Halong lies in the northeast Vietnam, and the 29km stretch of coast known as Halong bay is part of the east Sea (also known as South China sea)

There is little change in climate during the year. Winter lasts from September to March and temperatures suit the tourism industry all year around. There are an ever-increasing number of water sports available but the main attraction of Halong bay is its stunning landscape. Most of the islands are uninhabited and untouched by man. The ancient Vietnamese believed that HalongBay was where a giant dragon "descended into the sea", as the rocky outcrops resemble the humps and scales of a dragon's back.

Many of the forested islands in the bay have hidden caves and grottoes which are easily explored by boat or kayak. Some of the island caves are filled with a colorful stalagmites and stalactites.

The trip from Hanoi to Vinh Ha Long will take you almost five hours. With the one day excursion you will only be able to do a small boat tour. Two days is the minimum stay recommended. If you add a third day, you will be able to sleep in one of the islands in the bay, Cat Ba Island for instance.

Places of interest

Cave Of The Wooden Stakes (Dau Go Cave)

This is one of HalongBay's most beautiful and historically significant caves. It is known as place where locals stored weapons, most of them wooden, used in the battle against Nguyen invaders of the 13^th century.

The CelestialPalace (ThienCungCave)

Located in Southwest of Halong Bay, it is one of the bay’s most recent discoveries with walls and four main pillars carved with stories from the past.

Cave Of Surprises (Sung SotCave)

Sung Sot was discovered in 1901 by the French. Lying 25m above sea level the cave has 3 distinct chambers connected by narrow passages and accessible via an 800m walkway.