Ha Long Bay

HA LONG BAY

Is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular travel destination in Vietnam. It is located in the Gulf of Tonkin, in Quang Ninh Province, about 170 km east of Hanoi. The bay features thousands of limestone islands and islets in various shapes and sizes, creating a spectacular and beautiful seascape. The name Ha Long means “descending dragon” in Vietnamese, and there are many legends and myths associated with the bay’s formation and history.

One of the legends says that the gods sent dragons to help Vietnam fight against foreign invaders. The dragons spat out jewels that turned into islands and blocked the enemy’s ships. The dragons decided to stay on Earth and named the place Ha Long, meaning “descending dragon”. They taught the Vietnamese how to farm, fish, and protect themselves. They also intermarried with the humans and gave birth to a new generation of people who inherited the dragon’s blood and spirit.

Another interesting thing about Ha Long Bay is its rich biodiversity and unique karst geomorphology. The bay is home to over 200 species of fish, 450 species of mollusks, 160 species of coral, and many other marine animals. There are also many caves, arches, grottoes, and sinkholes that form a complex underground system. Some of the caves have ancient paintings and relics that reveal the history and culture of the people who lived there. Ha Long Bay is a must-see destination for anyone who loves nature, adventure, and discovery.

POEM MOUNTAIN

SUNG SOT CAVE

CUA VAN

BA HAM LAKE

DAU GO CAVE

SEAPLANE FLIGHT

CAI BAU PAGODA

VIRGIN CAVE

CRUISES

CAT BA ISLAND

POEM MOUNTAIN

Also known as Bai Tho Mountain, is a 200-meter-high hill located in the center of Ha Long City. It offers a stunning panoramic view of Ha Long Bay, with over a thousand limestone karst islands and emerald-colored waters.

Poem Mountain is named after the poems that were carved on its cliffs by Vietnamese kings and poets, inspired by the natural beauty of the bay. The most famous poem was written by King Le Thanh Tong in 1468, when he visited Ha Long Bay and admired the scenery from the top of the mountain.

To reach the summit, you have to hike through a narrow and steep trail that is technically closed to the public. The entrance to the trail is hidden behind a blue door in between some shops on Hang Noi street. You have to pay a fee to the owner of the house, who will then let you pass through her backyard and onto the trail. The hike takes about 30 minutes and requires some climbing skills and caution, as the path is slippery and rocky. However, the reward is well worth the effort, as the view from the top of Poem Mountain is breathtaking and unforgettable.

SUNG SOT CAVE

Also known as the Surprise Cave, is one of the most spectacular and largest caves in Halong Bay. It is located on Bo Hon Island, about 14 kilometers from Halong City. The cave covers an area of more than 12,000 square meters and consists of two main chambers. The first chamber is like a theater hall with many stalactites and stalagmites of various shapes and colors. The second chamber is more spacious, with a high ceiling and impressive rock formations that resemble animals, plants, or mythical figures.

The cave is named after the surprise that you feel when you explore its beauty and diversity. Sung Sot Cave was first discovered by the French in 1901, who named it Grotte des Surprises or Surprising Cave because of its amazing beauty.

To visit Sung Sot Cave, you can either rent a canoe or join a day boat tour that includes other attractions in Halong Bay.

CUA VAN FLOATING VILLAGE

Is one of the oldest and largest floating villages in the bay. About 200 households live on small wooden boats, mainly fishing for a living. They have their own culture, language, and traditions, which they have preserved for centuries.

It has a history of hundreds of years, dating back to the time when fishermen sought shelter from storms in the bay. The village was formed by two ancient fishing villages, Giang Vong and Truc Vong, which merged together over time. The villagers have maintained their traditional lifestyle and culture, living on wooden boats and fishing for a living.

The village has been recognized as one of the most beautiful ancient villages on the planet, and has attracted many tourists who want to experience its unique charm. However, in recent years, the government has relocated most of the villagers to the mainland, for environmental and educational reasons. Some of the villagers still work and visit the village during the day, but they no longer live there full time. The village is now preserved as a cultural heritage site, where visitors can learn about its history and culture.

BA HAM LAKE

Is a beautiful and secluded lagoon in Lan Ha Bay. The name “Ba Ham” means “three tunnels”, because the lagoon is connected by three cave tunnels that can only be accessed by kayak or sampan boat. The lagoon is surrounded by towering mountains and has a rich biodiversity, including monkeys, flying squirrels, parrots, butterflies, and bats. The water is clear and deep, and you can see various kinds of fish swimming around.

According to local folklore, the lake was once the home of a dragon who guarded a precious pearl. The dragon had three sons who were very curious and playful. One day, they decided to explore the outside world and left the lake through the tunnels. However, they were caught by a storm and never returned. The dragon was so sad that he turned into stone and became part of the mountain. The pearl was also lost in the lake and became the source of its light and life.

The lake was formed by the erosion of limestone over millions of years. The lake was first discovered by local fishermen who used it as a shelter during storms. Later, it became a tourist attraction for its unique geological features and scenic views.

DAU GO CAVE

Has three large chambers with various formations of stalactites and stalagmites. Some of them look like animals, plants, or humans. The cave is also a sacred place for the Vietnamese people.

The cave was named after a legend that says the Vietnamese general Tran Hung Dao hid wooden stakes in the cave to use against the Mongol invaders in the 13th century. The cave was also used as a hiding place by the Vietnamese army during that time. There are some ancient inscriptions on the walls that date back to that period.

The cave is 27 meters above sea level and you have to climb 90 steps to reach the entrance. The cave has a humid atmosphere due to the large opening. The cave is one of the most popular attractions in Halong Bay and can be reached by boat from nearby towns and cities.

SEAPLANE FLIGHT

If you are looking for a thrilling and unforgettable way to explore the natural wonder of Halong Bay, look no further than Hai Au Aviation’s seaplane service.

You can choose from two options: a seaplane transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay, or a seaplane sightseeing flight in Halong Bay. Both options include a 25-minute scenic flight over the bay, where you can marvel at the spectacular rock formations, hidden caves, and floating villages from an altitude of 150 to 3,000 meters. You will also enjoy the thrill of taking off and landing on water, which is a rare and exciting experience.

The flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay is the fastest and most comfortable way to travel between the two destinations. The flight time is about 45 minutes, and the cost is VND 6,200,000 (approximately USD 268) per person for a one-way ticket.

The scenic flight in Ha Long Bay time is 25 minutes, depart and return from Tuan Chau Island Marina, and the cost is VND 2,760,000 (approximately USD 119) per person.

Hai Au Aviation operates daily flights from 9:00 am to 4:00 pm, depending on the weather conditions and availability. You can book your flight online or through their official agents. You are advised to check in at least 30 minutes before your departure time and bring your passport or ID card. You can also request for a window seat or a seat next to the pilot for an extra fee.

CAI BAU PAGODA

Also known as Truc Lam Giac Tam Zen Monastery, is a coastal temple located on a mountain in Ha Long commune, overlooking the scenic Bai Tu Long Bay with thousands of islets.

The pagoda was built on the site of an ancient temple that witnessed the historic battles of the Tran dynasty against the Mongol invaders in the 13th century. It has a traditional Vietnamese architecture, with a main hall, a bell tower, a drum floor, and a three-port gate. The main hall houses statues of Shakyamuni Buddha, Manjushri Bodhisattva, and Samantabhadra Bodhisattva, as well as bronze bas-reliefs depicting the life of the Buddha.

The pagoda is a place of spiritual tourism, where you can enjoy the peaceful and pure atmosphere, listen to the bell and gong sounds, and admire the panoramic view of the bay. The pagoda also offers free vegetarian meals and accommodation for visitors who wish to stay overnight.

The festival of Cai Bau Pagoda is held annually from February to April, attracting thousands of pilgrims and tourists

VIRGIN CAVE

Also known as Hang Trinh Nu, this cave is renowned for the historical story attached to it about a young girl who refused to marry a rich old man and then committed suicide. In the heart of the cave, there is a stone statue of a woman with long hair, believed to be the young virgin from the story. This ‘Cave of the Girl’ is considered a symbol of eternal love by the locals.

Located opposite to the Virgin Cave is another cave known as the Male Cave, or the Boy Cave. This cave is unique in that right at its entrance, there is a stone statue that resembles a boy. The intriguing part is that this statue appears to be facing the Virgin Cave, as if the boy is looking towards the girl in the Virgin Cave. This adds another layer of depth to the local folklore and further enhances the allure of these caves for visitors.

CRUISES

Cruising in Halong Bay is one of the best ways to experience the beauty and diversity of this natural wonder. Depending on your budget, time, and preferences, you can choose from different types of cruises, such as overnight cruises, day cruises, or theme cruises.

Overnight cruises offer a more immersive and relaxing experience, as you can spend the night on board a comfortable and luxurious boat, enjoy the sunset and sunrise views, and join various activities such as kayaking, swimming, cooking classes, tai chi, or squid fishing. Overnight cruises also allow you to explore more of the bay and visit some of the less crowded and more scenic areas, such as Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay.

Day cruises are cheaper and shorter, but they also allow you to see the highlights of the bay. Day cruises are ideal for those who have limited time or want to combine their Halong Bay trip with other destinations in Vietnam. However, day cruises can be more crowded and rushed, as you have to share the boat with many other tourists and return to the harbor by evening.

Theme cruises

are designed to cater to specific interests or passions of the travelers. For example, you can book a cruise that focuses on wellness and yoga, a cruise that offers culinary-themed journeys with cooking demonstrations and local specialties, or a cruise that combines cultural and historical tours with visits to local villages and temples. Theme cruises can provide you with a unique and memorable experience in Halong Bay that suits your personal taste.

CAT BA ISLAND

Is the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago. It covers an area of over 300 square kilometers and has a population of about 30,000 people. Cat Ba Island is known for its natural beauty and biodiversity, as it has forests, mountains, beaches, caves, and coral reefs. It is also home to the endangered Cat Ba Langur, one of the rarest primates in the world. Cat Ba Island offers many activities, such as hiking, cycling, kayaking, rock climbing, snorkeling, and swimming. It also has a variety of accommodation options, from hotels and hostels to homestays and camping sites. Cat Ba Island has a tropical climate, with four seasons and a rainy season from May to September. The best time to visit is from March to October, when the weather is mild and sunny.

National Park

The park has a great variety of ecosystems, landscapes and seascapes. It has tropical evergreen forests, mangrove forests, coral reefs, seagrass beds. The park has many ponds that are scattered in the valleys and hills. The most notable one being Frog Pond.

The park also has a rich flora with over 1,500 species of vascular plants, including many medicinal plants and orchids. The park’s fauna includes over 300 species of terrestrial vertebrates, such as Cat Ba leopard gecko or Cat Ba Langur.

The park offers many opportunities for trekking and hiking through its diverse terrain and scenery. Some of the popular trails are Ngu Lam Peak Trail, Viet Hai Village Trail, Kim Giao Forest Trail and Frog Lake Trail. These trails range from easy to moderate in difficulty and offer stunning views of the forest, mountains, valleys and sea.

Hospital Cave

It is a witness to the history and resilience of the Vietnamese people during the Vietnam War. Hidden in the limestone mountains, this three-storey cave was a secret base for the North Vietnamese Army, where they treated the wounded, stored weapons, and sheltered from the bombs. The cave was built with the help of China between 1963 and 1965, and it remained in use until the war ended in 1975.

Today, you can explore the cave and see how the soldiers and civilians lived in this underground fortress. The cave has 14 rooms, each with a different function and design. You can see the operating theater, the pharmacy, the cinema, the swimming pool, and even the office of the commander.

One legend says that there is a secret tunnel that connects the cave to the sea, which was used for escape and supply.
Another legend says that there is a hidden chamber where a treasure is buried, but no one has ever found it.
Some visitors also claim that they have heard strange noises and voices in the cave, as if the spirits of the war are still haunting it.

Cannon Fort

Also known as Point 177, is a historic site located on Cat Ba Island. The fort is situated about 2 km from the center of Cat Ba town and at an altitude of 177 m above sea level. It was was initially constructed by the French colonialists around 1938. it was later occupied and further built upon by the Japanese during World War II in the 1940s.

The fort served as a strategic location with good control of Ha Long Bay and the coast of northern Vietnam. It was used mainly to control the sea area and also as air protection. Today, you can explore the old military tunnels and bunkers, view the cannons that once protected the island, and learn about the fort’s fascinating history through informative displays and exhibits.

One of the main attractions of Cannon Fort is its breathtaking panoramic views. The fort is particularly popular for its spectacular sunsets.

Please note that as of 2023, Cannon Fort is officially closed. However, you can still access and explore the area at your own risk.

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