Is Halong Bay polluted?

At present, water in Halong Bay shows pollution by oil and coliform. Other pollutants such as heavy metals, chlorinated pesticides, cyanide, organic mater… are still lower than Vietnamese standard for coastal water.

Is Halong Bay dirty?

Unfortunately yes, Halong Bay is pretty polluted. If you look at the water closely you'll see plastic and bottles floating in the ocean, and I also noticed quite a few oil slicks.

Is Halong Bay water clean?

The water in Halong Bay is very clean. Since Halong Bay became the World Heritage site, the residents here take extra care and be more responsible in maintaining the beauty of the bay. Remember to follow the lifeguard's instructions, it's best to check with them first if it's ok to swim.

Is Halong Bay Safe?

Halong is a safe city to travel to. It is primarily a transit point, so tourists are not targeted by pickpockets nor are there instances of violent crimes towards them. There is some street crime, but much less than in Hanoi.

Can you swim in Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is said to be one of the best places to swim in Vietnam with numerous beaches. The bay is not only an ideal place for sunbathing with dazzling sunlight, but also a beautiful beach with calm tides, clean, and green water.

Paradise lost: mass tourism leads to pollution crisis in Ha Long Bay

Are there sharks in Halong Bay?

So far, there are NO sharks found or any warning for shark appearance in Halong bay. If you are traveling on a cruise ship, just follow all safety instructions by the cruise operator when you go swimming and kayaking, then you do not have anything to worry about.

Are there dolphins in Halong Bay?

The sun deck is comprised of a bar with ample outdoor seating, an observation area for watching the bay's sublime beauty. There are 2 twin junks of this kind whose names are White Dolphin 94 and White Dolphin 95. 08:00-08:30: Pick up at your hotel and depart for Halong city.

Is it safe to swim in the sea in Vietnam?

It is relatively safe to swim in the ocean in Vietnam. Factory spills pose the greatest risk to swimmers. Authorities are required to alert swimmers if there could be an issue but be alert to any strange red, brown, or dark blue water. Swimmers should also be wary of undertows.

How deep is the water in Ha Long Bay?

Halong Bay has an area of 1553 km² and coastline spanning 120 km. The bay is relatively shallow with its deepest depth measuring at 33 feet (10 metres).

Is it worth staying overnight in Ha Long Bay?

Halong offers quite a lot to see especially in some islands so an overnight trip will give you a chance to see a wider part of it. But, if you have already visited the bay and this time you just want to see a certain island or cave, a day trip will be enough. You will have more time for other activities.

What is special about Halong Bay?

The unique beauty of the bay, with its towering limestone karsts, make this a natural wonder worthy of a UNESCO World Heritage listing. There are more than 1,600 islets in the bay, their limestone worn down by 500 million years of tropical downpours, and topped by thick jungle growth.

Is Halong Bay too touristy?

Ha Long Bay is a very popular tourist destination and depending on the time of year you visit it can get very crowded with boats and tourists.

How safe is Vietnam?

According to the 2019 Global Peace Index, Vietnam ranks 57th out of 163 countries in safety—well above the United States in the 114th position. In today's Vietnam, violent crime is rare.

Why is Halong Bay protected?

The property is protected effectively by a number of relevant provincial and national laws as well as governmental decrees including; the Cultural Heritage Law, the Bio-Diversity Law, the Tourism Law, the Environmental Protection Law, the Fishery Law and Marine Transport Law.

What does Ha Long mean in Vietnamese?

In Vietnamese, Ha Long means “descending dragon.” Dragons play a prominent role in Vietnamese culture, and the most popular legend has it that one such creature and her children descended from heaven to defend the Viet people from invaders, spraying fire and emeralds or jade.

How was Halong Bay made?

Rainwater flowed into crevices in the limestone that had formed from tectonic activity. This steady erosion constantly widened the cracks, eventually creating today's formations. This period is notable for the advance of the sea. The movement of the sea reached its peak and forming today's Ha Long Bay.

What should I avoid in Vietnam?

Is there sharks in Vietnam?

There Are Sharks, but Don't Panic

The South China Sea, which flows round Vietnam, is known for its great number of inhabitants. There is no surprise since water temperature doesn't drop below 20 degrees. Among all sea inhabitants tourists are interested primarily in sharks.

What is the most beautiful beach in Vietnam?

What animals are in Halong Bay?

Some of the wildlife found on the islands include: monkeys, birds, lizards, and even antelopes. There are 450 different mollusks and 200 different species of fish in Halong Bay. Some of the islands have permanent residents and tourism businesses. Most of the islands in Halong Bay are limestone.

Are there jellyfish in Vietnam?

Vietnam DOES have box jellyfish (despite what the tourism operators will tell you) and these jellyfish are potential killers if managed incorrectly.

Are there great white sharks in the South China Sea?

Several widely distributed species including bull sharks (Carcharhinus leucas), tiger sharks (Galedocerdo cuvier), sixgill sharks (Hexanchus griseus), and white sharks (Carcharodon carcharias) have been documented in the South China Sea (Arai & Azri, 2019; Compagno, 1997;Lam & Sadovy de Mitcheson, 2011;Talaue-McManus, ...

Is there sharks in Singapore waters?

Sharks live in Singapore's waters and Hantu divers even swim with them from time to time. The most common sharks that are seen in Singapore's waters come from the bamboo shark family (Hemiscylliidae) and a cute specimen was photographed on the Hantu reef during the 7th anniversary dive on Mar 2011.

Is Vietnam safer than Thailand?

Safety. Both countries are roughly the same in terms of safety, with Vietnam having a slight advantage. Scams are a greater risk than violent crime, which isn't really an issue. Thailand is slightly more prone to fraud and petty thefts, but only because it's more popular with tourists.

When should I avoid Vietnam?

Hoi An: Avoid visiting in October due to heavy rainfall and possible flooding. Da Nang – Hoi An: Avoid swimming at the beaches in this central region during November as the rip tides can be particularly dangerous this month. Hanoi: Avoid visiting in July as heavy rainfall causes washed out roads and potential flooding.