Shoeless, but Not Unrooted
A lost pair of shoes revealed a quiet truth: lightness is chosen, not carried
Snapshot of Ha Long Bay
Southeast Asia
Region
October - April (dry season)March - April (best weather)
Best Months to Visit
11.6 million (2022)
Visitors per Year
Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Currency
VietnameseEnglish
Top Languages
ICT (UTC+7)
Time Zone
Hạ Long is a region, archipelago, and city in northern Vietnam.
The bay holds nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, many uninhabited and unnamed. They rise like towers from the emerald waters. Its name means "descending dragon," a nod to a legend: dragons were sent to defend Vietnam, spitting jewels that became the islands.
Designated as a UNSECO World Heritage Site in 1994, Ha Long is celebrated for its natural beauty, dramatic karst formations, and vast caves.
Most journeys begin in Ha Long City, with cruises being the most popular way to explore. Beyond the boats, you can also explore floating fishing villages, kayak through hidden lagoons, and hike island trails for stunning views of the seascape.
Scenes From Ha Long Bay
Map of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Stories from Ha Long Bay
Explore cities in Vietnam: Da Lat, Ha Giang, Ha Long Bay, Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh City, Hoi An, Ninh Binh.