Nestled in northeastern Vietnam, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone karsts and dramatic pillars. Among these geological wonders are several peculiarly shaped islets that stir the imagination and embody the rich traditions of the region. Here are some of the most iconic ones to look out for:
1. Hòn Trống Mái (Kissing Rocks)
Location: Southeast of Bo Hon Island, about 5km from Tuan Chau International Marina.
Possibly the most photographed scene of Halong Bay, Hòn Trống Mái, also called Hòn Gà Chọi or Fighting Cocks Islet, consists of two limestone rocks resembling a pair of fighting cocks frozen in mid-battle. Standing around 10 meters tall above the sea, these “floating” natural outcrops seem to lean towards each other, beaks nearly touching, especially magical at sunrise. Local legend says they are a pair of loyal lovers turned to stone, symbolizing fidelity and eternal love.
Note: Trong Mai Islet is the symbol on the logo of Halong Bay and in Vietnam's travel guidebooks.
2. Hòn Đỉnh Hương (Stone Incense Burner)
Location: About 2.5 km from Tuan Chau International Marina, southwest of Dau Go Cave.
This islet reminds you of a solitary incense burner placed on a stone altar amidst the water. With its wide base and slender top, it’s often likened to a censer used in ancestral worship. This spiritual shape resonates with Vietnamese customs, as it looks to be offering incense to the sky and sea, a poetic tribute to the sacredness of the bay.
Note: Dinh Huong Islet appears on the 200,000 VND banknote of Vietnam.
3. Hòn Rùa (Turtle Islet)
Location: Lan Ha Bay, near the Viet Hai village port.
A low-lying rock formation similar to a turtle leisurely swimming through the bay, Hòn Rùa is a charming and whimsical sight. The turtle, an emblem of longevity and wisdom in Vietnamese culture, fits perfectly in the idyllic setting of Halong Bay, giving a touch of tranquility to the inspiring seascape.
4. Hòn Chó Đá (Stone Dog Islet)
Location: Close to the entrance of Halong Bay, near Thien Cung Cave.
Perching like a vigilant guardian at the gateway of the bay, Hòn Chó Đá resembles a dog looking out over the sea. Vietnamese believe stone dogs bring protection and loyalty, so this natural sculpture is often thought to watch over seafarers, ensuring safe passage through the mystical waters.
5. Hòn Yên Ngựa (Saddle Islet)
Location: In the center of Halong Bay, about 14km from Halong International Cruise Port.
This islet captures the attention with its smooth curves and low arch in the middle of two stone piers, one large and one small, cleverly linked together to form the shape of a horse saddle. Though it’s currently not a main point in the tour routes of Halong Bay, some overnight cruises still pass this point during their journey.
6. Hòn Oản (Oan Islet)
Location: Close to the shore, only 300 meters from Bai Tho Mountain.
Hòn Oản is named after “oản,” a traditional offering cake made from glutinous rice used in Vietnamese ceremonies. The islet looks like this cake in shape: smooth, rounded, and slightly domed. It’s associated with spiritual offerings and ancestral respect, blending cultural symbolism with natural beauty.
7. Hòn Con Cóc (Toad Islet)
Location: About 12 km southeast of Halong International Cruise Port, south of Halong Bay
True to its name, this islet bears a striking resemblance to a crouching toad ready to leap. In Vietnamese mythology, the toad is “the uncle of heaven” and a bringer of rain. Legend says its croak can call for showers during drought. This quirky shaping is a favorite among travelers with a playful eye and a love for folklore.
The distinctive islets of Halong Bay aren’t just random rock formations; they are cultural icons, storytellers, and silent sentinels of the sea. Each one carries a tale, a symbol, or a spirit that adds to the bay's otherworldly charm. Exploring them is like drifting through a living museum of nature's creativity and Vietnam’s deep-rooted folklore. Taking a Halong Bay Cruise to discover Halong Bay - one of the natural wonders of World right now!
