Tiếng Việt
What about Ha Long Bay? Ha Long Bay is a truly enchanting UNESCO World Heritage site celebrated for its breathtaking limestone tower islands and mesmerizing emerald-green waters. Beyond its natural beauty, the bay also boasts captivating caves, marine notch caves, unforgettable cruises, and stunning sunsets that leave visitors in awe.
Guide to Reaching Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay, which offers breathtaking sea views, can be accessed through various means of transportation. To plan a trip and reach the bay, it is recommended to follow the steps in this article that provide information on the location, popular routes, and best options.
- Air travel is the most convenient and time-saving option to reach Ha Long Bay. Three airports near the area are Van Don Airport in Quang Binh Province (50km), Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong Province (60km), and Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi (180km). For budget-friendly options, shuttle buses or luxury limousines are recommended from Hanoi, Sapa, Ninh Binh, and other northern parts of Vietnam. Night buses are ideal for those traveling from Central and Southern Vietnam.
- The rail line is a slower but more local way to get to Ha Long Bay with different options such as soft/hard seats or cabins with beds. Although train travel takes longer than buses/cars, it offers comfort and good sleep along the way. However, train tickets tend to be more expensive.
- Cruise ships, ferries, or speedboats can easily take you to Ha Long Bay by waterway from surrounding areas. The closest route is Cat Ba – Tuan Chau Ferry and a speedboat departing from Hai Phong. Alternatively, a Ha Long Bay Cruise from Hanoi allows tourists to explore the natural heritage site in depth. Ha Long Bay features several international ports that cater to both logistics and tourism requirements.
What is the ideal season to visit Ha Long Bay?
Tourists often wonder about the best time to visit Ha Long Bay. It is recommended to visit during summer, particularly from April to June, when the weather is mostly sunny with minimal rain and fewer crowds. The mild and cool weather in spring and autumn is also suitable for families. However, June to August is peak season, attracting many families on summer vacation, causing a surge in prices and services. Moreover, July and August often have storms, affecting tourism activities. In winter, from late November to Tet, foreign tourists mostly visit Ha Long Bay since Vietnamese tourists prefer warmer destinations, making it an ideal place to relax in peace amidst beautiful nature.
Top 7 Must-See Attractions in Halong Bay
Halong Bay is renowned for its stunning scenery with thousands of limestone karsts and islets emerging dramatically from the emerald waters. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a unique and remarkable tourist destination in Vietnam, showcasing important vestiges from Earth’s history. You can experience the beauty of the bay up close by taking a cruise through it.
Located near the Chinese border, Halong Bay is a mesmerizing gem of Vietnam. As you enter the Gulf of Tonkin, you are welcomed by a breathtaking view of tens of thousands of limestone islets rising majestically from the turquoise waters. Among them, Ga Choi Islet stands out, resembling two gallant chickens engaged in a whimsical dance. The tranquility of the bay invites you to indulge in the ancient art of Tai Chi, harmonizing your mind and body amidst the stunning scenery. Halong Bay captivates with its natural beauty and leaves a lasting impression on all who have the privilege of visiting.
Thien Cung Cave
Thien Cung Cave is located near Dau Go Cave and offers a fantastic vacation spot. The cave boasts an extensive system of variously shaped stalactites and stalagmites, making it the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. With a wide area of almost 10,000m2, Thien Cung Cave has a complex structure including multiple levels and compartments with high ceilings and partitions, retaining its natural beauty.
Thien Cung Cave is filled with numerous unique stalactites and stalagmites that form unusual shapes, inspiring people to imagine legends of dragons and the Persian emperor’s labyrinth.
Tien Ong Cave in Halong Bay
Tien Ong Cave not only displays natural wonders like other caves in the bay but also showcases ancient Vietnamese culture, with an exhibition of prehistoric relics. The cave is divided into two parts by large stalactites and has three stalagmites resembling fairies that give it the name “Tien Ong.”
Cua Van Floating Fishing Village
Cua Van Floating Fishing Village is a collection of houses floating on calm waters surrounded by magnificent limestone cliffs and mountains called Va Gia – Cua Van. The colorful boats and houses add a unique charm to the romantic scenery, showcasing the traditional way of life and cultural heritage of the area.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island is a tourist area located about 2 km from the center of Ha Long City. The area features villas with international standard infrastructure, five restaurants serving European, Asian, and ethnic cuisine, and a modern dolphin, seal, and lion performance club.
Sung Sot Cave
Sung Sot Cave on Bo Hon Island is the largest and most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. Visitors can explore unique rock formations and enjoy the thrilling climb to reach the cave through the forest canopy and craggy stone steps.
Titop Island can be found in Halong Bay, specifically in Ha Long City of the Quang Ninh province. It is about 7-8 km away from Bai Chay tourist port towards the southeast. President Ho Chi Minh named the island Titop after he and Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titop visited it on November 22, 1962. The island has a steep, sloping shore with smooth, flat white sand, and picturesque limestone tower karsts that become visible as tourist boats sail through its tranquil waters.
Discover What About Ha Long Bay: The Highlights
Halong Bay is a popular destination for tourists due to its pleasant weather and breathtaking caves. Visitors can take a cruise, explore a floating village, and even enjoy a scenic flight over the bay. The best time to visit is during late spring or early autumn for mild temperatures. Cruise ships are modern and luxurious, offering different schedules and routes. Fishing villages like Vung Vieng, Cua Van, and Ba Hang are peaceful stops for tourists. A seaplane sightseeing tour is also available, with daily flights over the bay.
Scenic Wonders of Halong Bay
Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay from above with a seaplane ride. From heights ranging from 150 to 300 meters, you can marvel at the thousands of limestone islands and karsts emerging majestically from the jade-green waters.
Relax on the many beaches in Halong Bay, including Bai Chay, Tuan Chau Beach, Titop Beach and more. Take in the pristine beauty of the cool blue sea water and smooth white sand while enjoying the fresh air.
For adventure seekers, challenge yourself by hiking through Halong Bay’s rugged terrain and conquering its thorny cliffs, magnificent corners, cliffs, and caves.
Kayaking in Halong Bay
One of the must-try activities in Halong Bay is kayaking, which was recognized by National Geographic as one of the world’s top 25 kayaking destinations. Tourists can leisurely paddle on the turquoise water and explore the mysterious rock caves, such as Ha Dai Cave.
Exploring Halong Bay’s Unique Caves
Halong Bay, known for its natural beauty, offers visitors more than just water and rocks. The bay also boasts beautiful and unique caves, each with intriguing names like Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Dau Go Cave, Hanh Cave, phreatic caves, Virgin Cave, and more. These interesting names pique visitors’ curiosity to venture into these caves and explore their mysteries.
Indulge in Local Delicacies
When visiting Halong Bay, don’t miss out on the opportunity to try its unique cuisine. Some of the must-try specialties include:
- Squid Ink White Sticky Rice: A delicious dish made from sticky rice and grilled squid served with fish sauce and chili sauce.
- Squid Roll Cake: A special version of the traditional Vietnamese banh cuon, filled with minced meat, mushrooms, onions and served with grilled squid and fish sauce.
- Sa Sung: A type of sandworm only found in Halong Bay, typically sautéed with garlic or grilled and enjoyed with a cold beer.
Prices for these dishes range from 30,000 VND / kg to 400,000 VND / kg depending on the specialty.
Travel Advice for Exploring Halong Bay
The dry season is an ideal time to discover the hidden treasures of Halong Bay and participate in outdoor activities. Here are some useful travel tips that can help you save money while visiting Ha Long City with your family:
- Keep the ticket stubs if you buy attraction tickets as staff at each point will check them.
- You’re not allowed to bring plastic utensils, water bottles, or plastic bags on board the cruise when visiting Halong Bay. Instead, you can purchase drinks for 20,000 to 30,000 VND/drink on the boat.
If you’re looking for a relaxing location, Halong Bay is an excellent choice for your next vacation with loved ones. Hopefully, the above information about Halong Bay will assist you in having an unforgettable trip. Paradise Vietnam is a leading provider of luxury cruise services in Halong Bay and will guide and advise you on how to experience this unique landscape.