Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is one of the natural wonders of Asia, a UNESCO seascape where thousands of towering limestone karst islands and pinnacles rise dramatically from emerald-green waters, often wreathed in mist. Dotted with caves, hidden lagoons and floating fishing villages, it is best explored on an overnight cruise, gliding among the surreal formations, kayaking through arches and waking to sunrise over the silent stone islands.

History

Shell middens and tools in caves such as Mê Cung and Thiên Long show that people of the Soi Nhụ culture fished and gathered here between 16,000 and 5000 BC, followed by the Cái Bèo and Hạ Long cultures. The name, descending dragon, was not recorded before the 19th century, when it appeared on French maritime maps, and legend tells of dragons sent by the gods whose jewels became the islands to wall out invaders. In the Bạch Đằng River nearby, the Vietnamese turned back invasion fleets three times, General Trần Hưng Đạo sinking Kublai Khan's ships on hidden stakes in 1288 (Wikipedia, Hạ Long Bay).

What's there

• The karst islands - the thousands of limestone pinnacles rising from the sea.
• An overnight cruise - the classic way to sail among the islands.
• The caves and lagoons - the sea caves, hidden lagoons and kayaking.
• Sunrise over the bay - the misty dawn among the stone islands.

When to go

October to April for cooler, drier weather, though the bay can be misty then; late spring and autumn balance warmth and clearer skies. Summer is hot and carries a risk of storms that can cancel cruises. An overnight cruise is far better than a rushed day trip.

Things to know

It is extremely popular, so the main bay is crowded with cruise boats, and quality varies hugely, so choose a reputable operator; some head to the quieter Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long bays to escape the crush. Weather can disrupt cruises. A day trip barely scratches it, so an overnight is worth it.

Nearby

Cat Ba Island and the quieter Lan Ha Bay adjoin; Hanoi is a few hours away.

Key facts