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A natural wonder of the world and one of Vietnam's five UNESCO World Heritage Sites, magnificent Ha Long Bay lies 160km to the east of Hanoi. Over three thousand jagged limestone isl ands emerge from the emerald green waters of Ha Long Bay. While some islands are no more than large rocks others are much more substantial and contain huge cathedral-like caves of stalactites and stalagmites. Most of the islands are clothed in thick green vegetation and ring with the sound of bird song in the early morning. Secluded sandy coves are everywhere and in the summer months the warm waters of the bay are ideal for swimming. Ha Long's largest island, and one of the few that are inhabited, is Cat Ba which has some nice beaches and a national park on it.
The best way to appreciate the delights of Ha Long Bay is to cruise among the islands on a wooden junk. Fresh seafood can be bought from the local fishermen directly from their rowing boats and cooked up for a delicious lunch. For a real Indochine of old experience cruise the bay's emerald waters in style with Emeraude Classic Cruises on board their wonderfully nostalgic 37-cabin replica steamship.
Around 50km south of Ha Long Bay is Hai Phong, Vietnam's third largest city and northern Vietnam's main port. Despite being a largely industrial city, the centre of Haiphong has many classic French colonial buildings, wide tree-lined streets and some pleasant parks. Hai Phong is a good overnight alternative for visitors to Ha Long Bay and boats can be taken from Hai Phong's harbour.
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