I’m starting to sound like a tourism department representative of Vietnam, but this place has so much beauty that it can’t be helped.

The myth goes that Halong Bay was formed when the friendly dragon descended to protect Vietnam from the invaders. That supposedly explains the rocks and mountains emerging from the water at Halong Bay, and many of them even have sub-myths linked to their shape and other features.

The best way to explore the bay is on a ‘junk’ cruise; picturesque boats with none of the luxury cruise elements like swimming pools and other frivolities. The rooms are luxurious enough, and there is something to be said in favour of the peace and quiet that you can find on the bay, when you are not indulging in mountain climbing and kayaking and the like.

Enough written, the beauty of Halong Bay is in pictures rather than words, but more so in getting there yourself. Feast your eyes!