Explore Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay: A Breathtaking New Seven Natural Wonders Gem

Since we’ve arrived in Hanoi, a visit to Halong Bay is an absolute must! This stunning destination is also recognized as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. A few days ahead, I booked a one-day tour to Halong Bay through Klook. We set off early from Hanoi and after about two and a half hours, we reached the breathtaking bay.

Every travel agency has its own cruise ship, and the one we chose was not only large and brand new but also incredibly impressive! It stood out on the water with its lavishly decorated top deck, making it the most eye-catching vessel around [Laughing with tears R]. Check out reference image 10 to see for yourself!

The cruise included a buffet lunch, which was quite decent and satisfying! [Disdainful R] However, the small cup of tea provided was barely enough for two sips. If you wanted more to drink, you had to purchase it separately [Disdainful R]. After all, they do aim to maximize their profits on board!

The scenery of Halong Bay is simply breathtaking! Every corner offers a perfect photo opportunity! The cruise typically stops at three main attractions.

First up is the Surprise Cave, filled with magnificent stalactites and spacious enough to explore comfortably. See reference images 1/2/3 for a glimpse of its grandeur.

Next, there’s the Mystic Cave, where you can choose between a bamboo boat or a kayak to explore the lagoon. A friendly tip: unless you have a change of clothes, stick with the bamboo boat to avoid getting wet for the rest of your journey [Facepalm R]. Reference images 5/6 showcase the serene beauty of this spot.

Finally, we arrived at Paradise Island, the liveliest and most vibrant of the attractions. By evening, almost all the cruises converge here. You can either swim or hike up the mountain. We opted for the mountain climb, using the same path for both ascent and descent. With railings along most of the trail, it felt very safe.

The climb was manageable, and the panoramic view from the top was absolutely stunning, offering a sweeping vista of the entire area around Paradise Island! On our way down, we were treated to a beautiful sunset, adding another layer of magic to the experience! Don’t miss reference images 7/8 for a visual treat.

On the return journey from Paradise Island to the cruise dock, the tour group organized a lively party on the top deck of the ship! The cool evening breeze made it delightful to sit up there, enjoying the fresh air and some delicious fruit.

In summary, Halong Bay is an unforgettable experience and definitely worth a visit! Highly recommended! [Thumbs up R]