Travel Guide 32 July-Dec 2013 | Page 38

VIETNAM TIMELESS CHARM HALONG BAY Situated in the north-east region of Vietnam, Halong Bay covers a total area of 1,553km² including 1,969 islands. The average geological age of the islands is between 250 and 280 million years old. Names are given to islands according to their shapes such as Hon Dau Nguoi (Human Head Islet), Hon Rong (Dragon Islet), and Hon Trong Mai (Cock and Hen Islet). It’s infinitely rich system of grottoes and caves include Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto) and Trinh Nu (Virgin Grotto). SAPA At the height of 1,600m above sea level, Sapa’s average temperature is around 15-18oC. Sapa has many natural sites such as Ham Rong Mountain, Silver Waterfall, Rattan Bridge, Bamboo Forest and Ta Phin Cave. It is also the starting point for many climbers to reach the top of Fansipan Mountain, the highest mountain in Vietnam at 3,143m. HANOI Throughout the thousand years of its eventful history, marked by destruction, wars and natural calamities, Hanoi still preserves many ancient architectural works including the Old Quarter and over 600 pagodas and temples. Famous attractions include the One Pillar Pagoda (built in 1049), the Temple of Literature (built in 1070), President Ho Chi Minh's Mausoleum and Hoan Kiem Lake. 43