Discover
Discover
Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago lie in north-eastern Viet Nam, in Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City. The property covers 65,650 hectares and 1,133 islands and islets. UNESCO calls it the largest and best-known example of marine-invaded tower karst, with clustered conical peaks and isolated limestone towers.
History
History
The bay was first inscribed in 1994 for its natural beauty; in 2000 its geological value was recognised; and in 2023 the property was extended to include the Cat Ba Archipelago. The sequence shows how understanding of the place has deepened over time.
People & Culture
People & Culture
Ha Long means 'descending dragon', after a folk legend in which dragons came down to defend the land and the jewels they spat out became islands. The story shows that local people see the bay as more than scenery: it is part of how they tell the story of their homeland.
Living Heritage
Living Heritage
Fishing communities have lived with the bay for generations, and Cat Ba is the only home in the world of the critically endangered Cat Ba langur. Today's challenge is keeping the water and ecosystems healthy while millions of visitors arrive each year.
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