SKIMMING

EMERALDS IN THE GULF

VIETNAM'S HA LONG BAY

Containing some 3,000 islands, pillars, and caves, Vietnam's Ha Long Bay is one of the world's most picturesque seascapes. Located about 100 miles east of Hanoi, the bay is on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam. The porous limestone that makes up the area's rocks is responsible for Ha Long Bay's distinctive towers and caves.

Local lore paints a more vivid picture of the bay's origins. Ha Long Bay means "descending dragon bay," and legend has it that when the Chinese invaded Vietnam, the gods sent dragons to protect the Vietnamese people. The dragons spit fire and gigantic emeralds to destroy the ships of the invaders, and the emeralds are said to have eventually turned into the many islands of Ha Long Bay.

The islands and their labyrinthine network of caves made the bay a perfect hiding spot for pirates during the 19th century. Although rumors of pirates persist, the bay is now known for its small resident population of fisherman who live in floating villages. Cua Van, the largest of these villages, contains more than 600 people and even a schoolhouse. In light of these unique features, the bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

Image credit: VladKyselov/Thinkstock

SCANNING

EMERALDS IN THE GULF

VIETNAM'S HA LONG BAY

Containing some 3,000 islands, pillars, and caves, Vietnam's Ha Long Bay is one of the world's most picturesque seascapes. Located about 100 miles east of Hanoi, the bay is on the northwest coast of the Gulf of Tonkin in northern Vietnam. The porous limestone that makes up the area's rocks is responsible for Ha Long Bay's distinctive towers and caves.

Local lore paints a more vivid picture of the bay's origins. Ha Long Bay means "descending dragon bay," and legend has it that when the Chinese invaded Vietnam, the gods sent dragons to protect the Vietnamese people. The dragons spit fire and gigantic emeralds to destroy the ships of the invaders, and the emeralds are said to have eventually turned into the many islands of Ha Long Bay.

The islands and their labyrinthine network of caves made the bay a perfect hiding spot for pirates during the 19th century. Although rumors of pirates persist, the bay is now known for its small resident population of fisherman who live in floating villages. Cua Van, the largest of these villages, contains more than 600 people and even a schoolhouse. In light of these unique features, the bay was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.