Thousands of Limestone Islands 

Halong Bay is a uniquely beautiful destination characterized by its towering limestone karsts. This area has rightfully earned its title as a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its breathtaking natural wonders in 1994.

Halong Bay - one of the seven natural wonders of the world

Halong Bay - one of the seven natural wonders of the world

The bay boasts over 1,600 small islands, their limestone formations sculpted over 500 million years by tropical downpours. At the heart of the bay, there are 775 karst formations spread across a mere 127 square miles (330 km). Visitors often navigate these islands, caves, and floating villages using traditional Vietnamese sailing boats in the wonders of the bay.

is Halong Bay worth visiting

The unique beauty of Ha Long Bay

Natural Geological Formed Millions of Years

The natural geological system formed millions of years ago, has given rise to countless stalactites of various shapes and sizes. Surprise Cave stands out as the largest and most stunning cave in the bay. 

Surprise Cave in halong bay

Travelers are amazed by the magnificence of the Surprise Cave

Surprise Cave is divided into two main compartments. The first compartment helps visitors feel overwhelmed when entering with the bright light from the lights in the cave. In this compartment, there are also many stone statues with many different shapes such as elephants and seals, quite lively. 

The second compartment has a vast cave interior and can accommodate up to a thousand people at the same time. Moving further, you will arrive at the royal garden at the highest peak of the cave. This place opens up a charming landscape with a small lake, and many types of trees, flowers, and birds.

Fantastic Halong Bay Cruise 

Whether you're spending one or two nights on an overnight cruise, various activities await you onboard. Come late afternoon, you'll unwind in a relaxed atmosphere, followed by a dinner or BBQ. Later, indulge in board games, squid fishing, or karaoke based on your preferences.

is halong bay worth visiting

Travelers enjoy a romantic meal in Halong bay

Halong Bay has something for everyone. You can choose from three different types of cruise ships, from 3 stars to 5 stars, depending on your budget and preferences. Halong Bay cruises are famous for their quality and service. They meet the highest standards in the world, and sleeping on the cruise is amazing. You’ll feel so relaxed and calm. And if you wake up early, you can join some cool activities like tai chi, yoga, or taking photos of the beautiful sunrise.

tai chi class in halong bay

Early morning Tai Chi class on the boat

Diverse Activities for Travelers

Kayaking

Kayaking in Halong Bay is one of the most relaxing activities you can indulge in while traveling. Visitors get to paddle on calm waters, getting up close to massive limestone formations surrounded by lush green ecosystems. With the endless expansive sky above, it truly is an experience not to be missed when visiting Halong Bay.

kayak in halong bay

Tourists paddle kayaks on the bay

Night Squid Fishing 

Squid fishing in Halong Bay is a unique and compelling experience. The squid is attracted to the lights of the fishing boats, and the fishermen use a variety of methods to catch them. Some fishermen use fishing rods, while others use nets or harpoons.

Night squid fishing halong bay

Night squid fishing is a unique experience not to be missed

The best time to go squid fishing in Halong Bay is from September to February, which is the breeding season for squid. During this time, the squid is more abundant and easier to catch. Squid fishing is a great way to experience the natural beauty of Halong Bay at night. It is also a fun and challenging activity that people of all ages can enjoy.

Flying seaplane

Not all sea activities are suited for every traveler. If you're keen on capturing a bird's-eye view of Halong Bay, then a seaplane ride is your go-to option. With seating for two pilots and 12 passengers, plus spacious windows, this aircraft offers an unparalleled vantage point. Soaring from 150 to 3,000 meters above sea level, it gives you a breathtaking aerial view of the bay. Currently, Hai Au Aviation is the exclusive unit licensed to fly in Halong Bay with ticket prices of 1,600,000 VND(~65,68 USD)/adult and 800,000 VND/child.

halong seaplane

You can enjoy a panoramic view of Halong Bay

Witnessing the pristine white foam as the plane touches the water and navigates the skies of Halong Bay is genuinely exhilarating. In just 25 minutes, you'll conquer the skies, soak in panoramic views, and enjoy the most serene moments.

halong seaplane

A truly exhilarating seaplane experience

Fresh Seafood

Being a region with a rich and diverse ecosystem, Halong Bay offers plenty of seafood dishes. Not only are they delicious and nutritious, but they also possess a unique flavor. For food enthusiasts, you absolutely can't miss out on the signature cuisine here such as squid, scallops, clams, oysters, etc. Moreover, you can easily savor these dishes ranging from upscale restaurants to local eateries along the roadside. 

halong seafood

Halong’s seafood is diverse and delicious

Continue your reading journey with our piece on Vietnam travel guide!

If you're wondering whether “Is Halong Bay worth visiting?”, just consider the reasons we mentioned above. Halong Bay, renowned for its stunning limestone formations and crystal-clear waters, showcases Vietnam's natural splendor. You are planning to visit Halong and don't know where to go or what to do, please contact New Asia Tours right away. We are more than happy to provide you with the best Vietnam experiences!