Overview
Take a trip to Halong Bay on your Vietnam Vacation
Touted as the Eighth Wonder of the World, Halong Bay is located in northern Vietnam, 170 km (105 mi) east of Hanoi, and is considered a popular travel destination on a Vietnam vacation.
Halong Bay features thousands of limestone karsts along with islets of various shapes and sizes. With an approximate area of around 1,553 sq km, Halong Bay’s core zone, at an area of 334 sq km, has gone through 500 million years of formation in different conditions and environments, earning it a listing as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Stretching along 120 km of coastline, Halong Bay is located in Quang Ninh province and is administered by Halong City, Cam Pha Town, and part of Van Don District.
The name Ha Long means ‘descending dragon’, and refers to a legend about a family of dragons sent by the gods to defend a developing Vietnam. The dragons spat out jewels and jade which turned into islands and islets dotting the bay, all linking together to form a great wall against invaders.
While most of the limestone islands are topped by jungle vegetation, others are hollow and feature enormous caves, including Hang Dau Go, a grotto which features a huge cave of three chambers.
While there are a number of islands that feature beautiful beaches, there are two islands that have permanent inhabitants, as well as hotels for tourists on a Vietnam vacation. Tuan Chau, located southwest of Halong City, is covered by pine forest and features two man-made beaches, as well as an octagonal vacationing house once used by Ho Chi Minh, which now serves as a memorial site to the late president. Cat Ba, part of the Cat Ba archipelago, is the largest island with half its area being covered by a national park. Commonly used as a stop for tours of Halong Bay from Hanoi, Cat Ba features inhabitants living in several communes as well as floating fishing villages off its coast.
While most of the limestone islands are topped by jungle vegetation, others are hollow and feature enormous caves, including Hang Dau Go, a grotto which features a huge cave of three chambers.
While there are a number of islands that feature beautiful beaches, there are two islands that have permanent inhabitants, as well as hotels for tourists on a Vietnam vacation. Tuan Chau, located southwest of Halong City, is covered by pine forest and features two man-made beaches, as well as an octagonal vacationing house once used by Ho Chi Minh, which now serves as a memorial site to the late president. Cat Ba, part of the Cat Ba archipelago, is the largest island with half its area being covered by a national park. Commonly used as a stop for tours of Halong Bay from Hanoi, Cat Ba features inhabitants living in several communes as well as floating fishing villages off its coast.
At a Glance
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Vietnamese Dong (VND)What do the experts say?
Vietnam doesn’t need to be paired with another country to fill a trip. From the culture to the coast, you can easily spend two full weeks here and barely scratch the surface
Vietnam has a way of welcoming you in. I’ve been invited into houses and shared meals with strangers, and those moments have shaped my love for the place
Vietnam stretches over 2,000 kilometers so weather can vary dramatically. March and April are ideal for visiting the whole country with moderate temperatures and light rain
Hoi An is a personal favorite, with its ancient architecture, multicultural roots, and unforgettable cuisine
Vietnam isn’t just conical hats and war stories. It’s a land of 54 ethnic groups, layered history, and vibrant culture that surprises even seasoned travelers.
Halong Bay is a Unesco World Heritage Site and ...
One of Vietnam's most popular tourist destinations
Halong Bay features thousands of limestone kars...
Fishing is an important industry
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