Ha Long Bay Overview

A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam’s five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent Halong Bay Vietnam lies 160km to the east of Hanoi. Over three thousand jagged limestone islands emerge from the emerald green waters of Halong Bay. While some islands are no more than large rocks others are much more substantial and contain huge cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the islands are clothed in thick green vegetation and ring with the sound of bird song in the early morning. Secluded sandy coves are everywhere and in the summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming. Halong’s largest island, and one of the few that are inhabited, is Cat Ba which has some nice beaches and a national park on it.

The best way to appreciate the delights of Halong Bay is to cruise among the islands on a wooden junk. Fresh seafood can be bought from the local fishermen directly from their rowing boats and cooked up for a delicious lunch. For a real Indochine of old experience cruise the bay’s emerald waters in style with Emeraude Classic Cruises on board their wonderfully nostalgic 37-cabin replica steamship.

Around 50km south of Halong Bay is Haiphong, Vietnam’s third largest city and northern Vietnam’s main port. Despite being a largely industrial city, the centre of Haiphong has many classic French colonial buildings, wide tree-lined streets and some pleasant parks. Haiphong is a good overnight alternative for visitors to Halong Bay and boats can be taken from Haiphong’s harbor.

Halong Bay Vietnam Highlights
Explore hidden caves containing fantastic rock formations thousands of years old by wooden junk
Relax on a beach in a sandy cove and swim in the warm green waters of the bay
Haiphong for its unspoilt colonial city centre
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Ha Long Bay Sightseeing

CNN praised Halong Bay for its” incredible sunsets", which is a must for visitors.

Asia’s top five sites include Indonesia ’s Anambas Islands , Thailand ’s Similan Islands and the Kok Chang archipelago, Malaysia ’s Langkawi Islands and Vietnam ’s Halong Bay .

The results are based on surveys of tour operators and prestigious Asian journalists.

CNN also described Halong Bay as a stunning place to go cruising with its magnificent mountainous islands and dreamlike coves and one of the most amazing destinations anywhere in the world

UNESCO has previously recognised Halong Bay as a World’s natural heritage.