Come sail away
20:23 04/03/2009

  A typical Ha Long boat carrying tourists to the islands   While Ha Long Bay is most famous for its spectacular seascapes punctuated with limestone rock formations, more visitors are discovering that the World Heritage Site has more to offer.

Diving

Not just famous for its picturesque landscapes anymore, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam’s northeast is also considered a breathtaking “underwater palace” by scuba divers.

At a depth of 20 meters, explorers can enjoy all sorts of magnificent scenery from colorful coral to spectacular sea creatures.

The underwater ecosystem is diverse.

Fish weighing up to eight kg may swim by along with vast numbers of anchovies, at times covering up to a square kilometer.

At greater depths, there are large underwater caves to be explored.

Kayaking

Whether you're a seasoned pro or a first time beginner, sea kayaking is a terrific way to discover some of Ha Long Bay's hidden treasures that can't be reached by the larger touring boats.

Waters are calm and clear during the spring and early summer months and a paddle around the majestic rock formations can be as romantic or adventurous as one chooses.

Hundreds of tiny sea droplets twinkle in the sunlight as they fall from the paddles.

Small alcoves and sandy beaches become accessible in a kayak while peculiar limestone rock clusters and secret caves reveal themselves.

Spending the night

Tourists can also opt to spend the night on one of the many sea-faring vessels in Ha Long Bay or on one of the bay's small islands.

As the sun sets creating a warm glow on the water, guests can enjoy the soft sea-breeze and soothing sounds of water splashing against the rocks.

Laying back, gazing up at the stars, one can drift off to sleep with a tranquil feeling of peace and quiet.

Ha Long makes a great travel destination for anyone wanting to escape the trials and tribulations of busy city life.

The fresh sea air and rugged natural beauty have a rejuvenating effect on the soul and the adventure activities leave visitors exhilarated.

Ha Long makes an ideal honeymoon destination, but is also a great getaway for anyone looking to relax with friends and family or simply explore alone.

Ha Long Bay is 170 kilometers northeast of Hanoi and takes approximately 3.5 hours to reach by road.

Tour operators can also accommodate boat parties, and specialty trips like midnight fishing.

With nearly 2,000 islets sprinkled over 1,553 square kilometers, Ha Long Bay is considered one of the natural wonders of Asia.

Of which, 775 islets covering 434 square kilo-meters were given UNESCO recognition as a World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000.

Reported by Anh Khoa

Source : thanhniennews.com