Although the name Halong Bay has made it to the world thanks to its world heritage title and one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, not many people know about the mystery beneath that name. In ancient Vietnamese, Halong literally means “descending dragon” and it is originated from a legend of this ancient land.

It is said that from a long time ago, when Vietnam is a newly formed country, this country had to fight with fierce invaders from the North. Feel sorry for this country, the Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her child descending on earth to help the ancient Vietnamese people.

While the mighty enemies were attacking the main land, the Mother Dragon and her child suddenly appeared and incinerated the enemies with their divine fire and giant emeralds. The emeralds from the dragon’s mouth were scattered around the battlefield on the sea and formed an invincible defensive wall that left enemy battleship fleet sinking. Thanks to the dragons, the Northern invaders were finally swept away and the peace finally came back the South East Asian country once again. After thousands of years, the wall of emerald turned into island and islets of different sizes and shapes.

To remember the help of Mother Dragon and her children, the people live there from generation to generation name the bay where the Mother Dragon descended “Ha Long or Halong” and the bay where her children descended “Bai Tu Long”, which means “Thanks to the Dragon’s children”. This legend is also a part of the general belief that Vietnamese people’s has Dragon’s origins.

If you want to explore the stunning beauty of Halong bay, here come some suggestions for your trip:

– Kayaking and Cruising Halong Bay: http://www.activetravel.asia/kayaking-and-cruising-halong-t201.html

– Family Adventures in Vietnam: http://www.activetravel.asia/family-adventures-in-vietnam-t194.html

– Halong Travel Information: http://www.activetravel.asia/halong-travel-information-g258.html