Halong Bay is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site twice and a very popular tourist destination in the northeast part of Vietnam, under the management of both Quang Ninh and Hai Phong provinces.
The whole of Halong Bay or sometimes referred to as the Gulf of Tonkin has an area of around 1,500km2, which contains approximately 1,969 islands and islets made from karst limestone towering like skyscrapers throughout the bay, formed through millions of years.
A long history and tremendous values lie within Halong magnificent limestone mountains.
Normal limestone mountains are usually found on the ground, however, the Halong Bay’s limestones are raised from above the water.
It’s taken 500 million years to form Halong Bay to 2000 limestone islands as today.
Human beings have inhabited the area for centuries but made no damage to the heritage. The appearance, indeed, added unique cultural values to Halong Bay.
From world leaders, celebrities, fashion icons, to Hollywood directors, Halong Bay has probably welcomed the world’s most influential leaders. The list includes.
- Brad Pitt & Angelina Jolie,
- The late celebrity chef Anthony Bourdain,
- Numerous presidents and prime ministers,
- Facebook’s Founder/CEO Mark Zuckerberg and his wife Priscilla Chan,
- Hollywood directors and actors, and many others.