We provide you here with every single detail of the natural beauty of Halong bay. From its islets to the caves, the stalactites, the legends attached to them..
Touropia, which features the most amazing sights around the world divided into “best of” lists, has recently named Halong Bay in the list of the most ideal destinations in Southeast Asia.
Halong Bay ranks 3rd in Touropia 10 most ideal destinations
Located in the northeast of Vietnam, Halong Bay spans 1,553 square kilometres and includes 1,969 islands & islets of various sizes making up the spectacular scenery on the blue sea. It has been recognised by the UNESCO twice as the World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000.
No.1 in Touropia 10 most beautiful bays 2015
According to Touropia some of the islands contain lakes while some are hollow, with a colorful fairyland of grottos. There are four fishing villages composed of floating houses on Halong Bay.
Last year, in October 2015, Touropia placed Halong bay on top of the list 10 Most Beautiful Bays in the World.
In 2011 the bay was voted one of the seven New Natural Wonders of the World.
The bay is an iconic destination for visitors to Quang Ninh province, with its rich biodiversity, stunning beauty, and significant historical and cultural value.
Recently, Condé Nast Traveler magazine of France also honored Halong bay number 38 in the list of 50 most beautiful destinations of Asia. In the list Vietnam also contributed 2 other cities which are Sapa and Hoi An at nember 36 and 37.
Halong bay No.38 in 50 most beautiful destinations in Asia
The huge rock on the Thien Nga islet of Bai Tu Long bay is suddenly dropped off. The professionals are identifying the cause.
On 16th July, Mr Tran Van Hien, manager of the Bai Tu Long bay preservation center confirmed the event of the rock gone. With the initial survey, it can be identified as a naturally geological phenomenon, with time and the change of weather, it caused landslides. "The specialists are doing more researches to find the specific cause" he said.
The Photographer Can Dinh Loan announced that he detected the loss of the rock on Thien Nga islet on June 2016. He put two photos before and after the rock disappearance for comparison.
Thien Nga islet or Swan islet was famous for its shape like a swan floating on the waves, consisted of three large rocks: Two rocks formed the head and the neck and another huge rock created the body of the "Swan", the tail was green trees clinging on the cliffs.
Travelers who have completed a Halong bay trip but still in need for the pristine wildness and natural purity can choose Cai Chien as their next destination. Cai Chien is located in Hai Ha district, Mong Cai city, Quang Ninh province and though not as famous as Coto nor Quan Lan islands but with its purity of blue sea and green mountains, Cai Chien is ideal for those who love the true nature.
Visit Cai Chien, you will be daydreaming in the picturesque scenery. The sea of Cai Chien is not affected by any industry so that it's extremely pure. Take a look at it from a distance, you find it blue but a closer look gives it almost transparent, likely to the sea bed.
Cai Chien island
On the island of 269km2, there are only about 130 households living mainly on agriculture and fishing. Tourism services on Cai Chien are limited but in the heart of this beautiful nature, you may still find it comfortable enough because the climate is extremely fresh and warm, pure sea taste.
From the Halong city, you can go to Phu Hai port in 4 hours. From there, a boat takes you to the island of Cai Chien in 30 minutes. As a new island in travel services, Cai Chien has just had the electricity in April 2016, the overnight service here is only the container homestay which looks very cute. Each container features 2 double beds for 4 persons with an air conditioner, a private bathroom. More person can be added to the 4 persons container, only a few extra dollars each. The containers are placed adjacent to the sea, alternating betweet rows of casuarina, so that you can lazily walk to the beach.
All creatures here are surely gentle enough for you to play with. The beach is sheltered by the islets and the bay water is warm so that you can bath freely without fear of the wind nor fear of the waves, very safe for even the elderly and the young children.
In the Dau Rong area, beside the long beach for bathing, you may take pictures with friends on floating rafts with the help of fishermen at no charge.
When you are bother with water, sand and waves, you can rent a motorbike to explore the island. You will be able to ride with friends on the twisty roads all around the island. When you get to Duoi Rong area, You will be overwhelmed by the majestic landscape here. Mountains rise majestically from the sea to the blue sky. There you can find the ocean jetty extending to the sea, quite fancy.
Your container, if you rent one, is in a cool pine forest with grassy aroma and romantic small paths, suitable for walking. On your walks, you may find the yellow rice fields with the new rice fragrant.
To stay overnight on the island, you can choose the form of camping on the beach or homestays. However, if you want a better equipped and meals of vietnamese rice with seafood without doing it yourself, one single container is the choice.
The people here are very hospitable, if you are polite and friendly, you can be offered the fresh seafood for free.
The world’s largest cable car system and the highest Sun Wheel has started to serve the tourists at Bai Chay tourist site, Halong city, from 25th June 2016.
In the introduction party, the representatives from Guinness World Records presented the certificates recognising the cable car system as the world’s longest system with the largest cabin and the highest ferris wheel, Sun Wheel.
The Queen cable car system and the Sun Wheel ferris wheel are parts of the Ocean Park project of Halong city, which cover an area of nearly 200 hectares with a total investment of around VND 6,000 billion.
Visitors will have a chance to enjoy sightseeing of Halong Bay, Halong city, Bai Chay bridge and Cuu Luc river from different angles.
The Queen cable car system - the longest on the world
The Sun Wheel ferris wheel - the highest wheel in the world
This 2200m long and 190m high system provides 15 minutes trip on Halong bay
One of the 2 cars that can totally serve up to 250 people at a time
A view from the Sun ferris wheel to Bai Chay bridge
The waiting hall with design of a royal building
The ticket booth
Halong by night with Bai Chay bridge and the ferris wheel
If your visit to Halong bay on boat didn't give you the satisfaction that you thought it must have then take this seaplane trip. It does not only help you save time moving from an excellent spot to another but also give you extraordinary experiences.
Seaplane on Halong bay
Currently, Hai Au is the only private airlines in Vietnam to provide the services of seaplane. The plane has two seats for pilots and 12 others for guests with wide windows helping passengers to easily enjoy and capture the views from 150m to 3,000m to the sea.
When the plane slowly landing on the sea, surf on the surface and suddenly take off fast you will feel really excited for the difference from the normal fly.
Besides, the pilot will drive several rounds at different conners and heights for you to appreciate the whole beauty of Halong bay.
Halong bay view from the seaplane
The New York Times voted sighseeing Halong bay from a seaplanes as one of the best services in the year 2015.
Seaplane ride on sea surface
Especially, Hai Au airlines is offering the promotion at 2,228,000 VND (about 100 USD) a 25 minutes seaplane trip.
Have fun on Halong bay!
Meals with much protein from meat may make you tired but the protein from this seafood will bring your desire back. It's the popular dish of the people living in Halong bay due to its simplicity of preparation.
Making
1- Octopus alive or at least stay fresh.
2- Rubbing octopus with salt and then with lemon. Wash the octopus with water for several times. Leave it for drying. Cut it to pieces. Season it with garlic, chilli, oil and leave it for infusion 15 - 20 minutes.
3- Next, you place it on furnace bar with attachment of garlic and ginger. Steam it for 10 minutes. Steamed octopus will retain its flavor and chewy to eat. Use it hot with sauce tasted sour, sweet, and spicy.
