If you want to visit a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is the right place for you. The popular travel destination in Vietnam is called Vinh Ha Long (Bay of the Submerged Dragon) and is considered a legendary place. The bay is said to have been created by a dragon and, according to legend, it was also dragons that protected Vietnam from invaders. In addition to a fairytale history, the resort also offers breathtaking nature with numerous rocky islands, picturesque waterfalls and interesting caves. The water in the bay is described as emerald green and invites you to enjoy water sports. The fine sandy beaches are interesting for people who want to relax on holiday in front of a beautiful natural backdrop.
Popular tourist destination with plenty of space
Halong Bay is located in the north of Vietnam and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. Vinh Ha Long has about 2,000 limestone islands and is considered an attractive travel destination with about two to three million tourists a year. The rocky islands protrude from the water and take on unique shapes. The grottos and caves in the bay can have stalagmites as well as stalactites. Visitors have the opportunity to admire the geological features of Vinh Ha Long, for example, from a ferry. The term “bay” is misleading for Vinh Ha Long, because the area is more than 1,550 square meters in size and cannot be compared with a small bay area.
Visit to Halong Bay with ferry and cruises
If you want to see all the beauty of the bay, you should book a ferry ride or a cruise through Vinh Ha Long. Vietnam cruises are offered that cross the large area in the north. A holiday in one of the numerous hotels on site is of course also possible. For example, travellers can enjoy a beach holiday and combine it with a ferry ride to the bay’s stunning rock formations, caves, grottos and waterfalls.
Sung Sot Cave is interesting for people who like hiking and climbing. The largest cave in the bay is located on the island of Bo Hon and can be reached via a steep climb. Dong Thien Cung is the name of one of the most famous caves in the bay. The popular destination offers stalactite formations that are illuminated in various colors and make the visit a unique experience. The holiday destination has something to offer almost every traveller. Adventurers, couples, groups and families with children alike get their money’s worth.
Water sports and beach holidays
Vinh Ha Long has beautiful sandy beaches. Among the most famous beaches are Quan Lan, Bai Chay, Ngoc Vung and Tuan Chau. But not only the white sand on the seashores invites you to a relaxing holiday. The turquoise blue water in the bay provides the necessary cooling and also contributes to relaxation. If you practice water sports, you will find what you are looking for in Halong Bay. The tourism industry offers kayak and boat trips on site. Sports such as surfing, diving and snorkelling are also possible there.
Special sights
One of the special experiences of a holiday in Halong Bay is a visit to the floating villages. This attraction is a collection of “houses” on the water that were actually inhabited by humans. Around 1,600 people lived and worked at sea. In 2014, the inhabitants of these villages were resettled.
If you don’t want to miss out on the fun of an amusement park in Vietnam, the Sun World Halong Complex is the right place for you. The park can be found in Halong City and has been one of Vinh Ha Long’s popular tourist spots since 2017. For example, the leisure facility is divided into the areas Typhoon Water Park, Mystic Mountain Complex and Dragon Park. Interested visitors can use various rides and let off steam in the water park. Vinh Ha Long offers a world-famous aerial tramway. The Ha Long Queen Cable Car can carry around 2,000 people per hour and can be used from the Sun World Halong Complex.
Hiking and climbing on Cat Ba
The island of Cat Ba is interesting for hiking and climbing enthusiasts. The three climbing areas “The Cave”, “Butterfly Valley” and “Ben Beo” can be explored on the island. The National Park of Cat Ba is the ideal place for hikers and offers nature lovers a diverse flora and fauna with more than 4,000 species. Mangroves and alluvial forests can be found in the national park. If you are interested in the biodiversity of the spider world, you will also find what you are looking for on Cat Ba. Before setting off on a hiking or climbing adventure, the routes should be known. Cat Ba offers the right tour for beginners as well as advanced riders.
