Natural conditions
Ha Long bay has a terrain of islands mixed with lagoons, mangrove intertidal areas and steep limestone islands. Islands are mainly limestone islands (over 90%) with different heights (from 50 to 200 m).
The origin of the name
“Ha Long” means "Descending Dragon". Prior to the 19th century, this name had not been recorded in any documents or archives. It was known as Giao Chau, Luc Thuy, An Bang, An Quang, Hai Dong, Hoa Phong, Nghieu Phong, etc.
Geographical location
Ha Long bay is located in the Northeast of Vietnam, in Quang Ninh province
Potentials of Ha Long bay
With outstanding values of landscape, geology-geomorphology, the richness and abundance of ecology, culture-history, Ha Long bayhas favorable conditions to develop tourism. Currently, there are many types of tourism:
Aesthetic value
Ha Long Bay scenery is considered exceptional landscape on earth. Mr. James Thorsell, Director of International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) said: "The tall of pillars of rock and rugged islands rising from Ha Long water surface are unique with perfect picturesque scenery endowed by nature, specially archeological heritage. It is worthy to be preserved and recorded in the World Heritage List as a Natural Heritage site” .
Geological - Geomorphological values
The geological history of Ha Long bay area spans for about 3 billion years and is scientifically recorded for 500 million years. Evidence of geological evolution and tectonic movement,including fault zones,geodesy, geysers, basins, and formations that marked dramatic changes in paleo-geographical conditions in the area. Halong Bay has experienced many periods of marine transgression-regression, thus it contains precious values to the Anthropoceneand marine geology.
General provisions in the usage of tickets for visiting Ha Long bay
General provisions in the usage of tickets for visiting Ha Long bay
Biodiversity value
Ha Long Bay is located in the geographical area connected between Bai Tu Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago forming a sea - island complex with favorable natural conditions to form a diverse system of habitats sea and island. This is the basis for the formation of biodiversity for Ha Long Bay. Scientists have evaluated Ha Long Bay as a high biodiversity area. The biodiversity value of Ha Long Bayinclude the diversity of ecosystems, the diversity of rare and diverse genetic resources of species composition.