Exploring HaLong and BaiTuLong Bay

Legend has it that the Vietnamese people called for the help of mother dragon when there land was under attack. Eventually there pleas where answered and a mighty dragon (Long in Vietnamese) descended upon earth and protected the people, scattering gems all over what is now Ha (meaning big) Long Bay. Smaller dragons did the same in the place that is now called Bai Tu (meaning small) Long Bay. After the invaders where concurred the dragons decided to stay among the people and over time the gems turned into the rock formations that are seen today.

Most of Halong Bay has been designated a World Heritage site in 1994, ensuring the 2000+ island are protected from human interference and pollution. Many of the people living on floating villages are urged to go to the mainland. Both helping the people, by providing education, and the bay area, by taking away polluting fishermen. Only a handful of people are still allowed to live amongst the islands, to make sure the villages are well looked after and are here to stay for educational purposes.

Only the wind and the waves can affect the islands now.