Vietnam top destinations

Halong Bay

A cruise on Ha Long Bay -- or the Bay of the Descending Dragon -- for many represents the pinnacle of their experience in Vietnam. easily one of the most popular destinations in the country, UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is both mystical and magnificent, an incredible feat of nature that almost never fails to impress.

Yes, it really is that good.

Last time we counted, UNESCO had picked out 830 World Heritage sites around the world, chosen for their cultural and historical importance, and also for their geological uniqueness. Ha Long Bay offers a little of all three.

It's not the cliffs themselves that make Ha Long Bay unique, but rather their sheer number. A huge bay, dotted with nearly 2,000 mostly uninhabited limestone cliffs, the breathtaking scenery is very similar to that of the Andaman coast of Thailand, Vang Vieng in Laos and Guilin in China.

Created over millions of years, tectonic forces slowly thrust the limestone above the water-line. During this process waves lapping against the stone carved out a number of vast, striking caverns, as well as other geologically interesting formations, such as tunnel caves and uniquely shaped massifs.

Over the ages, Vietnamese fishermen with too much time on their hands began to see shapes in the stone massifs atop many of the islands, and named the islands accordingly -- Turtle Island, Human Head Island, Chicken Island and so on.

In what constitutes one of the most fascinating cultural features of the area, some of these fisherman still live on the bay today -- on floating fishing villages, where houses are set atop barges year round, the inhabitants catching and cultivating fish throughout.

Ha Long Bay cruises mostly run out of Hanoi or the coastal town of Halong City (which faces out and over the bay). There are hundreds of agencies selling tours on the bay, but very few actually run their own boats -- instead most are consolidators or resellers. Organising a tour is very much a buyer beware scenario -- talk to other travellers and shop around -- if you're paying $15 a head for a two day tour of Ha Long Bay rest assured it will be pretty dodgy. Try to include a stay on Cat Ba Island if you can:

Related Tours

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  Halong Bay Cruises with Dragon's Pearl Junk

  Trip code: HLBT023

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $135.00

  Overview:

  The newest and the largest of the Indochina Junk family, the three Dragon’s Pearl are modelled on the traditional Chinese junks that used to sail these waters. Whether you are dinning in the restaurant, lounging on one of the two sundecks or relaxing in the comfort...

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• 

  Halong Bay Cruises with Eclipse Sail

  Trip code: VCTHL0018

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $135

  Overview:

  Halong Eclipse Sail Launched in November 2010 with 12 luxury cabins, Ha long Eclipse Sail features spacious, well-appointed cabins and suites with large ensuite marble bathrooms, a large sundeck with comfortable lounging furniture and an elegant dining room and bar....

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• 

  Halong Bay Cruises with Indochina Sails

  Trip code: VCTHL003

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $165.00

  Overview:

  Day 1: Hanoi – Welcome to Halong Bay – Titop Island - Bat Cave area - Sea Kayaking Explore- Indochina Sails Overnight at Luon Bo area. Day 2: Halong Bay Sunrise Cruising - Suprise Cave - Hanoi Retreat

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• 

  Halong Bay Cruises with Princess Junk Cruiser

  Trip code: VCTHL004

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $250.00

  Overview:

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• 

  Halong Bay Cruises with Syrena Cruise

  Trip code: HLSR024

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $149.00

  Overview:

  Built in accordance with traditional Vietnamese style and modern-day luxury, Syrena Cruises have maintained the original standards of luxury cruising in Halong Bay with the current Syrena Cruises boat entering service in autumn 2010. The Syrena Cruises fleet of 2 boats...

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• 

  Halong Bay Cruise with Paloma Cruise

  Trip code: HLBT014

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $129.00

  Overview:

  The Paloma is a brand new Chinese wooden junk crewed by a professional, loyal and dedicated team. Spread over 4 decks she has 16 en-suite fully equipped luxury cabins, a bar with soft seating and plasma TV, gourmet restaurant, outside dining area, sundeck and luxury spa....

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• 

  Halong Bay Cruise with Ginger Cruise

  Trip code: HLBT010

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $185.00

  Overview:

  Experience Halong Bay short excursion of 2 day 1 night covering most famous visiting spots of the Bay or choose 3 day 2 night itinerary to stay longer and truly discover the beauty of the World Heritage natural wonder. We have our own comfortable waiting lounge and private...

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  Halong Bay Cruise with A Class Cruise

  Trip code: HLBT021

  Duration: 2Days/1Night

  $95.00

  Overview:

  Experience the serene magic of world famous Halong Bay with Aclass, a new boat built in traditional and elegant style. With 11 spacious cabins, tastefully furnished, its topside bar, a gourmet restaurant and a relaxed sundeck in fresh air, not to mention extraordinary levels...

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