Viet Nam, Ha Long bay

Ha Long bay is located in the Northeast of Vietnam, with an area of 1,553km² including 1,969 islands, of which 434km² is recognized as heritage area consisting of 75 islands from the island of Dau Go (west), Ba Ham lake (South) to Cong Tay island (East).

Ha Long bay contains important traces in the process of formation and development of earth's history, not only is the cradle of residence of the ancient Vietnamese people, but also also a great artwork of nature with the presence of thousands of rocky islands in various forms and many interesting caves.

(Photo: Lewis J Goetz)

In addition, Ha Long bay houses high biodeversity concentration with typical ecosystems and thousands of extremely rich and diverse flora and fauna. It is also associated with the cultural values - the heroic history of the nation.

(Photo: Fré Sonneveld)

On December 17, 1994, Ha Long bay was officially recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site with outstanding aesthetic value. On December 2, 2000, UNESCO recognized Ha Long bay as the World Heritage Site for the second time according to the criteria of geological and geomorphic values.