Ha Long Bay Review: Breathtaking Natural Beauty

1 An Overview of Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a scenic complex located in the northeast of Quang Ninh Province, covering an area of 1,553 sq km with nearly 2,000 islands and islets of various sizes. The core zone recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site spans 434 sq km and encompasses 775 islands. Legend has it that Ha Long Bay is where the dragons descended.

Notably, Ha Long Bay boasts a very unique geographical location; it is sheltered by limestone islands of all sizes, keeping the water clear and emerald and the air cool, gentle, and fresh, providing visitors with a sense of comfort and safety throughout their journey of exploring and admiring the scenic beauty of Ha Long Bay.

2 How to Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long

Hanoi is about 170 km from Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province, taking roughly 4 hours of travel (faster coaches can get you there in about 3 hours).

• Private vehicle: If you travel by private vehicle, it takes only about 3 hours via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway. This expressway prohibits motorbikes; if you want to travel by motorbike for the Hanoi – Ha Long route, you can take National Route 1A through Bac Ninh and then turn onto National Route 18 toward Uong Bi – Ha Long.

• Public transport (Coach): Taking a coach is arguably one of the fastest ways to reach Ha Long Bay. Coaches depart from My Dinh Bus Station, taking around 4-5 hours via the older route. However, upgraded road networks and coach operators have comfortably shortened the travel time to just 3 hours. You can choose the most suitable option depending on your schedule.

• Train: There are daily trains operating from Yen Vien Station to Ha Long Station, but the travel time is quite long (7-8 hours for a distance of around 170 km), and upon arrival, you still have to take a taxi to reach the center. Therefore, traveling by train to Ha Long is probably best suited for those with plenty of leisure time and a curiosity for a different experience.

• Airplane: The two nearest airports to Ha Long are Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong and Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh. If you want to explore famous destinations in Ha Long such as Co To or Quan Lan, it is advisable to choose Van Don Airport. If you wish to combine visiting Hai Phong and Cat Ba Island, choose flights to Cat Bi as it is close and saves considerable travel time.

See also: Travel tips for visiting Sun World Ha Long - The ultimate entertainment wonderland

3 Ha Long Bay Review – Top Attractions to Visit

3.1 Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave is a stunning attraction that cannot be missed when touring Ha Long Bay. Located about 4 km from the tourist wharf, it sits at an elevation of roughly 25 m above sea level. Through a narrow entrance, the cave interior opens dramatically into a vast upper chamber with a quadrilateral shape spanning over 130 m in length. The deeper you venture inside, the more its dazzling beauty shines, adorned with splendid layers of stalactites and stalagmites.

Heading further inside, visitors encounter a colossal, magnificent tableau where figures reminiscent of ancient fairy tales emerge, crafted by nature with delicate, fluid, and graceful contours like the work of master artisans.

3.2 Dau Go Cave - Ha Long Bay Review

Located beneath Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave is one of the most magnificent caverns on Dau Go Island, radiating a pristine, rustic, yet deeply antique and solemn ambiance.

Dau Go Cave is divided into three chambers. The first chamber features an intricate system of stalactites evoking familiar shapes from everyday life: lions, pythons, turtles, and even a pair of fighting roosters. The second chamber displays a grand visual scene resembling rocky islets undulating over waves. The final chamber showcases numerous towering stone pillars that appear extraordinarily unique and striking.

3.3 Sun World Ha Long Park

Sun World Ha Long Park covers an area of approximately 214 ha as an international-scale multi-themed amusement park complex. It is divided into two main zones: the Coastal Amusement Complex and the Ba Deo Hill Amusement Complex.

This destination attracts crowds of visitors thanks to its immense beauty. Guests can not only take in the scenery at dawn or sunset, but also experience a wide variety of engaging, high-entertainment rides and attractions. Notable activities include the cable car (a very long cable car ride offering panoramic surrounding vistas), the water park with extreme thrill rides (not recommended for those afraid of heights), and numerous other attractions.

3.4 Yen Tu Relic Site

If you appreciate temple pilgrimages and tranquility, do not miss a visit to Yen Tu Pagoda; you will be awestruck by the system of pagodas and stupas blending harmoniously with nature to create a serene and peaceful setting.

3.5 Bai Chay Old Town

Bai Chay Old Town is a vibrant gathering spot well-suited for young travelers, becoming bustling and lively especially in the evenings. Here, you can immerse yourself in diverse culinary spaces, trendy street foods beloved by youth, outdoor dance activities, and more.

4 What to Eat in Ha Long?

Visiting Ha Long allows you not only to admire the scenery but also to indulge in a wealth of delectable dishes, the foremost of which include:

• Ha Long grilled squid patties (cha muc): A renowned culinary specialty; the preparation is delicious, with squid pounded finely in a mortar, seasoned, and fried in hot oil, flipped evenly until golden brown on both sides. It has an alluring aroma, and each bite is flavorful, crunchy, and rich.

• Peanut worms (sa sung): A distinctive dish characteristic of Ha Long, resembling earthworms in appearance, which can be dried or cooked into a flavorful soup—delicious with its signature light, naturally sweet taste.

• Horseshoe crab (sam bien): Anyone who tries this dish once will yearn for another taste; it is truly a must-try culinary highlight of Quang Ninh.

5 What to Prepare for a Trip to Ha Long?

- Outfits: You can select the most comfortable clothing for yourself and your family for touring, suited to the local weather conditions.

- Pack essential personal items: A seamless trip requires careful preparation of personal toiletries such as toothpaste, toothbrush, perfume, body wash, shampoo, bath towels, etc.

See also: Is kayaking in Ha Long difficult? Find your answer right in the article below

Renowned as a natural wonder bestowed by Mother Nature upon Vietnam, Ha Long Bay continuously attracts domestic and international tourists to explore and experience its wonders. Hopefully, this Ha Long Bay review will help you enjoy a fulfilling and delightful journey!