Halong Bay, VIETNAM
Airing Date: Nov 10th, 2003
With limestone islands jutting out of an emerald sea and remote bays and lagoons surrounded by cliffs, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's biggest drawcards.
The best way to explore this enchanting region is on board a traditional red-sailed junk boat. As the wind sweeps the boat from Halong Port to remote islands, the myths and legends of Halong Bay slowly emerge.
The word Halong actually translates to 'where the dragon descends into the sea', and legend has it that the islands of Halong Bay were created by a great dragon who lived in the mountains. As it ran towards the coast, its thrashing tail gouged out valleys and crevasses. Then, as it plunged into the sea, the areas dug up by the tail became filled with water, leaving only the high land visible.
While the dragon may be legend, sailors in the Halong Bay region have reported sightings of a massive creature, and travellers have likened the speculation to the Loch Ness monster in Scotland.
If you aren't easily spooked by stories of giant sea creatures, treat yourself to a swim in the turquoise bay. The overnight boat cruise includes lots of swims, plenty of food and - when you're not exploring caves and inlets - ample chances to relax and unwind.
You'll also get to soak up the local culture when the boat docks at Cat Ba. While the vast majority of Halong Bay's islands are uninhabited rocks, Cat Ba has a few tiny fishing villages and a fast growing town. The locals call this island Little Hong Kong because when the sun goes down, the neon lights come on and Cat Ba springs to life.
Looking around it's hard to believe Cat Ba only got electricity ten years ago. Tourists only discovered the island five years after that. So when the boat pulls ashore you can absorb the culture of a fishing village by day and come night, a port town where karaoke-lovers fit right in.
The facts:
Thai Airways Internationals flies 26 times a week from Australia to Bangkok and twice a day from there to Hanoi. It costs from $1235 from both east and west coasts.
Thai Airways International
Tel: 1300 651 960
Travel Indochina will look after you once you're there. Their 22-day 'Vietnam Grand Adventure' journey starts from $2595 per person twin share and includes the overnight boat trip in Halong Bay. This offer is available only after 1 January, 2004.
Travel Indochina
Tel: 1300 367 666
