Ha Long Bay, located in northern Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province, has been designated as one of the top destinations for 2024 by luxury travel experts at OvationNetwork, a US-based travel agency specializing in high-end and experiential travel. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay showcases a unique ecosystem and geological formations that offer a blend of natural beauty, outdoor activities, fresh food, tranquility, and accessibility. According to Zane Schafer, the Vice President and General Manager of OvationNetwork, the demand for travel remains high as people seek deeper and more experiential connections with off-the-beaten-path destinations. Next year, Ha Long Bay is poised to provide such an experience.
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Cruise on Ha Long Bay. Photo: Travel and Leisure |
“Whether you’re a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, Ha Long Bay has something for everyone. The unique rock formations of limestone karsts and islets add to the magic of this unduplicated location,” advises travel consultant Andrew Lewis Harrison.
Visiting Ha Long Bay via a junk boat excursion and a trip to Bai Tu Long Bay are also highly recommended by the experts at OvationNetwork. They suggest that the best times to visit are between March and April, as well as from September to November, when the weather is pleasant, rainfall is minimal, and sailing conditions are favorable.
Situated about a two-hour drive east of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay boasts a picturesque landscape of limestone karsts and islets emerging from the Gulf of Tonkin’s emerald waters. With more than 1,900 islands of varying sizes, the bay offers breathtaking scenery that captivates nature lovers. Visitors have the opportunity to explore the bay’s serene and romantic atmosphere through boat tours or indulge in remarkable helicopter and hydroplane tours for a bird’s-eye view.
In addition to its natural beauty, Ha Long Bay is renowned for its outdoor activities. Travelers can enjoy kayaking, snorkeling, and other water-based sports that immerse them in the bay’s enchanting landscapes. For those seeking a less crowded experience, venturing north to Bai Tu Long is recommended. This hidden gem reflects the splendor of Ha Long Bay but with fewer tourists.
In September 2023, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago, situated in Vietnam’s Northern province of Quang Ninh and the neighboring city of Haiphong, gained official recognition as a World Natural Heritage Site. This acknowledgment builds on Ha Long Bay’s previous designations as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000, as well as being named one of the seven new natural wonders of the world in 2011 by the Swiss-based New Open World Corporation.
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