No trip to Viet Nam could be regarded as complete without visiting Ha Long Bay. I think it is pretty much their number one tourist destination and of course it is a World Heritage site since 1994.

Despite the fact that it is quite crowded and everyone is ferried around in the same way on an identical tour formula, it is still a magical place. Everybody books the standard boat tour which involves spending a night on board the Chinese junks which feature in all the postcards. I thought it was spectactular. I was lucky on two fronts. One - the weather was stunning so I saw it in 30 degree sunshine.

Signs are up everywhere for people to vote for Ha Long as one of the NEW seven natural wonders of the world. Apparently there are 28 finalists and the final judging takes place in 2010. In the same category, vying for one of the precious Seven Spots are places like Iguazu falls (Argentina/Brazil); Uluru (Ayers Rock) Australia; Milford Sound (New Zealand); The Amazon jungle and our very own Cliffs of Moher, Contae an Chlair. Ha Long is certainly in the running.

The place was formed by limestone karsts or islands which formed in the Gulf of Tonkin in North East Viet Nam. The mythological version of events is far more romantic. Ha Long means 'descending dragon' and legend has it that it was a dragon's ferocious tail that gouged out all the islets and caves.

We visited one of the many grottos/caves. They are enormous. To finish up the day we did a spot of kayaking and saw a beautiful sunset. At night all the Junks 'park' in the same place. Once night falls you see nothing but twinkling white lights pepper the 'junk park' and happily no loud music or rowdy backpackers.. And of course you can see the stars.

Refer Tours : http://www.vietnamtoursholiday.com
Tickets : http://www.vietnamairlinestickets.com