reed Flute Cave in Guilin. The penguin waste baskets were uniquely Vietnamese.

Home | Contact | Message Board