With its exceptional scenic beauty and outstanding geological values Halong Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in South East Asia.
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6 Reasons to Visit Halong Bay
1. Scenery
As a great work of nature through thoundsands of years, scenery at Halong can only be described by a “Wow”! If you are a nature lover, Halong will definitely enchant you with its many awe striking sites, and majestic natural composition.
2. Culture
Looking to experience the ordinary life of a fishermen? Look no further! Here in Halong bay, you will get to see not only the magnificent view, but also a normal daily life of the locals at its purest. You will be guided by friendly and hospitable locals, who will show you to paddle your own rowing boat, cast a fishing net and fishing like a real deal!
3. Cruise tours
If you are in need of some relaxation, then cruise tours at Halong are absolutely for you! The trip could range from a few hours to spending one or two night(s) on board, with pick up and drop off from Hanoi to Halong and vice versa, amazing food and a knowledgeable tour guide who will assist you all through your trip
4. Food
Halong is famous for its seafood: crabs, prawns, sea clams among strange native specialties (check out Food section to learn more about these specialties). If you stay in one of the hotels on land, make sure you visit one of our recommended restaurants in town to experience authentic Halong Bay cuisines.
5. Value for money
Halong Bay can be said to be one of the best places to travel in Southeast Asia, especially in terms of value-for-money. Whatever budget you spare for your trip, you will get more than what you expect. This is thanks to the low hotel costs and excellently organized cruise tours.
6. Unique experience
Cave dinner, kayaking through the tiny tunnel, swimming on a secluded beach amidst the caves and grottos, biking past the rainforest on an island, squid fishing at night, practicing Tai Chi as you watch the sun rises over the Bay – these are just some of what a cruise trip to Halong Bay has to offer.
Plan your Halong Bay Vacation
Halong Bay Vietnam - One of the top World's Natural Heritage sites
What to see in Halong: First of all, be sure to include Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), the mother of all majestic caves in your itinerary. It is regarded as an epitome of karst caves in Ha Long Bay and an Opera Theatre, with 3 main chambers that promise to take your breath away. Other visit-worthy caves are Dau Go, Bo Nau and Trinh Nu.
Bai Tu Long Bay is also absolutely not to be missed. The complex, which occupies three-quarters of the Ha Long Bay area, is less known, but it doesn’t pale in comparison with nearby attractions. It’s not easy to find a place so packed full of aesthetic beauty, biodiversity, and culture as Bai Tu Long Bay. You won’t be disappointed with stone mountains, long sandy beach, corals, forests, and fewer tourists as a bonus.
Cruise trip as the best way to enjoy Halong
Now kick start your journey by hiring a boat cruise through the bay that will let you indulge in the breathtaking vistas of islets. There are plenty of options when it comes to cruising in Halong. Most cruises fall under one of the three categories: Budget Cruise, Midrange Cruise and Luxury Cruise, with the luxury level ascending in that order. Some cruises go as far as to accommodate a 5 star resort room type on board, with diverse forms of entertainment.
Many boat cruisings offer rewarding activities for the energetic, such as kayaking; discovering the geology, geomorphologic and biodiversity value of the bay; fishing trips; talking with people in fishing villages; coral diving; and cycling on islands.
Once you’ve got your kicks from all the good things that Ha Long Bay can offer, what is a better way to call it a day than sleeping on the boat at the bay, immersing in the majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious nature of the calm water, the starry sky and the grand islands.
Halong Bay is the stuff of myths and naturally the Vietnamese have concocted one. Even when you have seen numerous beautiful caves in your life, it won’t spoil to explore the distinctive nature of Ha Long Bay and see why it was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
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