Halong Bay

Haylong Bay is to the north of Hanoi. It is spread across 580 square miles and consists of thousands of pinnacle-shaped limestone and dolomite "mountains" that protrude from the waters. Legend has it that th ebay was formed when a huge dragon (ha long means decending dragon) plunged into the Golf of Tonkin and created the "mountains" by lashing his tail.

There are many caves here. We visted Hang Sung Sot which at one time was the home to local fishermen and their familes. Today, the fishermen live on boats that create floating villages. One of the larger villages even has a floating school!

We sailed the bay on a Chinese Junk upon which we spent the night.