Welcome to Ha Long - The World Heritages of UNESCO

Geography: Quang Ninh is a mountainous and coastal province, with more than 80% of its area being made up of mountains and hills.

The sea and island zone of Quang Ninh has a unique terrain. There are more than 2,000 islands, making up two thirds of the Vietnam's islands and extending along the coast for more than 250km.The largest islands are Cai Bau and Ban Sen, while the smallest are just like rocks in a garden. With an average depth of 20m, the sea bed terrain of Quang Ninh isn't smooth and contains the remnants of ancient streams and underwater rocky banks. The streams from the mainland connect to deep drains along the sea-floor; creating a series of waterways, canals and harbors along the coast.

The average heat radiating during a year is 115.4 Kcal/sq. cm. The average temperature is over 21 degrees C, while the average humidity is 84%. Annual rainfall totals between 1,700 and 2,400mm, and there can be between 90 to 170 rainy days in a year. These are mainly concentrated in the summer (more than 85%), and especially in the months of July and August. In winter, there is only between 150 and 400mm of rainfall.

Storms have a considerable influence on the province, mainly in June, July and August. Their intensity can be extreme, especially in island and coastal regions.

Ethnic groups: Ethnologically, Quang Ninh is made up of 21 ethnic groups, but only 6 have a population of over 1,000. These groups live in their own communities, and have their own dialects and particular ethnic features. They are the Viet (Kinh), Dao, Tay, San Diu, San Chi and Hoa. After these, there are two ethnic groups with populations of several hundred: the Nung and Muong. The remaining 14 groups originate from remote parts of the Central Highlands and have populations of less than 100: the Thai, Khmer, Hre, H'Mong, E De, Co Tu, Gia Rai, Ngai, Xo Dang, Co Ho, Ha Nhi, Lao.

 Among the major ethnic groups, the Kinh make up 89.2% of the ethnic population. The Dao have two main branches: the Thanh Y and Thanh Phan. They conserve their particular ethnic features such as dialect, clothing and traditional festivals, and some continue to practice nomadic farming. The Tay, San Diu and San Chi live in low mountainous areas, chiefly relying on agriculture, in particular the production of wet rice. The Hoa include many ethnic minorities, having immigrated from China many years ago. Most of the inhabitants of the region live in the country and make their living from agriculture, fishing and forestry.

Ha Long Bay covers an area of 1,553 sq. km including 1,969 islands, of which an area of over 434 sq. km including 788 islands has been recognized by UNESCO as a world heritage site due to its cultural, aesthetic, bio-geological and economic value. In the bay, there are many caves, grottoes, beaches and other beautiful landscapes, which have become popular tourist sites.

There are around 500 places of historical and cultural interest, such as Yen Tu Pagoda, Cua ong Temple, Bach Dang historical relic, Long Tien Pagoda and Quan Lan Communal House, which attract a large number of visitors, especially during festivals.

Tourists coming to Quang Ninh can enjoy a wide range of fresh seafood, including holothurians, abalone, shrimp, crab, areca, shellfish and gaillardia.

Transportation Road:

- Hanoi - Bac Ninh - Halong (155km). This is the shortest land route from Hanoi to Halong.
- Hanoi - Hai Duong - Halong (163km).
- Mong Cai - Halong (180km). From Mong Cai go along National Highway No. 4B via Hai Ha, Dam Ha, then take National Highway No.18B through Cua ong, Cam Pha, Hon Gai to Bai Chay.

Railway: Every day a train departs from Yen Vien Railway Station (Gia Lam District, Hanoi) at 4.50am and arrives at Halong at 11.40am.

Air: There is a helicopter flight every Saturday from Gia Lam Airport (Hanoi), departing at 8am and returning at 3pm.

Waterways: One of the most convenient and pleasurable ways for visitors to travel to Halong Bay is by boat. Hon Gai Port and the waterway have the capacity to serve many visitors.

Ha Long Bay Highlights

Dau Go Grotto :

Hang Dau Go is one of the most beautiful caves at Ha Long. The name, Dau Go or Giau Go, has direct ties to the history of Vietnam. In 1288, general Tran Hung Dao sent a convoy to cut wood from this region in preparation for a Mongolian attack. Stakes were then fashioned from the wood and hidden in Dau Go cave. These stakes were later embedded in Bach Dang River to form a defensive barrier. According to legend, general Tran Hung Dao dealt a great blow to Kublai Khan when he tricked the Mongolian army into chasing him deep up Bach Dang's channel. When the tide retreated, the invaders were impaled on the wooden stakes driven into the river bed. Dau Go cave was also the place where general Tran Khan Du hid his army while awaiting the Mongols.

Dau Go is located on a limestone islet called Driftwood Island 8 km south of Bai Chay. The islet itself stands 187 m above sea level. Upon arrival, visitors must hike the 90 rocky steps that lead to the cave's entrance.

Dau Go cave is divided into three chambers. The outer chamber boasts the most spectacular stalagmites and stalactites, some up to 20m in height. The locals claim that these giant formations resemble human forms and are the keepers or guardians of the cave. In the centre of the chamber, on the top of a pillar, there appears to be a monk draped in a long, dark cloak, with his right hand clasping a cane. The outer chamber is also the largest and can hold up to 3,000 people. The cave's floor is approximately 6m lower than the entrance and the distance from floor to ceiling is approximately 25m. Moving into the second chamber, visitors pass through a narrow "door", naturally formed through erosion. The light here is mysterious, and new images appear in the stone. The third (or inner) chamber is much smaller and contains stone wells filled with fresh water.

Dau Go is the most famous of all the grottos in Ha Long. In 1929, King Khai Dinh visited the cave and was awed by its beauty. His praise in writing is carved on a stone stele at the cave’s entrance.

Bai Tho Mountain :

Bai Tho Mountain is 106m high. It runs along the coast, half on land and half in the sea. Sailing in the bay100 or 200m from the mountain, one can see a poem carved on a flat stone cliff. In 1468, Emperor Le Thanh Tong, who was also a poet, made an inspection tour of the North-East region. He stopped at the foot of the mountain, and inspired by the magnificence of his surroundings, he wrote a poem. Later, he had the poem engraved on the wall of the mountain. From the top of the mountain, you can enjoy a panoramic view of the bay.

Cat Ba island :

Cat Ba National Park is located on Cat Ba Island, 150 km east of Hanoi. The park covers approximately 200 km, two thirds of which consists of a forested zone and one third, a marine zone. One should not leave Halong Bay or Do Son without visiting Cat Ba Island. The island is home to over 600 kinds of plants including Bang, Goi Nep, Sang Le, and Kim Giao trees. The fauna living on the island is also diverse, and includes rare wild white-headed langurs, deer, and macaques. Cat Ba marine reserves are home to sea turtles, lobster, coral, oysters, and dolphins. The cool weather in Cat Ba is suitable for relaxation and convalescence. From Hanoi, one can travel to Haiphong by train or by bus, and then by boat to Cat Ba Island.

Trinh Nu Grotto :

The Virgin Grotto is situated 15 km south of Bai Chay Beach. For young lovers it is a popular romantic rendezvous. According to legend, there once was a beautiful fisherman's daughter, whose family was so poor that they were in the service of the rich administrator of the fishing zone, who demanded the girl as a concubine. However, the fisherman’s daughter already had a lover and refused to marry the administrator. The administrator got angry and exiled her to a wild island where she suffered from hunger and deprivation. One frightful night she turned to stone. On this same night, her lover rowed his boat in search of her. However, a tempest destroyed his boat, and he floated to a nearby island. In a flash of lightening, he saw his lover in the distance, but his calls were drowned by the wind. Exhausted, he also turned to stone. When visiting the Virgin Grotto, you can still see the petrified girl with her long flowing hair and eyes gazing towards the mainland. Opposite the Virgin Grotto, the Male Grotto is still home to the lover whose his face is turned towards his mate. At times, his passionate calls and blows against the walls of the grotto can still be heard.

Hang Trinh Nu or the Virgin is also known as Mid Gate cave. According to local lore, an old couple lived here long ago. The husband made a living fishing around the bay. They were very poor. They had only one daughter. She grew up to be a beautiful young woman, so beautiful that people from all around knew of her. There were many suitors and her reputation reached the local mandarin. The mandarin immediately sent his soldiers to her home to capture her. She was forced to marry the old mandarin.

One day, she escaped from the mandarin’s home, but she was afraid to return home for fear of retaliation. After much thought, the maiden decided to go to Mid Gate cave to commit suicide. Her body turned into the stone statue lying atop a flat surface. Since then, Mid Gate cave has been known as Virgin cave.

Virgin cave tunnels through the middle of an island approximately 2 km long. Along the tunnel, there are many chambers. Visitors to the cave are awed by its beauty and so the name Hang Sung Sot was given to the outer chamber of the Virgin cave. Sung Sot literally means astonishment or awe.

Tuan Chau Islet :

Situated 3 km west of Dao Go Islet, Tuan Chau Islet has an area of 300 ha. On the islet, there is a very simple bamboo house built by the inhabitants of Quang Ninh for Uncle Ho to rest after visiting Halong Bay. The house is now carefully preserved by the locals.

Tuan Chau island or Sentinel Chau Island lies 3 km west of Dau Go cave. The nurturing hands of humans have turned this island into a fertile farm producing vegetables and fruits for the outlying mining and fishing villages of Ha Long Bay.

Thien Cung Grotto :

This recently discovered grotto is one of the most beautiful in Halong Bay. Thien Cung is situated on the southwest side of the bay 4 km from the wharf outside of Halong City. It is located in a small range of islands that resemble a throne embracing two superb grottos at its core. The route to Thien Cung is perilous, covered on both sides by thick forest. After entering a narrow gate, the magnificent, 130 m long grotto opens up. According to legend, a beautiful young lady named May (cloud) caught the eye of the Dragon Prince and he fell in love with her. They were betrothed and got married in the very center of the grotto. All of the scenes of their wedding, which lasted for seven days and seven nights, have been seemingly fossilized in the grotto. In the center, there are four large pillars supporting the "roof of heaven". From the base to the top, many strange images seem to exist in the stone, including birds, fish, flowers and even scenes of human life. On the north wall of the grotto, a group of fairies seems to be singing and dancing in honor of the wedding. Under the immeasurably high roof, stalactites form a natural stone curtain. There is also the sound of a beating drum made by the wind blowing through the stone. In the last chamber of the grotto, a natural gushing stream of water babbles throughout the year. Here there are three small ponds of clear water. A path meanders out of the grotto.

Bai Chay Beach :

Bai Chay is a resort located along the coast of Halong Bay. This is a windward ocean resort which has a year round average temperature of 20oC (68oF). Bai Chay is a low gently sloping range of hills that runs along the sea for more than 2 km. Dotted among the pine trees are large hotels and small villas with distinguished architectural styles. Traveling down the asphalt road along the coast, visitors see long white stretches of sand and green rows of Casuarina trees, tucked under which are small family-run restaurants. After swimming at the beach, tourists can enjoy cold drinks and cool off in the breeze that sweeps in from the sea.

Upon arriving in Ha Long city, you will be driven along 'Bai Chay' or scorched beach. Despite the name, the area is quite pleasant during the summer and fall months and the temperature here is around 70 deg F. According to the locals, Bai Chay got its name long ago, based on another historical event. Bai Chay was once a forest. In 1287, the Mongols led by the great Truong Van Ho (a Vietnamese name for this Mongolian general) attacked Vietnam and was driven back by general Tran Khanh Du. Many Mongolian ships were set afire and drifted to shore aided by high wind, setting the forest on fire. Since then this stretch of beach became known as Bai Chay or scorched beach.

From Bai Chay, you can hire a boat and go out to the bay. It is here that you will be find some of Southeast Asia’s most fascinating sites. Visitors to the bay speak highly of its almost mystical qualities and the surrealistic scenery. The limestone formations are both bizarre and awesome. Over thousands of years the bases of many of the formations have eroded to a point where many seem to be balancing on thin air. The shapes and the positioning of these formations often resemble people or animals, hence most are given a name by the locals. Some of the more famous are: Hang Dau Go (Wooden Stakes cave), Hang Bo Nau (Pelican cave), Hang Trinh Nu (the Virgin), Hang Sung Sot (Cave of Awe), Dong Hang Hanh, Dao Tuan Chau (Sentinel Chau Island), Qua Chuong (the bell), Con Voi (the elephant) etc. So far, about 1,000 formations have names. It would be impossible to see all of Ha Long’s grandeur in a single day - or even in a month.

Admire the Ha Long Bay - World Heritage

$0 USD	HALONG BAY Annam Junk Boat ( Overnight on Board 2 says / 1 Nights ).
Tour Highlights: An Nam Junk is a deluxe Junk, the old style of Vietnamese junk in 14th century in Halong Bay. It is built and designed by Halong Travel. its length is 26 m and there are 7 rooms inclusive 6 Deluxe rooms inclusive 2 doubles, 3 twin and 1 single and 1 Suite room, 1 restaurants with 50 M2 and 2 sundecks . An Nam Junk is made by wood and handmade with 10 workmen during 11 months and it was finished of
$0 USD	HALONG BAY Annam Junk Boat with Kayaking ( Overnight on Board 3 days / 2 nights ).
Tour Highlights: An Nam Junk is a deluxe Junk, the old style of Vietnamese junk in 14th century in Halong Bay. It is built and designed by Halong Travel. its length is 26 m and there are 7 rooms inclusive 6 Deluxe rooms inclusive 2 doubles, 3 twin and 1 single and 1 Suite room, 1 restaurants with 50 M2 and 2 sundecks . An Nam Junk is made by wood and handmade with 10 workmen during 11 months and it was finished of
$35 USD	Daily trip to the Ha Long Bay (1 day).
Tour Highlights: Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi. Depart for Halong through the Red River Delta. Arrive in Ha Long city. The seafood lunch will be served on board.
$63 USD	Ha Long - La Ha bay - Tuan Chau on the Imperial Junk ( 2 days / 1 night ).
$97 USD	Ha Long - Cat Ba island - Tuan Chau on the Imperial Junk (3 days / 2 nights). Kayaking - BBQ on Beach - Cuttle fishing & Trekking - Biking ( 1 night on junk & 1 night at the hotel )
Tour Highlights: Cat Ba National Park - located in Cat Hai District, Hai Phong Province - is an archipelago featuring some of Vietnam’s most dramatic scenery and spectacular views.
$120 USD	Ha Long Bay Cruise Tour (2 days / 1 night) on Huong Hai Junk Cruise.
Tour Highlights: The Huong Hai (Ocean Flavors) junks offer you an unforgettable luxury cruise with the perfect crew amid the breathtakingly beautiful scenery of the Ha Long Bay World Heritage Site. Go fishing and swimming in the secluded, emerald-green waters of the bay, watch the glorious sunrise and sunset, explore magical caves and grottoes and experience some of the most stunning natural backdrops to be found
$139 USD	Halong Bay Cruise Tour 2 days/1 night on Bai Tho Junk Cruise.
Tour Highlights: This traditional junk, small enough to be intimate but large enough to be comfortable, is the perfect way to explore the bay. With just six air-conditioned, en-suite cabins and a glorious picture-window salon with sofas and easy chairs, this vessel elegantly explores the islands and bays...
$170 USD	Halong - Emeraude Classic Cruises (2 days / 1 night).
Tour Highlights: One of the great natural wonders of the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Halong Bay covers an area of 1,500 km over which are scattered thousands of limestone islands and grottoes rising from the clear, emerald waters of the Gulf of Bac Bo. The majestic beauty of the bay and its islands is only fully appreciated while meandering among the islands
$195 USD	Halong Bay Cruise Tour 3 days/2 nights on Bai Tho Junk Cruise.
Tour Highlights: Joining in our trip, you will have an unforgettable experience on a splendid, luxurious cruise as well as enjoy the superb sceneries in Ha Long bay - a famous World Heritage - with more than 3000 islands and islets rising from deep emerald sea water, dipping yourselves in natural beautiful landscapes, feeling the clean and fresh air, watching the dawn and sunset and particularly the moonlight over
$199 USD	Ha Long Bay Cruise Tour (3 days / 2 nights) on Huong Hai Junk Cruise.
Tour Highlights: Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, covers an area of 1,500 square km. With more than 1,000 limestone peaks soaring from its crystalline emerald water this area is o¬ne of the natural wonders of Vietnam and now a World Heritage listed site. Visitors have constantly marveled at Ha Long Bay's natural beauty. The tiny islands are dotted with innumerable beaches and grottoes created by the win
$205 USD	Bai Tu Long & Halong Bay Ginger Cruise Tour (2 days / 1 night).
Tour Highlights: Discover the splendors of Ha Long Bay aboard the Ha Long Ginger, a wooden junk that combines classic beauty with modern comfort. Measuring 38 meters (125 feet) in length, this newly built, custom-designed yacht features three decks that house an elegant restaurant, two bars, a small library, and a massage room plus ten luxurious sleeping cabins . With so much space, passengers can truly unwind and
$345 USD	Bai Tu Long & Halong Bay Ginger Cruise Tour (3 days / 2 nights).
Tour Highlights: While all those who visit Halong Bay are charmed by the archipelago's beauty, few visitors are aware that the three-thousand islands that dot this bay are home to many rare plants, including species found nowhere else in the world. We chose our boat's name "Halong Ginger" because, like the plant it was named after, our junk is perfectly suited to this environment....