Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, is a spectacular seascape of over 3000 limestone pillars, islands and islets. Some artifacts found in the area are more than 20,000 years old.

Ancient caves on the tiny islands provided hideouts and weapons storage during the Vietnam War.

Earl at the Ha Long Caves-

~ Local Ledged
"Bay of Descending Dragons"
The local legend says that Halong Bay was formed after a dragon was sent by the Jade Emperor to protect Haiphong from Chinese invaders from the sea.

The the Mother Dragon and her band of Child Dragons descended in flocks from the sky. They spat out jewels which turned to stone islands the moment they touched the water. These islands linked together and protected the land from enemy’s advances and smashed their vessels to pieces.

The dragons remained in the bay and refused to return to the sky as they had fallen in love with the lands. They still protect the land and their tails are seen in rock formations.

Long Ha watercolors painted by Anne Marie's Mother, Gertrude