Destination guide

Ha Long travel guide Hạ Long

Hạ Long Bay is a field of limestone islands and islets off the coast of Quảng Ninh province. Together with the Cát Bà archipelago it is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site, and most visitors see it from the deck of a boat on one of the bay's official routes.

Our guides cover what first-time visitors plan for most, from getting here from Hanoi and choosing a boat route to what to eat in the city, and every fact that can change shows the date we last checked it.

Suggested stay

A long day trip, or one night to see the bay at a slower pace Editor's recommendation

World Heritage

Hạ Long Bay – Cát Bà Archipelago, inscribed by UNESCO in 2023 Verified 15 Oct 2026

From Hanoi

About two hours by expressway, according to the official tourism website; allow longer door to door Verified 15 Oct 2026

Boat ports

Mainly Tuần Châu and the Hạ Long international passenger port in Bãi Cháy Verified 15 Oct 2026