Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country's most iconic natural attractions. Renowned for its stunning landscapes of limestone karsts, emerald waters, and lush islands, Halong Bay is a breathtakingly beautiful destination that captivates visitors from around the world.
Meaning "Descending Dragon Bay" in Vietnamese legend, Halong Bay is steeped in folklore and mythology, with tales of dragons descending from the heavens to protect the land from invaders. Today, the bay's dramatic scenery continues to inspire awe and wonder, with its towering limestone pillars and islets rising from the sea like ancient sentinels.
Spanning an area of over 1,500 square kilometers, Halong Bay is home to thousands of limestone karsts and islets, many of which are adorned with dense vegetation and hidden caves and grottoes. These natural wonders have been sculpted over millions of years by the erosive forces of wind and water, creating a labyrinth of stunning landscapes to explore.
Things to see and do
- Take a cruise amidst the magical landscapes: options for day trips or one- to two-night stays on board a junk boat.
- Go kayaking amidst the marvelous scenery of Ha Long Bay.
- Practice Tai Chi or meditation during the cruise, take a cooking class, or go biking.
- Make a stop at small beaches.
- Climb the limestone cliffs of Titov Island or Soi Sim Island.
- Take a rowboat excursion to the fishing villages of Vung Vieng and Cua Van.
- Experience a helicopter tour over the bay.
Good to Know
When to visit?
Ideal period: From April to November.
Unique Fact
Ha Long Bay actually consists of two distinct bays:
Ha Long Bay itself, with classic routes [Nos. 1 and 2] leading to sites like the Surprise Cave, Thien Cung Cave (known as the "Heavenly Palace"), Titov Beach, Soi Sim Beach, or the tunnel cave. An alternative route [Route No. 3] allows you to visit Ba Ham Lake and the fishing village of Cua Van.
Bai Tu Long Bay: This route follows a less-traveled itinerary passing through Vung Vieng Village, Thien Canh Son Cave, Cap La Islands, Cong Do Island, and beautiful white-sand beaches. Van Don, Quan Lan, or Ngoc Vung Islands offer breathtaking wild landscapes.
Access
- Shared vehicles: Cruise companies organize Hanoi-Halong transfers with morning departures from Hanoi by shared vehicle.
- Local Limousine bus services also connect Halong to Hanoi or Ninh Binh.
- Private vehicle: From 2.5 hours via the highway to approximately 4 hours from Hanoi via the old national road.
- Seaplane.
Continuing your journey
Nearby:
- Cat Ba Island, a 1-hour ferry and car ride away.
- Ninh Binh and the Inland Halong Bay, a 4-hour drive.
- Lang Son, the gateway to the Northeast provinces from Halong.
