Halong Bay on Cruise: A Travel Guide to Discover This Wonder World

Updated on Apr 08, 2024 | Vietnam e-Visa

Visiting Vietnam this year? Make sure you never miss these two things- Applying for a Vietnam tourist eVisa and Halong Bay! Here’s the travel guide for you.

Want to get a break from your boring lifestyle and hectic schedules? Just get out and explore the wonders you have never discovered so far, like Halong Bay, Vietnam! Maybe you have already gone to Vietnam before. But, if you have missed this part, you will regret it for sure!

And, if you have visited Vietnam before, you may know well that the first thing you need to enter is a valid permit- A Vietnam tourist visa. Wait, don’t rush! After all, it no longer takes months to receive a travel visa to Vietnam. Thanks to Vietnam tourist eVisa speeding up the application procedure, which allows you to get the permit in just within five business days!

So, are you ready? Let’s see how to start and what to see here.

Here’s the Must-See Halong Bay Cruise in Vietnam

Vietnam is a breathtaking country with its beauty of nature, coastlines, sea, and rural villages. And, amidst these, Halong Bay is here, located on the northern coast of the Gulf of Tonkin. It takes three to four hours to arrive here from Hanoi along a straight and even sometimes bumpy road. However, you can also take a flight from Hanoi to Halong Bay to cut the time and reach in just 30 minutes and leave with more time to discover this mesmerizing place!

According to locals, your trip will remain incomplete if you haven’t visited Halong Bay. Its islets and karsts in the emerging green waters will leave you spellbound for a moment! Let’s look at what kind of awe-inspiring scenery you can explore here:

Magic and History of Halong Bay

Among Vietnamese, Halong Bay has a long history as these waters have amazing marine species, from fishes of 200 species to mollusks of 450 species. And, this bay has more than 1600 islets and karsts, which are home to hundreds of birds and animal species. No wonder fishing boats have kept floating here for centuries and have become a regular stop for boats and cruises.

Limestone Islands

In Halong Bay, you will find several drowned limestone islets and karsts. Over the years, most of the sides of these karsts have transformed into sheer cliff-like structures due to the rising and falling of water levels, making them the home to many birds and animals. In fact, the centers of these islets have been carved out of mesmerizing caves, which are now popular as the best tourist destinations.

Protected by Dragons

In Vietnamese language, it means Bay of The Descending Dragons, referring to the legends, and the initial settlers of this bay to prevent the invaders from breaking into their area. According to the legends’ story, a group of dragons destroyed the invaders’ ships together before they could enter Halong Bay. After that, they took a human form and remained there to serve people for thousands of years.

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UNESCO World Heritage site

In 1994, UNESCO declared Halong Bay as a World Heritage site, and in 2002, it was added to the new top seven wonders of nature. Using your Vietnam online travel visa, you can enter Vietnam and explore Halong Bay and its popular spots. Such as:

Cat Ba Island 

It’s one of the most popular islands in Halong Bay for being a homeland to around six communities. Recent research shows that the number of inhabitants here is nearly thirteen thousand. Nowadays, you will find there are many hotels and resorts to accommodate more and more travelers every year in Vietnam.

Sung Sot Cave

It’s another most visited spot in Halong Bay. The walls of this over thousand square meters cave are rocky, and you will discover its beauty in the artificial lighting inside. However, at its exit, you can enjoy the beauty of natural lighting, highlighting the route. 

Floating Fishing villages

Do you love fishing? Then, you should take a visit to Floating Fishing villages to enjoy not just this activity but the diverse marine life. You will find wooden walkways and several boats that stop at this fishing village as a part of the trip to Halong Bay. In fact, you can taste the delicious seafood from the nearby shops there and get them cooked on the boats.

How to Cruise on Halong Bay

Well, taking a cruise is the best way to enjoy and explore Halong Bay. Now, while booking cruising boats, you have options here to choose according to your budget and travel plans. You will get here from 1 to 5-star cruises catering to your every need. Make sure you check these categories before taking one:

  • Day trips
  • Two days and one-night trip
  • Three days and two-night excursions

Also, know about the cruise ship itinerary properly, and don’t miss obtaining and carrying Vietnam tourist eVisa if you really want to explore the beauty of Halong Bay this time.

Need help with the Tourist eVisa Application?

If yes, let us help you! At Vietnam eVisa, we can help you with everything, from filling out the application form to translating your documents into over 100 languages to reviewing your paperwork to ensure accuracy and completeness, including checking grammar and spelling. Apply for a Vietnam online travel visa now!

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