Ha Long Bay, located in the western part of the Gulf of Tonkin, is a natural wonder situated 150 kilometers from Vietnam’s capital, Hanoi. It is renowned for its stunning and picturesque scenery. In 1994, UNESCO designated Ha Long Bay as a natural heritage site and included it in the World Heritage List.
Ha Long Bay features typical karst topography, with over 1,600 uniquely shaped limestone islands spread across more than 1,500 square kilometers of sea. This creates a breathtaking seascape, earning it the title of one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Due to its resemblance to the landscapes of Guilin in Guangxi, it is also referred to as “Guilin on the Sea”.
Most islands in Ha Long Bay are uninhabited, preserving their natural beauty, and the stunning ecological landscape reflects its unique aesthetic value.
Board a cruise boat to explore Ha Long Bay and embark on a top-tier visual journey.
The beauty of Ha Long Bay is composed of three elements: stone, water, and sky. It was once part of the Eurasian continent and was shaped into its current natural wonder through complex geological processes over time.
The rocks and islands in Ha Long Bay have diverse and unique shapes.
Some mountains stand alone, reaching towards the sky like pillars; others are two peaks leaning against each other, with water dividing them. Some are layered, creating striking and unusual formations.
Some resemble chopsticks sticking straight out of the water, others like a large cauldron floating on the surface, and some look like galloping horses. The most famous is Frog Island, which appears like a frog sitting on the sea, with grass in its mouth.
Among them are the Fighting Cocks Stones. These two small rocky hills, resembling a pair of large birds with wings spread, face each other across a narrow waterway. Chosen for their unique appearance, they were selected as a symbol of Vietnam’s tourism in 2000.
In addition to the various uniquely shaped rocks, exploring the caves in Ha Long Bay is an intriguing experience. These expansive and winding caves resemble scenes from “Pirates of the Caribbean”, and were historically used by pirates to ambush passing ships. Inside, visitors can also admire many stunning stalactites.
Continuing on the cruise leads to Moon Lake, a secluded bay surrounded by vertical cliffs, with crystal-clear waters that reflect the sky like a mirror. Its circular shape, resembling a full moon from above, gives it its name. Accessing Moon Lake requires transferring to a small boat and navigating through a cave, which is the only waterway into the lake and can be submerged at high tide.
After leaving Moon Lake, the cruise heads to one of Ha Long Bay’s most magnificent caves, Sung Sot Cave, also known as Surprise Cave. Named by the French in a 1938 travel guide, this cave features a ceiling dotted with countless small recesses, creating the sensation of walking under a sky filled with clouds, leaving visitors in awe.
As the cruise navigates through Ha Long Bay, fishing boats may approach to sell fresh seafood, allowing you to buy some for tasting if you’re interested.
Paradise Island is one of Vietnam’s most romantic and beautiful islands, featuring the only beach in Ha Long Bay. On the soft, white sands, you can enjoy various beach games and swim in designated areas. Climbing over 400 steps to the island’s peak offers a breathtaking panoramic view of Ha Long Bay, where the azure sea is surrounded by towering limestone islets, creating a picturesque landscape with traditional wooden sailboats weaving through.
