A must-see in Vietnam

Often listed as a must-see in Vietnam, Ha Long Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long) is stunning. Covering an area of 65, 650 hectares and comprising 1, 133 islands and islets, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago is situated in the northeast of Vietnam, within Quang Ninh Province and Hai Phong City. 

Archaeological evidence suggests that the site has been inhabited for over 18, 000 years, with the earliest settlers belonging to the Soi Bhu culture and later to the Cai Beo culture. Known by many names previously, the bay adopted its current name in the late 19 th century.

The area was designated as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994.

Read more about other fascinating UNESCO World Heritage Sites. 

Karsts, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Asia, adventure, travel
Kayaking, Ha Long Boay, Vietnam, Asia, Adventure, travel

here be dragons

Ha Long means ‘Descending Dragon’, referring to the thousands of limestone structures known as karsts. These imposing structures feature in age-old stories as hardened jewels, spat out by dragons as they fought to protect the bay from invaders. Legend has it that the dragons continue to live nearby, ever ready to protect the land when called upon.

 

Over 1000 people still live on the bay today in small villages of floating houses, earning a living through fishing and shellfish harvesting.

Dragons, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Asia

a night amongst the karsts

Matt and I chose an overnight ‘cruise’, although ‘moor and bob’ might be a more precise description. Cruise boats are moored outside the harbour, with passengers boarding via one of several small tenders. 

Once all passengers are aboard, the boat gently moves out into the bay before mooring among the karsts and inlets. The views are spectacular, but we recommend small binoculars to observe the island birds, as the boats are not permitted to get close to the rocks.  If you are vigilant, you might spot black kites swooping to snatch a fish from the water.

Floating villages, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam, Asia, adventure, travel

Most cruise trips include kayaking and a visit to the Trung Trang Caves. Many also offer on-board activities such as Tai Chi. Despite the early hour, there was something quite spiritual about practising Tai Chi at sunrise.

This may not be for everyone! While we thought the scenery beautiful, the boat staff incredible, and the food fabulous, it isn’t something we would do again. 

Not least because we are concerned about the volume of tourist traffic. As travellers, we are conscious of the potentially negative impact of our presence as we learn from the people and cultures we encounter. 

There exists today an ever-increasing need to strike a balance between the environment and the growing demands of local people and ecologies with incoming revenue.  

Follow the link to find out more about our commitment to responsible travel. 

Follow your heart to Vietnam – and save money – with the G Adventure sale. 

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