Ha Long Bay

DESTINATIONS vietnam halongbay

Ha Long Bay

Discover the wonders of Ha Long Bay, one of the most attractive and awe-inspiring destinations in Southeast Asia. Delve into the ethereal waters that bathe the monumental limestone karsts rising dramatically 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.

The Area Top 5 Ha Long Cát Bà Island

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 in 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.

Top 5

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 is somewhat limited.

Cát Bà Island

The Cát Bà archipelago, just 25 km from Ha Long City, is a stunning natural park comprising about 366 small islands, including the main island of Cát Bà. It's a sanctuary for the endangered langur monkey and offers activities like hiking, rock climbing, snorkelling, and beach relaxation. To fully experience Cát Bà's beauty, a stay of two to three days is recommended. Visitors can also explore the surrounding Lan Ha Bay by joining guided tours or renting a cruise boat, adding an extra dimension to the adventure.

Dining Bars & Nightlife Tourist Information

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.

Linh Dan Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Linh Dan is probably one of the best restaurants you'll find in Bãi Cháy. Sit down at a table in the building's large food hall and choose from an extensive menu of varied seafood delicacies including crab, lobster and prawns. They also do spring rolls, salads, noodles and rice-based dishes. Have a taste of …

Cua Vang Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Head to Cua Vang, also known as the Golden Crab, to find a comprehensive selection of appetising seafood dishes. At the entrance to the restaurant, customers are met with a fish tank full of sea creatures, some of which you will also notice making appearances on the menu. Here you'll find some very tasty …

Yummy Restaurant (Cát Bà Island)

Located on the island of Cát Bà, this Western restaurant certainly lives up to its name. On the menu, hungry travellers can choose from a range of pan-Asian meals, from Indian to Thai and Vietnamese food. Aside from a broad choice of beef, chicken, squid and shrimp, vegetarian options are also …

Papa's BBQ (Ha Long City)

Claimed to be one of the best restaurants in the area, Papa's BBQ is the home of German-Vietnamese cuisine in Ha Long. Come in and fill yourself up with their steak, sausage and shrimp-based menu. Accommodating a largely international clientele, their kitchen caters to guests who are accustomed to European …

Bars & Nightlife

Ha Long Bay may not be top of the list if you are in the mood to party, but if you stay over at Cát Bà island, there are a few small bars by the seafront worth a try. Take a saunter down the harbour promenade, and you are likely to stumble upon a bar or two where settling in for an evening of beers and cocktails is the way to go.