VIETNAM. Hong Gai. 1997. Halong Bay is called the "Guilin of the Sea." It is one of Vietnam's most picturesque spots. Because it is situated just south of the border with China, for a long while it was off limits to foreign visitors. I was told that August is the most beautiful month to visit. A particularly enjoyable eating experience is to boil shellfish in seawater and eat them while cruising among the many islands in the bay aboard a small pleasure boat. Hong Gai is the main port in Halong Bay.