Here are some interesting trivia and facts about Halong Bay:
Name Meaning: "Halong" means "Descending Dragon" in Vietnamese. According to local legend, the bay was created by a great dragon that descended from the mountains, and as it charged towards the coast, its tail gouged out valleys and crevasses, which filled with water to form the bay.
UNESCO World Heritage Site: Halong Bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its outstanding scenic beauty and geological importance. It was later recognized again in 2000 for its biodiversity.
Filming Location: Halong Bay has been a popular location for filmmakers. It was featured in the 1997 James Bond film "Tomorrow Never Dies" and more recently in the 2017 movie "Kong: Skull Island."
Biodiversity: The bay is home to 14 endemic floral species and 60 endemic faunal species. It also hosts a variety of marine life, including over 1,000 species of fish and marine animals.
Floating Villages: Halong Bay has several floating fishing villages where people live and work on the water. These villages, such as Cua Van and Vung Vieng, offer a glimpse into a unique way of life.
Pearl Farming: Halong Bay is known for its pearl farms. Visitors can learn about the pearl cultivation process, from the seeding of oysters to the harvesting and crafting of pearls.
Rock Formations: Many of Halong Bay’s islands and islets have names inspired by their shapes. Examples include Hon Ga Choi (Fighting Cock Islet), Hon Dinh Huong (Incense Burner Islet), and Hon Trong Mai (Kissing Rocks).
Cave Discoveries: The bay's caves and grottoes are continually being explored and discovered. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) is one of the largest and most impressive, featuring two massive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
Tourism Impact: Halong Bay attracts millions of tourists each year. To protect the bay's delicate ecosystem, authorities have implemented various measures, such as limiting the number of cruise boats and promoting eco-friendly tourism practices.
Mythical Creatures: Besides dragons, local legends speak of other mythical creatures inhabiting the bay, such as giant sea snakes and magical birds.
Halong Bay's combination of natural beauty, cultural richness, and intriguing legends make it a fascinating destination with many stories to tell.