Ha Long Bay, located on the western coast of the Gulf of Tonkin in Vietnam, is a renowned tourist hotspot. Known for its stunning landscape dotted with thousands of majestic islands and surrounded by a variety of nearby attractions, the bay draws countless visitors each year.
Ha Long Bay the Northern tourist paradise (Source: Collected)
Recognized by UNESCO as one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is a must-visit destination for travelers from all over the globe. If you and your family are planning a trip to Quang Ninh in Vietnam and are eager to discover the beauty of Ha Long Bay, this article will be an invaluable guide for your journey.
1.Overview of Ha Long City and Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Located about 180 kilometers from Hanoi, Ha Long is a first-class provincial city in Quang Ninh Province, widely regarded as a top tourist destination in Northern Vietnam. With its prime location and natural beauty, Ha Long draws millions of visitors from both within the country and around the world each year.
One of the key reasons Ha Long is so well-known is the stunning beauty of Ha Long Bay. Spanning 1,553 square kilometers, the bay is dotted with 1,960 limestone islands of various sizes, each uniquely shaped. Recognized multiple times by UNESCO as a natural wonder of the world, Ha Long Bay is considered a once-in-a-lifetime destination that every traveler should experience.
Ha Long Bay is recognized as a world cultural and natural heritage by UNESCO(Source: Collected)
In addition, the modern transportation system plays a key role in boosting tourism in Ha Long. Over the years, the city has experienced remarkable economic growth. Its facilities and infrastructure have been developed in a well-planned and high-quality manner. As a result, Ha Long is fully equipped to meet all your needs—whether you’re looking for entertainment, relaxation, shopping, or dining,…when you visit.
Ha Long is worth a visit once in your life(Source: Collected)
2.When is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?
The weather in Ha Long varies from month to month, with each season offering its own unique charm. That’s why it’s important to check the forecast before planning your trip. If you’re heading to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, consider traveling during one of the following periods:
From April to June: This is the perfect moment to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life with a tour to Ha Long. The weather is pleasantly warm and mostly sunny, making it an ideal time for sightseeing or relaxing under the sun with your family and friends on the area’s stunning beaches.
From June to August: This is the peak season, meaning many families are visiting the city with their children for summer vacation. As a result, the number of tourists rises, driving up the cost of rooms and services. To ensure a budget-friendly trip, it’s important to plan ahead.
From late November to Tet Holiday: At this time, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam usually welcomes a large number of foreign tourists. Compared to the peak season, it is relatively less crowded so you can have more private space to experience Ha Long tourism in the best way.
The best time to visit Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is from April to June (Source: Collected)
3. How to get to Ha Long, Vietnam?
With the synchronous development of transportation infrastructure, it is very easy for you to go to Ha Long from Hanoi by the following means:
3.1. By motorbike
From Hanoi and some Northern provinces, you can go to Bac Ninh by motorbike via Highway 18. Then, make your way to Pha Lai Ward in Chi Linh District, Hai Duong Province. After going to Dong Trieu Town – the western gateway of Quang Ninh Province and continuing past Uong Bi City, you will arrive in Ha Long City.
With this route, it will take you about 4 – 5 hours to travel. For those who like going backpacking, this will be a great experience. However, you should beware of danger by maintaining an appropriate speed, wearing a helmet with glasses and wearing long-sleeved clothing during the journey.
3.2. By car
Traveling by car is a time-saving way for your Ha Long trip in Vietnam. From the center of Hanoi, you need to follow the directions on Hanoi – Ha Long Highway to reach Ha Long City quickly and safely. In comparison to traveling by motorbike, it offers shorter travel time which is only about 2 – 2.5 hours.
3.3. By public transport
In addition to private vehicles, you can also use public transport such as taxis, coaches, trains or buses to go to Ha Long. Also, if you depart from the Southern provinces, you can take a plane which lands at Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong or Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh. From these places, it is very convenient for you to visit Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and explore its beauty.
4. Top 7 Most Popular Tourist Attractions in Ha Long City
Here are more information about Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and some famous destinations in Ha Long City you should know:
4.1. Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay possesses the majestic and poetic natural beauty with thousands of large and small islands as well as many unique caves. Each year, it attracts a large number of tourists who come to explore some splendid tourist attractions here such as Dragon Eye Island, Ti Top Island, Con Coc Island, Ngoc Vung Island, Sung Sot Cave,…
Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is a not to be missed destination (Source: Collected)
4.2. Tuan Chau Island
Lying in the Northwest of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, Tuan Chau Island covers an area of about 2.2 square kilometers. It is blessed with stunning beaches, lush vegetation and rich archeological values. Coming to Tuan Chau Island, you should not forget to participate in some beach activities and visit Tuan Chau Park to explore numerous wonderful things.
Many tourists love visiting Tuan Chau Island when traveling to Ha Long in Vietnam (Source: Collected)
4.3. Quang Ninh Museum
Considered as a miniature model of the province, Quang Ninh Museum is known as a great pride of Ha Long people. Not only having unique architecture, this place also stores a lot of important and meaningful cultural information. Therefore, if you intend to pay a trip to Ha Long City, put this place in your checklist!
The front of Quang Ninh Museum (Source: Collected)
4.4. Cua Van Fishing Village
Cua Van Fishing Village is one of the top-rated Ha Long tourist destinations that you should visit once. Coming there, you will have a chance to immerse yourself in a peaceful place with many charming natural landscapes. Besides, some activities to experience and discover the livelihood of fishermen here will make you extremely excited.
Cua Van Fishing Village is on the top of the most beautiful fishing villages in Vietnam(Source: Collected)
4.5. Bai Tho Mountain
Bai Tho Mountain is a famous tourist destination for those who love adventure. The mountain has an altitude of over 200 meters and is located right in the center of Ha Long City which is very close to the sea. It is considered as a masterpiece that Mother Nature has bestowed upon Quang Ninh Province. From here, you can see the whole romantic scenery of Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
From Bai Tho Mountain you can get a full view of the beautiful bay (Source: Collected)
4.6. Bai Chay Beach
Bai Chay is an artificial beach with a length of up to 1,000 meters and a width of more than 100 meters. It is recognized as the largest Ha Long beach to have clear blue water and a clean white sandy shore. A straight row of trees is also the highlight of this place. It will provide a great background for tourists to take a lot of amazing photos.
Bai Chay Beach attracts a large number of tourists (Source: Collected)
4.7. Hon Gai Beach
Hon Gai Beach is one of the most invested artificial beaches in the North of Vietnam. Specifically, it has a length of 900 meters and a width of 185 meters. With such a scale, Hon Gai Beach has become a Ha Long tourist destination that has gained a lot of love from domestic and foreign tourists.
Hon Gai Beach A beautiful tourist destination (Source: Collected)
4.8. Lan Ha Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay
Located to the south and east of Cat Ba town, Lan Ha Bay is technically part of Halong Bay and is home to over 300 karst islands and limestone outcrops, as your guide will tell you. These islands are just as stunning as those in Halong Bay, with the added bonus of numerous white-sand beaches. Since it’s a bit farther from Halong City, fewer tourist boats make their way here, giving Lan Ha Bay a more secluded charm. The best way to organize sailing and kayaking trips in the area is from Cat Ba town.
Lan Ha bay (Source: Collected)
Bai Tu Long Bay, undoubtedly a hidden gem on the northeastern side of Halong, enchants visitors with its untouched beauty and peaceful atmosphere. In contrast to its more well-known neighbor, Bai Tu Long Bay remains largely unspoiled and less crowded, making it the perfect retreat for nature enthusiasts. With its crystal-clear waters and dramatic limestone karsts, the bay offers a tranquil setting for unforgettable cruising experiences.
Bai Tu Long Bay The Hidden Beauty of Halong Bay (Source: Collected)
Immerse yourself in the charm of the bay’s scenic fishing villages, where everyday life unfolds amidst breathtaking coastal views. Dive into the area’s vibrant marine ecosystem, teeming with a variety of species. Explore Bai Tu Long Bay, where the gentle waves bring peace and every sunset creates a stunning masterpiece across the sky.
5. What to eat in Ha Long?
No trip to Ha Long is truly complete without trying the following dishes at least once:
5.1. Grilled chopped squid
For the question of what to eat in Ha Long, the first answer is a very delicious dish – grilled chopped squid. It is a famous food of Ha Long and one of the most unique specialties in Vietnam. Its main ingredients come from the sea and all of them are pounded completely by hand, and then processed according to the recipe passed down by generations.
Enjoying grilled chopped squid is a must try experience in Ha Long City (Source: Collected)
5.2. Peanut-worm
Peanut-worm is an extremely valuable sea worm that you should enjoy once when visiting Ha Long Bay. Each kilogram of dried peanut-worm costs up to 4 – 5 million VND. When coming to this city, do not forget to enjoy the specialties from peanut-worm which can be processed in many different ways such as frying, boiling, grilling,…
Peanut worm dishes are highly nutritious (Source: Collected)
5.3. Stir-fried snails with soy sauce
Without guise leaves and cooking oil, Ha Long people stir-fry snails with saw leaves, desiccated coconut and lime leaves. As for the dipping sauce, it is taken from the soy sauce used to stir-fry the snails before. Stir-fried snails with the mix of crispy, greasy and spicy flavor will definitely bring you an unforgettable experience.
Ha Long specialty Stir fried snails with soy sauce (Source: Collected)
5.4. Grilled oysters
Grilled oysters with onion fat is a rustic dish in Quang Ninh that is loved by many tourists. The shells of oysters are pried on one side with scallion oil added on top and then grilled on a charcoal stove. When you hear the sizzling sound, add a few small broken peanuts and enjoy the dish.
Grilled oysters are a must try delicacy in Ha Long (Source: Collected)
5.5. Seafood vermicelli
As a sea region with a rich source of seafood, Ha Long is very famous for seafood dishes. The rich sweetness of the broth along with the firm texture of the meat, the dried shrimp and the grilled chopped squid are the outstanding features of this dish. All of these create a delicious bowl of seafood vermicelli for you to try.
Seafood vermicelli is a standout dish in Ha Long’s culinary scene (Source: Collected)
7. Some tips for enjoying an affordable trip to Ha Long, Vietnam.
If you and your family are planning a trip to Ha Long City and want to make the most of your visit, here are some travel tips to help you save money.
- To ensure a well-planned vacation, it’s recommended to make reservations 3 weeks to 1 month ahead of time.
- Plastic utensils, water bottles, and plastic bags are not allowed on the boat when visiting Ha Long Bay. However, you can purchase drinks on board, with prices ranging from 20,000 to 30,000 VND each.
- If you purchase tickets to visit various attractions, make sure to keep the ticket stub for your next destination, as the staff at each location will check it.
Ha Long is an ideal destination for your next vacation with your loved one. We hope the helpful the above useful information about Ha Long Bay and Ha Long City will help for you and your family have an unforgettable trip filled with fun. Don’t forget to order visa to Vietnam at https://vietnamvisapro.com/ before departing to this wonderful place.We as a trusted and reliable visa service, we are here to help turn your dream vacation into reality from the very first step.
