Misty Yen Tu is magical experience

Yen Tu Mountain’s beauty is in the harmony between imposing mounts and ancient pagodas and temples lurking under pine forests and bamboo clusters, making tourists relax after trekking sloping roads.

 A splendid scene of Yen Tu Mountain in Quang Ninh Province.

From Hanoi, tourists can take a motorbike or car for 125 kilometers, passing Uong Bi City then make a turn to Vang Danh Street for about 9 kilometers and finally turning left. There are two ways to reach Yen Tu Mountain’s peak: trekking or taking the cable car.

By cable car you travel about 1.2 kilometers to a height of 400 meters above sea level, near Hoa Vien Pagoda, tourists can take a panoramic view of magnificent Yen Tu Mountain. The second route is trekking for about 6 kilometers on stone steps; travelers need good health and good preparation. However, with the shade of immense forest, wild flowers and strange species, it makes the journey more interesting and eases the tiredness.

Yen Tu Mount, which stands some 1,068 meters above sea level, is the highest peak in the nation’s northeast region. It is also known as Elephant Mountain, because those with

creative minds think it resembles a reclining elephant looking out towards the sea. It has played a part in the nation’s history, as monks seek out its sanctuary and solitude.

Located in Thuong Yen Cong Commune, Uong Bi City, Quang Ninh Province, it is also home to the Truc Lam Zen Buddhist sect.

Tourists take a cable car to Yen Tu peak.

King Tran Nhan Tong, (who lived until 1308) founded the Zen Buddhist sect with Phap Loa Ton Gia (1284-1330) and Ly Dao Tai (1254-1334). Before Tong came to prominence due to his religious activities, he had already established a reputation as a strong and true governor. Aided by legendary general Tran Hung Dao, the young king led the nation to victory in two out of three resistance wars against the Yuan-Mongol invasions in 1285 and 1288.
The journey to visit Yen Tu departs from Giai Oan (Salvation of Wandering Souls) River which runs Thuong Yen Cong Commune. The stream water is blue and pure round year.
It is said that 100 of the king’s concubines volunteered to continue serving him in his solitary life and followed him to Yen Tu. When the party reached the stream, the king told them to return to their native villages and start life anew. The concubines begged to stay, saying their life would be worth nothing if they were turned away. When their request was denied, they jumped into the stream where they met their deaths.
The next destination is Hoa Yen Pagoda nestled on a height of 534 meters which has two frangipani flower trees which are 700 years old. After leaving this site to conquer the peak, tourists can stop at some other sites such as To Tower, Mot Mai and Bao Sai pagodas, Yen Ky Sinh stone statue and Ngoa Van Temple.
Day by day Yen Tu has attracted more and more travelers, especially in the spring season. Now Yen Tu Festival is taking place until the end of the third month of the lunar calendar, so tourists can indulge in the animated atmosphere as well as get to know more traditional cultural features.

Source:SGT

Ha Long Bay - A mythical journey

A beautiful seascape set amidst rocky limestone cliffs, Halong Bay attracts flocks of tourists and locals alike. Halong Bay is one of those beautiful places that boast an overwhelming atmosphere and wide array of natural sights and mythical attractions.

Beyond the brave history and rich mixture of colonial heritage, there are many more intriguing stories and legends about Vietnam for you to discover. Once a war-torn country, Vietnam has evolved into a safe and thriving place brimming with historic cities, elegant French style architecture, upscale shopping malls, classy restaurants, chic boutiques and cafes, and countless iconic natural sights.

The country is situated in the heart of Southeast Asia and is just a quick flight away. Yet, if you prefer to explore Vietnam at a slower, more romantic pace, then forget about flying. Instead take a relaxing cruise and indulge in the most delightful blend of vibrant landscapes and exquisite cuisines or sail into the fiery sunset along the country’s gorgeous bay. With the perfect Vietnam cruise, you will surely find yourself overwhelmed by the exotic flavors and sights of this tropical sanctuary.

Sail into the Bay of Descending Dragons
A beautiful seascape set amidst rocky limestone cliffs, Halong Bay attracts flocks of tourists and locals alike. Halong Bay is one of those beautiful places that boast an overwhelming atmosphere and wide array of natural sights and mythical attractions. The place itself is beautifully studded with little clusters of verdant islets, idyllic islands and magnificent caves that embellish the spot.


But beyond this untouched and lush scenery is something far more mystical. Halong Bay which literally means “Bay of Descending Dragons” is home to a magical and enchanting legend that has been passed down through the ages. According to the famous legend, the Halong travel islands were formed when a family of dragons descended to help the locals defend their land from the rushing hordes of Chinese invaders.

The dragons spit jade and jewels into the sea, and these jewels turned into thousands of islets and islands studding the bay, creating an unyielding fortress that prevented the invaders from taking the land. With such mystical scenery and such a beautiful legend, it is not surprising that the bay has been renowned as one of the world’s natural heritage sites.

Things to see in one of the World’s Most Beautiful Fishing Villages
Halong Bay is really an enthralling spot with so much to offer. Aside from feasting on a picturesque view of luxuriant islands, you can get a full glimpse of the floating villages that shelter in the tranquil and emerald waters of the bay.

There are many fishing villages in the place and the Cua Van Village is the largest. Cua Van is one of the greatest attractions you can see while on a cruise tour to Halong Bay and it’s one of the sights that you really should not miss out on when you visit Vietnam.

There are a few hundred families in the village who live in either houseboats or traditional floating houses made of wood or bamboo. The vast majority of these families rely heavily on fishing and fish farming for their subsistence.

Cua Van Village is actually recognized as one of the world’s most beautiful fishing villages. Even at first glimpse, you will easily be captivated by the loveliness of the craftily woven bamboo basket boats, humble floating homes and comforting primitive scene. With the unique charm of this vibrant community, a perfect Vietnam cruise is certainly an experience to remember.

Take a Vietnam cruise through the mystical Halong Bay and catch a glimpse of the world’s most splendid places. Minmaxtravel.com offers Vietnam tour packages that will surely suit your holiday budget.

Source: Minmaxtravel.com

Bo Nau Grotto - Quang Ninh

Location: Bo Nau Grotto or Pelican Grotto lies far from 2-3km southeast of Trong Mai Islet.

Characteristics: This vaulted grotto covers 200m2. The floor of the grotto is wide and flat but not deep and its wall features lots of stalactites and stalagmites.

Bo Nau Grotto is one of the beauty grottoes in Halong Bay. At the entrance are three stones, looking like three fairies with their heads close to one another. Two men appear to be playing chess, with the third serving as a referee.

The name Bo Nau or Bo Nong is associated with the fact that pelicans often take shelter here. If Dau Go Grotto lies completely inside the island, Bo Nau opens its mouth at the side of the island. Stalactites fall down from the roof of the grotto in different clusters. Meanwhile stalagmites grow up in different shapes and layers. Is this that the life out there is so noisy that the three fairies have to choose this tranquil place to play chess? Turning southward, Bo Nau Grotto enjoys cool wind. Standing there, one can hear the murmur of the sea all year round. 

 

Ba Trai Dao Islet - Quang Ninh

Location: It is 22km from south of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf.

Characteristics: This island consists of three small mountains with the height of 23m, seen from afar, resemble three peaches (Ba Trai Dao). 

The island connects to a legend of about the romantic love between a youngest fairy, who was very pretty with a young and poor fisherman.
Because of feeling in love with him, she stole three peaches from Heaven for him, which if he ate, would give him eternal life, allowing them to live together forever. The King of the Heavens discovered the robbery and turned the peaches into three stone islands. Chastised, the young fairy had to return.

Today, Ba Trai Dao is a famous tourist attraction with three nice fairy beaches, romantic landscape.

It takes 10 hours by cruise from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, tourists will come to Ba Trai Dao Beach. It has that name as Ba Trai Dao Beach (the three peaches), features three small sand beaches embracing small islands. These islands, seen from afar, resemble three peaches. Tourists take bath in this beach only 2-3 hours in a day as in other time the beach is lapped by tides.

 

Yen Lap Lake - Loi Am Pagoda - Quang Ninh

Location: The Yen Lap - Loi Am Pagoda belong to Dai Yen Commune, Hoanh Bo District, Quang Ninh Province.
Characteristics: Yen Lap Lake is the greatest hydraulic construction in the province. After completion, the water level raised, surrounding the base of the mountains.

Boating across the lake, you come to the remains of the Loi Am Pagoda, which was built in the 15th century on a mountain of the same name. Formerly, it attracted tourists and faithful from every corner of the country. Under the tumultuous periods of Vietnam's history, the pagoda was destroyed but the visitors can find garden of stupas and an incense tree from the 17th century in the immense space of the pagoda. 

Loi Am festivities take place on the 27th day of the first lunar month every year.

Ba Mun Island and Bai Tu Long National Park - Quang Ninh

Location: Ba Mun Island is a schist island belonging to Minh Chau Commune, Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province.

Characteristics: It stretches out parallel to Quan Lan Island, separated by the Doi Gate that runs in a north-east direction. It has the other name, Cao Lo Island.

It is 15km from the shore, 1,800ha in area with more than 20km long and narrow wide. It consists of a narrow stretch of earth and stone that runs east to west. The highest peak is Quit Mountain with a height of 397m. The fauna and flora here are very plentiful. There are many rare species.

It is the only island in Halong Bay that is home to a primitive forest. There are countless species of plants and trees, some with giant trunks. This forest is also home to many rare animals such as chamois, deer and monkeys. It is said that many years ago tigers, panthers and elephants once resided on the island. In order to help preserve the forest, on January 24, 1997, the government recognised it as a Bai Tu Long National Park. 

Ha Long Bay - A New Wonder of the World

Ha Long Bay concentrated zone of stone islands ,which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site and new wonder of the world.

Situated in the North-East region of Vietnam, Halong Bay is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin comprised of regions of Halong City, the township of Cam Pha, and a part of the island district of Van Don. Halong Bay borders Cat Ba Island in the southwest, the East Sea in the east, and the mainland, creating a 120 km coastline.

Halong Bay is made up of 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds of islands, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the southeast (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay), and the southwest (belonging to Halong Bay). This densely concentrated zone of stone islands, world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, forms the central zone of Halong Bay, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The bay itself has an area of 43,400 ha, consists of 775 islands, and forms a triangle with the island of Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto) to the west, the lake of Ba Ham (Three Shelter Lake) to the south, and the island of Cong Tay to the east.

Viewed from above, Halong Bay resembles a geographic work of art. While exploring the bay, you feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands. There is Man's Head Island, which resembles a man standing and looking towards the mainland. Dragon Island looks like a dragon hovering above the turquoise water. La Vong Island resembles an old man fishing. There are also the islands of the Sail, the Pair of Roosters, and the Incense Burner, which all astonishingly resemble their namesakes. The forms of the islands change depending on the angle of the light and from where the islands are viewed. At the core of the islands, there are wonderful caves and grottoes, such as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), and Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto).

 

Halong Bay has many links to the history of Vietnam. For example, there are such famous geographical sites as Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port), Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems about emperors and other famous historical figures), and Bach Dang River (the location of two fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors).

It has been proven by scientists that Halong was one of the first cradles of human existence in the area at such archeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu, and Thoi Gieng. It is also a region of highly-concentrated biological diversity with many ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs, and tropical forests featuring thousands of species of animal and plant life.

With all this in mind, the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994), officially recognized Halong Bay as a natural heritage site of worldwide importance. Nearly, Ha Long Bay was voted to be a new wonder of the world.

I. Grottoes

Dau Go (Driftwood) Grotto

Dau Go Grotto is found on Driftwood Island, formerly known as Canh Doc Island. The name Driftwood Grotto comes from the popular story of the resistance war against the Nguyen Mong aggressors. In a decisive battle, Tran Hung Dao was given an order to prepare many ironwood stakes to be planted on the riverbed of the Bach Dang River. The remaining wooden pieces were found in the grotto and, as a result, the grotto was given its present name. The entrance is reached via 90 steps up the island. The grotto is divided into three main parts. In the first chamber, many forms can be seen in the rock, depending on the imagination of the observer. In the middle of the chamber, on the top of the pillar, there appears to be a monk draped in a long, dark cloak, with his right hand clasping a cane. Moving into the second chamber, visitors pass through a narrow "door", naturally formed through erosion. The light here is mysterious, and new images appear in the stone. At the end of the grotto is a well of clear water surrounded by four ancient walls.

 

In this grotto, there remains an engraved stone stele singing the praises of Halong Bay ordered by Emperor Khai Dinh when he came to visit the grotto in 1917. Dau Go is 40 minutes from Bai Chay. Admission is 15,000 VND per person, 5,000 VND for children under 15, and children under 6 are free.

Trinh Nu (Virgin) Grotto-Trong (Male) Grotto

The Virgin Grotto is situated in the island range of Bo Hon, in the system comprised of the Surprise Grotto, Dong Tien Lake, and Luon Grotto. The grotto is 15 km south of Bai Chay Beach. For some fishermen, the Virgin Grotto is home, while for young lovers it is a popular romantic rendezvous site.

According to legend, there once was a beautiful fisherman's daughter, whose family was so poor that they were in service of the rich administrator of the fishing zone, who forced the family to give him their daughter as a concubine. However, the fisherman’s daughter already had a lover and refused to marry the administrator. The administrator got angry and exiled her to a wild island where she suffered from hunger and exhaustion. One frightful night she turned to stone. On this same night, her lover, knowing of her danger, rowed his boat in search of her. However, a tempest destroyed his boat, and he floated to a nearby island. In a flash of lightening, he saw his lover in the distance, but his calls were driven away by the wind. In his final exhaustion, he also turned to stone (today’s Male Grotto).

 

When visiting the Virgin Grotto, you can still see the petrified girl with her long hair hanging down and eyes looking towards the mainland. Opposite the Virgin Grotto, the Male Grotto is still home to the lover whose his face is turned towards his mate. At times, his passionate calls and blows against the walls of the grotto can still be heard.

Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) Grotto

This recently discovered grotto is one of the most beautiful in Halong Bay. Thien Cung is situated on the southwest side of the bay, 4 km from the wharf outside of Halong City. It is located in a small range of islands that resemble a throne embracing two superb grottoes at its core. The way to Thien Cung is perilous, covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the magnificent, 130 m long grotto opens up.

According to legend, a beautiful young lady named May (cloud) caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed and got married in the very center of the grotto. All of the scenes of their wedding, which lasted for seven days and seven nights, have been seemingly fossilized in the grotto.

In the center, there are four large pillars supporting the "roof of heaven". From the base to the top, many strange images seem to exist in the stone, including birds, fish, flowers and even scenes of human life. On the north wall of the grotto, a group of fairies seems to be singing and dancing in honor of the wedding. Under the immeasurably high roof, stalactites form a natural stone curtain. There is also the sound of a beating drum made by the wind blowing through the stone.

In the last chamber of the grotto, a natural gushing stream of water babbles throughout the year. Here there are three small ponds of clear water. One path meanders out of the grotto.

Quang Hanh Grotto

Located 9 km west of Cam Pha, Quang Hanh Grotto is the longest grotto in Halong Bay. It is 1,300 m long, and stretches throughout the stone mountain of Quang Hanh. The French named it "Le Tunnel," or Tunnel Grotto.

Quang Hanh Grotto is accessible by either boat or car, but the entrance only appears when the tide is out. Ba Co Shrine (shrine of three girls) is in the grotto beside a smooth stone block. Legend tells that three girls, who were once journeying on the sea, came to the grotto to take shelter from the rain. They were so engrossed with the beauty of the grotto, that they did not notice the rising tide. They drowned, only to become water goddesses.

Quang Hanh Grotto is extremely beautiful. A small boat will take you through the stone passageway by flashlight, casting magical colors on the hanging stalactites.

II. Islands

Bai Tho Mountain (Poem Mountain)

Bai Tho Mountain is 106 m high. It runs along the coast, half on land and half in the sea. Sailing in the bay, one or two hundred meters from the mountain, one can see a poem carved on a flat stone cliff.

In 1468, Emperor Le Thanh Tong, who was also a poet, made an inspection tour of the North-East region. He stopped at the foot of the mountain, and inspired by the magnificent beauty of his surroundings, he wrote a poem. Later, he had the poem engraved on the wall of the mountain. It is very interesting to climb the mountain and enjoy the panoramic view of the bay.

Tuan Chau Islet

Situated 3 km west of Dao Go Islet, Tuan Chau Islet has an area of 300 ha. On the islet, there is a very simple bamboo house built by the inhabitants of Quang Ninh for Uncle Ho to rest after visiting Halong Bay. The house is now carefully preserved by the locals.

III. Beaches

Bai Chay

Bai Chay is a resort located along the coast of Halong Bay. This is a windward ocean resort which has a year round average temperature of 20^oC (68^oF).

Bai Chay is a low gently sloping range of hills that runs along the sea for more than 2 km. Blended in among the pine trees are large hotels and small villas with distinguished architectural styles. Traveling down the asphalt road along the coast, visitors see long white stretches of sand and green rows of Casuarina trees, tucked under which are small family-run restaurants. After swimming at the beach, tourists can enjoy cold drinks and cool off in the breeze that sweeps in from the sea.

If tourists in Vietnam Travel have chance to visit Quang Ninh, Ha Long Bay is a must-see place that should not be missed!

www.vietnamtourism.org.vn

Halong Bay Tours on interesting from a helicopter

Today, you can explore Ha Long Bay from unprecedented heights by going on a helicopter tour.

Ha Long Bay is the jewel in Vietnam’s tourism crown, a stunning geological formation that captivates even the most travel weary and jaded of visitors. 

Most people usually take a cruise around the bay. You can choose one or two night trips to enjoy the mesmerising scenery and discover wonderful coves and islets or simply enjoy the views from the top deck of your boat. 

As a repeat visitor I wouldn’t say I’m tired of Ha Long, but I was certainly eager to discover another side of the UNESCO World Heritage Site when a friend told me about the Minmax Travel’s helicopter tour.

This would be a great opportunity to fly over the bay and enjoy a bird’s eye view of the limestone karst islets which, according to legend are the shards of diamond and jade, that were spat out by a family of dragons sent from heaven to help protect Vietnam from foreign invaders. 

I was so excited at the prospect of climbing into a helicopter, I could hardly sleep the night before. But as the morning drew closer I started to get increasingly nervous. What if, I am scared of heights? Having never scaled any cliff faces, or jumped out of an airplane, how would I know?

Morning departure

I begin to suffer vertigo even before I arrive at Gia Lam Airport, 5km from downtown Hanoi, where I am to meet my tour guide and the helicopter crew. The flight departs at 8.30am. Still slightly anxious, I reassure myself that by flying to Halong Bay I’m at least avoiding the long, rather dangerous road from Hanoi to Hai Phong. Ha Long is normally more than a three-hour drive but via helicopter we expect to arrive in 45 minutes. 

Our guide informs us that the Russian MI-17 helicopter seats 24 people and will reach an altitude of 300m. We are also in luck; the sky is clear and blue, a perfect day for flying. We set off and everyone is immediately glued to the windows and we see vast, beautiful rice fields pass below us. 

The Red River looks like a long snake winding its way through a terracotta garden. Tran Van Huong, the captain, informs us that because a helicopter flies slower and lower than a jet, there is less chance that people will feel sick while taking off or landing. The helicopter is quite large and comfortable, but being a military chopper, there is no air- conditioning, just fans. 

We are told we can visit the cockpit and talk with the four-member crew or, rather, shout at the crew –it is hard to make yourself heard above the throbbing engines!

The whole package

The Northern Serviced Flight Company, who operate the helicopter, also offer trips to Sapa in Lao Cai province and Dien Bien Phu, but tourists currently seem to prefer Ha Long Bay. The whole tour with Luxury Travel includes a cruise on a junk as well as a helicopter tour over the bay, plus transfer from Hanoi and back by chopper. 

Ha Long Bay is certainly spectacular from the helicopter – it’s as perfect as a painting: the white sandy coves, the thick green forest, the rugged mountains and the jagged karsts jutting out of the emerald water. 

I snap as many pictures as I can before the chopper lands at a heliport on General Giap Hill (named after General Vo Nguyen Giap as you might guess) Who knows when I will be 200m above Ha Long Bay again? 

The chopper lands smoothly and we are back down on earth. Everyone is buzzing after the trip and I almost feel sad it’s over. 

We are driven from the heliport to Bai Chay harbour, where boats and junks have gathered to meet the hundreds of tourists arriving from Hanoi. I can’t help but swagger a little smugly past the tired looking tourists clambering out of the buses and mini-vans thinking, I came by helicopter and I feel great! Coming by chopper I got to sleep in longer and had plenty of room on board. 

For once, I am actually refreshed and energised as we set off to explore the caves and beaches around Ha Long. Later on we grab kayaks and paddle around, visiting floating aquaculture farms and beaches. On previous trips I was often slumped in a chair, too tired and stiff to do anything else, but today I am up for everything. 

We enjoy a lavish seafood lunch on board and everyone is still in high spirits, reflecting on the amazing trip. It’s a little clichéd to say “this was unforgettable” but that’s how we felt! 

After lunch the junk returns to port before we again climb on board the helicopter and set off for the capital where we arrive at 2.30pm. It’s hard to believe we still have the whole afternoon ahead of us! 

Source:VOV

Cong Tay Tourist Site - Quang Ninh

Location: Cong Tay Tourist Site is located in Bai Tu Long, about 40km from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf and it takes 90 minutes from Cam Pha to the island by ordinary ship and 30 minutes by express ship. 

Characteristics: Cong Tay Island is a spot in the tour around the Ngoc Vung, Quan Lan Islands.

Cong Tay Island is compared with the Cinderella in a fairy tale. Cam Pha Coal, Construction and Wharf Company built the site into a destination for sigh-seeing and relaxation at weekend. Near the beach is a network of all-conveniences rest houses and restaurants.

From the rest houses you can go to the beach on a red brick paved road lined on the two sides by straight rows of coconuts. You can relax by lying on a hammock under the shade of coconut while having a view of the sea or reading books. Cong Tay has becoming an attractive tourist destination. Rest houses and service facilities are being updated and completed to cater to the needs of tourists. 

 

Ba Ham Lake - Quang Ninh

Location: Situated on the south side of Halong Bay, Ba Ham Lake is found on Dau Be Island (Calf Head Island) in Lan Ha Bay.

Location: Situated on the south side of Halong Bay, Ba Ham Lake is found on Dau Be Island (Calf Head Island) in Lan Ha Bay.

Ba Ham Lake is situated in the middle of a narrow, rectangular area, with the all four sides enclosed by vertical cliffs.

 Ba Ham Lake

The lake is a system comprising three wide and round pits, linked together by a narrow and meandering tunnel. Stalactites hang from the ceiling in a myriad of strange, coloured forms. The silence is disturbed only by the sounds of the boat�s oars. On the island are many species of plants such as orchids, benjamin figs, banyans and cycads, which blossom throughout the year. It is also the home of yellow-haired monkeys, birds, flying squirrels and bats. Under the deep blue surface of the water are the animated lives of shrimp and fish.

Although 25km from the shore it has long been considered an ideal tourism zone, the entrance is an open semi-circular hole in the flat stone wall on the north-west side of the island, 4 to 5m above the sea.

Starting from the entrance, tourists enter the first tunnel, which boasts a forest of stalactites and stalagmites in different shapes and various colours. They fall down the water surface like the roots of banyan or ficus trees. The deeper one pushes into the tunnel, the darker it becomes. The river is deep yet so clear that one can see shoals of fish swimming. Some 100m from the entrance one finds a shaft of light coming from the roof of the tunnel, which reveals different kinds of orchids clinging to the cliff, cycads growing here and there, truc duoi ga (a kind of reed with cock�s tail-liked yellow leaves) flourishing in clumps. In the southeast cliff of the second tunnel there grows an old carambola tree, which bears fruits all year round. Tourists can find groups of monkeys, flying squirrels, or silver-headed parrots gathering in its branches. Lying one cliff away from the second one, the third tunnel is home to various species of bats and butterflies.

Amidst the tranquil atmosphere, you feel like boating in an abyssal well walled by mountains. Ba Ham Lake is one of the beauty spots of Halong Bay.