Ha Long, or Bay of the Descending Dragon, is a waterway located in Ha Long City. The bay has miles of small isles, which are made of limestone, and is located in the northeast part of Vietnam. Local myth states that the isles populating the bay were created by jewels that a family of dragons spit out while flying over the area in an act of protection. One of the sights that visitors can expect to see is Bai Chai, also known as the scorched beach. The beach is referred to as "scorched" due to the dark-colored sand that covers the area. Another site in the region is the Wooden Stakes Cave, or Hang Dau Go. The cave is south of Bai Chay, and there are 90 steps leading to the entrance. Many formations in the cave resemble humans and are said to be the guardians of the cave.
Ba Vi is a national park that is located on Ba Vi Mountain, 40 miles west of Hanoi. The park is a popular destination of locals who wish to get away for the weekend, as well as tourists of the area. Visitors to the park can enjoy a bird garden and flower garden, which contain many endangered species of wildlife and plants. There are also many slopes for hiking. Those who travel to the mountain summit can visit the temple to Uncle Ho, which sits at the top.
Phong Nha-Ke National Park is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in the north central region of Quang Binh province. The park is made up of many limestone formations and a variety of caves and grottoes. In addition, the area is covered by a thick forest. Visitors to the area spend time exploring the cave system, which includes Fairy Caves and Royal Court, and visiting the long underground rivers.
Hanoi, Vietnam's capital, boasts a variety of tourism opportunities. The city offers a combination of Asia's historic past and modern times. The bustling city provides many opportunities to shop, along with restaurants to experience authentic Vietnamese cuisine. The city also offers a variety of hotels and resorts. Visitors can also take an overnight Junk Boat Cruise from Halong Bay. The cruise offers air-conditioned cabins and includes meals. Cameras are recommended as there are many photo opportunities on the tour of Halang Bay. Travelers may also wish to take in the water puppet show that is offered at the Thang Long Water Puppet Theater.
Two can't miss destinations are Thay and Tay Phuong pagodas. Thay pagoda is located about 25 miles to the west of Hanoi and is both a Buddhist pagoda and a Taoist temple. The Thay temple is filled with many items of worship, including statues, bells and thrones. There is also a pavilion that sits in a pond, facing the main temple. Tay Phuong pagoda is located on a hilltop, with 239 steps leading up to the pagoda, and provides a scenic view of the fields that surround the area. The structure, which is five miles from the Thay pagoda, is decorated with traditional style and includes ornaments, dragons and banyan leaves.
