An Introvert Explores the World: Boating Amongst the Dragons

Halong Bay was recently voted as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the world in addition to already being designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site. This internationally acclaimed locale lies off the coast of Vietnam and forms the spectacular backdrop for my next adventure. Having spent several days immersing myself in the fast-paced culture of the bustling metropolis of Hanoi, all while dodging hundreds of careening motorbikes every time I tried to cross a street like a real-life game of Frogger, this excursion to the peaceful coastal region was a welcome reprieve. Upon arriving at the edge of the bay, we boarded our overnight boat and settled into our cabins, excited for the next leg of the trip.

Soon afterwards we set sail, and headed out to venture deeper into the bay. “Halong” literally translates to “descending dragon” which derives from all of the rock formations jutting out of the water. The natural karst landscape purportedly resembles green dragon scales protruding from the water, and ties in with the mythological story of a mother dragon and her children that saved Vietnam from invaders by dropping jewels of jade from their mouths which formed the numerous rocky islands and subsequently caused the armada to shipwreck. Few places can live up to the hype of such a fantastical story, but once we started sailing deep into the expansive bay, we began to see the fabled formations slowly approaching. The further we headed into the bay, the more impressive the scenery became. The sea was simply littered with these green, rocky formations that stretched to the horizon in all directions, and the view was stunning. I found myself mesmerized by the landscape and kept taking photographs of the ever-changing panorama, but could never do it justice through the camera lens.

After a couple hours of navigating through the endless maze of craggy islands, it was time to experience the bay on a more personal level. We stepped off the boat and into kayaks, allowing us to experience the bay from water level. This new perspective removed the safety of the large vessel and caused us to feel infinitesimal as we rowed among the rock giants. The water was surprisingly calm as we glided along the surface, allowing us to concentrate on examining the limestone islands up close without fear of capsizing. The islands were blanketed in shrubs and other greenery which were teeming with wildlife – birds were flittering about the trees while a cacophony of insects was buzzing in the background. Floating along the water was a serene experience, and I was grateful for this up-close view that most day-trippers to the bay never get to experience.

After the evening’s excursion on the kayaks, my arms were sore from the exertion of rowing, and I was appreciative when I was finally able to sink into bed and be lulled to sleep by the gentle rocking of the boat. While the day had been unforgettable, there was fortunately another day on the water to look forward to in the morning.

The next morning, I awoke feeling refreshed and ready to explore more of the island landscape dotting the bay. Our first stop was Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave which was located in a massive karst island that created its own small harbor within the bay. A long winding path wound along the exterior of the cliffs, leading toward a large opening in the limestone rock face. Upon entering the mouth of the cave, I followed the tunnel until I emerged into one of the largest underground caverns that I had ever seen. The vast room exceeded 10,000 square meters in size and felt like I had wandered into a colossal cathedral as my footsteps echoed throughout the cave. Colorful lights illuminated the numerous stalagmites and stalactites, resembling daylight filtered through stained glass windows, further adding to the allusion of stepping within a majestic cathedral. I gradually ambled through the entirety of the massive cavern, peering down long-forgotten tunnels and admiring the captivating natural structures that formed over several millennia.

Upon exiting the cave, we got back onto our boat and sailed to Ti Top island for the preeminent view within all of Halong Bay. This view can only be experienced by first climbing over 400 uneven steps to the top of the island, ensuring that only the most determined will be rewarded the spectacular view. Upon reaching the lookout point, I was thrust into a 360-degree panorama of the bay, haphazardly strewn with jade islands as far as the eye could see. The islands starkly contrasted against the intense blue shades of the sky and water, creating a picturesque landscape straight from Vietnamese mythology. I stood completely absorbed by this view, not wanting to avert my eyes from this otherworldly topography lest I fail to commit it to memory. Eventually it was time to depart, so I begrudgingly descended from the clifftop and headed back to the boat.

During these past couple days, I had floated amongst the dragons of the sea, climbed atop their precariously high scales, and explored the dark realms of their underworld. Living amidst this wonder of nature was an awe-inspiring and unforgettable experience that I will forever treasure. While Vietnam was filled with many wonderful moments, Halong Bay stands out as my favorite experience during my entire visit.