Much is made of the beauty of Halong Bay in the north east of Vietnam. This UNESCO World Heritage Site is simply a paradise. It picks up awards and accolades at regular and frequent intervals. Named as on of The Seven Wonders of Nature it is a special Biosphere and named in CNNs list of the best 5 paradises in Southeast Asia. It is 600 square miles of astonishing beauty that is unsurpassed anywhere in the world. Travelers come from all corners of the globe to sail round and explore this superb piece of Nature’s artistry.
In so much as plenty is written about the bay and its 2000 islands, the city of Halong itself, seems to get neglected. This is unfair, as it is as worthy of praise and visits as any where else in the region. Many people come in from Hanoi just over a hundred miles away, jump straight on to a cruise boat and sail off. At the end of their cruise, they disembark and jump straight into their transport back to the nation’s capital. They are missing out on a great experience. Thankfully many people are now getting the message and tourism in the city is on the up.
The City is divided into two halves; East Ha Long and West Ha Long, the eastern contains most of the industry and government buildings. The west is the tourist sector and where the hotels are situated. The city also goes by the name of Hong Gai. It sits right on the edge of the Bay affording some great views from the mainland.
Facing the beach there are many excellent restaurants and cafés. These serve great Vietnamese food of the region, including the shrimp and mussel dish known as Su fish, this is only found in Halong Bay. Western equivalents are easy come by, for those of delicate stomachs.
The beaches here are also excellent. Bai Chay Beach is man made but absolutely beautiful. The Quang Ninh Provincial Museum is also worth a visit. Halong is not about partying and late night bright lights. It is a laid back place and all the more charming for it. A ride out to the east will bring you to the Ferry port where you can catch the free ferry to the nearby island of Quan Lan. This is a superb unspoilt island completely free from tourism and the trappings that go with it.
Halong is well worth a visit in any terms. It is quite and unspoilt. Not the sort of place to spend a week in, but certainly a day or two here is not wasted. It feels like real Vietnam, no gimmicks just a nice place to be.