Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site located in Quang Ninh province in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam. The bay features about 2000 limestone karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.
History and legend
The name means "Descending Dragon" and comes from a local legend, when the Vietnames were fighting against Chinese invaders. In this legend the gods sent a family of dragons to help defend the land. This family of dragons began spitting out jewels and jade. These jewels turned into the islands and islets dotting the bay, linking together to form a great wall against the invaders. The people kept their land safe and formed what later became the country of Vietnam. After that, dragons were interested in peaceful sightseeing of the Earth and decided to live here then. The place where Mother Dragon flew down was named Ha Long.
Many of the bay's caves that have large, open entrances have been utilised and occupied by past cultures. Known archeological remains date from the late Pleistocene Soi Nhu culture, from the mid-Holocene Ha Long culture and from recent periods.
Geography
Ha Long is a large bay with a multitude of limestone rocks and a limited number of earth islands formed from decayed lateric mountains. In total, there are about 2000 islands and islets, of which 1000 have been named. Larger islands rising to 100-200m are found in the south, interspersed with smaller islets of 5-10m height interspersed. To the east of the Bay medium size islands feature almost vertical slopes. Numerous caves and grottoes are found, with stalactites and stalagmites. The earth islands are inhabited. There is a diverse flora throughout Ha Long, and primary tropical forest is found, mostly on the islands of Ba Mun and Cat Ba. Results from preliminary surveys indicate the presence of about 1000 fish species. Mammals, reptiles and birds are found on the islands, especially those derived from laterite.
In 1962 the Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism designated Ha Long Bay a 'Renowned National Landscape Monument'.
Ha Long Bay was first listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, in recognition of its outstanding, universal aesthetic value. In 2000 the World Heritage Committee additionally recognised Ha Long Bay for its outstanding geological and geomorphological value, and its World Heritage Listing was updated.
The New Open World Foundation has included Halong Bay on its list for nomination as one the World's 7 Natural Wonders.
Your tasks:
- Estimate: How much meter is the distance between the two rocks of the islet shown above? Mail me your estimation.
- Mail me the name of the rock shown above? Its is one the most famous rock formations in the Ha Long bay every local guide should know it. Dont wait for a confirmation from me - if the answers are wrong I will delete your log...maybe.
- You have to attach a picture to your log of you and your GPS in front of this rock. You will find this formation in the area around the listed coordinates.