Ha Long Bay accommodation from AU$21

Halong means "where the dragon descends into the sea" and legend says that all of the limestone cliffs and islands were created by a dragon that landed in the sea, thrashing its tail all the way down from the mountains and causing the water level to rise as its body fell to the depths, leaving only the tips of the outcrops protruding from the surface.

Things to do

The combination of mist, cliffs, caves, coves and small beaches make the bay feel like some sort of mythical land. Pinch yourself if you must but make sure you take heaps of photos of the surreal scenery while you're here.

Swim and cave dive to your heart's content after riding in a junk boat (a traditional Vietnamese boat, not a boat filled with rubbish) and visiting some of the floating fishing villages. You can even sleep out on the boat for a unique experience or perhaps even a romantic evening.

Stop off at Cat Ba Island and enjoy the adventure sports on offer, like jungle trekking and rock climbing and then head back to the mainland and explore Halong City.

Shopping and dining

In Halong City, you'll find the Halong Market and the Halong Night Market, where you can grab some cool souvenirs. There's also a shopping centre nearby - the Bai Chay Commercial Center - if you'd prefer to shop in air conditioned comfort.

In the city, there are heaps of fantastic dining options with plenty of Pho Soup and seafood dishes. When night falls, you can try your luck at one of the casinos or belt your lungs out in a karaoke bar.

Getting here and around

Hanoi is the closest airport - about 160km away – so grab one of these cheap flights to Hanoi to set you on your way. If you're arriving late in the evening, you can stay in one of our Hanoi hotels and make your way to the bay in the morning. Once you've arrived, you can cruise around on the water in a junk boat or a kayak and on land, take the cheap buses and tuk tuks or hire a motorbike to get around.

So wot are you waiting for? Book your Halong Bay accommodation with us now and get ready to experience nature at its finest in northeast Vietnam!

Need insider tips on must-see attractions in Halong Bay? Check out our Halong Bay travel guide!