Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located off Halong city (on the northern tip of Vietnam), which takes around half an hour to reach from the main bay area. Comprised of around 1,600 islands and islets of limestone formation, it is a distinctly scenic seascape with spectacular little pillars cascading into the distance. Halong literally translates as 'where the dragon descends into the sea' and according to local legend, this ethereal seascape was gouged out by a great dragon with its thrashing tail.