Ha Long Bay - Where the Dragons Descend in the Sea.
Halong means "descending dragon". Legends tell of a dragon who protected the Vietnamese from invasion with fire, emeralds, and jade. The gem eventually sank into the sea, forming limestone karsts and islands that hampered the advance of invading ships. The history of Halong Bay adds even more magic to an already surreal landscape - one that has been around for 500 million years!
Best time to visit: Mar-To-Apr Sep-To-Oct
Things to do: Take A Cruise, Snorkel At Cong Do Island, Queen Cable Car, Explore Hidden Caves
HOW TO REACH HA LONG BAY
- Flight - There are three Main Airports in Halong Bay- Van Don Airport, Noi Bai International Airport and Cat Bi International Airport. The Airports connect to the other cities of Vietnam and International destinations as well. If you are coming to Halong Bay from all over the country, flights can save you a few days of travel time. The flight is short and comfortable.
- Cruise - Halong Bay has several luxury cruise options that are basically luxury hotels on the water. Here you are paying to experience 5 star amenities. It's not a specific departure from your typical cruise itinerary, but it's perfect if you want to enjoy the comfort of a plush sun lounger while watching the sun set over rugged waters.
- Rail - One of the most popular ways to travel in Vietnam is by train! Vietnam has an excellent railway system. Traveling by train allows you to enjoy the scenery more slowly than by bus or bicycle. Train tickets are very cheap and you can choose between soft or hard seats or sleepers. Depending on your ticket, traveling by train can be a pleasant experience, but it can be a long journey as it is one of the slower modes of travel.
HOW TO GET AROUND
- Bus - There are many minibuses that can take you to this bay. Take a minibus from Gia Lam in Hanoi to reach the bay in about 4-5 hours.
- Ferry/Boat - As mentioned above, since it is a bay, there are many islands nearby. Therefore, each island can be visited with the help of ships and boats, and you can also roam around the islands.
Traditional Food
