Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most famous natural wonders, recognized as a UNESCO

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam's most famous natural wonders, recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000. Millions of years ago, this area was formed through complex geological processes, creating a magnificent landscape with nearly 2,000 islands, primarily limestone karsts. Ha Long Bay is also associated with the legend of dragons descending to protect the land, giving it the name "Ha Long" (Descending Dragon).

Geographical Location

Ha Long Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province, in the northeast region of Vietnam. The bay spans an area of approximately 1,553 square kilometers, including a core heritage zone and a buffer zone with thousands of islands, clear blue waters, and numerous stunning caves.

• Coordinates: Approximately from 20°43′ to 21°09′ N latitude, and from 106°59′ to 107°20′ E longitude.
• Distance from Hanoi: About 165 km, equivalent to a 2.5- to 3-hour drive by road.

How to Travel to Ha Long Bay from International Locations

For International Visitors:

1. From International Airports:

• Noi Bai Airport (Hanoi): The main international gateway, located about 160 km from Ha Long Bay.
• Van Don Airport (Quang Ninh): Only 50 km away, a convenient option for travelers heading directly to Quang Ninh.
• Cat Bi Airport (Hai Phong): About 70 km from Ha Long Bay, with both domestic and international flights available.

2. Transportation from Airports:

• Shuttle Buses: Various companies offer shuttle services from Noi Bai, Van Don, or Cat Bi airports to Ha Long.
• Luxury Buses: Limousine services operate frequently, with ticket prices ranging from 250,000 to 350,000 VND/person.
• High-Speed Boats: If departing from Hai Phong, travelers can take speedboats to Tuan Chau Wharf.

3. Travel by Sea:

• From international seaports in Hai Phong or Ha Long, visitors can choose cruise ships or luxury boats to reach the bay.

Transportation within Ha Long Bay

• Cruise Ships: The most popular way to explore the islands and caves.
• Kayaks: Ideal for close-up exploration, especially in smaller caves.
• Seaplanes: Perfect for those who wish to see Ha Long Bay from above, with short flights available from Hanoi or around the bay.

Statistical

• In 2023, Ha Long Bay welcomed nearly 2.7 million visitors, a 35% increase compared to 2022, including over 800,000 international tourists.
• Specifically, on December 30 and 31, 2023, Ha Long Bay received approximately 22,200 visitors, of which around 17,000 were international tourists.
• Overall, in 2023, Quang Ninh Province attracted approximately 15.5 million tourists, including 2 million international visitors, marking a 33.6% increase compared to the previous year.

(Source: https://congthuong.vn/ and https://baochinhphu.vn/)

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