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Ha Long Bay Cruises
You’ll have your camera glued to your hand while sailing through the spectacular scenery of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s number-one tourist hub. Majestic limestone pillars and lush islets give way to the aquamarine waters of the Gulf of Tonkin below, for a landscape that you won’t find anywhere else. This beautiful bay was named a UNESCO World Heritage Site for its outstanding beauty, and if you can tear yourself away from the view you can get out and explore by kayak, paddleboard or on foot. From Cat Ba National Park’s rock formations to Tuan Chau’s beaches, the islands each have their own charm.
What You Need To Know About Halong Bay
How to reach Ha Long Bay from the cruise terminal?
Some cruise ships choose to dock at Ha Long Bay City at Bai Chay tourist port, while others will stay moored offshore. If you dock at the commercial pier, you’ll be in the heart of the city – however, this isn’t the main attraction here – the bay itself is! In either case, you’ll have the option to take a three-hour journey up to Hanoi, or enjoy a boat tour of the islands, stopping off at the most idyllic spots to admire the view or get out and hike, cycle or sail around. Your cruise line will most likely offer you a choice of pre-planned excursions.
What are the can’t-miss sights in Ha Long Bay?
Cat Ba Island is Ha Long Bay’s most popular visitor destination, built up with hotels, restaurants and bars amongst the beautiful scenery. Head to Da Be Island if you fancy a spot of diving or swimming, as it features vibrant coral, mysterious grottos and multiple inland lakes. Go spelunking in Dau Go Island, a true adventure with its massive cave. Some of the stalactites and stalagmites here are over 20 metres in height! Another prime attraction in Ha Long Bay are its floating villages, which have been inhabited by the locals for generations – you’ll see them out at dawn to catch the freshest fish.
Typical food and restaurants in Ha Long Bay
With the local fishing heritage and warm waters, it’s perhaps no surprise that seafood comprises a major component of the local cuisine! You’ll be able to feast on fresh oysters, prawns, and fish, whether grilled with herbs and chilli sauces, skewered and accompanied by a peanut-y satay sauce, or simmered in a fragrant coconut sauce. Bai Chay Town is home to dozens of delicious eateries blending Vietnamese and Chinese influences, while the restaurants on Cat Ba Island serve dinner with a view. Don’t miss the floating restaurants, where you can pick the live seafood out of a display and have it prepared on the spot.
Halong Bay News
Vietnam In A Nutshell: Five Of The Country’s Game-Changers
Boarding a boat is the only way to truly explore the emerald waters as you float past its 1,600 Islands
Read moreHALONG BAY - DID YOU KNOW?
Although it’s easy to focus on the water in Ha Long Bay, its islands are home to a number of rare and majestic creatures. The birdlife here is unrivalled, particularly in Cat Ba National Park where you can see Sea Eagles, hornbills, cuckoos and hawks. Endangered mammals make their home here as well, including the super-rare Cat Ba Langur. Look for playful monkeys feeding and chattering in the islands’ caves and forests, or lizards crawling their way around the rocks. There are loads of caves to explore, including Hung Sung Sot and Virgin Cave, both on Bo Hon Island. Take the steep pathway down to Hung Sung Sot and you’ll find two inner chambers, giving way to interior rock formations that seem to move along with the light from above. Another popular underground chamber is Pelican Cave, featuring spectacular stalactite formations. Most visitors skip Ha Long Bay City in favour of the natural beauty here, but if you want a taste of urban life during your time in the area you can explore its bustling high rises, modern restaurants and new-build hotels. One of the highlights here is the Bai Chay Bridge, which is particularly scenic at night when it’s lit up in changing colours.
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