Designated a World Heritage Site by UNESCO for its surreal beauty, Halong Bay is one of Vietnam's top destinations. The name translates to "where the dragon descends," and, according to local legend, the bay's islands were formed when a dragon charged from the mountains towards the coast. Its tail carved out valleys and crevasses until the dragon hit the water, flooding the area and leaving nothing but peaks visible. Approximately a three-hour drive east of Hanoi, Halong Bay is a breathtaking landscape of 1,969 densely clustered limestone islands, arches and pinnacles rising right out of the emerald waters. The bay has incredibly serene emerald waters that are home to multiple small limestone islands covered by rain forests. It's a popular spot for boat tours and cave explorers, and no trip to Vietnam would be complete without seeing it.
Experience it firsthand
Overnight boat trip
Escape from the buzz of Hanoi with an overnight cruise on Halong Bay. Be surrounded by stunning views of limestone karsts rising dramatically from the Bay’s deep blue waters. Watch the sun set from the ship’s deck and fall asleep to the gentle sound of waves lapping against the boat.
Sail to Bai Tu Long Bay
Sail to Bai Tu Long Bay, passing through extraordinarily shaped islands with other such evocative names as Poem Mountain, Teapot Islet and Goat’s Head Islet. Swim in the pristine water here before heading to the tranquility of Cong Do and the hidden wonder of Thay Cave.
Floating villages
In the midst of the breath-taking wondrous maze of limestone isles, the images of those colorful fishing boats and floating villages will capture your heart at first sight. Not only does the famous natural heritage site adhere to your memory, but the cultural spotlights of these fishing villages are truly the gem that will make your memorable experience whole. Take a rowboat to visit one of the fishing village, where you can interact with the local fisherman and see them at work.
Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park and Viet Hai fishing village
Situated in the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay possesses about hundreds of large and small islands, creating a majestic and fairy landscapes. The calm and clean waters in some islands such as Sen island, Cu island and Monkey island offer favorable conditions for diving and coral sight-seeing. Hiding in the peaceful gulf and separated from the rest of the world, many small villages show a relax pace of life raising the regional specialties such as mussels and oysters. Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Natinal Park are included in the biosphere reserve of the world. Enjoy a trip through the Cat Ba National forest, home of many precious animals, including rare white-head langur. Cycle to Viet Hai fishing village, the most unspoiled fishing village of Cat Ba island, where you can discover the daily life of the local people.
Private Junk Cruise.
Embark on your private junk, a traditional wooden boat that has been luxuriously fitted with traditional Chinese rosewood furniture and design elements in each of the two bedrooms. Cruise through the islands and explore their quirks and characteristics – some of the islands are hollow, hiding caves and grottoes, and support floating villages of fishermen, who ply the shallow waters. Many of the islands have names reflecting their unusual shapes, such as Voi (elephant), Ga Choi (fighting cock), and Mai Nha (roof).
Swimming & Kayaking
Enjoy swimming and kayaking around Cong Dam, a picturesque area with hidden lagoons and sleepy fishing villages ensconced by towering karst cliffs, as well as the white-sand beach of Doi Non Island. Pass through thousands of islands and islets on the cruise to Tra San Beach for more sunbathing, swimming and kayaking.