Halong Bay Vietnam is an area of around 1,553 km2 with the appearance of 2000 islands which are limestone. Halong Bay became the World heritage site in 1994 and ever since, it has been recognized as the MOST wonderful part of Vietnam, the MUST-GO destination in the North of Vietnam.
The bay consists of a dense cluster of some 1,600 limestone monolithic islands each topped with thick jungle vegetation, rising spectacularly from the ocean. Several of the islands are hollow, with enormous caves. Hang Dau Go (Wooden stakes cave) is the largest grotto in the Halong area. French tourists visited in the late 19th century, and named the cave Grotte des Merveilles. Its three large chambers contain large numerous stalactites and stalagmites (as well as 19th century French graffiti). There are two bigger islands, Tuan Chau and Cát Bà, that have permanent inhabitants, as well as tourist facilities including hotels and beaches. There are a number of beautiful beaches on the smaller islands.