Wednesday, July 16, 2008

New 7 Wonders/Nature vote #3 of 7

Moving along with my continental tour, I have now reached ASIA. Suddenly the choices have become much more complicated and numerous.

Two of the criteria for my choices is accessibility and a fervent wish to visit the natural site. The descriptions alone on the N7W website were not enough for me, so I delved into the internet.
The pictures on this site alone have me crying with desire (and feeling intense envy that Jazz has actually been there) .


Ha Long literally means descending dragon(s) and according to local myth, long ago when their forefathers were fighting foreign invaders from the north, the gods from heaven sent a family of dragons to help defend their land. This family of dragons descended upon what is now Ha Long bay and began spitting out jewels and jade. Upon hitting the sea, these jewels turned into the various islands and islets dotting the seascape and formed a formidable fortress against the invaders. The locals were able to keep their land safe and formed what is now the country of Vietnam. The Dragon family fell so much in love with this area for its calm water and for the reverence of the people of Vietnam that they decided to remain on earth. Mother dragon lies on what is now Ha Long and where her children lie is Bai Tu Long. The dragon tails formed the area of Bach Long Vi known for the miles of white sandy beaches of Tra Co peninsula.

Dotted with 3000 limestone islets rising from emerald waters, it is the best known natural wonder of Vietnam. 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. The islands feature endless numbers of beaches, grottoes, and caves.


Ha Long Bay
VIET NAM Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in Quang Ninh province. The bay features thousands of karsts and isles in various sizes and shapes.

Current rank: 2

oops ... and I neglected to include links to more photos of vote #1. For consistency that has now been attended to, so have a gander back a couple of posts and dream some more.

5 comments:

  1. Wow. How could anyone choose just ONE best site?

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  2. I'm having trouble just choosing one favourite from each continent!

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  3. Ha Long bay is extraordinary. One of the best places I've been.

    I don't know what's wrong with blogger today, but I can't seem to see anyone's new pictures! It,s annoying as hell.

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  4. I just caught up with your posts on the 7 Natural Wonders. As you know, I also picked Milford Sound. I haven't been to Ha Long Bay but I have heard lots of great things about it from almost everyone that has been. I am not so keen on deserts though, so your Moroccan choice merely makes me wish to go jump into a refreshing lake! Look forward to the rest of your picks.

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