Which region in Vietnam is known as "Ha Long Bay on land"? What makes this landscape unique? (Tran My Tu, Thanh Khe, Da Nang)

Trang An is considered as "Ha Long Bay on land" with its magnificent beauty. Photo: V.T.L

"Ha Long Bay on land" is the name given to Ninh Binh province by Travel and Leisure Magazine (USA) due to its landscapes resembling Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh.

Highlighted among the 50 Best Travel Destinations for 2018 by Insider, Ninh Binh captivates visitors with its breathtaking scenery. This place also possesses diverse and impressive terrain, including mountains, limestone cliffs, and dense forests.

According to Ninh Binh Electronic Portal, the region lies at the intersection of the Northwest Mountains, the Red River Delta, and North Central Vietnam, and it possesses over 1,800 historical and cultural relics.

Trang An Scenic Landscape Complex is located at the southern edge of the Red River Delta and about 90 km southeast of Hanoi. It spans an area of 6,226 hectares, primarily comprising wetlands and rice fields. On June 25, 2014, in Doha, Qatar, UNESCO’s World Heritage Committee officially recognized Trang An as a World Cultural and Natural Heritage site under three criteria: culture, aesthetic beauty, and geological significance. This distinction makes Trang An become the first mixed heritage site in Vietnam and Southeast Asia.

Regarding these three criteria, Prof. Dr. Ho Sy Quy, a member of Central Council of Theoretical Studies and Vietnam Academy of Social Sciences, explained on the official website of Central Council of Theoretical Studies (hdll.vn/vi/nghien-cuu) according to the assessment of the UNESCO World Heritage Committee as follows:

In terms of cultural value, Trang An stands out in Southeast Asia as a prime example of how humans have interacted with nature and adapted to environmental changes for over 30,000 years.

In terms of aesthetic value, the limestone mountains of Trang An are among the most beautiful and captivating landscapes compared to similar mountains around the world. A series of towering rock spires, rising up to 200 meters, are surrounded by forests that are connected by sharp mountain ridges, and encircle deep water areas linked through countless underground caves. The majestic mountains, mysterious caves, and sacred temples, pagodas, and shrines in Trang An have inspired people across countless generations.

In terms of geological and geomorphological value, Trang An is a spectacular geological heritage site that provides clear insights into the final stages of the evolution of limestone mountains in a tropical humid environment. It is a representative and exceptional model on a global scale.

However, in Vietnam, there are three other locations also known as "Ha Long Bay on land": Ta Dung Lake, Thac Ba Lake, and Thung Nai Lake, as introduced by the website danatravel.vn (Danatravel Joint Stock Company headquartered in Da Nang).

Ta Dung Lake is one of the most beautiful lakes in Vietnam. It is located in the upper reaches of Dong Nai River, in the territories of Dak P' Lao and Dak Som communes. With its vast area and pristine natural landscape, Ta Dung Lake is an unmissable destination when travelling in the Central Highlands.

Thac Ba Lake is a famous lake situated in the Yen Binh and Luc Yen districts of Yen Bai Province. As one of the largest artificial lakes in Vietnam, Thac Ba Lake is not only beautiful but also offers many exciting experiences for visitors.

Thung Nai Lake is another stunning “Ha Long Bay on land” version in the northern region of Vietnam. This lake is located in the heart of the Son Da River, in Cao Phong District, Hoa Binh Province.

Reporting by DNCT – Translating by HONG VAN