Legend has it that at the beginning era of Vietnam, the people had to face fierce invasion from another country coming from the North through the sea. So they prayed for a miracle. In order to help the people fight against invaders, Emperor Jade sent a mother dragon down together with her children to stop the enemy’s ships. As the ships advanced into Vietnam’s ocean, the dragons spat fire at them. At the same time, they were spitting out jewels and jade which turned into islands and islets dotting the emerald waters and linking together to form a great wall preventing outsiders’ intrusion. After the invaders were defeated, the dragon fell in love with the peaceful seascape and decided to make their home in the bay. Thus, the place the mother dragon descended onto is now called Halong Bay. Halong meaning is descending dragon.