Ha Long: A guide to exploring the world heritage bay

Explore Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO heritage site with thousands of limestone islands, experience yachting, kayaking and enjoy unique seafood dishes such as squid rolls and sea worms.

Ha Long: Journey in the heart of the world natural heritage

Ha Long Bay, located in Quang Ninh province and about 180km from Hanoi , is one of the iconic destinations of Vietnam. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site many times, the bay possesses a spectacular landscape with nearly 2,000 large and small limestone islands rising from the turquoise water. This is not only a destination to admire the landscape but also a place to experience unique cultural and natural activities.

Ha Long Bay is one of the seven new natural wonders of the world.

Unmissable experiences in Ha Long Bay

To fully experience the beauty of Ha Long, visitors can participate in a variety of activities, from relaxation to adventure, exploring both on the water and inside the majestic caves.

Cruise on the bay - See the mobile wonder

The core experience in Ha Long is cruising the bay by cruise. Gliding gently on the calm waters, you will admire countless islands with unique shapes such as Ga Choi Islet, Con Coc Islet. Many cruises offer overnight services, allowing visitors to watch the sunrise and sunset in the quiet space of the heritage.

Spending the night on a cruise is an experience chosen by many tourists.

Kayaking and cave exploration

For those who love to explore, kayaking is a great way to get closer to the limestone islands and weave through small caves like Luon Cave. In addition, large caves like Sung Sot Cave or Thien Cung Cave open up a magical world of stalactites, formed over millions of years.

Kayaking allows to explore hidden corners of the bay.

Other notable destinations

• Ti Top Island: Famous for its crescent-shaped beach and mountaintop observatory, where you can take in a 360-degree panoramic view of the bay.
• Cua Van Fishing Village: Learn about the lives of local fishermen, experience activities such as fishing, squid fishing and enjoy fresh seafood right on the boat.
• Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay: Located adjacent to Ha Long Bay, these two bays have a more pristine and quiet beauty, making them ideal choices for those seeking peace.

Ha Long Cuisine: Flavors from the Sea

A trip to Ha Long would not be complete without a culinary experience. Seafood here is extremely rich and processed into many special dishes.

Hand-pounded squid rolls are a specialty not to be missed when coming to Ha Long.

Famous specialties

• Hand-pounded squid cake: The most famous dish, made from hand-pounded fresh squid, creating a characteristic crunchy texture. When fried, it has a golden color and a fragrant aroma.
• Sandworm: A rare seafood with high nutritional value, can be processed into many dishes such as grilled, stir-fried or porridge.
• Horseshoe crabs and sea cucumbers: Horseshoe crabs have two very large, meaty claws and are often steamed or stir-fried with tamarind. Sea cucumbers are prepared into many unique dishes such as salad, sweet and sour stir-fry or grilled.
• Seafood vermicelli: A full bowl of vermicelli with mantis shrimp, shrimp, squid sausage and a sweet and clear broth with a strong taste of the sea is the perfect choice for a quality meal.

Travel guide to Ha Long

The ideal time to visit

The best time to travel to Ha Long is from April to June, when the weather is sunny and there is little rain, suitable for sightseeing and swimming. Summer from June to August is the peak season for domestic tourism, but be aware of the possibility of storms. Late November to Tet is the ideal time for international tourists or those who want to enjoy a quieter space.

Travel and accommodation

From Hanoi, visitors can easily reach Ha Long via the Hanoi - Hai Phong - Ha Long highway by car or bus, taking only about 2-2.5 hours. In the city, taxis and electric cars are popular means of transportation between attractions.

Ha Long offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget guesthouses and city hotels to luxury resorts on private islands and overnight cruises on the bay, catering to every need and budget.

Source: https://baolamdong.vn/ha-long-cam-nang-kham-pha-vinh-di-san-the-gioi-399191.html