Vietnam's Ha Long Bay Is a Spectacular Garden of Islands | National Geographic

[Music] 1600 islands thick with greenery form a maze of channels in the azure waters of Ha Long Bay off northeastern Vietnam. For centuries, this spectacular seascape has inspired wonder. [Music]

Although people have lived in this region for thousands of years, most of the islands remain uninhabited. But these coves and natural towers are rich with wildlife. The name Ha Long is Vietnamese for descending dragon. According to one legend, when the Viet people faced invasion, a dragon flew down from heaven to their defense. The creature sprayed not only fire but also emeralds and jade jewels that became the green archipelago.

The rock formations are known as karst. For millions of years, seashells and sediments fell to an ancient sea floor, forming solid rock. Tectonic activity raised the resulting limestone above water. Later, rain and fallen rivers carved valleys that flooded after the last ice age, creating this rare example of a karst field at sea. Features include caves and tunnels where seawater has worn down the pillars.

The [Music] fantastic landscape also continues into two adjacent national parks on Cat Ba Island and by Tu Long Bay. [Music] You can go kayaking, caving, or even ride in a seaplane to experience the majesty of these enchanting tropical islands. [Music]