North Vietnam boasts some of the country’s most majestic natural landscapes, but nowhere showcases this better than Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin. This maze-like cluster of over 1600 limestone islands and inlets forms one of the most breathtaking sites on the UNESCO World Heritage List, with forest-topped karsts jutting out of the sea like static green and grey waves. It’s easy to see why it’s considered one of the wonders of the world.
Things to see in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay’s beauty has kept it one of Vietnam’s top attractions for decades, welcoming over 10 million visitors a year. This traffic has led the Vietnamese government to impose strict regulations on tourists and travel vendors to help protect the national park, meaning the region is meticulously set up for visitors, though crowds are part of the experience.
Cruising is essentially non-negotiable for exploring Ha Long Bay – government regulations mean all boats follow pre-prescribed routes, but this doesn’t detract from the stunning views. Cruise options start around $18 with local vendors and climb well into the hundreds for multi-day luxury itineraries, generally with the national park entry fee included. Worth knowing: Typhoon Yagi caused significant damage to the Ha Long Bay cruise fleet in September 2024, sinking or damaging dozens of vessels. Most operators recovered within weeks, and cruising has resumed at scale, but it’s worth confirming your chosen operator’s current status and vessel before booking.
Diving is possible in Ha Long Bay, though the sheer number of boats visiting the area has taken a toll on much of the natural coral over the years. Kayaking is a lovely way to get close to the limestone karsts without the environmental footprint of diving.
Best places to visit in Ha Long Bay
Island-hopping is one of Ha Long Bay’s star attractions, with an inlet to suit any type of traveller. Cat Ba is the largest and best-known island in the cluster, popular with backpackers for its abundance of bars and restaurants. For those looking to escape the crowds for a few hours, Soi Sim Island offers less tourist traffic, abundant wildlife and a pristine sandy beach.
For caves, Dau Go Cave is a must for photographers and is regarded as one of the finest grottos in the area, with calm turquoise waters lapping against sharp, jagged stalagmites. Thien Cung Cave, only accessible via tour groups, offers various walking routes through its rock formations.
Day trips are widely available, including treks across Cat Ba Island paired with kayaking through the bay’s inlets and caves, or seaplane tours for a bird’s-eye view of the karsts.
Where to stay in Ha Long Bay
Hotels: With large private balconies, panoramic views and a large-scale pool reflecting the bay in the distance, Wyndham Legend Halong is one of the best places to enjoy Ha Long’s magic without leaving the hotel. The Royal Hotel Halong offers plenty of amenities for travellers who can’t shake their fitness routine while on the road.
Resorts: For private-island-style luxury, the VinPearl Resort in the popular holiday town of Bai Chay is a sprawling, French colonial-inspired property known for ornate rooms, fine dining, and 180-degree views across the dramatic Ha Long karst.
Hostels: Ha Long Bay has long been a hotspot for backpackers, so there’s no shortage of quality hostels in the area. Mona Hostel, above the popular Mona Restaurant on Cat Ba Island, offers a more upmarket stay with clean rooms, double beds and incredible bay views. The Halong Backpacker Hostel is a budget option offering a private room, en-suite bathroom and a complimentary beer on arrival.
Best places to eat in Ha Long Bay
Fine dining fans are well catered to in Ha Long City. Phuong Nam Ha Long in Bai Chay is one of the top places to dine, with incredible rooftop views across the bay to the islands. Avocado Restaurant, also in Bai Chay, is a standout for both Western and Vietnamese food. Those on a budget will find plenty to love at Vien Duong on Cat Ba Island, a well-known spot for great-value seafood dishes and steaming hotpots.
Places to shop in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long isn’t a shop-till-you-drop destination – it excels in jaw-dropping sights over department stores. That said, the Halong Night Market makes for a colourful and intriguing stop if you’re after souvenirs or small jewellery trinkets.
