Soaring towers of limestone karst islands break dramatically from the smooth emerald waters of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. From the deck of your traditional Ha Long Bay cruise boat, the light in the evening sky reflects the dusky red of the sails. The gentle slap of the sea against the side of the boat is calming and the drink in your hand is cool against the warm air.
This beautiful bay in the west of the Gulf of Tonkin is a wonder of nature, where thousands of islands decorate the seafood-rich waters. Chinese-junk-style cruise boats ply the area, carrying travellers to experience the stunning landscapes and hidden treasures of Ha Long Bay.

As well as great food, sunset cocktails and comfortable en-suite cabins on your relaxing Ha Long Bay cruise, there are also plenty of exciting sights and activities to enjoy. Swimming off the boat will be a real highlight but there is also rock climbing and you could try squid fishing.

With this incredible topography it’s not surprising that spectacular caverns are an important feature of any Ha Long Bay tour. Discover the grottoes and caverns of the Trinh Nu Cave or the Sung Sot Cave and learn more about the local legends that surround them. Spot interesting animal and human formations among the stalactites and stalagmites of the Bo Nau (Pelican) Cave.

It’s worth spending more than just a day in this unique part of Vietnam. The lush jungles of Cat Ba Island National Park are just one example of the incredible biodiversity of the region. There are satisfying trekking trails here and you have the chance to see (or hear) the golden-headed langur, the world’s most endangered primate.

Ha Long’s fresh, healthy and full of flavour food will delight gastronomists and foodies of every persuasion. Grilled, steamed or stir-fried, indulge yourself in succulent fish and shellfish and an endless variety of tasty rice and noodle dishes. Your Ha Long Bay cruise is likely to stop at a floating fish farm, where fishermen expertly manoeuvre their tiny boats to sell fresh seafood to the chef.

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is just a short bus ride so combine the wonders of Ha Long with exploring the narrow streets of the ancient capital city.
Happy travels!