Ha Long: The Emerald Gem of Vietnam

• HelloXin chào
  [sin chow]
• GoodbyeTạm biệt
  [tahm byet]
• YesVâng
  [vahng]
• NoKhông
  [khohng]
• Please/You're welcomeXin vui lòng
  [sin vooi long]
• Thank youCám ơn
  [kahm uhn]
• Excuse me/SorryXin lỗi
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• How are you?Bạn khỏe không?
  [ban khwe khohng]
• Fine. And you?Khỏe. Bạn thế nào?
  [khwe. ban te nyow]
• Do you speak English?Bạn có nói tiếng Anh không?
  [ban koh noy tieng anh khohng]
• I don't understandTôi không hiểu
  [toy khohng hyeu]

• I'd like to see the menu, pleaseTôi muốn xem menu, vui lòng
  [toy muown sem menu, vwee long]
• I don't eat meatTôi không ăn thịt
  [toy khohng un tit]
• Cheers!Chúc sức khỏe!
  [chook sook khwe]
• I would like to pay, pleaseTôi muốn thanh toán, vui lòng
  [toy muown thanh toan, vwee long]

• Help!Cứu!
  [kyoo]
• Go away!Đi ra!
  [dee ra]
• Call the Police!Gọi cảnh sát!
  [goy kenh saht]
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  [goy bahk see]
• I'm lostTôi lạc đường
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• I'm illTôi ốm
  [toy ohm]

• I'd like to buy...Tôi muốn mua...
  [toy muown mwa]
• I'm just lookingTôi chỉ xem
  [toy chee sem]
• How much is it?Bao nhiêu tiền?
  [baow nyew tien]
• That's too expensiveQuá đắt
  [kwah daht]
• Can you lower the price?Bạn có thể giảm giá không?
  [ban koh te zam zah khohng]

• What time is it?Bây giờ là mấy giờ?
  [bay zoh la may zoh]
• It's one o'clockBây giờ là một giờ
  [bay zoh la moht zoh]
• Half past (10)Rưỡi (10)
  [rooi]
• MorningBuổi sáng
  [bwowee sang]
• AfternoonBuổi chiều
  [bwowee chee-oo]
• EveningBuổi tối
  [bwowee toy]
• YesterdayHôm qua
  [hohm kwah]
• TodayHôm nay
  [hohm ny]
• TomorrowNgày mai
  [ngai my]
• 1Một
  [moht]
• 2Hai
  [high]
• 3Ba
  [bah]
• 4Bốn
  [bun]
• 5Năm
  [nahm]
• 6Sáu
  [sow]
• 7Bảy
  [bahy]
• 8Tám
  [tahm]
• 9Chín
  [cheen]
• 10Mười
  [mooee]

• Where's a/the...?Chỗ...ở đâu?
  [cho...uh dow]
• What's the address?Địa chỉ là gì?
  [dee-uh chee la zee]
• Can you show me (on the map)?Bạn có thể chỉ cho tôi (trên bản đồ) không?
  [ban koh te chee cho toy (tren bahn do) khohng]
• When's the next (bus)?Khi nào là chuyến xe tiếp theo?
  [khee now la chuyen se teep tay-oh]
• A ticket (to ....)Một vé (đến ....)
  [moht vay (den ....)]

According to Vietnamese legend, Ha Long Bay was created by a great dragon that descended from the mountains. The dragon, sent by the gods to protect the Vietnamese people from invaders, spat out jewels and jade that turned into islands and islets, forming a natural fortress. This mythical tale is the origin of the name 'Ha Long,' which means 'descending dragon' in Vietnamese.

Archaeological evidence suggests that Ha Long Bay has been inhabited for thousands of years. Tools and artifacts found in the area date back to the Soi Nhu culture (18,000-7,000 BC), the Cai Beo culture (7,000-5,000 BC), and the Ha Long culture (3,500-5,000 BC). These ancient cultures left behind significant artifacts, including stone tools, pottery, and shellfish remains, indicating a long history of human settlement and maritime activity.

During the 13th century, Ha Long Bay was the site of significant naval battles between the Vietnamese Tran Dynasty and the Mongol invaders. The most famous of these battles occurred in 1288 when General Tran Hung Dao used a clever strategy of placing steel-tipped wooden stakes in the Bach Dang River at low tide. When the tide rose, the Mongol fleet was trapped and destroyed, marking a decisive victory for the Vietnamese. This event is commemorated at the Bach Dang Historical Relic Site near the bay.

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ha Long Bay became a popular destination for French colonialists in Vietnam. The French called it 'Baie d'Along' and established resorts and recreational facilities in the area. The bay's stunning landscapes and unique limestone formations attracted many artists, writers, and tourists, contributing to its reputation as a premier travel destination.

In 1994, Ha Long Bay was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, recognizing its outstanding universal value due to its exceptional natural beauty and geological significance. The bay features over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, many of which are topped with lush vegetation. The intricate karst landscape, with its caves, grottoes, and hidden lagoons, is a testament to millions of years of geological evolution. This designation has helped to protect and preserve the bay's unique environment and cultural heritage.

Today, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations, attracting millions of visitors each year. The bay offers a range of activities, including boat cruises, kayaking, cave exploration, and visits to floating fishing villages. Efforts are ongoing to balance tourism development with environmental conservation, ensuring that Ha Long Bay remains a pristine and sustainable destination for future generations. Local authorities and organizations are working together to protect the bay's biodiversity, marine life, and cultural heritage.

Ha Long is located in Quang Ninh Province, northeast Vietnam. The nearest major airport is Cat Bi International Airport in Hai Phong, approximately 50 kilometers away. From the airport, you can take a taxi or a shuttle bus to Ha Long, which takes around 1.5 to 2 hours. Alternatively, Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is about 180 kilometers away, and the journey by road takes around 3 to 4 hours. Buses and private car services are available from Hanoi to Ha Long. There is also a luxury train service, the Halong Express, which runs from Hanoi to Ha Long.

While in Ha Long, taxis and motorbike taxis (xe om) are readily available and relatively inexpensive. Grab, a popular ride-hailing app, also operates in the area. For a more scenic and leisurely option, consider renting a bicycle or an electric scooter, especially for exploring the coastal roads. Public buses operate within Ha Long, but they may not cover all tourist spots. Renting a car is another convenient option, though navigating local traffic can be challenging for newcomers.

The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). Credit cards are accepted in most hotels, restaurants, and shops in Ha Long, but it is advisable to carry cash, especially for small transactions and in local markets. ATMs are widely available in the city. Currency exchange services are offered at banks and authorized exchange counters.

Ha Long is generally a safe destination for tourists. However, as with any tourist destination, it is important to take standard precautions. Avoid carrying large amounts of cash and keep your valuables secure. Areas such as Bai Chay can get crowded, so be mindful of pickpockets. Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas. Always use reputable taxi services and avoid accepting unsolicited offers for tours from strangers.

In case of emergency, dial 113 for police, 114 for fire, and 115 for medical emergencies. Ha Long International Hospital and Bai Chay Hospital are the main medical facilities in the area. It is recommended to have travel insurance that covers medical emergencies. For minor health issues, there are numerous pharmacies where you can purchase over-the-counter medications.

Fashion: Do dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites. Avoid wearing revealing clothing. Religion: Do respect local customs and traditions. Always remove your shoes when entering temples and pagodas. Public Transport: Do be respectful and give up your seat to elderly passengers. Don't eat or drink on public transport. Greetings: Do greet people with a smile and a slight bow. A handshake is also common in more formal settings. Eating & Drinking: Do try local delicacies and accept food offerings graciously. Don’t stick your chopsticks upright in a bowl of rice, as it resembles incense sticks used in funerals.

To experience Ha Long like a local, visit the morning markets where you can buy fresh seafood and produce. Engage with locals, who are often friendly and willing to share stories about the area. Don’t miss taking a boat tour of Ha Long Bay to see the stunning limestone karsts and islets. For a unique experience, visit the floating fishing villages and try kayaking in the bay. Exploring the night markets and trying street food is also highly recommended.