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After the
Vietnam War and the beginning of "Renovation", Vietnam opens its economy
to foreign trade, means that travellers now have a chance to visit Ha
long Bay. Vinh Ha Long or Ha Long Bay of the Descending Dragon is often
touted by proud Vietnamese as the world's Eighth wonder. One of the main
attractions of Ha long Bay is the bay's calm water and the thousands of
Limestone Mountains dotting the seascape. Halong Bay's water is clear
during the spring and early summer. Some of the islands are quite large
and there are small bays with sandy beaches where swimming is possible.
Ha Long bay lies in the north-eastern part of Vietnam and Ha Long Bay is
165 Km from Hanoi.
Ha Long literally means descending dragon(s) and according to local
legend, the story goes as follows:
Long ago when their forefathers were fighting foreign invaders from the
north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend
their land. This family of dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long
bay and began spitting out jewels and jade. Upon hitting the sea, these
jewels turned into the various islands and islets dotting the seascape
and formed a formidable fortress against the invaders. The locals were
able to keep their land safe and formed what is now the country of
Vietnam. The Dragon family fell so much in love with this area for its
calm water and for the reverence of the people of Vietnam that they
decided to remain on earth. Mother dragon lies on what is now Ha Long
Bay and where her children lie is Bai Tu Long. The dragon tails formed
the area of Bach Long Vi known for the miles of white sandy beaches of
Tra Co peninsula.
This Ha Long Bay legend is in line with the Vietnamese myth of their
origin Con Rong Chau Tien. This legend describes the union between a
king (representing the dragon) and his bride (representing a goddess)
giving birth to 100 children which are the ancestors of the Vietnamese
people. The Ha Long Bay fairy story illustrates the Vietnamese belief of
their origin and the fact that throughout their history, they are aided
by their ancestors, the dragon and the gods, in the defence of their
land. |
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