The breathtaking nature of Northern Vietnam attracts travelers from all over the world. One of its most iconic gems is Ha Long Bay, home to over 3,000 limestone islands that rise dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Covering an area of around 1,500 square kilometers, this magical landscape has drawn comparisons to Guilin in China and Krabi in southern Thailand.

Beyond its extraordinary beauty, Ha Long Bay is steeped in myth. According to legend, it was created by a great Red Dragon who descended from the heavens—hence the name Ha Long, which translates to “the place where the dragon descended into the sea.” Locals believe the dragon still lives beneath the bay’s waters, like a Vietnamese version of the Loch Ness Monster, occasionally spotted by fishermen.