Translating as ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’ legend has it Halong Bay was carved out by a dragon charging towards the coastline. The area then filled with water leaving only the soaring peaks and islands. Whether the tale is true or not – the place is certainly magical!
Over 2000 islands break the surface of crystal clear water to create an incredible landscape – and one that simply goes on, and on, and on, as you as you weave in and out of the towering islets.
Don’t be fooled – this place IS on the tourist trail. In fact it is the number one drop off point for tourists in the North East of Vietnam – but this is very justified.
Despite its popularity, Halong Bay is plenty big enough for the numerous tourist Dhows servicing the many trips heading in and out of the islands.
Halong Bay, Vietnam, view from Cat Ba Island
Getting it right
As most will inevitably utilise a cruise to best see the area, the best advice is to spend a bit of time and that extra bit of money ensuring your cruise is right. There are a number of ‘dodgy’ operators, with stories of diesel fumes, all-night karaoke sessions and staff members ‘fining’ tourists for a myriad of reasons at the threat of refusing to give back their passports.
That said, I would still recommend booking the trip up in Vietnam, opposed to at home as the price difference is astronomic. In Hanoi there are a number of operators and you can see pictures of the boats and see all itineraries in advance of buying the trip. Sinh tours are meant to be very good.
Trekking on Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba island
Cat Ba is a stop off for many, as the most inhabited island in the area it offers travellers a chance to stretch their legs as well enjoy some food from a greater selection of menus than available on the Dhows.
It is also a base to head off to the some of the lesser explored islands and beautiful remote beaches they offer. There is also a well-known trek to the top of the island which allows great views of the jungle canopy of the island and beyond. At the summit of the trek is an exceptionally wobbly tower constructed to give better views. When I went up it felt as if I would be one of the last…
Surprise Caves, Halong Bay, Vietnam
Dau Go Caves
Located inside Bo Hon Island, in the middle Halong Bay, ‘Surprise Cave’ is considered the most magnificent cave the bay.
At first, after few steps into the cave you may think that the cave seems narrow, but with just few more steps into the cave, it becomes bigger and bigger and bigger.
Halong Bay kayaking
Kayaking
From the deck of a dhow you can appreciate the wonder of the spectacular place, but to get into a kayak and spend a few hours exploring the inlets and untouched beaches is something else. Most cruises come equipped with a some kayaks and it is certainly worth making the most of them.