1 An overview of Ha Long Bay – One of the most famous tourist destinations in Vietnam
Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh is located within the Gulf of Tonkin, bordered to the northeast by Bai Tu Long Bay, to the southwest by Cat Ba archipelago, to the west and northwest by the mainland, and to the southeast and south facing the Gulf of Tonkin. From Hanoi to Ha Long, you will travel about 160km – 170km depending on the departure point.
Ha Long Bay is a famous tourist destination in Vietnam. With thousands of magnificent islands, a miraculous creation of nature, Ha Long Bay has been recognized multiple times by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site. Ha Long tourism boasts breathtakingly beautiful landscapes, enchanting thousands of visitors who visit here every year!
Ha Long Bay has a total area of 1553 km2, including 989 named islands and 980 unnamed islands. Quite an impressive number, isn't it!
See also: 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 viewed from above is many times more wonderful
2 Let's travel to Ha Long on pleasant autumn days with this guy!
The guy and his group of friends visited Ha Long in early September without any advance plans. On a weekend whim, he called up a few close friends to pack their backpacks and hit the road right away, without any roundabout scheduling. Having visited Ha Long several times, returning here always felt familiar to him, yet he remained endlessly captivated by the picturesque, poetic scenery of Ha Long Bay, especially in the crystal-clear autumn weather. The weather was so pleasant that no one wanted to stay inside the boat; instead, everyone headed out to the railing to admire the beauty of the sea and sky.
2.1 Directions to Ha Long Bay
- Private vehicles: If using private vehicles such as cars or motorbikes, it only takes you about 3 hours to travel from Hanoi to Ha Long via the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long expressway network. Please note that motorbikes are prohibited on this expressway; if you want to travel by motorbike for the Hanoi – Ha Long route, you can follow Route 1A to Bac Ninh, then turn onto National Route 18 toward Uong Bi – Ha Long!
- Public transport: If you are hesitant about driving yourself, you can opt for coaches. Usually, coaches to Ha Long depart from My Dinh Bus Station with a travel time of around 4-5 hours. However, many transport companies nowadays have launched premium limousine services featuring spacious, comfortable seats and faster travel times of only about 3 hours. Depending on your schedule, you can choose the option that suits you best!
The road to Ha Long Bay is stunning, and driving yourself is highly recommended so you can comfortably check in!
2.2 Ha Long Bay day tour ticket prices
Having visited Ha Long quite a few times, the young man 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, rest assured that you can still share the boat with other tourists. And if you prefer a private, comfortable space for yourself, you can charter the entire boat to cruise around Ha Long Bay. In addition, you will have to pay an extra 40,000 VND for entrance to Tuan Chau Port.
2.3 Destinations in the young man's Ha Long trip
- Sung Sot Cave: Sung Sot Cave is located on Bo Hon Island. The path leading up to the cave winds through the forest canopy, paved with steep, exciting stone steps. And the masterpiece inside the cave is what leaves anyone "astonished". The immediate impression upon setting foot here is a small pool, formed by water flowing from the cave ceiling through limestone crevices. The stalactite ceiling in this chamber has been heavily weathered, creating many magnificent shapes.
The rock formations truly leave one "astonished"
- Stone Dog Islet: This islet is about 8 meters high; looking at it, you will feel like you've discovered an astonishingly fascinating sight because its shape looks just like a giant stone guard dog. Don't forget to check in here; you are sure to get an extremely unique photo!
Stone Dog Islet is also a familiar stop for many tourists taking boat route 1
- Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cock Islet): Resembling a pair of chickens caring for each other, Trong Mai Islet has become an indispensable destination when visiting Ha Long Bay. Having stood proudly amidst the vast waves of the bay for millions of years, the two rock formations over ten meters high have been an endless source of poetic inspiration for generations of artists. And don't be surprised if this image looks somewhat familiar, because Trong Mai Islet appears on the 200,000 VND banknote that we use every day.
Trong Mai Islet is a highlight in the magnificent landscape of Ha Long Bay
Remember to take a check-in photo with the 200,000 VND note!
3 A wonderful time to travel to Ha Long
No matter what time of year, Ha Long Bay has its own unique beauty. But this young man decided to visit Ha Long Bay in autumn. Autumn brings no more scorching sun, the wind is less gusty, and there are no more major storms. Sky and water seem to merge into one, clear green water meeting an equally deep blue sky, as gentle breezes carrying the salty breath of the sea fill your chest, bringing an utterly refreshing and pure feeling.
Autumn is considered the most romantic season of the year and also the most beautiful time for you to explore Ha Long. The trees on the islands are lush green, dotted here and there with deep red bougainvillea blossoms or ripe rose myrtle berries. Most poetic of all is the sight of taut sails billowing in the wind as they glide across the bay.
Ha Long Bay's autumn scenery is dreamily beautiful
Ha Long Bay has plenty of fascinating destinations that take many days to fully explore. Surely anyone, like the young man's review above, would decide to visit Ha Long multiple times to see all the places they haven't visited yet. And don't forget to save this article to your Ha Long travel handbook, and we wish you a wonderful trip to Ha Long!
