Vietnam Hạ Long Tours

Ha Long town is the usual departure point for boat trips into the bay that shares its name, a seascape of limestone islands scattered across the Gulf of Tonkin.

Choosing Bai Tu Long Over the Crowds

The neighboring Bai Tu Long Bay gets a fraction of the traffic that Ha Long itself does, with similar karst scenery and calmer anchorages for overnight cruises. Both areas can be combined on a longer route for travelers with extra time.

Cat Ba Island as a Base

Cat Ba, the bay's largest island, offers an alternative to sleeping aboard a boat, with a national park covering much of its interior and beaches along the southern coast. Ferries and speedboats connect it to Ha Long town and to Hai Phong.