As Vietnam’s most iconic tourist destination, the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, needs no introduction. The emerald waters of the bay, scattered with thousands of limestone karsts, islets and islands have been the international image of the country for decades now. Halong bay translates to ‘descending dragon’ and the limestone rocks here have evolved for over 500 million years to create the stunning natural wonder we see today.
Halong Bay is just 170 km away from capital Hanoi and can be easily reached through a taxi, bus or even a seaplane from the Noi Bai airport. Halong City, Haiphong and Cai Rong are the port towns from where you can kick off your Halong adventure.
The best way to explore the bay is by getting on a cruise or a junk boat for a night or two, and you will find hundreds of them snaking their way through the rocky pillars. There are numerous cruise operators who arrange trips to the popular islands, caves and villages. Also, it goes without saying that on your trip here, you can taste the best of Vietnam’s seafood cuisine, especially the popular seafood barbeque.
Lan Ha Bay, located in the southwestern part, is one of the most serene spots in the region and you will find fewer boats and cruises here compared to its popular neighbor Halong. It is actually an extension of Halong bay, but named differently as it comes under another province. The bay has beautiful white sand beaches, over 400 limestone karsts and a very peaceful otherworldly atmosphere. In Lan Ha Bay, you can visit the floating Cai Beo village, kayak, swim and dive in the clear waters and explore caves and grottos. The bay can be easily accessed from Cat Ba island.
Among the 2000 odd islets in the bay, Cat Ba island is the largest and most popular. The lively Cat Ba town has an amazing nightlife and offers a wide range of hotels, resorts and dining options. The island has three beautiful beaches named Cat Co 1, 2 and 3 with calm waters perfect for swimming. The best way to explore Cat Ba is by walking or cycling through its lovely countryside, soaking in the pristine landscapes and observing the lives of the locals.
Cat Ba island is home to the Cat Ba National Park which has over 30 species of mammals including the golden-headed langurs, an endangered primate species. The dense vegetation of the park offers scenic hiking and trekking trails and you can also visit the charming Viet Hai village. Near the park’s entrance, you will find the Hospital Cave, which once served as an army hospital during the US-Vietnam War.
Hang Sung Sot Cave is the highlight of the Bo Hon island and a steep trail will lead you here. The cave has two inner chambers that are almost 30 metres high and the towering rock formations here resemble a general addressing his sentries. Hang Bo Nau, or Pelican Cave is another popular cave on the island and people flock here to click pictures of its amazing stalactite formations. Hang Trinh Nu, or Virgin Cave holds a popular local legend regarding a young woman who killed herself after she was forced to marry an old man. (This is just one version and make sure to ask your guide for more!) Inside the cave, you will find a small shrine in her memory.
Dau Be island is one of the best locations in Halong Bay to explore the underwater world. There are three inland lakes here with clear waters and rich coral reefs that are perfect for diving and swimming. You will also find interesting caves and grottos here, but they can be visited only during low tide.
Cong Do island is regarded as the most popular spot in the bay for underwater activities. The island lies slightly off the usual cruise boat radar and hence the undisturbed waters are home to a good collection of marine life. The island also has around five inland lakes, rare coral varieties like the red and forest corals and also offers good hiking trails. The marine life commonly found here includes sea horses, sea turtles, stone crabs and numerous varieties of colourful tropical fish species.
Halong Bay has four major floating villages, home to generations of fishing communities – Vung Vieng, Cua Van, Cong Dam and Ba Hang. It is quite surprising to find these villages, literally floating in the middle of nowhere, surrounded by rocks and endless waters. Vung Vieng, located in Bai Tu Long Bay, is the most traditional fishing village of the four. You can visit the homes of the residents, watch them fish and try out freshly prepared seafood.
Halong Bay has many exciting activities in store for you and many of them can be enjoyed as part of a cruise tour. You can explore its traditional villages by cycling through vast stretches of farmland, rocky slopes and of course, by the emerald waters. Traditional fishing and row boats will take you on thrilling rides through sea caves, and the Dark and Bright caves in Lan Ha Bay are quite popular for this experience. Squid fishing at night is another popular activity here.
The calm waters of the bay are perfect for kayaking and even if you haven’t been on one before, here is where you learn! The bay also has great coral rich spots for diving and snorkeling. You will also find numerous patches of white sand beaches, small caves and grottos to explore. Ti Top, Tuan Chau, Ngoc Vung and Soi Sim are some of the most popular beaches.
It won’t be an exaggeration to say that no trip to Vietnam is complete without checking in at Halong Bay. Its unique landscape, traditional villages, exciting activities and stunning natural sights make Halong Bay a truly memorable experience.
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