The Legend of the Ha Long Dragon: The Story behind the name
Ha Long Bay - When Nature becomes a Legend
Nestled among majestic mountains and vast waters, Ha Long Bay is not only renowned for its breathtaking beauty but also holds a sacred story passed down through generations - the legend of the Mother Dragon and her offspring. This tale breathed life into the name "Ha Long," which means "Descending Dragon."
The Legend of the Dragon descending to guard the land
According to ancient legend, when the nation was still in its early days, invaders from the North frequently attacked. Moved by compassion for the Vietnamese people, the Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her children down to earth. They spewed jewels and precious stones, creating a barrier to halt the enemy’s advance.
Those precious gems fell into the sea and transformed into thousands of towering rocky islands, forming a natural defense line that shattered the enemy fleet and protected the homeland. After the victory, the Mother Dragon did not return to the heavens. Instead, she and her offspring chose to remain in this sacred place, giving birth to the legendary seascape now known as:
Ha Long - where the Dragon descended, Bai Tu Long - where the young dragons descended,
and Bach Long Vi – where the tail of the White Dragon traced a path and formed an island.
A Wonder shaped by legend
Ha Long Bay is home to nearly 2,000 large and small islands, each with a unique and mysterious shape, as if randomly yet perfectly arranged by celestial dragons. Among them, many have become must-visit destinations for travelers exploring this land of wonders - such as Hon Trong Mai (Fighting Cock Islet), a symbol of love and loyalty; Ti Top Island, with its soft crescent-shaped beach; or the mesmerizing Sung Sot Cave and Dau Go Cave, known for their millions-of-years-old stalactites and stalagmites. Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave) and Trong Cave (Male Cave) lie opposite each other on the Bay, linked by a touching legend of love and faithful waiting. The mystical beauty and emotional stories make this a destination not to be missed by those who seek discovery and immersive experiences.
In 1994, Ha Long Bay was inscribed by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) on the World Heritage List for its exceptional natural landscape. In 2000, its recognition was expanded to include geological and geomorphological values. In 2009, Ha Long Bay was designated a Special National Monument by the Prime Minister of Vietnam. In 2011, it was voted as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.
In 2023, during its 45th annual session, the World Heritage Committee approved the extension of Ha Long Bay’s World Heritage boundary to include the Cat Ba Archipelago of Hai Phong City, forming the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage Site. In 2024, the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS) awarded the site the title of International Geological Heritage Site.
From then on, the legend of the Ha Long Dragon has remained deeply intertwined with this magnificent and dreamy seascape - Ha Long Bay, World Natural Heritage Site.
Translated by Thuy Ha