1. Introduce
Halong Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province, about 180 km from Hanoi, and is known as the paradise of Northern Vietnam. Thanks to its advantageous location, modern infrastructure, and developed transportation system, Halong Bay attracts tens of millions of domestic and international tourists each year.
Halong Bay covers an area of 1,553 square kilometers and includes 1,900 limestone islands of various shapes and sizes. The bay has been repeatedly recognized by UNESCO as a natural wonder of the world and is considered a must-visit destination at least once in a lifetime.
2. The best time to visit Halong Bay
The best time to visit Halong Bay is usually from March to May and from September to November. During these periods, the weather is generally pleasant with moderate temperatures and less rain, making it ideal for sightseeing and exploring the bay’s beautiful landscapes.
· March to May: This is spring and early summer in Halong Bay, with cool and dry weather, not too hot, perfect for outdoor activities and cruises on the bay.
· September to November: This is autumn and early winter, when the weather is still warm and comfortable, with less rain and lower humidity, providing a pleasant and enjoyable travel experience.
3. Summary of the most beautiful and popular tourist spots in Ha Long
· Ha Long Bay: Ha Long Bay boasts majestic and poetic natural beauty, with thousands of large and small islands and many unique caves. The bay is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, attracting numerous tourists each year with its beautiful destinations such as Dragon Eye Island, Ti Top Island, Frog Island, Ngoc Vung Island, and Sung Sot Cave.
· Tuan Chau Island: Located on Tuan Chau Island, the Tuan Chau tourist area attracts visitors with its beautiful and picturesque setting. When visiting Tuan Chau, you should join the water music performance, enjoy the outdoor amusement park, or explore the newly opened dinosaur park, which is popular among many young people.
· Quang Ninh Museum: Regarded as a miniature model of Quang Ninh, the Quang Ninh Museum embodies the cultural essence of Ha Long, depicting the most distinctive features of the mining region. It is also a popular and picturesque spot for taking photos.
· Cua Van Fishing Village: According to the travel experiences of many visitors to Ha Long, you haven’t fully experienced the beauty of the area until you’ve visited Cua Van Fishing Village. Cua Van is an ancient fishing village on the bay with the unique lifestyle of the local fishermen. Here, you can explore exciting activities such as fishing, squid fishing, rowing a boat, and enjoy delicious seafood right on the boat
· Bai Chay Beach - A Popular Tourist Spot in Ha Long: Bai Chay Beach is an artificial beach located right near Ha Long Bay. According to the travel experiences of many visitors, it is considered one of the most beautiful beaches in the city, with clear blue waters and a nearly 1,000-meter stretch of fine white sand. Here, you can enjoy swimming, taking photos, and having fun to your heart's content.
· Lan Ha Bay: Lan Ha Bay is located to the east of Cat Ba Island and borders the southern part of Ha Long Bay. With its majestic natural scenery and unique pristine landscape, Lan Ha Bay is an ideal destination for those who appreciate wilderness and tranquility. When visiting Lan Ha, tourists can enjoy various exciting activities on the water and explore the traditional lifestyle of the local fishing village.
· Bai Tu Long Bay: Bai Tu Long Bay consists of hundreds of large and small islands, captivating many visitors with the rustic and mysterious beauty of its slab islands and limestone formations rising from the water. The pristine, clear landscape of the long stretches of white sandy beaches will also enchant you
· Ha Long Old Quarter: Ha Long Old Quarter, also known as Bai Chay Old Quarter, features a unique architecture that blends traditional and modern beauty, subtly reflecting the characteristics of Hoi An Ancient Town and Hanoi Old Quarter. Notably, every corner is meticulously designed, making every nook and cranny an ideal spot for photo enthusiasts.
· Ha Long Night Market: Ha Long Night Market offers a wide array of unique items typical of the bay region, such as wind chimes made from shells and other handcrafted souvenirs. Additionally, it is known as a "food paradise" with numerous seafood stalls and snack stands that will captivate you and make you forget your way home.
4. How to Get to Ha Long
· By Motorbike : The journey by motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Long takes about 4 to 5 hours. However, the long distance can be tiring and potentially dangerous. For those who enjoy adventurous travel, this can be a wonderful experience. If traveling by motorbike, make sure to maintain a suitable speed, wear a helmet with a visor, and dress in long sleeves for added safety on your trip.
· By Car: If traveling by car, you can follow the directions on the Hanoi - Ha Long highway to reach Ha Long quickly and safely. The journey by car from Hanoi to Ha Long takes only about 2 to 2.5 hours, making it very convenient.
· Public Transportation: In addition to personal vehicles, you can also use public transportation such as taxis, buses, or trains. For travelers coming from southern provinces, you can also fly into Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong or Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh and then transfer to Ha Long quickly.
5. Transportation in Ha Long City
In Ha Long City, there are several convenient transportation options:
· Bus: Ha Long has a bus system that operates continuously, connecting to various popular tourist spots. Depending on your starting point and destination, you can choose the most suitable bus route. Bus fares in Ha Long are approximately 7,000 - 10,000 VND per ride.
· Electric Car: Electric cars are quite popular, especially in the city center and tourist areas of Ha Long.
· Taxi: Taxis are a convenient mode of transportation, suitable for most tourists. Since tourist spots in Ha Long are relatively close to each other, transportation costs are not a major concern. Taxi fares in Ha Long range from 5,000 to 11,000 VND per kilometer, depending on the taxi company and the distance traveled