Ha Long Bay

One of the most well known places in the world, Ha Long Bay is made up of nearly 2,000 islets within 1,500 square kilometers, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is just a few hours drive from Hanoi. The islets, a product of 20 million years of formation (the limestone itself, 500 million years in the making) from the wet, tropical climate. In Vietnamese, Ha Long means descending dragon, perhaps from a recent flight from Hanoi; it's meaning, ascending dragon. While there are various local legends describing how the bay came to be, its history is legend enough, as people have lived here dating back to 16,000 BC. Read more about Ha Long Bay in our blog.

Category
Nature
Sustainability factor
Environment
Must do
Kayaking in Ha Long Bay is a requirement - sweeping through the still waters between limestone cliffs is truly unforgettable
Details
  • Book a one night trip through your hotel or a local travel agent who will pick you up in Hanoi for the approximately 3 hour trip to Ha Long Bay
  • Choose a decent boat, as you often get what you pay for here with the cheaper options
Price
($$$) $50 and up, depending on the boat quality and length of trip (we paid $100 each, inclusive of all meals but not drinks)
Website
Ha Long Bay