Halong Bay, Quang Ninh Province
Included on UNESCO's list of World Heritage Sites, Halong Bay consists of thousands of karsts and isles that create a truly magical place. Local folklore states that the Gods sent a family of dragons to help the Vietnamese fight Chinese invaders and that these dragons spat gems and jade into the bay. This is how the islands and inlets dotting the bay were created.
With the help of the dragons, the people managed to keep their land safe and formed what is now known as Vietnam.
Don't believe us? Well, you'll just have to visit the bay and see with your own eyes.
Whilst some people do live in Halong Bay, there are relatively few inhabitants with just 2 or 3 fishing villages and less than 2000 people.
Having said that, Halong Bay is probably the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam and you will find a heavy throng of tourists on the trail. And, as you would expect from any tourist attraction, there is a heavy concentration of shops and restaurants close to hand.
If you are visiting Hanoi in the north of Vietnam then you should most definitely allow some time to visit this bay. You wont regret it!