UNESCO recognized it as a World Natural Heritage twice. Ha Long Bay encircles 1,969 islands of various sizes that are concentrated in two chief zones: the south-east and the south-west. The bay has been known as a World Natural Heritage in 1994, by UNESCO for pure beauty, also for the second time for its geographic and geomorphologic values since 2000. Because of the reason below.
Ha Long Bay covers a total area of 1,553 km², such as 1, 969 islands of different sizes, 989 of that have been given names. There are two types of karts. It’s is limestone and schist. The average age of the islands is between 250 and 280 million years old. Ha Long Bay was called by the wonderful national poet Nguyen Trai: A marvel of the earth erected towards the large skies. While discovering the beauty of Ha Long bay, visitors may feel lost in a world of stone islands that shapes change depending upon the angle and the light. There are various names given to islands based on their shapes and forms. Such as Hon Dau Nguoi, Hon Rong, Hon Canh Buom, Hon Trong Mai…
However, the beauty of the Halong Bay doesn’t consist only in the types of its islands and the colour of its waters. But additionally in its rich system of grottoes and caves. Like Thien Cung, Dau Go, Sung Sot, Tam Cung, Trinh Nu, Thien Canh Son, Me Cung, Hang Luon… Each is a grandiose and refined natural architectural creation.
The most remarkable events of Ha Long Bay’s history in the last 1,000 years incorporate the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay region and the strong erosion which has formed pure and coral blue and salted water. This process of erosion by seawater has escalated the rock, contributing to its fantastic beauty. Nowadays. Ha Long Bay is the outcome of the long process of evolution which has been affected by so many factors. It’s because of all of these factors the tourists visiting Ha Long Bay aren’t just treated to one of the true wonders of the world, but additionally into a precious geological museum which has been preserved in the open atmosphere for the last 300 million decades.
Results of scientific research show that Ha Long Bay features ecosystems of a tropics ocean region. Like the ecosystem of coral reefs with 232 species of coral distributed mostly in the regions of Cong Do and Bo Hon. It’s also home to 81 species of Gastropoda, 55 species of Polychaeta, 130 species of Bivalvia and 57 species of crabs. The ecosystem of saltwater flooded forests mainly concentrated in the areas of Tuan Chau area. It’s the most diversified collection of species of saltwater flooded plant in North Viet Nam.
Besides, living in this ecosystem is a great species of animals: migrating birds, Polychaeta, seaweed, reptile. Ha Long Bay has an ecosystem of tropics rain forests with creatures and various rare. Such things. Deer, weasels, squirrels and particularly, white tabby and red-haired monkeys. Additionally, there’s a system of small caves along the sea, that are the living and development areas for many animals and plants: algae, aquatic plants, algae, fish and shrimps. Deeper in the water, there are also many species of shrimp, fish, abalone along with other sea specialities.
Ha Long is a location closely linked to Viet Nam’s history with this kind of geographic names as Van Don, Bai Tho Mountain and Bach Dang River.
This isn’t all, Ha Long has been proven by scientists to be among the first cradle of human existence in the region, with archaeological sites like Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu and Thoi Gieng.
Bai Tu Long Bay consists of hundreds of large and small islands and many of which are large and inhabited. This is one of the attractive destinations not inferior to Halong Bay. Because the highlight is the diverse and attractive marine eco-tourism including beaches, caves … It also owns Bai Tu Long National Park with Biological environment contains diverse flora and fauna.
Located in the south of Halong Bay with more than 400 islands. It’s very interesting shapes because every island here is covered with trees. With a cool climate all year round, this place is known as a “sleeping paradise”. Because the beauty of the bay is not inferior to Halong Bay, but it seems that tourism has only been paying attention to the development recently. Here it is.
Soi Sim Island has an area of
This island is rated as the most beautiful of nearly 2000 islands in Halong Bay. Also, it’s one of the most popular tourist destinations when travelling to Halong.
It’s the largest beach in Halong City, attracting all the eyes of tourists. The artificial coastline, which stretches for more than 1000m and wider than 100m, is endowed with a wonderful beauty with blue water, beautiful clean beaches, which attracts a large number of tourists. Along the coast is a line of endless pine trees that create fresh air, peace, the coolness of the sea breeze combined with trees.
Co To, the island district of North East of Vietnam. It is a place where the natural scenery overwhelmed to create unexpected emotions. Spectacular unspoiled sedimentary rock, beautiful white sand beaches, walking paths right next to the primaeval forest, delicious fresh seafood with the taste of the sea, the people are sincere and hospitable, the romantic space or active entertainment activities are available in Co To. Coming to Co To travel, you will have dreamy experiences, mingle with the wild nature.
Located in the south of Halong Bay, Dragon Eye Island is the island waters adjacent to Bai Tu Long. The island possesses natural white sand beaches. Especially has a unique landscape of a beautiful circular formation located in the middle of the mountain. If finding a private space for a family trip to Vietnam, Dragon Eye Island is probably a great choice.
About 55 km from Ha Long City, Quan Lan attracts tourists by the green, pristine, fresh space and historical and cultural relics. It’s marking the glorious feats of our fathers in the fight against invaders. Especially it’s very famous beaches such as Son Hao, Chan Tien …
The scenery of the beautiful white sand beach and the limestone cliffs jutting out of the water will make you flutter. It is also famous for adventurous activities. Such as climbing Hon tilt, trekking National Park, climbing unprotected cliff climbing, …
This beautiful beach is famous in Halong Bay. It is about 22km southeast of Bai Chay Tourist Port, near Cat Ba Island. This beach is famous for being clean, wild, charming and painted with tourists. However, a small note when visitors come to bath here is to learn the water carefully, be careful the convection currents. Because this beach only baths for 2-3 hours a day and when the tide gets high, engulf the entire sandy area.
Located in a prime location in the middle of the Bay, Ti Top Mountain has about 400 steps leading from the beach to the top viewing tower. This is the place for visitors to admire the beauty of Halong Bay at different heights. Although boats are anchoring here, Ti Top Mountain is still a destination that is considered quiet, a refreshing and wonderful view of the Bay.
Considered one of the “legendary” tourist destinations. This place is the most famous cave in Ha Long Bay. Not like to Phong Nha – Ke Bang to admire a splendid cave, 100 stone steps open the entrance to different spaces with the splendid colour light of geological wonders that overwhelm visitors. The deepest part of the cave is called the “royal garden”, where you can find a clear lake with extremely rich flora and fauna.
This cave is said to be the largest limestone cave in Ha Long. It is recorded nearly 2 million years old with a width of 12m and an entrance of about 17m high. As soon as you step into the cave. You will see the wonderful detail that the photographic art photos of the photographers still record that make many tourists bewildered. Especially the light reflected from the stalactite. vibrant colours as if you mistook yourself into the realms of paradise.
Located on the wings of a small mountain arc east of the island of Bo Hon. It’s about 3km from Sung Sot cave along the sea to the southeast. These two caves are 700-800m apart over a small sea.
Visitors coming here will hear the story of two names: a cave with a horizontal rock looks like a girl lying with her hair stretched out to the sea. So it is called the Virgin cave and the other cave has a very tall stalactite column looks like a giant boy standing looking out to sea, fishing people here say that on rainy days, the wind and wind come here to hear the sound of the wind hitting the cliffs like the drum and they call this cave the drum cave.
Ha Long owns a huge cave system, each cave has its beauty and associated with it. One of the typical caves is Luon cave located on Bo Hon Island, 14km from Bai Chay. You can see stalactites created over millions of years in different shapes and sizes.
Thien Canh Son is a fairly wild cave located on Bai Tu Long Bay and Ha Long Bay in Cong Do conservation area. This is also an interesting attraction for tourists thanks to its natural beauty, pristine limestone stalactites and surrounding landscape.
This cave is located right near Dau Go cave, the mouth of the cave is 25m high. This is a cave of the most beautiful one in Ha Long that people know with a width of nearly 10,000m2 with a very complex structure, including many levels, many compartments with very high and wide ceilings and walls. Especially when you stand in the cave will be overwhelmed by countless blocks of stalactites and stalagmites with strange shapes.
The cave has a length of more than 100m, running in the North-South direction. In front of the cave will be opposite to Dam Bac island and behind opposite Soi Sim island. The four colours of Kim Quy cave have water flowing throughout the stalactites, stalagmites from the ceiling caving down, creating a magnificent and fanciful scenery.
As one of the most famous fishing villages in the region. Cua Van fishing village is located in a calm sea and is one of the largest fishing villages with a population of up to 733 people in 176 households.
The beauty here is accreted from small houses tied together against storms. Not only can you explore the life of a fisherman, but you can also observe the beauty of the ocean directly below the boat, which is a valuable and unforgettable travel experience.
Located on Tu Long Bay area, Vung Vieng fishing village is a bit smaller. There are about 50 households with a population of 200-300 people.
Ba Hang fishing village is one of the famous fishing villages with all tourists coming to Ha Long. Coming to this village, you will enjoy the beauty of idyllic mountains and earth and experience the fishermen’s life for themselves.
Bai Tho Mountain is a beautiful limestone mountain. It’s more than 200m high and stands towering in the heart of the city. From the top, you will see a truly comprehensive and beautiful Ha Long landscape. On the way up the mountain, you will see images of free-grazing goats or birds fluttering down the bay. So you should never forget to bring a camera with a full battery to Capture all those moments.
Yen Tu is one of the most famous pagodas in the North with a system of pagodas, towers and ancient trees blending with natural scenery, scattered from the Red slope to Yen Tu mountain in gradually increasing height.
Cai Bau Pagoda (also known as Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery) was inaugurated in 2009 and is located near Bai Dai – Van Don tourist area. It possesses a tranquil setting, the temple bells and the sound of the waves swept away to create a truly deserted and sacred atmosphere.
The Queen’s Cable Car is connected from Bai Chay to the top of Ba Deo Hill, which owns the highest suspension tower in the world (188.88m) recorded by the Guinness Record. This will be a great place for visitors to admire the panoramic beauty. marvellous nature of Ha Long Bay.
With the increasing number of tourists visiting Ha Long Bay, seaplanes were born to provide an additional service to bring more excitement to tourists. Sitting on the seaplane, you can watch the whole beautiful bay the perspective of an altitude of 150 to 3000m above sea level.
Adventure games here are challenging for even the bravest. But the feeling of participating in games here, shouting and overcoming your fear is also an experience. should try.
Kayaking is a very popular sport. If you come to Ha Long and skip this experience. It is extremely unfortunate for you. The feeling of sitting on a small Kayak boat and then rowing the oars on the emerald green water, watching the magnificent mountain river, you are looking for the absolute peace of nature.
In addition to kayaking, Ha Long Bay with diverse and rugged terrain including many islands and mountains. It is also a challenge for those who love climbing. For those who love climbing, the spikey cliffs, the majestic corners of the mountains, the cliffs, the caves in Halong Bay will challenge you.
There are many types of cruises in Ha Long Bay. Therefore, they have different costs base on each cruise. The day cruise trip starts with the price from 50 USD per person. When you choose a longer time the price is more expensive than. Also, you choose share cruise or private the cost is so different. Therefore, the price of the room on cruise base on the cruise name you choose. Cruise cost around 100 USD/per person to 500 USD/per person or more expensive than. You may book Vietnam tour packages including Halong Bay, you will save time and money.
It is recommended that you should choose from the budget of 3-star quality to luxury 5 star to travel on Ha long Bay cruise. It is good for price and service quality.
Foreign tourists often like to go to Ha Long in winter, starting from November until Tet. For domestic tourists, Ha Long often travels a lot in summer, from May to July. Is that going on vacation is mainly combined with visiting Ha Long Bay. This is also the time when students are on vacation, so they will be travelling with their families. The best time to travel to Ha Long is in autumn, from August to October. From May 4-5, Ha Long Bay is also very beautiful.
Autumn in Ha Long Bay is very beautiful. The time from September to November in Ha Long is always sunny. The weather is not so cold, you can still swim in the sea. There are also fewer storms at this time. If you travel to Ha Long in June-July, there is usually a storm in the North. When it rains, the landscape on the bay will be bleaker, it is possible to prohibit the sea from taking tourists to the bay and overnight on the bay.
Going from Hanoi / Saigon to Ha Long:
How many km from Hanoi to Quang Ninh? 170km from Hanoi, travel time to Ha Long about 3-4 hours by car. The road from Hanoi to Ha Long, you can go by the following means:
Hanoi Limousine to Ha Long is officially the first choice of many customers when moving to Ha Long because of its convenience and reasonable price. That is why the Limousine garage is always upgrading and innovating, in the quality of the vehicle as well as the quality of service, initially only pick up and drop off at the destinations, but now the car has provided pick up and drop off at home on request, with 30 1 minute trip for both ends In Hanoi and Ha Long Quang Ninh starting from 4:30 am to 9 pm all days of the week.
By Car: Cars to Ha Long usually gather at My Dinh bus station, Luong Yen, the first trip departs at 6 am and the last one at 5 pm. Trips are from 5-15 minutes to Bai Chay bus station in Ha Long. Ticket prices range from 100k / person (seats) and 200k / person (beds).
Ha Long by motorbike: From Hanoi to Ha Long, you can travel in 2 routes:
From Hanoi, follow road 5 to Sai Dong junction, you go to Bac Ninh, from Bac Ninh, follow Road 18 through Pha Lai – Chi Linh – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long. The total route is about 155km.
Noi Bai Airport – Bac Ninh – Highway 18A passing Pha Lai – Sao Do – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Ha Long is about 160km.
Where to stay when travelling to Ha Long? The motels or hotels are mainly concentrated in Vuon Dao street, where room prices range from 250,000 VND or more. Moreover, there are many restaurants around this area with relatively reasonable prices. Hotels in Ha Long have many types for you to choose from, depending on your individual needs and budget. If you have abundant and luxurious expenses and want to relax, you can rent a yacht or luxury hotel. If you have a narrower cost, you can stay in a budget hotel or a cheap price, a homestay.
The most typical characteristics when travelling to Ha Long must include seafood dishes. Besides, you will also enjoy the extremely attractive Ha Long specialities.
Con Cu Ky: The name sounds strange, Cu Ky looks like a crab, but it is 3 times larger and the price is much more expensive, but when you finish eating, you want to eat it again.
Be be: Shaped like a shrimp but has more legs. It is a favourite dish of tourists coming to Ha Long.
Sa Sung typical dish in Ha Long has a shape like an earthworm, often dried with beer and wine or cooked in a sweet and fragrant broth. Peanut worm is quite rare, if the price is also very high, a kilogram is charged nearly 4 million.
Going to Ha Long can not help but mention the squid, you can buy at the market to have hot and delicious squid.
Besides, if you have time, you should enjoy white sticky rice with squid rolls, squid spring rolls, sea squid rolls, cakes, sour rolls or Hoanh Bo sticky rice, Quang Yen rice rolls, Ca Day Tien Yen …
