Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Discover the wonders of Ha Long Bay, one of the most attractive and awe-inspiring destinations to be found in Southeast Asia. Delve into the ethereal waters, which bathe the monumental limestone karsts rising up dramatically and looming over the bay. Try out your kayaking skills, go hiking and explore the area at will while staying at Vietnam’s top World Heritage Site destination. Whether you are travelling solo or with a group, this part of the world should be top of your list.

Population:

Approx. 1,600

Currency:

Vietnamese dong (VND)
VND10,000 ~ US$0,43

Emergency Numbers:

Search & Rescue: 112
Police: 113
Fire: 114
Ambulance/First Aid: 115

Opening Hours:

Shops are generally open from around 8.00 to 21.00 or 22.00, with a one or two-hour lunchbreak. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from around 8.00 to 11.30 and from 13.00 to 16.30. Government offices are open on weekdays from 8.00 to 16.30 with an hour off for lunch.

Newspapers:

VnExpress (English) - www.e.vnexpress.net
Tuoi Tre News (English) - www.tuoitrenews.vn
Viet Nam News (English) - www.vietnamnews.vn

The Area

Ha Long Bay is an astoundingly beautiful geographical feature and a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northeastern Vietnam. This heavenly Southeast Asian destination is a classic spot on the map for travellers who want to revel in the marvels of nature. An outstanding cluster of some 1,600 islands and islets lie waiting to be discovered where the green and mountainous land of the Quảng Ninh province meets the tranquil and turquoise South China Sea. Many of these islands have acquired interesting names due to their peculiar shapes that resemble certain animals, such as elephants or monkeys. Another peculiarity of these chunky landmasses that rise up from the ocean floor is their interior. Inside some of the towering green islands are great lakes, sometimes complete with stalactites and stalagmites. Dau Be, for instance, has an impressive six lakes within its rocky structure. As for the locals, there are four villages in the area, inhabited by people who live on floating houses.

On the mainland, what is sometimes referred to as Ha Long City is in fact a conurbation of two separate cities joined together by a bridge: Bãi Cháy and Hong Gai. The main areas of interest outside of the city are Ha Long Bay itself and Cát Bà island.

Ha Long

Ha Long Bay is the main site in the area that attracts travellers from far and wide. Here is where you will find remarkable wonders of nature, such as hidden caves with majestic stalactites and luscious green islands. Ha Long Bay truly delivers when it comes to awe-inspiring scenery. However, if it's a meal at a nice restaurant you're looking for then you may like to head back to the mainland and try the food in Ha Long City, where some of the region's best restaurants can be found. If you feel like spending an evening at a bar by the sea consider taking a cruise ship to Cát Bà island, as nightlife in Ha Long Bay itself is somewhat limited.

Cát Bà Island

Though strictly not in Ha Long Bay, Cát Bà archipelago is only some 15 miles (25 km) away from the city of Ha Long and is well worth a visit. A conglomeration of about 366 small islands that surround the main island of Cát Bà, this archipelago is a natural park and habitat of the endangered langur monkey. Some of the best activities Cát Bà has to offer are hiking, rock climbing, snorkelling or simply relaxing on the beaches south of the main island.

Two to three days are recommended if you want to get a feel for the island and truly appreciate its beauty. You can also take a tour of the surrounding Lan Ha Bay, either by joining a guided tour or by renting a cruise boat of your own. Information about guided boat tours can be found on the website below.

Dining

Although the main attraction of Ha Long is undoubtedly its spectacular islands, there are a number of interesting eateries to try out on the mainland, offering some of the best gastronomy in the region. From internationally-oriented food joints that offer all manners of Western and Vietnamese-inspired meals to a more traditional choice of local seafood and noodles, you are sure to find something that agrees with your tastebuds.