The Enchanting History of Halong Bay – 500 million years
Ha Long Bay is known for not only its emerald waters, limestone karsts, and mystical caves but also its rich history that blends geological marvels with ancient myths and historical significance. In this article, we delve into the captivating Halong Bay’s history, uncovering its evolution from legend to a globally recognized natural wonder.
The Legend of Ha Long Bay: A Dragon’s Gift
“Ha Long” is “Descending Dragon,” which comes from an ancient legend about dragons. When Vietnam was under threat from foreign invaders, the Jade Emperor sent a family of dragons from heaven to defend the land and protect the Vietnamese people.
They began spitting out jewels and jade, which formed islands and islets, creating a natural fortress that halted the invaders’ advance. The location where the Mother Dragon landed was Halong Bay.
This enchanting legend still plays a key role in the cultural identity of the area, drawing tourists who are fascinated by its mystical origins.
Geological History: 500 Millions Years
Scientists estimate that Ha Long Bay began forming around 500 million years ago, with its karst landscape shaped by tectonic activity, sea-level changes, and erosion. Rainwater and waves sculpted the limestone into towering cliffs, jagged rocks, and hidden caves, creating the bay’s distinctive topography of over 1,600 islands. Key geological events include the formation of a thick limestone layer during the Carboniferous and Permian periods (240 – 340 million years ago) and the Halong depression during the Neogene period (10 – 26 million years ago). The most intense erosion occurred in the Quaternary Pleistocene epoch, 11,000 to 2 million years ago.
Early Human Settlements: Traces of Ancient Civilizations
Ha Long Bay is not only rich in natural beauty but also in archaeological significance. Evidence of human activity in the area dates back as far as 18,000 years ago. Archaeologists have uncovered traces of early civilizations, including the Soi Nhu, Cai Beo, and Halong cultures, which once thrived in the region.
18,000 – 7000 BC
SOi Nhu Culture
This culture was centered in areas like Halong and Bai Tu Long, with key archaeological sites such as Mê Cung and Thiên Long. Excavations have uncovered remains of mountain and freshwater shellfish, along with simple stone tools. The Soi Nhu people primarily relied on fishing, shellfish gathering, and foraging for fruits, bulbs, and roots.
7000 - 5000 BC
CAI BEO CULTURE
Located in Ha Long and Cat Ba Island, the inhabitants developed advanced sea-exploitation skills. They were ancient fishermen, and their fishing village was one of the largest ever found in Vietnam. The Cai Beo culture serves as a link between the earlier Soi Nhu culture and the later HaLong culture.
3000-1500 BC
Halong CUlture
Ha Long Culture is one of four key prehistoric coastal cultures in Vietnam, along with Hoa Lộc (Thanh Hoá), Bàu Tró (Quảng Bình), and Xóm Cồn (Khánh Hoà).
Around 50 HaLong Culture relics have been found on the islands of Ha Long Bay, known for their distinctive stone tools and pottery. The people of this era likely developed watercraft to trade these items with other regions. Evidence of this includes Ha Long-style axes discovered not only in northern Vietnam but also in China.
Ha Long Bay Today: A UNESCO World Heritage Site and Tourist Attraction
Ha Long Bay is a globally renowned destination and a symbol of Vietnam’s tourism industry. In 2023, it attracted 2.6 million visitors.
Ha Long Bay has received numerous awards and recognition for its exceptional value:
- In 1962, Vietnam’s Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism designated it as a Renowned National Landscape Monument.
- Halong Bay has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. It was first listed in 1994 for its outstanding and universal aesthetic value. In 2000, Ha Long Bay was further honored with a second UNESCO recognition for its geological and geomorphological significance.
- In 2011, the World Monuments Fund included Halong Bay in the 2012 World Monuments Watch list.
- On September 16, 2023, during the 45th session of the World Heritage Committee in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, UNESCO officially recognized Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago, located in northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh province and neighboring Hai Phong City, as a World Natural Heritage site.
Conclusion
As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations, Halong Bay remains a symbol of Vietnam’s natural beauty and historical depth – a place where history, legend, and nature come together in perfect harmony. From the myth of the descending dragon to its geological wonders and rich historical past, Ha Long Bay’s story continues to enchant visitors from around the globe.
