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Exploring Ha Long Bay is a mesmerizing journey into the wonder of its island community, a marvel of nature bequeathing a world natural heritage to humanity.
Unmissable islands to explore when visiting Ha Long Bay
Though Vietnam now boasts several globally recognized natural heritages, the first ever is Ha Long Bay. It's not an exaggeration to say that Ha Long Bay has played a significant role in elevating the international awareness of Vietnam's tourism, becoming more prominent on the world travel map.
Ha Long Bay is a small bay on the western shore of the Gulf of Tonkin in the South China Sea, encompassing the waters of Ha Long City. Ha Long Bay spans about 1,553 km², comprising 1,969 islands, mostly limestone formations. The core area of the bay covers 335 km², densely populated with 775 islands, bearing a geological history dating back around 500 million years.
The recognized World Heritage Site on Ha Long Bay (core zone) covers an area of 434 km², forming a triangular shape with three peaks: Dau Go Island (to the West), Ba Ham Lake (to the South), and Cong Tay Island (to the East). It includes 775 islands with numerous caves and beaches. Adjacent to the core area (buffer zone) is a national scenic landmark, designated by the Vietnam Ministry of Culture and Information since 1962. Ha Long's terrain consists of alternating islands, mountains rising from the sea, salty marshes with mangroves, and towering limestone islands creating a picturesque contrast, blending harmoniously the elements of mountains, sea, and sky.
The islands in Ha Long Bay come in two types: limestone islands and shale islands. Formed through multiple uplift and subsidence cycles from the continental to sea trough, these islands boast unique and unparalleled shapes, shaped by the processes of weathering and erosion. Locals name them based on their forms or folklore. Here are some renowned and picturesque islands often visited on organized tours.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is a land-close island with villages and a population. In 2001, a bridge was constructed connecting the island to the mainland, leading to its unprecedented development. A complex of entertainment, dining, hotels, and notably the Tuan Chau International Port was built, contributing significantly to the tourism growth in Ha Long.
Titop Island
Named after the Russian cosmonaut Gherman Titov, who visited Ha Long Bay with President Ho Chi Minh in 1962. Today, a statue of Titov is erected on the island in his memory.
Titop Island features steep slopes and a flat white sandy beach shaped like a crescent moon. Visitors can climb the mountain for breathtaking views or indulge in beach activities and water games in the crystal-clear waters.
Incense Burner Islet
Also known as Perfume Burner Islet due to its resemblance to a gigantic incense burner amidst the sea. Locals consider Incense Burner Islet a sacred rock. You might recognize this islet as it is featured on the 200,000 Vietnamese dong banknote.
Fighting Cock Islet (Rooster and Hen Islet)
Commonly known as Rooster and Hen Islet for its formation resembling a pair of roosters facing each other. Fighting Cock Islet is used as an iconic symbol of Ha Long Bay and is featured on the Ha Long Bay logo.
Duckling Islet
Situated approximately 12km from Bai Chay Tourist Port. Named Duckling Islet due to its tilted shape resembling a duckling sitting amidst vast waters.
Finger Islet
Located on the way to Titop Island, Finger Islet is the colloquial name, officially known as Salt Finger Islet. Shaped like a thumb 'giving a like,' locals affectionately call it Finger Islet.
According to Mytour
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Reference: Mytour Travel Handbook
MytourApril 4, 2022
