The Allure of Ha Long Bay for International Tourists

 

Ha Long Bay has long been a powerful attraction, not only for domestic visitors but also for international friends. Its charm lies in its majestic natural beauty, diverse tourism experiences, and the romantic, mysterious atmosphere that envelops the area when night falls.

Fully Experience the Beauty of a Wonder

According to Business Insider, Ha Long Bay leaves a strong impression on visitors thanks to its rare natural beauty and diverse terrain. The scenic advantages have helped Ha Long Bay become one of the leading tourist destinations in Vietnam.

With more than 1,600 large and small limestone islands, Ha Long Bay is often likened to a geological wonder that nature has bestowed upon Quang Ninh province. Each island stands out not only for its unique and strange shapes but also for the mysterious stories they hold, captivating and surprising visitors.

Ha Long Bay is home to over 1,600 limestone islands, both large and small. (Photo: THANH DAT)

A tourist from China shared: "I have visited Ha Long City several times for work, but this is the first time I've taken a boat out into the Bay. I knew Ha Long was a heritage area, but being immersed in the heritage space, getting up close to the limestone mountains with their strange shapes, and experiencing the vastness of the water and waves... it’s a truly unique feeling."

The towering limestone formations rising from the turquoise waters, taking on various shapes like nature’s sculptures, not only leave visitors in awe but also serve as an endless source of inspiration for photography enthusiasts.

According to David, an American photographer, the stillness combined with the breathtaking beauty of the water, merging with the grandeur of Ha Long Bay, creates an incredibly magical scene. "Sitting on a small boat, gliding through the water, and admiring the beauty of the Bay makes me feel more deeply connected with nature. For me, kayaking while quietly soaking in the views of Ha Long Bay is enough to fully experience its magnificence," David shared.

The majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay. (Photo: THANH DAT)

For Storiolo (a French tourist), what impressed him most about Ha Long Bay was the water: “Ha Long Bay left me with a stunning impression, with its towering limestone mountains. The clear, turquoise water made me want to swim immediately. It’s truly fascinating!”

One of the unique experiences that is hard to miss when visiting Ha Long Bay is the overnight cruise tours. Visitors can choose to stay on luxurious yachts to enjoy a high-class vacation. Particularly, the moments of watching the sunset and sunrise over the sea will offer tourists an unforgettable sense of relaxation. In the fresh and open atmosphere of the Bay, visitors can drift into a deep sleep, listening to the distant sound of waves, and feeling the peace that nature provides.

Jiwon (a South Korean tourist) shared: “I’m a freelancer, and I often stay up late and wake up late at home. But during this trip to the Bay, I woke up early to watch the sunrise over the sea. When I opened my eyes, the view outside the window was like a beautiful watercolor painting. Stepping onto the deck and breathing in the fresh air, I felt like I was in a completely different world. It was so refreshing, but I also felt a bit sad because I only had one night on the boat…”

Moments of watching the sunset and sunrise over the sea offer tourists an unforgettable sense of relaxation. (Photo: THANH DAT)

Ha Long Bay at different times of the day reveals its own unique beauty. While the sunrise brings freshness, youthfulness, and the vibrant energy of a new day, during sunset, the space here transforms into a mystical, poetic, and romantic scene.

The sun gradually sets behind the limestone islands, casting a golden hue over the sea and creating a breathtaking natural landscape. This is one of the most romantic moments that tourists can experience during their journey.

Ms. Mei Lin (a tourist from Singapore) excitedly shared, "I chose a 2-day, 1-night tour to observe how the atmosphere of Ha Long Bay changes. This trip did not disappoint me. Watching the sunset from the boat deck, seeing the sun slowly sink into the water, and feeling the tranquility and vastness helped me rejuvenate from within."

After the cruise tour, Mr. Jeroen de Vries (a tourist from the Netherlands) confidently said, "If anyone is planning a trip or looking for a destination to visit Ha Long Bay, I would recommend choosing an overnight cruise experience to fully enjoy the transition between day and night on the mysterious waters of Ha Long."

As of October 2024, Ha Long Bay welcomed its 3 millionth international tourist, marking an important milestone for the tourism industry of Quang Ninh. It is expected that in the 2024-2025 cruise season, more than 60 international cruise ships, with a total of over 100,000 tourists, will visit the Bay.

Diverse Experiential Activities

In addition to its majestic natural beauty, Ha Long Bay also attracts tourists with unique and diverse experiences it offers. Ha Long Bay can cater to every type of traveler, whether they seek tranquility and relaxation or crave to explore new adventures.

With its rich marine ecosystem, Ha Long Bay is an ideal destination for those who love exploring the underwater world. Tourists have the chance to engage in activities such as diving to admire the colorful coral reefs or kayaking through small bays and secluded areas that are still relatively unexplored.

Boats moving across Ha Long Bay. (Photo: THANH DAT)

Returning to Ha Long Bay for the second time, Mr. Kim Joo Hyun (a tourist from South Korea) commented that the tourism services in Ha Long have improved significantly compared to six years ago. Mr. Kim expressed his impression of the variety of sightseeing and exploration activities in the Bay: "I participated in a coral diving tour, and I was deeply impressed by the underwater world. The green color of the sea and the vibrant coral reefs made me feel like I had entered a different world, completely separated from reality."

The cruise ships in Ha Long Bay not only offer a luxurious space but also provide various entertainment activities such as fishing, cooking with chefs, or even yoga classes on the deck. All of these activities become truly special when experienced amid the vast and serene waters of this natural heritage, leaving unforgettable memories for tourists.

Mr. Storiolo (a tourist from France) added: "We booked an overnight tour on the bay. Throughout the trip, I participated in many activities such as exploring caves, kayaking around the bay... At night, we went squid fishing together. Every experience was truly enjoyable."

The pristine beauty of the caves in Ha Long Bay. (Photo: THANH DAT)

When visiting Ha Long Bay, in addition to enjoying the natural beauty, tourists can learn about the local fishermen's way of life.

The fishing villages in Ha Long Bay are not only where generations of fishermen have been raised but also serve as a testament to the long-standing connection between the people and the sea. A visit to these villages allows tourists to gain insight into the local culture and provides the opportunity to taste fresh seafood caught directly from the sea.

Mr. Lukas (a tourist from Germany) shared: "The visit to the fishing village helped me understand more about the life of the local people. The houses on the water, the small fishing boats—everything creates a vivid picture of life in the fishing village. What impressed me the most was the warmth and sincerity of the local people. They shared with me their traditional trade and fascinating stories about a life intertwined with the sea. It was truly a memorable experience."

With its majestic natural beauty and rich marine ecosystem, Ha Long Bay is not only a natural wonder but also an ideal destination for those who wish to immerse themselves in nature, explore local culture, and seek moments of peace for the soul.

The perfect blend of nature, culture, and a variety of tourism activities has made Ha Long Bay one of the most attractive destinations for both domestic and international tourists.

Translated by Thuy Ha