1 An Introduction to Ha Long Bay – One of Vietnam's Top Famous Travel Destinations
Quang Ninh's Ha Long Bay is located within the Gulf of Tonkin, bordered to the northeast by Bai Tu Long Bay, to the southwest by the Cat Ba Archipelago, to the west and northwest by the mainland, and opening to the Gulf of Tonkin to the southeast and south. From Hanoi to Ha Long, the travel distance is about 160km – 170km depending on your starting point.
Ha Long Bay is a famous tourist destination in Vietnam. With thousands of magnificent islands, a miraculous masterpiece of nature, Ha Long Bay has been repeatedly recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. Ha Long tourism is blessed with stunning scenery, attracting thousands of visitors every year!
Ha Long Bay has a total area of 1553 km2, comprising 989 named islands and 980 unnamed ones. A very impressive number, isn't it!
See more: Ha Long Travel - Admiring Ha Long from a Seaplane with Pham Duy Long
Ha Long Bay is like a masterpiece bestowed by nature
The scenery of Ha Long Bay seen from above is many times more spectacular
2 Let's Travel to Ha Long on Pleasant Autumn Days with This Guy!
The young man and his group of friends visited Ha Long in early September without any advance plans. On a weekend whim, he simply called up a few close friends, packed his backpack, and hit the road right away without complicated planning. Having visited Ha Long several times before, he always felt a sense of familiarity upon returning, yet never ceased to be enchanted by the poetic and charming scenery of Ha Long Bay, especially in the clear autumn air. The weather was so pleasant that no one wanted to stay inside the boat cabin, heading instead to the deck railing to admire the beauty of the sea and sky.
2.1 Directions to Ha Long Bay
- Private vehicles: If traveling by private vehicle such as a car or motorbike, it takes only about 3h to get from Hanoi to Ha Long via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway. Please note that this expressway prohibits motorbikes; if you want to travel the Hanoi – Ha Long route by motorbike, you can follow National Highway 1A toward Bac Ninh, then turn onto National Route 18 toward Uong Bi – Ha Long!
- Public transport: If you prefer not to drive yourself, you can opt for a coach bus. Buses to Ha Long usually depart from My Dinh Bus Station with a travel time of around 4-5 hours. However, many transport companies now offer premium limousine bus services with spacious, comfortable seats and a faster travel time of only about 3 hours. You can choose the option that best fits your schedule!
The road to Ha Long Bay is stunning, and driving yourself is recommended so you can freely take photos along the way!
2.2 Day Tour Ticket Prices for Ha Long Bay
Having visited Ha Long quite a few times, he chose to buy a 4-hour boat tour ticket, costing around 1,000,000 VND - 1,200,000 VND for about 10 passengers. If your group does not have 10 people, don't worry—you can easily join other travelers. And if you prefer a private, comfortable space, you can rent an entire boat to cruise around Ha Long Bay. In addition, you will need to pay an extra 40,000 VND port entrance fee at Tuan Chau Marina.
2.3 Destinations on the Traveler's Ha Long Journey
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Sung Sot Cave is located on Bo Hon Island. The pathway up to the cave weaves beneath lush forest canopies, paved with intriguing, steep stone steps. The masterpiece inside the cave is what truly makes anyone "astonished." An immediate impression upon setting foot here is a small pool formed by water trickling from the cave ceiling through limestone crevices. The stalactite ceiling in this chamber has weathered extensively, forming diverse and marvelous shapes.
The rock formations truly leave visitors "astonished"
- Hon Cho Da (Stone Dog Islet): This islet is about 8m high; looking at it, you will make an astonishingly delightful discovery as its shape looks just like a giant stone dog guarding the gate. Don't forget to take photos here—you're guaranteed a truly unique picture!
Hon Cho Da is also a familiar stop for many travelers choosing boat Route 1
- Hon Trong Mai (Fighting Cocks Islet): Resembling a pair of chickens caring for each other, Hon Trong Mai has become an indispensable highlight when visiting Ha Long Bay. Standing proudly amidst the vast waves of the bay for millions of years, these two rock towers rising over ten meters have inspired generations of artists and poets. And don't be surprised if this image looks somewhat familiar, as Hon Trong Mai is featured on the 200,000 VND banknote that people use every day.
Hon Trong Mai is a prominent highlight in the stunning landscape of Ha Long Bay
Remember to snap a photo with the 200,000 VND banknote!
3 A Great Time to Visit Ha Long
At any time of the year, Ha Long Bay possesses its own unique charm. But this traveler decided to visit Ha Long Bay in autumn. Autumn no longer brings scorching sunshine, winds become gentler, and big storms have passed. The sky and water seem to blend into one, with clear blue waters meeting an equally azure sky, while gentle breezes carrying the salty tang of the sea fill your chest, bringing an incredibly refreshing and pristine feeling.
Autumn is considered the most romantic time of the year and the best season to explore Ha Long. The vegetation across the islands is lush green, dotted here and there with crimson bougainvillea blossoms or ripe myrtle berries. Most poetic of all is the sight of sails billowing in the wind, gliding smoothly across the bay's surface.
Autumn in Ha Long Bay is dreamily beautiful
Ha Long Bay boasts countless fascinating attractions that take many days to fully explore. Surely, anyone reading this young man's review would be inspired to visit Ha Long multiple times to see all the spots they haven't reached yet. Don't forget to save this article to your Ha Long travel guide, and have a wonderful trip to Ha Long!
