Ha Long Bay

Vịnh Hạ Long

A UNESCO World Heritage Site featuring thousands of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters, creating one of Southeast Asia's most iconic seascapes. Visitors explore by cruise, kayak, and visit floating villages and caves.

Things to do

• Cruise through Karst Formations — Navigate between thousands of limestone peaks on a traditional junk boat or modern cruise, passing through narrow channels and beneath towering cliffs.
• Explore Sung Sot Cave — Visit one of Ha Long Bay's largest and most impressive caves, featuring stalactites, stalagmites, and two grand chambers with scenic views from the entrance.
• Kayak to Quiet Lagoons — Paddle through serene emerald waters surrounded by karsts, accessing smaller hidden coves and lagoons unreachable by larger boats.
• Visit Floating Villages — Tour traditional fishing communities like Cat Ba and Cua Van, where residents live in wooden boats and fish farms, offering insight into local maritime life.
• Climb Ti Top Island — Hike to the summit of this small island for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay's karst landscape and the surrounding seascape.
• Explore Thien Cung Cave — Discover this smaller but atmospheric cave accessible by boat, featuring impressive rock formations and a freshwater pool inside.
• Visit Dao Titop Beach — Relax on this sandy beach nestled between karsts, ideal for swimming and as a lunch stop on day cruises.

Food to try

• Fresh Seafood Hot Pot — A communal bubbling broth filled with local catches including fish, shrimp, squid, and crab, cooked tableside and dipped in fish sauce or peanut sauce.
• Halong Bay Squid — Grilled or stir-fried fresh squid caught daily by local fishermen, often seasoned simply with garlic, chili, and lime to highlight its tender sweetness.
• Shrimp Paste Rice — Steamed rice served with a pungent shrimp paste (mam tom) mixed with lime, chili, and herbs, representing authentic local fisherman cuisine.
• Crab Fried Rice — Fragrant rice stir-fried with fresh lump crab meat, egg, and scallions, commonly served on cruises as a signature dish.
• Fish Cake Soup — A light broth with chewy homemade fish cakes (cha ca), fresh herbs, and vegetables, popular as a breakfast or light lunch option.
• Grilled Fish with Dill — Whole fresh fish from the bay grilled over charcoal and served with fresh dill, lime, and a dipping sauce of fish sauce and chili.

Local customs & good to know

• Respect Floating Village Customs — Ask permission before photographing residents or entering homes, avoid loud behavior, and purchase items directly from villagers rather than middlemen to support the community.
• Dress Modestly on Cruises — While swimwear is acceptable at designated beach stops, wear respectful clothing when visiting caves or villages and temples to show cultural sensitivity.
• Bargain Politely at Markets — Light haggling is expected at floating markets and souvenir stalls, but remain friendly and respectful; aggressive negotiation is considered rude.
• Follow Cave Etiquette — Stay with your guide, do not touch stalactites or formations, and keep noise minimal to preserve the natural environment and respect the sacred significance of these spaces to locals.