Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago have been recognized as an International Geological Heritage Site due to their outstanding global value in terms of geological history and karst geomorphology.
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| Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) ranked 4th among the 10 most visited natural wonders in the world in 2023, according to The Travel, a renowned American travel website. (Source: Quang Ninh Newspaper) |
Recently, Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) and Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong), along with 99 other locations in 53 countries worldwide, were officially recognized as International Geological Heritage Sites by the Geological Survey.
The Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago International Geological Heritage Site is recognized for two outstanding global values: geological history and karst geomorphology (geomorphology of characteristic fault types typically marked by underground cave drainage systems).
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| Lan Ha Bay in Cat Ba is beloved for its pristine, peaceful beauty, with many islands of varying sizes and unique characteristics. (Source: VnE) |
Accordingly, the Cat Ba archipelago ( Hai Phong ) is a superb example of mature karst landscapes under hot, humid tropical, monsoon conditions, and recently altered by sea encroachment. Ha Long Bay (Quang Ninh) boasts diverse topographical features such as: mountainous islands interspersed with deep sea bays, and the contrast between coastal mangrove forests and limestone islands with sheer cliffs.
Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago encompasses all stages of the submersion process of tropical karst seawater, as well as three main types of caves (ancient sea frog caves, ancient karst floor caves, and frog caves). Ha Long Bay represents the later stages of the submersion process. Cat Ba Archipelago adds significant geological values to the heritage through patterns of land and intertidal phases.
The appearance of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago area and its unique and renowned geological and geomorphological values today are the result of geological tectonic movements in the region that lasted for more than 500 million years.
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| The unique crescent-shaped golden sand beach on Ti Top Island, Ha Long Bay. (Source: mia.vn) |
Ha Long Bay has been recognized twice by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site (in 1994 and 2000). In 2023, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago was also recognized by UNESCO as the first inter-provincial/city World Natural Heritage Site in Vietnam.
The recognition of Ha Long Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago as an International Geological Heritage Site once again affirms the value of this heritage.
The International Union of Geological Sciences announced the list of 100 Global Geological Heritage Sites at the 37th International Geological Congress (IGC), held from August 25-31 in Busan, South Korea.
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