Ha Long Bay – UNESCO Heritage site
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Comprising 1,969 islands and islets, it’s almost impossible to run out of fun places and activities to try in Ha Long Bay…
Halong Bay is located in the west of the Gulf of Tonkin Vietnam, about 170 km from Hanoi. With a total area of 1,553 km2, Ha Long also includes other two famous bays, Bai Tu Long Bay in the east and Lan Ha Bay (where Cat Ba Island is located) in the south. It’s known as not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site but also one of the world-famous natural wonders.
With wonderful seascapes, diverse and rich flora and fauna, as well as great archaeological and geological significance, Ha Long Bay is considered as one of Vietnam’s most famous places with foreign visitors. What makes this destination extremely famous among tourists? They are natural caves created from millions of years scattered on 1,969 islands, large and small but also world-famous for its rich vegetation and multi-species format.
What does Ha Long Bay have to offer?
1. Thien Cung grotto
Thien Cung grotto or Heavenly Palace is located north of Dau Go island. This grotto is one of the most beautiful caves in Halong. The cave is nearly 10,000m² with a very complex structure including many levels, many compartments with very high and wide ceilings and walls. Especially in the cave, there are countless stalactites with strange shapes.
2. Dau Go grotto
Also located on Dau Go island, about 300m from Thien Cung cave is Dau Go gotto. Dau Go is a large, beautiful cave which has ancient beauty. This place has a rich diversity of flora and fauna. Due to the expansion of the entrance, the high humidity inside with the impact of sunlight, we can see the significant development of flora and fauna as well as moss. This is a distinct feature which makes this grotto special compared to many other caves on Halong bay.
3. Me Cung cave
Me Cung Cave is located at a height of 25m on Lom Bo Island, about 2km southwest of Titop island. From a distance, it looks like a roof deeply ingrained in the island. Me Cung Cave has a complex multi-storey structure with many levels. Also, there are various long corridors rising to the west and looking down on a small lake called Me Cung Lake.
4. Titop island
The cruises often stop at this destination. Visitors go ashore to swim or climb to the top of the mountain to see the panoramic view of the island. Unlike many other tourist spots on Halong bay, besides the beautiful natural landscape, Titop island also has a beautiful beach, called Titop beach. From above, Titop beach looks like a moon embracing the island. Although the beach is not large, it’s quiet, airy and very clean. The sand in the beach is pure white and the water has emerald green color during four seasons.
5. Sung Sot Cave
This cave is located in the central area of Halong bay, on Bo Hon Island. Inside Sung Sot Cave, there are fossilized stalactites with countless shapes. From Sung Sot Cave, tourists can easily reach many famous attractions such as Titop beach, Me Cung grotto, Luon cave, etc.
6. Cua Van Fishing Village
One of the most interesting destinations of Halong bay is Cua Van fishing village. In this fishing village, tourists can not only immerse themselves in a peaceful space but also learn about the cultural life of fishermen. There are lots of interesting activities that tourist can join in here such as row a boat, spread nets, go fishing, etc.
7. Co To Island
The Co To archipelago is comprised of 40 islands varying in sizes and a number of deserted beaches. It is one of the must-see tourist attractions in Vietnam. Indulge yourself in the serenity of the ocean. Fill your senses with the crystal blue water, bright wide sand, aromatic wildflowers, and redolent pine trees.
There is a wide selection of activities to choose from while in Co To Island. Explore the pine forests. Discover the islands and go fishing on a boat. If you want to encounter the coral reefs and tropical marine life, go snorkeling. And of course, enjoy the freshest and tastiest seafood served by the natives.
8. Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau Island, endowed with a luxuriant forest and beaches with very white and fine sand, is one of the highlights of Halong bay tours. Situated 8km away from Downtown Halong, the schist island never fails to impress its visitors with the endless exciting activities and well-developed infrastructure. If Co To Island is all about nature and indulging in nature, Tuan Chau island gives off a completely different vibe that screams luxury.
Tuan Chau Island comes with high-end tourist services, recreational activities, and numerous entertainment options. You can go fishing, kayaking, mountain climbing, camping, parachuting, motor racing, water skiing, and playing golf or watch animals perform tricks (dolphins, sea lions, seals, etc.).
9. Luon Cave
The open-air cave is located 14km away from Bai Chay Beach and 1km away from Sung Sot cave. It’s situated on Bo Hon Island with Con Rua Islet in the front and the Sky Gate on the right. Luon Cave is 60m in length, 4m in width, 4m and 2.5m in height during low tide and high tide, respectively. Hence, only small boats or kayaks have access to the cave.
The preserved Luon Cave is an appealing attraction with spectacular, natural landscapes: numerous alluring stalactites suspending from the above with their diversified shapes, luxuriant vegetation, dangerously steep cliffs, tranquil and crystal-like blue water all year round.
10. Yen Tu Relic
The national centre of culture, history, and tourism is listed in UNESCO heritage nominations. Yen Tu Mountain, with hundreds of temples, was the capital of Buddhism of Dai Viet more than 700 years ago and is sacred to millions of Vietnamese Buddhists.
From cultural, to historical, to natural values, the traditional spiritual Yen Tu Relic has everything to offer. The smell of incense purifies the air and cleanses our souls. The antique and artistic architecture is in harmony with nature. Ride a cable car and take in all the scenery covered with white clouds all year round. If this is not heaven, then it is surely heaven on earth!
11. Cong Tay Island
Located approximately 40km away from Bai Chay Cruise Port, Cong Tay Island belongs to Bai Tu Long Bay. The peaceful island, for the most part, still remains one of the less touristy parts of Halong Bay except for several convenient hotel systems, restaurants scattered here and there along the beach.
Surrounded by the lush vegetation on limestone mountains and the crystal clear emerald water, Cong Tay is an ideal relaxing getaway when you feel like escaping the daily grind.
Best time to visit Ha Long Bay
There is no doubt that visiting Ha Long Bay is one of the first things to do in Vietnam. When is deemed to be the best time to visit Halong Bay is partly subjective and partly objective. It’s almost impossible to single out one month or season as the best time. Criteria such as weather, priority, and personal preference all contribute to it.
1. In terms of weather
Located in North Vietnam, the weather in Halong Bay is typical of that in North Vietnam, which is divided into 4 distinct seasons of spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The temperatures can get as high as 38 degrees Celcius in the summer and as low as 05 degrees Celcius in the winter. Domestic tourism peaks during summer months (from June to Mid-August) while international tourists and travelers prefer to visit Halong Bay in winter.
It’s advisable to visit Halong Bay anytime in March-April and September-October when the temperatures are moderate, the climate is dry, and the weather is the most beautiful.
2. In terms of budget
Visiting Halong Bay in the peak season is not only frustrating but also expensive. The low season comes with a lot of perks, one of them being attractive deals on everything, from accommodation, to food, to transportation.
3. Avoid traveling at these times
Public holidays: April 30 (Day of liberating the South for national reunification, May 1 (International Workers’ Day) and Sep 2 (National Day).
Weekends in June and July: Tourists from all over the country flock to Halong Bay.
June to August: There are quite a number of reasons why this isn’t the best time to travel to Halong Bay.
- Domestic tourism peaks, and so do the prices, especially if you don’t book ahead. Also, tourist spots are crammed with people.
- The typhoon season in Vietnam generally occurs from June to August, making the weather highly unpredictable. One day it’s all sunny and hot with crystal clear sky and the next day it’s thundering and lightning. It’ll be less troublesome if you plan your visit sooner (from March to May). Or you can take a rain check (notice the pun) until September or October.
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