Ha Long Bay is situated off the coast of Halong City (170km far from Hanoi). In 1994, it was designated Vietnam's second World Heritage Site by UNESCO. Halong Bay attracts approximately 90% of the tourists who come to Vietnam. It's a beautiful bay comprising 1,500 square km situate on the Gulf of Tonkin Gulf on the South China Sea.
Though it forms part of the ocean, its waters are calm and unusually emerald. It has nearly 2,000 islands.

The enchanting land masse of the Bay is of limestone and dolomite, and there are many grottos and caves for visitors to enjoy. Tourist who have visited Guilin (China) and Phuket (Thailand) often compare these sites with Halong Bay due to their similar shape and geographical structure. However, upon visiting this Vietnamese wonder, all agree that Halong Bay is much larger and more diversified.

Things to See

Besides the breathtaking vistas, visitors come to Halong Bay for the perfect time spent on the boat to visit floating villages and explore the caves. There also have interesting relaxing activities such as swimming, fishing and kayaking. Also, this trip can be combined with a trip to the largest island of Cat Ba, which offers beaches, hiking in the national park. Nearby Ha Long City, Tuan Chau Island is a great spot for relaxation. This island has been developed into a recreation complex with aquarium, circus, golf and resorts, and is becoming increasingly popular for Vietnamese tourists.

Exploring Halong Bay

Sailing past the evocatively shaped islets and drasmatic caves of Halong Bay can be a magical expertience. At least an entire day can be spent exploring the islands and grottos, many of which house religious shrines. Most of the best-known sites lie in the western part of the bay and these are often overcrowded. It generally makes for a more relaxing trip to chartet a private boat, with a knowlegeable guide, and sail around the less visited area of the shimmering bay.

Hang Dau Go
One of the most famous caves in Halong Bay, Hang Dau Co or Hidden Timber Cave is on Dau Go Island. The cave’s name dates from 13th century when General Tran Hung Dao used it to hide his lethally sharpened wooden stakes. The weapons were later planted in the shallow waters near the shore to destroy enemy Mongol fleets. Hang Dau Go is filled with many bizarre-shaped stalactites and stalacmites.

Hang Thien Cung
Also on Dau Go Island, Hang Thien Cung or the Celestial Palace Grotto can be reached by a steep flight of steps. It was discovered only in the mid-1990s. Floodlights in pink, green, and blue illuminate the sparkling stalactites that hang from the high ceiling.

Hang Sung Sot
Aptly known as the Cave of Awe, Hang Sung Sot is located on Bo Hon Island, which the French knew as the Isle de la Surprise. The first cavern in the three-chambered Sung Sot features a large, phallus-shaped rock, lit in lurid pink, and worshiped as a fertility symbol by the local.
The formation in the inner chamber, named Serene Castle, on the other hand, are fascinating, seeming to come alive when reflections of the water outside play upon them. Nearby, Hang Bo Nau or Pelican Cave draws visitors for fantastic views it offers across the bay.

Dong Tam Cung
A massive karst fissure, Dong Tam Cung or Three Palaces consists of three chambers, each of which is packed with stalactites and stalacmites. All three grottoes are illuminated by strategically placed spotlights, which emphasize the strange, massed, carrot shaped array of stalactites. Option is divided, but some consider Dong Tam Cung to be even more impressive than Hang Dau Go.

Hang Trong
A short distance southeast of Hang Bo Nau, the small Hang Trong or Drum Cave echoes faintly with an eerie percussive sound when a strong wind blows past its stalactites and stalacmites.

Dao Tuan Chau
A large island to the south of Bai Chay, Tuan Chau has been developed as a recreation complex. The premises feature a few restored French colonial villas and resort which holds some rather lackcluster whale, dolphin, and sea lion shows. Better reasons to visit are seafood restaurants and small sandy beach.

Dao Titop
The main attraction of this island is its isolated beach, which is very popular with swimmers. It is possible to hike to the top of the islet where there is the most spectacular view of Halong Bay. Visitor can enjoy the few watersports facilities available at the small beach, including swimming, and parasailing.

When to go?

It is possible for visits to Ha Long Bay year-round. And winter months (from October to April) are said to be the best time although in months of December, January and February, the weather is often cool, drizzly and overcast with low visibility. During summer months (May to September), tropical storms are frequent and tourist boats may have to alter the itineraries depending on weather condition.

Travel Tips:

There is different scale of prices for overnight tours to Ha Long Bay but beware that we just get what you pay for. Price differences are based on the quality of the boat, food, accommodation, transportation, crew as well as other invisible elements. Frequent questions to ask before making a booking are the group size on boat and on car, cabin type (with or without A/C), included and excluded services in the package so that you know what to expect in advance.