Ha Long walking tour & city guide
Thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald water.
Video by One Man Wolf Pack on YouTube. All rights belong to the creator. Like or comment on YouTube ↗
Ha Long Bay, in northeastern Vietnam, is one of the natural wonders of Asia. Around 1,600 limestone islands and islets rise steeply from emerald water, covered with jungle and hollowed out by caves. Legend says the islands were formed when a dragon descended from the mountains to protect the land.
The bay
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and the best way to see it is on a boat cruise, from a few hours to several days. Cruises stop at caves such as Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), with huge chambers full of stalactites, and at Ti Top Island, where a staircase leads to a panoramic viewpoint.
Kayaking between the islands and through hidden lagoons is a highlight, and floating fishing villages show a traditional way of life on the water. Neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay offer similar scenery with fewer boats.
Ha Long City
Ha Long City, on the shore of the bay, is divided by a bridge into Bai Chay, the tourist area with hotels, a beach and a cable car to Sun World, and Hon Gai, the older part of the city. The waterfront promenade is pleasant in the evening.
Visiting tips
Ha Long is about two and a half hours from Hanoi on the expressway. Overnight cruises let you see the bay at sunrise and sunset, when it's most magical. Storms can cancel trips in summer, so keep your plans flexible.
Top sights in Ha Long
- 1
Ha Long Bay cruise
Sail among thousands of limestone islands.
- 2
Sung Sot Cave
A huge cave of stalactites.
- 3
Ti Top Island
A viewpoint over the bay.
- 4
Lan Ha Bay
A quieter bay with lagoons and beaches.
- 5
Bai Chay
The beach area of Ha Long City.
- 6
Queen Cable Car
A cable car with views of the bay.
Food markets & where to eat in Ha Long
Ha Long Market
A seafood market in Hon Gai.
Bai Chay seafood streets
Restaurants with fresh catch.
Cruise boats
Seafood meals served on deck.
Night market
Snacks and souvenirs by the waterfront.
Food to try in Ha Long
Cha muc
Fried squid cakes, the specialty of Ha Long.
Steamed clams
With lemongrass and chili.
Grilled oysters
With scallion oil and peanuts.
Sa sung
A rare dried sea worm, a local delicacy.
Opening hours and prices change often. Please check with each place before you visit.
Plan your trip to Ha Long
Enjoyed the walk? Here is everything you need to see it for real.
- Hotels in Ha LongCompare places to stay and prices.
- Tours & ticketsWalking tours, museums and day trips in Ha Long.
- eSIM for VietnamStay online from the moment you land.
Some links may be affiliate links: if you book through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.
More cities in Vietnam
▶ 6 videosHanoi
Lakes, temples and the buzzing Old Quarter.
▶ 6 videosHo Chi Minh City
Saigon's energy, colonial landmarks and endless street food.
▶ 6 videosHoi An
A lantern-lit ancient trading port.
▶ 6 videosDa Nang
Beaches, bridges and the Marble Mountains.
▶ 6 videosHue
The old imperial capital on the Perfume River.
▶ 6 videosSapa
Rice terraces and hill tribe villages in the mountains.
▶ 6 videosNha Trang
A long sandy bay and island boat trips.
▶ 6 videosDa Lat
A cool highland 'city of eternal spring'.
▶ 6 videosPhu Quoc
A tropical island of beaches and sunsets.