Halong Bay - A Brief History

Halong Bay - A Historically Significant Wonder in 2025

Halong Bay remains one of the most captivating tourist destinations in Vietnam, enchanting visitors with its breathtaking natural beauty as well as its remarkable geological, historical, and archaeological significance. Join us as we explore this invaluable aquatic treasure in the heart of Vietnam.

Halong Bay In The Old Days

Famed for its emerald waters, mystical caves, and stunning grottoes, Halong Bay is also regarded as a cradle of prehistoric civilization, significant to the cultural heritage of Vietnam. While many admire its beauty, few are aware that it served as the birthplace of early human societies that contributed to Halong Bay's cultural tapestry today.

Photo: visithalongbay.com

In 1937, Swedish archaeologist Anderson, along with two French sisters, embarked on an extensive journey across Halong Bay. Their exploration led to the discovery of a variety of stone artifacts including axes, grinding tools, sewing needles, and jewelry. These remnants were attributed to the “Ngoc Vung Culture,” believed to have flourished in the late Neolithic period. Subsequent excavations unearthed additional archaeological sites such as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, and Soi Nhu, covering hundreds of square kilometers.

Photo: planetware.com

Throughout history, Halong Bay has served as a vital center for cultural and commercial exchanges between ancient Vietnam and neighboring countries such as China, Japan, and Thailand, as it lies on the principal route connecting these regions. Van Don Port, established during the Ly Dynasty around 1149, witnessed crucial historical events, including victories against Mongol invasions. Historical figures such as Nguyen Trai celebrated Halong Bay’s beauty in poetry, referring to it as a "rock wonder in the sky."

Halong Bay and the French

During the French colonial period beginning in 1883, Quang Ninh province came under foreign rule. French geologists and archaeologists soon began to recognize the splendid beauty and historical significance of Halong Bay. Many of its famous islets were named by the French, including Sung Sot Cave, known as “la grotte des Surprise.” This site was explored by the French in 1901 and received its current name in 1938.

Photo: vietgiaitri.com

While local inhabitants had long called it Ha Long, it wasn't until the late 19th century that the name “Ha Long” first appeared on French maritime maps. An article published in the “Hai Phong News,” a French-language newspaper, recounted sightings of a mysterious dragon-like creature in the bay area, reported by Captain Ledgerin and other sailors in 1898, 1900, and 1902.

Halong - A World Heritage Site

In 1962, the Ministry of Culture, Sports, and Tourism of Vietnam officially recognized Halong Bay as a National Relics and Landscapes Monument. Halong Bay was first designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 for its exceptional universal aesthetic value. In 2000, its listing was updated, highlighting the site’s outstanding geological and geomorphological features.

Photo by @Bernd Schubert

In 2009, Halong Bay was nominated as one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature by the New 7 Wonders Foundation. Following a nationwide voting campaign, Halong Bay was officially recognized as one of the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World on November 11, 2011, further solidifying its status as a global treasure.