Conical hats aside, some the most recognisable images of Vietnam feature the limestone outcrops of Halong Bay. Around 1600 islands and towering rock pillars of various shapes and sizes make up this World Heritage listed marvel, which has also been included among the seven new natural wonders of the world.
But no matter how many photos you’ve seen, there’s little than can prepare you for the thrill of drifting through this incredible landscape. The magic begins as soon as the boat leaves the harbour, and the further you travel into the bay the more enthralling the scenery becomes.
And it never lets up. It’s not a matter of occasionally passing the odd precipitous bluff bursting from the sea; they’re everywhere, topped with greenery that somehow clings to sheer rock.
It does seem, however, that quite a few travellers have been tipped off about this scenic wonder, so rest assured that you’ll be far from alone.
There are several hundred tour vessels operating within Halong Bay but because it covers such a vast area, it’s only when you disembark to visit the various attractions that you’ll encounter the masses.
Most tours include a visit to Surprising Cave, though when you first arrive you’re more likely to be alarmed than surprised. A number of boats converge on the cave at the same time, and the throng of passengers making their way up the stairs to the entrance can be daunting.
It’s pretty a much a log jam until you reach the massive main chamber, where the crowd thins out. This is an impressive cave system and worth a visit despite the heavy traffic, and it’s also the vantage point for the best known view of Halong Bay.
Cave tour guides the world over feel compelled to assign identifiable objects/animals/fairytale characters to cave features. Here it’s no different, so you can either choose to tilt your head and squint in an attempt to make out the alleged likeness, or simply concede that the stalactite over there does looks like a squirrel riding a unicorn.
For many years Halong Bay has been home to floating villages. To help preserve this unique landscape the local authorities have encouraged residents to move to the mainland, and have assisted those who have opted to relocate. The remaining villagers have been guided along the path of environmental sustainability, and rely on tourism to help preserve their way of life.
Our tour included a visit to a village where passengers (maximum four) climb aboard a traditional woven bamboo boat for a leisurely paddle around the drop-dead gorgeous cove the locals call home. It’s no wonder they chose to stay.
One of the most enjoyable activities is kayaking, which provides an opportunity to get up close to the outcrops. On my first visit to Halong Bay, several years ago, we paddled through a small hollow in a rock wall that opened up to reveal a concealed lagoon, completely encircled by the inner walls of the islet – a truly memorable experience.
This time we paddled in and around a forest of outcrops, an equally enjoyable experience.
You don’t get to be a wonder of the world by being pretty good. Halong Bay is a jaw-dropper, and if isn’t included on your Vietnam itinerary then be prepared to endure many months of ‘Did you go to Halong Bay?’ upon your return home.
Travel to Halong Bay with RAA
You can experience Halong Bay for yourself on RAA’s exclusive 17 day, 16 night Indochina Explorer tour. Starting in Hanoi this tour includes Halong Bay, Hue, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City Phnom Penh and the incredible Angkor Wat. The tour departs every Saturday from Adelaide and prices start at just $2,999pp. Click here for more details, call 8202 4589 or drop into an RAA Shop for more information.
By John Pedler, RAA’s expert travel blogger
