With some 1,600 islands and islets towering high above crystal-clear turquoise water, Halong Bay is largely considered to be the "eighth wonder of the world." Surprisingly, we didn't know what all the fuss was about until the day we arrived in Hanoi…and every fellow traveler was shocked that the famed destination wasn't on our itinerary. Luckily our flexible plans allowed us to make time for an impromptu visit to Halong Bay. It was a spur-of-the-moment decision that proved to be one of the best we made in Vietnam.
Halong Bay is admittedly touristy. But if you can plan your arrival during low season, you'll be rewarded with jaw-dropping views as you cruise around the sandstone islands and islets. Want to get an inside glimpse? Don't miss these 16 photos below:
The Details:
Halong Bay is a four-hour drive from the capital city of Hanoi. You can book tours from the city that include transportation, food and cruising through the islands. The trip can be done in a day, but we recommend taking a multi-day cruise to fully enjoy the splendor of the archipelago.
Popular attractions along the cruise include stops at Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave. Ti Top Island has a small beach and a hike to the top of the hill that offers great 360-degree views of the surrounding bay. Sung Sot Cave is another popular stop that features a marvelous cave system atop one of the limestone cliffs. Also inquire to see if your cruise includes kayaking or a stop at the amazing floating villages.
Cruises vary in price, but remember that you get what you pay for. We've heard horror stories from other travelers who opted to experience Halong Bay via the cheapest option available. We cruised with Indochina Sails and had a very positive experience.
Have you visited Halong Bay?
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