Halong Bay Travel Guide: What to See and Do Among the Limestone Wonders

Halong Bay is often described as a magical land of natural beauty, drawing more and more visitors since UNESCO recognized it as a natural wonder!

Location and Climate

Halong Bay is located in northeastern Vietnam, in Quang Ninh Province, along the Gulf of Tonkin. On the world map, it borders China to the north and connects to the East Sea to the east.

Covering an area of 1,553 km², the bay is home to fishing communities, including four floating villages: Cua Van, Cong Tau, Vong Vieng, and Ba Hang, with a combined population of over 1,600 people. Residents live in floating houses and boats, relying on fishing and aquaculture for their livelihood.

The bay has a humid tropical climate with two distinct seasons: a hot, humid summer and a dry, cool winter. The average temperature ranges from 15 to 25°C, with annual rainfall between 2,000 and 2,200 mm. Ha Long experiences a daily tidal system with an amplitude of 3.5-4 meters. Water salinity is 31-34.5‰ in the dry season, decreasing during the rainy season.

The Legend behind the name

“Ha Long” literally means “Bay of the Descending Dragon.” Before the 19th century, this name did not appear in historical documents. According to legend:

"Long ago, at the dawn of history, the Vietnamese were under attack by invaders. The Jade Emperor sent the Mother Dragon and her children to aid them in battle. When enemy ships stormed in, the dragons breathed pearls, which transformed into jade islands, forming an impenetrable fortress. After the victory, the dragons chose to remain on Earth: the Mother Dragon in Ha Long, her children in Bai Tu Long, and their wagging tails shaped the Tra Co Peninsula, known for its kilometer-long beaches.”

A natural masterpiece and main attractions

In 1962, Halong Bay was recognized as a national scenic site (1,553 km², 1,969 islands). It was twice inscribed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000, for its scenic beauty and geological significance (434 km² with 775 islands).

This dense limestone archipelago, covered in jungle, has been forming for 500 million years. Islands in the southeastern part rise 50-200 meters above sea level. Many conceal immense caves, such as:

• Hang Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave): The largest cave in Halong Bay, named by the French in the 19th century as Grotte des Merveilles ("Cave of Wonders"). Features three grand chambers, adorned with stalactites, stalagmites, and 19th-century graffiti.
• Tuan Chau & Cat Ba Islands: Inhabited islands with tourist infrastructure: hotels, restaurants, and pristine beaches.
• Other notable beaches: Bai Chay, Ti Top, Minh Chau, and Quan Lan offer golden sands and clear waters, perfect for relaxation.

A Living Masterpiece

Seen from above, Halong Bay resembles a moving painting, while a boat cruise feels like sailing through a valley of stone on water. The thousands of islands take on mythical shapes - human heads, sails, or even two roosters locked in battle.

The caves, such as Thien Cung, Dau Go, and Sung Sot, resemble natural palaces, adorned with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites. Meanwhile, the sea remains crystal-clear, smooth, and serene year-round.

Halong Bay through the seasons:

• Spring - Blossoms sprout from limestone cliffs.
• Summer - The cool waters shimmer under the sun.
• Autumn - The moonlight bathes the karst mountains like golden inlays.
• Winter - The bay sparkles like a "floating flower basket on calm waves" (as described by writer Nguyen Tuan).

The Significance of Halong Bay

✔ Geological Wonders - A unique karst landscape with a rich formation history.
✔ Cultural & Historical Value - Traces of human settlements dating back 7,000-18,000 years.
✔ Biodiversity Hotspot - A key ecological zone for marine and terrestrial life.

Halong Bay is truly a world-class natural masterpiece. If you love breathtaking landscapes, pack your bags and visit now - or you'll regret it forever!