Vietnam Tours: The Wonders of Halong Bay

With its mix of tradition and modernity, of adventure and hospitality, Vietnam is a country that remains long in visitors' hearts. With so many sights and experiences to be had, it can be hard to narrow down the options of what to see. The best Vietnam tours are designed with just this variety in mind, to offer the traveller a sense of the natural and cultural diversity. One attraction that should never be left off the list is Halong Bay tours, a jewel of a natural wonder, with plenty to discover - read on for a taste of this tantalising landscape.

Halong Bay: An Overview

Meaning, literally, 'Descending Dragon Bay,' Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, located in Quang Ninh province. Its enchanting beauty is lent by the thousands of dramatic rocks and islands, formed from limestone, that rise from its tranquil turquoise waters. Over 500 million years of slow
change in evolving environments has resulted in formations unlike any others, and also contributed to an astounding level of geodiversity and biodiversity relative to the size of the area. With over 70 endemic species of flora and fauna, fascinating geological phenomena, and traces of ancient human civilisation, it's no wonder Halong Bay is such a treasured component of Vietnam tours.

Exploring the Caves

One of the most delightful features of Halong Bay is the caves that can be explored within many of the bigger islands, each with their own distinct character. Dau Go Island is popular to visit while on Vietnam tours for its three chambered grotto, illuminated with colourful lights and filled with stalagmites and stalactites making fabulous shapes, some of them extending over 20 metres. Hung Sung Sot Cave, on Bo Hon Island, is known for its rock formations that look like sentries, and another said to represent a general. On the same island, Virgin Cave contains a shrine dedicated to a beautiful woman that legend says is buried there, while Pelican Cave has some of the most impressive stalactites in the bay. Some caves can only be visited by boat, adding to the sense of adventure that permeates Halong Bay tours.

Cat Ba National Park

Another popular part of Halong Bay to see on Vietnam tours, Cat Ba Island is well worth the visit. While parts of the island now hold all the familiar features of tourist destinations, the national park is a preserved pocket of stunning natural beauty, perfect for exploring on foot. It is a good place to see some of Halong Bay's many endemic species, including the Cat Ba langur, while the nearby fishing villages offer the chance to see the traditional industry of the bay and taste some of the mouth-watering local seafood.