Holiday in Halong Bay

What makes Halong Bay special as a destination?

Halong Bay in northeastern Vietnam is one of the most spectacular natural wonders of Asia and a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994. Over 1,600 limestone rocks and islands rise from the emerald waters, creating a surreal seascape that, according to legend, was created by a dragon that descended into the sea here. The majestic karst formations, some over 100 meters high, are covered in lush vegetation and house spectacular limestone caves within. The Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) impresses with enormous caverns filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The Thiên Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave) shines in colorful light and reveals fantastic rock formations. An overnight stay on a traditional junk is the highlight of any Halong experience. Anchoring between the limestone rocks at sunset, dining on the upper deck, and gazing into the still, mist-covered waters in the morning are among the most poetic travel moments in all of Asia. The boats range from simple wooden junks to luxury cruisers with pools on the upper deck. Kayaking tours through hidden lagoons and floating fishing villages offer a more intimate view of the bay. Cat Ba Island, the largest island, surprises with dense rainforests, a national park with endangered langurs, and its own dream beaches. Lan Ha Bay, the less-visited neighboring bay, offers the same scenery with a fraction of the boats. Halong Bay is breathtaking — but also a victim of its own success. Over 500 boats operate daily on the water. Those who want to experience the magic of the bay in peace should choose a 2-night tour that goes further into the remote areas or alternatively head to the nearly untouched Bai Tu Long Bay in the northeast.