Ha Long or Halong word derives from the Sino Vietnamese meaning dragon down. The local people believe that the dragon had saved their family when Vietnam began to develop into a new state. The legend tells that when Vietnam is struggling to overcome the enemy attacks from the outside, the family dragon down to earth and spewing gems. This gem then formed islands spread at bay. The island became like a solid fortress that can stem the invasion from outside. Local myths also say that the magic rocks created a high rock in the middle of the ocean, blocking rate of enemy ships. Many enemy ships sunk due to the emergence of the rock mountain.
After successfully winning the battle and help Vietnam from enemy attack, the dragon family fascinated with the natural beauty of the bay and decided to stay at this place. the name of the place where the mother dragon drops called Ha Long, while a dragon lowered by his mom called Bai Tu Long Island. Place child dragon tail wags called Bach Long Vy island. The last place it is now known as Tra Co Peninsula in Mong Cai. Legend of the formation of Halong Bay is very interesting. Some cultures have lived and flourished in the area tens of thousands years ago.
Several archaeological sites were discovered by experts like Me Cung and Thien Long in Ha Long and Bai Tu Long. Archaeological evidence found as freshwater molluscs, fossil shells pile, and even tools for work. From the historical evidence when it is known that people make ends meet by catching fish and shellfish, collecting fruits and digging to get at the root tubers. Soi Nhu people living in coastal areas so that their way of life is different from other cultures that are found in this country, as in the Bac Son and Hoa Binh.
Evidence was found in the presence of Cai Beo Bad Cat Island and Ha Long. Society at that time already well advanced and began the exploitation of marine resources in addition to gathering and hunting. Cai Beo culture is a cultural link between the Ha Long culture and Soi Noah. The findings of this cultural relic proves that the Vietnamese were able to adapt to coastal environments earlier than previously believed.
Halong culture was divided into two: the beginning and the end. The main characteristic Halong culture in the early days was the presence of marine transgression that resulted in population during the Cai Beo homeless. In addition, many people have to move to the northern end of the coast that eventually form the Halong culture. Halong culture archaeological sites are found in Go Mung Ba, Thoi Geng, Thon Nam, and Xom Chua. They still make ends meet by hunting and gathering, but began to make tools to help working and making pottery.
Culture Halong end result from the marine transgression reached its peak. This culture developed along with Halong migration to the lowlands and mountains. Habitat population at that time tended to spread. They live in deserts, caves, and mountain peaks. Due to the changes that occur in the region of Halong sea, the plains turned into islands. Therefore, the contact between one community with another community to do with the boat. So the main food source is the exploitation of marine resources. The technique also makes the equipment more sophisticated.
History shows that Halong Bay is a barrier gate at the same time attack for the enemy of Vietnam. Counted three times the Vietnamese troops succeeded in blocking the arrival of the Chinese in the Bach Dang River, Halong Bay. In 1288, General Tran Hung Dao stop the Mongolian ship that approached Bach Dang River by way of placing steel-tipped wooden pegs which managed to sink a fleet of Kublai Khan. During the Vietnam War, U.S. forces planted sea mines in the path of Halong Bay. Up to now there are still some areas dangerous to pass.