Ha Long Bay has long established itself as a captivating destination, not only for domestic travellers but also for international visitors. It wins hearts with its majestic natural beauty, diverse tourism experiences, and romantic, mystical scenery as night falls.

Fully experiencing the beauty of a wonder

According to Business Insider, Ha Long Bay leaves a strong impression on tourists with its rare natural beauty and diverse terrain. Its breathtaking landscapes have made Ha Long Bay one of Vietnam’s top tourist destinations.

With more than 1,600 limestone islands and islets, Ha Long Bay is often described as a geological wonder bestowed upon Quang Ninh Province by nature. Each island is unique for its strange and distinctive shapes and the mysterious stories they hold, which captivate and surprise visitors.

A tourist from China shared: “I’ve visited Ha Long City many times for work, but this is my first time taking a boat out into the bay. I’ve always known Ha Long is a heritage site, but immersing myself in this space, getting up close to the limestone mountains with their fascinating shapes, and experiencing the vastness of the water and waves is truly a unique feeling.”

The giant limestone blocks rising from the emerald water, with myriad shapes like natural sculptures, not only make visitors admire but also are an endless source of inspiration for photography lovers.

According to David, a photographer from the US, the tranquillity and magnificent beauty of the water’s surface blends with the majestic landscape of Ha Long Bay to create a truly magical scene. “Sitting on a small boat, gliding across the water, admiring the beauty of the Bay gives me a deeper sense of connection with nature. For me, kayaking while quietly admiring the scenery of Ha Long Bay is enough to fully feel the wonder,” David shared.

For Storiolo (a French tourist), what impressed him most about Ha Long Bay was the water: “Ha Long Bay left me with a beautiful impression with towering limestone mountains. The clear blue water made me want to swim right away. It was really interesting!” 

One of the unique experiences that is hard to miss when coming to Ha Long Bay is the overnight cruise tours. Tourists can choose to visit on luxury cruises to enjoy a classy vacation. In particular, the moments of watching the sunset and sunrise on the sea will bring visitors an unforgettable feeling of relaxation. In the fresh and airy air of the bay, visitors can fall into a deep sleep, listen to the murmuring waves in the distance, and feel the peace that nature has to offer.

Jiwon, a tourist from the Republic of Korea, shared: “I am a freelancer at home, I usually stay up late and wake up late. But during the trip to Ha Long Bay, I woke up very early to admire the sunrise on the sea.” “Opening my eyes, outside the window was a beautiful ink painting. Stepping onto the deck and breathing in the fresh air, I felt like I was in another world. It was refreshing but also a pity that I only had one night on the cruise,” she said.

Ha Long boasts distinctive beauty at each time of the day. While the sunrise brings the freshness, youthfulness, and vitality of a new dynamic day, then at sunset, the vibe becomes magical, poetic, and romantic.

The sun gradually sets behind the limestone islands, dyeing the sea surface golden and creating a magnificent natural scene. This is one of the most romantic moments that tourists can experience during their trip.

Mei Lin, a Singaporean tourist, excitedly recounted that she selected the 2-day-1-night tour to observe how the space on Ha Long Bay changes.

“This tour did not disappoint me. Watching the sunset from the deck when the sun slowly sank into the water and feeling the tranquillity helps me refresh myself from within,” Lin said.

After returning from a Ha Long Bay cruise, Dutch tourist Jeroen de Vries stated: “For anyone planning to visit Ha Long Bay, I’d recommend an overnight cruise to fully experience the transition between day and night on Ha Long’s mysterious waters.”

After returning from a Ha Long Bay cruise, Dutch tourist Jeroen de Vries stated: “For anyone planning to visit Ha Long Bay, I’d recommend an overnight cruise to fully experience the transition between day and night on Ha Long’s mysterious waters.”

Diverse experiential activities

Beyond its majestic natural beauty, Ha Long Bay attracts visitors with its unique and diverse experiences. Whether they seek relaxation or adventure, the bay caters to all types of tourists.

With its rich marine ecosystem, Ha Long Bay is ideal for underwater exploration. Visitors can scuba dive to view colourful coral reefs or kayak through remote, less-explored bays and inlets.

Returning to Ha Long Bay for the second time, Kim Joo Hyun (a Korean tourist) commented that Ha Long's tourism services have improved significantly compared to six years ago. Kim expressed his impression of the diversity of sightseeing and exploration activities in the Ha Long Bay, stating: "I joined the scuba diving tour and was very impressed by the beauty of the underwater world. The blue colour of the sea and the colourful coral reefs made me feel like I was lost in another world, completely separate from the real world." 

Cruise ships in Ha Long Bay not only provide a luxurious space but also a place where visitors can participate in many recreational activities such as fishing, cooking with the chef, or even participating in yoga classes on the deck. All these activities are very special when performed in the middle of the vast waves of the heritage site and will certainly leave unforgettable memories for visitors. 

Storiolo (a French tourist) shared: “We booked an overnight tour on the bay. During the trip, I participated in many activities, such as: exploring caves and kayaking around the bay. At night, we went squid fishing together. Every experience was so much fun.”

Coming to Ha Long Bay, in addition to enjoying the natural beauty, visitors can learn about the cultural life of local fishermen.

The fishing villages in Ha Long Bay are the cradle for generations of fishermen and a testament to the deep-rooted bond between the local people and the sea. Visiting and experiencing the daily life of the fishermen offers tourists a better understanding of the local culture while providing an opportunity to savour fresh seafood caught directly from the ocean.

Lukas, a tourist from Germany, said: "The tour to the fishing villages gave me greater insight into the lives of the local people. The houses floating on the water and the small fishing boats—all create a vivid picture of life in the fishing village. What impressed me most was the warmth and sincerity of the local residents. They shared their traditional craft and fascinating stories about their lives tied to the sea. It was truly a memorable experience".

With its majestic natural beauty and rich marine ecosystem, Ha Long Bay is not only a natural wonder but also an ideal destination for those wishing to immerse themselves in nature, explore local culture, and seek moments of inner peace.

The perfect combination of nature, culture, and diverse tourism activities has made Ha Long Bay one of the most attractive destinations for travellers, both domestically and internationally.