Halong Bucht Bai Tu Long Bucht Lan Ha Bucht
In the heart of the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam reveals one of its greatest secrets. More than 1,600 islands and islets rise majestically from the water, like petrified dragons that have risen from the depths. Most of these islets are uninhabited, true natural paradises waiting to be discovered.
Destination Halong Bay: Where dreams become reality - your adventure in the jewel of Vietnam
Just imagine... You glide through an emerald-green water world, surrounded by over 2000 majestic limestone islands sculpted from the sea as if by a divine artist. Welcome to Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the undisputed jewel of Vietnam. Just a short journey (approx. 170 km) east of Hanoi, in the glittering Gulf of Tonkin, a landscape of breathtaking, almost otherworldly beauty awaits you.
More than just a view: a legend comes to life
The magic of Halong Bay goes deeper than its picturesque surface. Ancient legends tell of a mighty dragon whose tail left deep furrows as it plunged into the sea - the birth of this unique waterscape. The countless islands are said to be the children of this dragon, who followed him and threw themselves protectively off the coast. But the scientific explanation is also fascinating: archaeological finds prove a human presence in this region dating back an incredible 18,000 years!
Your unforgettable adventure begins here
Immerse yourself in a world of discovery and adventure. Whether on board a traditional junk boat gliding gently over the waves or on a luxurious yacht with all the comforts, Halong Bay will captivate you with its incomparable scenery. Discover hidden lagoons that invite you to swim and kayak, while the aroma of delicious Vietnamese cuisine on deck will tantalize your senses.
Each island a universe of its own
Each of the more than 2000 islands holds its own secrets and wonders:
- Ti-Top Island: Climb to the summit and enjoy a panoramic view that will take your breath away - an unforgettable photo opportunity!
- Dau-Go cave (wooden spire cave): Enter a mysterious underworld where bizarre stalactite and stalagmite formations will fire your imagination.
- Cat Ba National Park: Explore the lush vegetation and diverse wildlife, including rare species that are native to this unique ecosystem.
An experience for the soul
Halong Bay is far more than just a vacation destination. It is an experience that touches your soul and inspires your spirit. Here, myth and reality merge into an unforgettable adventure. Once you have experienced the enchanted water world of Halong Bay, you will leave a part of your heart here forever.
Topics
- Culinary delights
- Culture
- Nature
Highlights
- Unique limestone islands
- UNESCO World Heritage Site
- Authentic junk cruise
The emerald heart of Halong Bay - pure natural wonder and adventure
Immerse yourself in a green dream... The Cat Ba archipelago, a breathtaking archipelago in the heart of the world-famous Halong Bay, awaits you. Like emerald-green jewels, the islands rise out of the turquoise waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and form a living masterpiece of nature.
Cat Ba Island: where jungle meets dream beaches
The main island of Cat Ba is a true natural paradise. Here stretches the impressive Cat Ba National Park, a protected sanctuary that covers more than half of the island. Imagine walking along dense jungle trails, surrounded by the melodic song of exotic birds. If you're lucky, you might catch a glimpse of the rare golden-headed langur, a fascinating primate species that only exists here. Every step along the winding paths reveals breathtaking panoramic views and leads to mysterious caves waiting to be explored.
More than just nature: relaxation and adventure on the coast
But Cat Ba is more than just a nature reserve. Along the coast, paradisiacal beaches with the finest white sand and crystal-clear water invite you to linger. Unwind, feel the warm tropical sun on your skin and listen to the gentle sound of the waves. For the adventurous, the island offers a veritable Eldorado of water sports. Explore hidden lagoons by kayak, discover the colorful underwater world while snorkeling or dive into the depths to marvel at the hidden treasures of the sea.
A highlight of every Halong Bay cruise
An unforgettable cruise through Halong Bay reaches its climax with Cat Ba. Depending on the season and weather, the bay is always presented in a new, fascinating light - sometimes mysteriously shrouded in mist, sometimes radiant under the tropical sun. From the deck of your boat, you can see the famous karst rocks rising majestically out of the water while you enjoy the delicious flavors of Vietnamese cuisine on board.
Discover more hidden treasures of Halong Bay:
Dau Be Island: a paradise for water sports enthusiasts
About 28 kilometers from the port of Bai Chay is Dau Be Island, a must-see on many Halong Bay cruises. This place is famous for its fantastic swimming and diving opportunities. Discover colorful coral reefs, deep grottos and six fascinating inland lakes. At low tide, you can even explore the caves by rowing boat. Look out for golden monkeys and flying squirrels, which are at home here.
Bo Hon Island: The heart of the caves
Bo Hon Island is home to some of the most famous caves in Halong Bay: Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), Trinh Nu (Virgin Cave) and Trong (Man Cave). These impressive natural wonders are nestled in a breathtaking backdrop of mountains, steep cliffs and lush forests.
The fascinating world of limestone caves
No trip to Halong Bay is complete without a visit to its impressive limestone caves and grottoes. In most of the caves, you can marvel at stalactites and stalagmites that are over two million years old.
Dau Go Cave (wooden spire cave): A fairy tale made of stone
Dau Go Cave is one of the most visited caves in the bay. Gigantic stalactites and stalagmites await you here, some of which rise over 20 meters into the air. The cave is divided into three main areas, which are elaborately illuminated with natural and artificial light. Discover fascinating formations reminiscent of people, animals and mystical objects. At the end of the Dau Go Cave is a small pond with crystal-clear water. Locals believe that fairies use this pond to descend to earth.
Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin's Cave): A tragic love story carved in stone
Trinh Nu Cave, also known as the Virgin Cave, is home to the stone statue of a young woman. Legend has it that she was turned to stone after her death because she refused to marry an old mandarin. She fled from him because her father could not pay his debts. When fishermen found her lifeless body, they buried her and erected a small shrine in the grotto.
Kissing Rocks: The symbol of eternal love
The Kissing Rocks are undoubtedly the most famous landmark of Halong Bay. The two rocks resemble a rooster and a hen facing each other tenderly. The locals firmly believe that they symbolize eternal love.
Experience the diversity of Halong Bay!
From the untouched nature of the Cat Ba archipelago to the fascinating caves and the iconic Kissing Rocks, Halong Bay offers an unparalleled variety of experiences that are guaranteed to captivate you.
Ready to write your own chapter in the history of Halong Bay?
Bai Tu Long Bay: Vietnam's hidden gem - Discover the untouched beauty
Psst... We'll let you in on a secret! Just a short journey north-east of Hanoi, a natural paradise awaits you that is still largely undiscovered: Bai Tu Long Bay. Let yourself be enchanted by a breathtaking landscape that is so impressive that it will take your breath away and touch your soul deeply.
An emerald green sea of tranquillity
Just imagine: Over 1600 majestic islands and islets, artfully sculpted from limestone, rise out of a sea of deep green liquid emerald. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is the quieter, more mysterious sister of the famous Ha Long Bay. Here, far off the beaten track, Vietnam reveals itself in its most pristine and peaceful form.
Escape from everyday life: your retreat in nature
Bai Tu Long Bay is the perfect place for anyone who wants to escape the hustle and bustle of everyday life and immerse themselves in a world where time seems to stand still. Glide silently by kayak through hidden lagoons whose turquoise waters reflect the bizarre rock formations like a glittering mirror. Snorkel in the crystal-clear underwater world and be enchanted by the colorful tropical fish.
More than just nature: a journey through culture and history
Bai Tu Long Bay is not only a natural wonder, but also a living testimony to a rich, millennia-old culture. Visit the fascinating floating villages where families have lived in harmony with the rhythm of the sea for generations. Explore mystical, ancient caves whose walls tell stories from times long past. Immerse yourself in Vietnamese history on a visit to the historic citadel of Quan Lan, before finding inner peace in the peaceful Buddhist temple of Yen Duc.
Bai Tu Long: where adventure and tranquillity come together
Bai Tu Long Bay is more than just a destination - it is an invitation to experience the untouched beauty of Vietnam in its purest form. Here you will find adventure and relaxation in equal measure. Once you have experienced this enchanting water world, the tranquillity and magic of this special place will stay with you forever.
Highlights & Legends
A visit to Bai Tho Mountain was also very popular in the past. From here you could enjoy the panoramic view of Bai Tu Long Bay from above.
Bai Tu Long Bay: Where dragons sleep - A journey into Vietnamese mythology
Step into a world of legends... Beyond the breathtaking beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay lies a story as old as time itself - a fascinating legend deeply rooted in the heart of Vietnamese culture.
When kites descended from the sky... Imagine, countless generations ago, when the land of Vietnam was threatened by enemies, the mighty Jade Emperor personally intervened. In his infinite wisdom, he sent a mighty mother dragon and her many children to earth to assist the Vietnamese people in battle.
Heavenly warriors at work
The dragons descended like majestic creatures from the heavens, their shimmering scales glistening in the sunlight, their eyes shining with determination. With incredible strength and elegance, they defeated the invaders. Fireballs lit up the sky like comets and their mighty tails whipped through the air like whips.
The dragons' love for the earth
But when the battle was over and peace returned, something wonderful happened. The dragons, these heavenly beings, fell in love. They fell in love with the incomparable beauty of the Vietnamese landscape, the endless, turquoise-blue sea and the imposing limestone cliffs that rose out of the waves like silent sentinels.
The birth of two miracles
Overwhelmed by the beauty and the newfound peace, the mighty mother dragon decided to settle in the bay we know today as Halong Bay (literally: “Bay of the Descending Dragon”). Her children, however, full of a youthful spirit of discovery, flew on and found their own paradise in the neighboring bay - Bai Tu Long Bay (literally: “Bay of the Bowing Dragons”).
Experience the magic of Dragon Bay
As you glide through Bai Tu Long Bay today, you can still feel the traces of these legendary dragons. The magic of this ancient history lives on in the bizarre rock formations, hidden lagoons and untouched nature. Let yourself be seduced by the enchanting atmosphere of this mythical place and discover the secrets that are deeply rooted in the legends of Vietnam.
Places that are open to the public, such as the Thay Cave,the Fishing Village Vung Vien, the Thien Canh Son-Cave,the Ang Du and the Ban Chan Beacha bay that is recommended as a little-visited site off the beaten track. Here you can still experience untouched landscapes with emerald green water and a white sandy beach.
Your adventure awaits: discover the countless activities in Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay!
Experience Vietnam from its most beautiful side: Embark on an unforgettable journey through the breathtaking Halong Bay, one of Vietnam's top attractions. Here, where around 3000 islands and islets form a spectacular seascape with unique limestone pillars, an adventure in a class of its own awaits you.
Cruise through a natural wonder: Climb aboard and be enchanted by a picturesque cruise through this fascinating island world. Majestic limestone columns rise like works of art from the clear, emerald-green waters, creating a scenery like no other.
A kaleidoscope of bizarre beauties: Observe these geological masterpieces, whose bizarre rock formations rise dramatically from the sea. A seemingly enchanted and timeless world awaits you in countless grottoes, waiting to be discovered.
Activities for every taste: Your journey through this natural wonder will be enriched by a variety of exciting activities:
- Refreshing bath: Dive into the clear, emerald green water and take in the unique scenery.
- Kayak adventure: Explore hidden bays and lagoons on your own and glide silently along the impressive rock formations.
- Fascinating cave worlds: Discover mysterious caves and grottos where stalactites and stalagmites have formed bizarre shapes.
- Traditional rowing boats: Let yourself glide leisurely through the calm waters and enjoy the landscape from a completely new perspective.
Discover authentic Vietnam in Bai Tu Long Bay:
In the neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay you have the unique opportunity to see the fascinating floating villages Experience the traditional life of the fishermen who have lived in harmony with the sea for generations and gain an authentic insight into Vietnamese culture.
Your unforgettable experience in Halong and Bai Tu Long Bay starts here!
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The weather in Halong Bay
Tropical monsoon and coastal climate, the weather varies in 4 different seasons in the Bay. Halong Bay, nestled in a region with a tropical monsoon and coastal climate, experiences four distinct seasons. Each has its own charm, but for an unforgettable trip, we particularly recommend spring, which lasts from March to April in the bay.
How to get to Halong Bay ?
Round-trip transfers are usually arranged as part of your cruise package. The nearest airports are Noi Bai International Airport (in Hanoi) or Cat Bi Airport (in Hai Phong).
If you want to be flexible and get to know corners of Vietnam off the beaten track, a private transfer is ideal for you. We will be happy to organize this for you.
The right time to visit
The first peak season lasts from June to July, attracting mainly Vietnamese and Asian travelers. The period between December and February is the second high season with tourists from Europe, America and other countries. The first low season lasts from April to May and the second from August to October. Book your cruise early to secure the best seats for your Halong Bay tour.
Inspiration
Scenic train Hue-Da Nang: Over the Hai Van Pass
Fancy one of the most beautiful train journeys in Vietnam? Discover the new panoramic train between Hue and Da Nang, which takes you over the breathtaking Hai Van Pass. Find out all about the timetable, tickets and the unique experience on board.
Holafly: The best choice for your eSIM in Vietnam
Discover the freedom of unlimited connectivity in Vietnam with Holafly eSIM! In our latest blog post, you'll learn all about the benefits of eSIMs, why Holafly is the best choice for your trip and how to activate your digital SIM card in minutes. Say goodbye to expensive roaming charges and enjoy seamless internet wherever you are. Read on to find out more about our exclusive partnership with Holafly and the unbeatable benefits for travelers!
To Sapa by train
Are you dreaming of a trip to Sapa that combines pure luxury and breathtaking scenery? Then you should forget the bus and hop on one of the exclusive trains that connect Hanoi with Sapa. Let yourself be enchanted by the beauty of northern Vietnam while you relax in comfortable compartments or sleeping cars and enjoy delicious meals.
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Find the best Halong Bay cruises here!
Here you will find a small selection of our cruises to Halong Bay. If you are interested in a different cruise, we would be happy to create a customized offer for you!
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