Ha Long Bay among world's 51 most beautiful places: Condé Nast Traveler

The magazine said the bay is beloved for its blue waters and spread of limestone islands, all occupied by tropical trees and wildlife. It suggested visitors board a sailing ship to experience the beauty, and associated myths and stories, of the mist-shrouded emerald basin.

The formation of Ha Long Bay dates over 500 million years and the limestone that is found in the bay began forming around 340 million years ago. Over time, the bay has gone through countless changes resulting in its today's magnificent natural landscape.

Its core area, which has been recognized by the UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage, is 434 sq.km and comprises 775 limestone islands and islets.

Other destinations on the Condé Nast Traveler's list include the Amazon (South America), Angel Falls (Venezuela), Antarctica, Arashiyama Bamboo Grove (Japan), Atacama Desert (Chile) and Avenue of the Baobabs (Madagascar).