Hạ Long Bay on Postcard

"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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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!

Jalu Andura

Google

What an amazing and unforgettable experience. Visit Ha Long Bay if you’re visiting Vietnam, you won’t regret it.

anjali sahu

Google

Ha Long Bay is absolutely breathtaking! The limestone karsts rising out of the emerald-green waters create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. Taking a boat cruise through the bay was a highlight, with stunning views at every turn. We also visited hidden caves and floating villages, which added to the experience. The serenity and natural beauty of the area make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Vietnam. Highly recommend spending at least a day or two to truly soak in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site!

james cole

Google

Ten out of ten. The scenery was great and the monkeys made a good kayak a great one. The views as you exit the stunning cave are great as you look out over crystal blue water. After a long day of heat though we had a relaxing swim and boarded the boat back to the city

Anchal Garg

Google

Just few hours away from Hanoi, this place is a must visit in Vietnam 🇻🇳 It’s so damm beautiful and picturesque! Discovering this beauty was the best thing of the trip ♥️ Also it’s part of the World heritage site, so definitely 💯 recommended and worth it!

Tanyarat Ratwattanakulkij

Google

Unesco world heritage must visit place if you come to Hanoi, Book a boat include lunch or dinner, enjoy the great view of the sea and the island and busy traffic along the way to the cave. Every convenient and easy to walk to see the different shape of the rock inside

Jessie Ong

Google

Ha long bay, a beautiful place that one should not missed if you are in Hanoi. We took a day tour package, and the driver picked us from our hotel in downtown. It was around 2-3 hours to ha long, and just nice to board the cruise for buffet lunch. Then we went on to some cave tour and kayaking. We enjoyed the sunset from the cruise and the cruise offered buy one free one happy hour drink 🍷 have a sip of cocktail while enjoying the sunset on cruise, perfect 🤩

Bluejays

Google

One of the most beautiful places on earth. The only problem is the overwhelming number of tourist boats, which makes the water dirty. I truly hope they find a way to preserve this little piece of paradise.

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!

Jalu Andura

Google

What an amazing and unforgettable experience. Visit Ha Long Bay if you’re visiting Vietnam, you won’t regret it.

anjali sahu

Google

Ha Long Bay is absolutely breathtaking! The limestone karsts rising out of the emerald-green waters create a surreal, otherworldly landscape. Taking a boat cruise through the bay was a highlight, with stunning views at every turn. We also visited hidden caves and floating villages, which added to the experience. The serenity and natural beauty of the area make it a must-visit for anyone traveling to Vietnam. Highly recommend spending at least a day or two to truly soak in the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site!

james cole

Google

Ten out of ten. The scenery was great and the monkeys made a good kayak a great one. The views as you exit the stunning cave are great as you look out over crystal blue water. After a long day of heat though we had a relaxing swim and boarded the boat back to the city

Anchal Garg

Google

Just few hours away from Hanoi, this place is a must visit in Vietnam 🇻🇳 It’s so damm beautiful and picturesque! Discovering this beauty was the best thing of the trip ♥️ Also it’s part of the World heritage site, so definitely 💯 recommended and worth it!

Tanyarat Ratwattanakulkij

Google

Unesco world heritage must visit place if you come to Hanoi, Book a boat include lunch or dinner, enjoy the great view of the sea and the island and busy traffic along the way to the cave. Every convenient and easy to walk to see the different shape of the rock inside

Jessie Ong

Google

Ha long bay, a beautiful place that one should not missed if you are in Hanoi. We took a day tour package, and the driver picked us from our hotel in downtown. It was around 2-3 hours to ha long, and just nice to board the cruise for buffet lunch. Then we went on to some cave tour and kayaking. We enjoyed the sunset from the cruise and the cruise offered buy one free one happy hour drink 🍷 have a sip of cocktail while enjoying the sunset on cruise, perfect 🤩

Bluejays

Google

One of the most beautiful places on earth. The only problem is the overwhelming number of tourist boats, which makes the water dirty. I truly hope they find a way to preserve this little piece of paradise.

Hạ Long Bay

Hạ Long Bay

Photos

Highlights

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