Majestic and mysterious Halong Bay is a natural wonder that greets you with magnificent limestone peaks jutting out of nowhere. It was just island after island rising spectacularly out of the emerald green waters of the Gulf of Tonkin.  This breathtaking beauty of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature is pure art.

Beyond the spectacular vistas seen from a junk boat we rented for our group, we came to explore one of the many caves available for viewing. This limestone cave has been heavily developed for tourism, with granite pavements and colored lighting beautifying the cave. Stalactites hang from high ceilings creating visions you might imagine while watching clouds.

Good food and good wine, shared while sailing these waters, were available as well as an assortment of jewelry offered by vendors who just “happened” to be on our boat. We explored this incredible expanse with a feeling of history and awe. Perhaps we are experiencing still another wonder of the world.

Certainly, had it not been a constraint, we could have expended much more time exploring this magnificent expanse.

click on an image for larger view