Ha Long Bay features some 1,600 limestone islands and islets in various shapes and sizes, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence. The site's outstanding scenic beauty is complemented by its great biological interest.
![Ha Long Bay - Bay of the Descending Dragon](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiA64lZFSK0NTHd451ULmqlT23v9PFC2C6M6vhsnzuwsz91ZJydc-8HBcxPyyJhgTrUQwxCadbCqzXasnUCdR7Xe10zgodAcDPy594OV0sKYYUkjpZMjQFY2QUrII8rSbraYE1gVUjqClmh/s400/ha_long_bay.jpg)
![Misty morning at Ha Long Bay](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiI72_GQLMBoQax7ikGjtr3kFrXcYyoXURGWHdLSEHJE9UL6mUHDYiCvF9urV0N9nnP1E_r-0DHHisIWROt5tz1vCo4eKZmWHESyEWgmOcXs80EWJPZVEtiP7_oghmsxCB5PZS2PU20Dv9p/s400/misty_morning_at_ha_long_bay.jpg)
Another main attractions of Ha long is the bay's calm water and the thousands of limestone mountains dotting the seascape. The Bay's water is clear during the spring and early summer. Some of the islands are quite large and there are small alcoves with sandy beaches where swimming is possible.
![A quiet and relaxing beach at Ha Long](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiY1UaxDpVZ7iHDjcXGCiA3LKIZxrSbOrH0HTnE9K-S6bSPRN0w2JOHlGHMPVEJrsGaoiZw24dtPmTXDSYD2L-PwOoGFd12oBnK24U7HtCGdTBGtNHkbNdUDWSXGQFYpJHXE3cBF6VUEvkl/s400/relaxing_beach_at_ha_long_bay.jpg)
![Tourist boats at Ha Long](https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgL2w6nQ5LkFzPJUDdMWLM3ivlnvcbtfpw4M1MeW_HJngFvZcQlb555bANv-YQL9vP0f4rRRCt53hZ7oYAu3G0WGMAGdoYK3RodkfZf_nMbz0jp-yDaSvGcCJdz4yJKYl_gL8CS0sC2Ss4N/s400/tourist_boat_at_ha_long_bay.jpg)