Hạ Long Bay on Postcard

@cntraveler

"A Southeast Asian country known for its bustling cities, lush landscapes, and rich cultural history."

Travel Makes Life Feel Longer

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@cntraveler

"A UNESCO World Heritage site in Vietnam, part of the New Seven Wonders of Nature."

What Are the Seven Wonders of the World?

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@afar

"Words can do little justice to the scenery that awaits travelers to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hundreds of forested limestone karst formations rise from emerald-green waters, looking like slumbering creatures ready to stir. The islands have a legend behind them: The gods sent a family of dragons to assist Vietnam 's emperors in repelling invaders, and the creatures spat out jewels and pieces of jade that turned into the islands. Many tourists come here on a day trip from Hanoi that involves an early departure, a three-hour bus ride to the ferry terminal, and a four-hour cruise along with scores of other boats before a transfer back to the capital. To truly appreciate the natural beauty with a modicum of solitude, take an overnight cruise—waking in the morning to the sight of the mist-shrouded peaks without the distraction of tons of other boats (and their gawking passengers) is unforgettable."

Day Trips from Hanoi

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@afar

"Words can do little justice to the scenery that awaits travelers to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Hundreds of forested limestone karst formations rise from emerald-green waters, looking like slumbering creatures ready to stir. The islands have a legend behind them: The gods sent a family of dragons to assist Vietnam 's emperors in repelling invaders, and the creatures spat out jewels and pieces of jade that turned into the islands. Many tourists come here on a day trip from Hanoi that involves an early departure, a three-hour bus ride to the ferry terminal, and a four-hour cruise along with scores of other boats before a transfer back to the capital. To truly appreciate the natural beauty with a modicum of solitude, take an overnight cruise—waking in the morning to the sight of the mist-shrouded peaks without the distraction of tons of other boats (and their gawking passengers) is unforgettable."

If You Only Have Three Days in Hanoi

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@partsunknown

The number of rock formations in Hạ Long Bay—1,969—brings good luck, according to Bourdain’s oldest friend in Vietnam and his former Foreign Affairs Ministry minder, Dinh Hoang Linh. “Six is for fortune, and nine is for forever—so fortune forever,” he told Bourdain.

Hanoi

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Rizwan Ghafoor

Google

This beautiful place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a full-day excursion tour with many magnificent caves to explore. The breathtaking scenes are accompanied by various activities to enjoy. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to add a touch of adventure to their bucket list.

Nirav Narola

Google

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Vietnam, is one of the country's most iconic natural wonders and a must-visit destination for any traveler. I recently had the opportunity to explore this breathtaking bay, and I can confidently say it captivated my heart with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. The first thing that strikes you about Ha Long Bay is its remarkable beauty. The bay is dotted with over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, many of which are covered in lush greenery. The sight of these towering karsts rising dramatically from the emerald waters is simply awe-inspiring. Whether viewed from a boat, a kayak, or the shore, the scenery is breathtaking and offers numerous photographic opportunities. A visit to Ha Long Bay is often best experienced through a cruise. There are various options available, from day trips to overnight excursions on luxury junks. I opted for an overnight cruise, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. The crew was incredibly attentive, and the accommodation was comfortable, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation. The daily itinerary included visits to hidden caves, swimming in the bay, and enjoying sumptuous meals featuring fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the water. Apart from cruise activities, Ha Long Bay offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. Kayaking through the bay’s smaller lagoons and caves was a thrilling experience that allowed me to get closer to the stunning rock formations.

Dino Singh

Google

Ha Long Bay's ethereal beauty is unrivaled, with its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts creating a dreamlike landscape. Exploring hidden caves and floating villages reveals a rich cultural tapestry. The bay’s serene ambiance at dawn is enchanting, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and tranquility seekers.

Cindy Shelberg

Google

We booked a LaCosta Cruise for a day tour. Our cruise director Duk Tom was very informative, fun and made our trip quite enjoyable. The scenery is stunning. The caves were outstanding and the speedboat tour is a must. To top it off we were able to see the sunset on the water. Note, there were crowds and lots of boats but tour and sightseeing was well managed. Highly recommend a visit.

Raymund Sanchez

Google

Boat tours mostly come with lunch. Nice sights, excellent views, good food. Came here in 2015 and I still remember it fondly.

Viera V

Google

A must do when in Vietnam 🇻🇳 Short trip from Hanoi, about 2hrs 30m. If you book a tour with transit, you will get picked up from your hotel and they have stop over on the way to the terminal. We spent a weekend on the cruise, which was sufficient. There was a welcome drink, buffet lunch, dinner, breakfast, entertainment. You admire beautiful views from your room balcony and get to do trips to the caves, kayaking, swimming. Super enjoyable

anshu nahar

Google

Crews booked even 5 star are like normal ships , clean safe but not so much of luxury . Main it is for natural scenery and not for comfort but the staff was trying to put there wfforts to make it worth but still it was no value for money in terms of food and other activities. Only natural sightseeing was worth visiting this place. It can become much better and organized for the good tourism

om tiwari

Google

I recently visited Ha Long Bay, and it was an unforgettable experience. The sheer beauty of the limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald green waters is absolutely mesmerizing. The scenery feels like something out of a dream. I opted for a day cruise, which allowed us to explore the caves, enjoy kayaking, and relax while taking in the serene surroundings. Sung Sot Cave was an incredible highlight with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The boat ride was comfortable, and the staff were friendly and accommodating, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. If you have more time, I highly recommend the overnight cruises, which I plan to do next time. One small downside was the number of tourists in certain areas, but it didn’t take away from the overall beauty and tranquility of the place. The local food served on the boat was fresh and flavorful, adding an authentic Vietnamese touch to the trip. If you’re visiting Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a destination you simply cannot miss. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason, and it truly lives up to the hype!

Rizwan Ghafoor

Google

This beautiful place is a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s a full-day excursion tour with many magnificent caves to explore. The breathtaking scenes are accompanied by various activities to enjoy. It’s a must-visit destination for anyone looking to add a touch of adventure to their bucket list.

Nirav Narola

Google

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Vietnam, is one of the country's most iconic natural wonders and a must-visit destination for any traveler. I recently had the opportunity to explore this breathtaking bay, and I can confidently say it captivated my heart with its stunning landscapes and rich cultural experiences. The first thing that strikes you about Ha Long Bay is its remarkable beauty. The bay is dotted with over 1,600 limestone islands and islets, many of which are covered in lush greenery. The sight of these towering karsts rising dramatically from the emerald waters is simply awe-inspiring. Whether viewed from a boat, a kayak, or the shore, the scenery is breathtaking and offers numerous photographic opportunities. A visit to Ha Long Bay is often best experienced through a cruise. There are various options available, from day trips to overnight excursions on luxury junks. I opted for an overnight cruise, and it was one of the highlights of my trip. The crew was incredibly attentive, and the accommodation was comfortable, creating the perfect ambiance for relaxation. The daily itinerary included visits to hidden caves, swimming in the bay, and enjoying sumptuous meals featuring fresh seafood while watching the sunset over the water. Apart from cruise activities, Ha Long Bay offers plenty of opportunities for adventure and exploration. Kayaking through the bay’s smaller lagoons and caves was a thrilling experience that allowed me to get closer to the stunning rock formations.

Dino Singh

Google

Ha Long Bay's ethereal beauty is unrivaled, with its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts creating a dreamlike landscape. Exploring hidden caves and floating villages reveals a rich cultural tapestry. The bay’s serene ambiance at dawn is enchanting, making it a must-visit for nature lovers and tranquility seekers.

Cindy Shelberg

Google

We booked a LaCosta Cruise for a day tour. Our cruise director Duk Tom was very informative, fun and made our trip quite enjoyable. The scenery is stunning. The caves were outstanding and the speedboat tour is a must. To top it off we were able to see the sunset on the water. Note, there were crowds and lots of boats but tour and sightseeing was well managed. Highly recommend a visit.

Raymund Sanchez

Google

Boat tours mostly come with lunch. Nice sights, excellent views, good food. Came here in 2015 and I still remember it fondly.

Viera V

Google

A must do when in Vietnam 🇻🇳 Short trip from Hanoi, about 2hrs 30m. If you book a tour with transit, you will get picked up from your hotel and they have stop over on the way to the terminal. We spent a weekend on the cruise, which was sufficient. There was a welcome drink, buffet lunch, dinner, breakfast, entertainment. You admire beautiful views from your room balcony and get to do trips to the caves, kayaking, swimming. Super enjoyable

anshu nahar

Google

Crews booked even 5 star are like normal ships , clean safe but not so much of luxury . Main it is for natural scenery and not for comfort but the staff was trying to put there wfforts to make it worth but still it was no value for money in terms of food and other activities. Only natural sightseeing was worth visiting this place. It can become much better and organized for the good tourism

om tiwari

Google

I recently visited Ha Long Bay, and it was an unforgettable experience. The sheer beauty of the limestone karsts rising dramatically from the emerald green waters is absolutely mesmerizing. The scenery feels like something out of a dream. I opted for a day cruise, which allowed us to explore the caves, enjoy kayaking, and relax while taking in the serene surroundings. Sung Sot Cave was an incredible highlight with its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The boat ride was comfortable, and the staff were friendly and accommodating, making the entire experience even more enjoyable. If you have more time, I highly recommend the overnight cruises, which I plan to do next time. One small downside was the number of tourists in certain areas, but it didn’t take away from the overall beauty and tranquility of the place. The local food served on the boat was fresh and flavorful, adding an authentic Vietnamese touch to the trip. If you’re visiting Vietnam, Ha Long Bay is a destination you simply cannot miss. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site for a reason, and it truly lives up to the hype!

Hạ Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay

Photos

Highlights

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