Gulf of Tonkin, a body of water lies in South of China and North of Vietnam. It won’t be an exaggeration to say that it forms the northern arm of the South China sea. The gulf is surrounded by northern coastline of Vietnam, China’s Guangxi Province and China’s Leizhou Peninsula. There are two main gates of the Bay. Major gate is in the area of Con Co. Island, while the other is located in China. The gulf consists of Bai Tu Long Bay, Halong Bay, and the Lan Ha Bay.

The name of Tonkin is written in Han-Nom characters which means eastern capital. Tokyo has also similar meanings and written in the same style, thus it should not be confused with Tokyo. This Northern region was called Tonkin during the French colonial era.

President of U.S Lyndon B. Johnson argued in 1964 that North Vietnamese forces had attacked American destroyers twice, in the Gulf of Tonkin. This event in history is known as the Gulf of Tonkin Incident. The event triggered the relevant officials to proclaim Gulf of Tonkin resolution. The declaration acted as the main phenomenon to initiate a full-scale war between the United States and North Vietnam. In addition to this, it has overlooked the major escalation in South Vietnam which was actually started when the US regular combat mission landed at Da Nang in 1965.

As far as the tourism value of the Gulf of Tonkin is concerned, there is no doubt that this place has been remained on top of the list due to its historical value and natural beauty. Boating, swimming, sunbath, and fishing are some of the favorite activities pursued by the tourists over there.

One of the best attraction in the Gulf of Tonkin is a mountain in Cat Ba Island. You will get amazing view of Lan Ha Bay from the Cannon Fort. Moreover, there is Monkey Island presenting an epic view of the locality, then comes the east observatory offering a stunning view of the fishing villages and cliffs around. Many observers enjoy the scenery of old military munitions. War bunkers and cannons are anchored there with their all brilliance and magnanimity. Limited area of the Gulf is yet open for the general public. Most of the areas still are untouched and their hidden beauty is required to be explored.