Ha Long

Ha Long Bay lies in Quang Ninh province. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 (and again in 2000 for its geological and geomorphological value). The bay has thousands of islands and islets, most of them limestone with remarkable shapes.

Highlights

• Overnight cruise – watch sunset and sunrise over the bay, join a cooking class and morning tai chi.

• Sung Sot and Dau Go caves – some of the largest and most beautiful caves on the bay.

• Ti Top Island – climb almost 400 steps for a panoramic view, then swim.

• Kayaking at Luon, Vung Vieng and Ba Hang – paddle through tunnel caves to floating fishing villages such as Cua Van.

• Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island – a quieter option with fewer boats.

Local food

Ha Long squid cake (cha muc), peanut worms (sa sung), beer-steamed crab, grilled oysters, squid-cake rice rolls.

Best time to visit

September – November and March – May offer pleasant weather and clear views. Winter (December – February) is misty and cool; summer is hot and typhoons may cause cruise cancellations when warnings are issued.

Getting there

From Hanoi take the Hanoi – Hai Phong – Ha Long – Van Don expressway, about 150 km (2 – 2.5 hours). Cruises usually pick guests up at Tuan Chau or the Ha Long International Cruise Port.