A World Heritage Site rising from the picturesque Gulf of Tonkin, Ha Long Bay is a prime tourist destination in northern Vietnam, famous for its limestone pillars, scattered islands and rugged grottoes. The sandy beaches of Cat Ba Island pull sun worshippers like a mighty solar magnet, with thundering waterfalls and the glittering Ech Lake, a favourite haunt of local and visiting fisherman. Cruises and tourist boats ensure regular access to this unspoilt enclave of island paradise.
Cat Ba National Park harbours more than 30 types of animals, including the endangered golden-headed langur, and offers numerous hiking trails and a more strenuous mountain summit climb. Many travellers rent a motorbike and spend the day exploring the park. Back in Cat Ba Town’s harbour, the local market is filled with freshly caught crab and shrimp, and tiny bia hoi stalls pour local beers well into the evening.
Halong City is the main gateway to the Bay, and most tourists book boat rides at the Bai Chay Tourist Wharf after arriving in the city. Short hops around the bay make stops at main attractions such as the caves of Thien Cung, while longer excursions allow a few hours in Cat Ba, where QH public buses are available from the docks. Those travelling in groups often find it affordable and convenient to hire a private boat and guide for the day to visit the main islands at their leisure, including Ti Top Island and Lan Ha Bay, south-east of Cat Ba Town.
The villages of Ha Long Bay have many legends, including the origin of the name Ha Long. It comes from the Sino-Vietnamese language and means “descending dragon”. It carries a tale of the gods sending a family of dragons spitting out jewels and jade to protect Vietnam from invaders, with the jewels transforming into the myriad of islets dotting the bay.