The campaign to collect votes for Halong Bay to be recognised as one of the New 7 Wonders of the World in November this year is entering the final stages, said an official from the Ministry of Culture, Sports and Tourism (MCST).
At a meeting to discuss the country’s efforts to reach this goal held on February 23, Director of International Cooperation Department under the MCST Nguyen Van Tinh said that Halong Bay is among the 28 finalists. The official declaration of the New 7 Wonders of the World will be made on November 11, 2011, he added.
The Director General of the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism (VNAT), Nguyen Van Tuan, emphasized the need to mobilize people to vote for Halong Bay and win the support of international friends.
The VNAT will also launch its own campaign to vote for the bay, he revealed.
Meanwhile, the department has come up with a plan to promote the image of Halong Bay to international tourists and friends. The plan includes a photographic contest and a painting competition on Halong Bay for children as well as an art performance.
The department will also organise activities to collect votes at major schools, tourist sites and through the Internet.
To vote for Halong Bay, twice recognised by the UNESCO for its landscape and geological values, in northern Quang Ninh Province, please visit the website
There is no better way to enjoy Vietnam than getting high over the emerald waters rock climbing in Halong Bay. Rock climbing in Vietnam is now the most unique and exciting way to make your trip to Ha Long Bay most memorable. You don’t need to be an athlete or adrenaline junky to enjoy rock climbing in Halong. If you are new to rock climbing or adventure activities in the Cat Ba Island, Ha Long Bay area, many levels of rock climbing tours are available to choose from.
Halong Bay, a visually stunning archipelago of around 1600 islands and islets, was inscribed on the World Heritage List in 1994. This amazing seascape of virtually uninhabited limestone outcrops is an exhilarating destination to explore and experience on every sensory level. Discover the splendors of the bay aboard a wooden junk that combines classic beauty with modern comfort. Here are some Vietnam cruises in Halong Bay recommended by Vietnam Hotel.
Designed in the 1910’s Indochina style, the Halong Emotion offers the perfect mix in traditional elegance and modern comfort. Special attention has been paid to the decoration and interior of the junk. It features 28 comfortable rooms, a dining room with sea view, a bar and a superb sundeck.
Cruise Halong and spend one night among its spectacular limestone, amazingly scattered from the emerald water, will give you an life’s time experience. In this luxurious Halong Bay cruise, you will have chance to enjoy the fantastic Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha islands, taking part in various sport activities like swimming, climbing, fishing and diving.
Itinerary: Halong → Bai Tu Long Bay – Lan Ha Bay → Cat Ba
Price from $385
Officially launched on 15th November 2009, our newest five star junk – the Halong Violet – fitted out in the 1930’s Indochina style. A 2 days 1 night cruise on Violet Junk will bring you to a wonderful natural world of magical bay of Halong. Moreover, tourists have opportunity to join some sport activities available on board. Taking some Tai Chi exercise begins your day with fresh air in the sea.
Itinerary: Halong → Islets in Halong → Halong
Price from $508
Tourists have time to experience Halong Bay cruise of 3 days 2 nights covering the most visiting spots of the bay to stay longer and truly discover the beauty of the World Heritage Natural Wonders. We have our own comfortable waiting lounge and private dock that offers guests comfort and convenience. The designed cruising loops are covering more areas of the bay with quiet overnight anchoring spot!
Itinerary: Halong → Islands in Halong → Halong
Price from $600
Road
Hanoi – Hai Duong – Ha Long: 170 km
This is the most convenient route (without passing by ferry):
- Hanoi – Hai Duong City: 55 km
- Hai Duong – Sao Do Town: 25 km
- Sao Do Town – Dong Trieu Town: 20 km
- Dong Trieu Town – Uong Bi: 30 km
- Uong Bi – Ha Long City: 40 km
Hanoi – Hai Duong – Hai Phong – Quang Yen – Ha Long: 163 km
This road passes from Hai Phong to Ha Long City. This route crosses two ferries: the Binh Ferry in Hai Phong and Rung Ferry in Quang Yen.
- Hanoi – Hai Duong: 55 km
- Hai Duong – Hai Phong: 48 km – Hai Phong – Quang Yen: 20 km
- Quang Yen – Ha Long City: 40 km
Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long: 155 km
This is the shortest land route from Hanoi to Ha Long.
This route has just been upgraded. It is very convenient for transportation.
- Hanoi – Bac Ninh: 30 km
- Bac Ninh – Pha Lai: 25 km
- Pha Lai – Dong Trieu: 30 km
- Dong Trieu – Uong Bi: 30 km
- Uông Bí – Ha Long City: 40 km
Móng Cái – Ha Long: 180 km
From Móng Cái go along National Highway No.4B via Hai Hà, Đâm Hà then take National Highway No.18B through Cửa Ông, Cam Pha, Hon Gai to Bai Chay.
Bus
In Bai Chay (Ha Long):
Bai Chay Bus Station (Tel: (84-33) 846 416) is close to the Bai Chay Post Office. Buses leave from Bai Chay daily for Hai Phong, Hanoi, Da Nang, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang and other provinces.
Air-con minibuses depart daily from Bai Chay Station to Kim Ma (every 15 minutes) and Dong Trieu (every 20 minutes).
In Hanoi
Minibuses daily depart from Kim Ma Bus Station (Tel: (84-4) 845 2846) to Bai Chay (every 15 minutes).
It takes 3 hours and 30 minutes, and costs 35,000 VND.
Ha Long Bay (also “Halong Bay”) is in northern Vietnam, 170 km east of Hanoi. The bay is famous for its scenic rock formations.
If you thought the hideout in the James Bond film “The Man with the Golden Gun” was spectacular, imagine a place where there are 3,000 such limestone islands clustered together in the East Sea of Halong Bay. Paddle through caves into secret lagoons, drift down channels surrounded by cliffs and forest and sail out into the open sea. Relax on the deck of our luxurious double-sailed junk and look forward to seafood bought straight from passing fishing craft. Swim alone amongst the limestone islets under the stars and take a breather at a floating village hidden amongst the islands. Our fiber glass sea kayaks make for satisfying travel, whether you are an Olympic champion or first time enthusiast.
Getting there
The best way to get to Ha Long Bay is to rent a car from Hanoi. It costs approximately US$100-US$120 return. There is also a tourist open bus service offered by travel agencies around the Hoan Kiem Lake in Hanoi. Cost is around US$8 net/person/way.
Public buses leave from Long Bien Station to the Bai Chay Station (other side of Red River, 5km from Hoan Kiem Lake) every 30 minutes from 6AM to 6PM and cost 50,000 dong/person each way. This is not recommended for foreign travelers, as these buses are often crowded, slow and unsafe.
The popular trail (starting from Hanoi)
Day 1: You leave Hanoi for Halong Bay at 8.30am with a short break for refreshment at a handicraft centre. Upon arrival in Halong City you will board a Chinese-style wooden boat (locals call it “Junk”) for a fine seafood lunch and a short cruise to one cave. After a short exploration of the cave you start the kayak exploration of the bay, paddling through an amazing area of limestone islets, passing a floating village to reach Luon Cave, which is a tunnel thrusting through a mountain. Paddling through the tunnel to explore a beautiful secluded lagoon. End of the first with dinner and overnight in AC, private junk’s cabin.
Day 2: This kayaking day starts from Van Chai Floating village and then continue paddling to Dark Cave. The cave is a 200m long, dark tunnel thrusting through a limestone mountain. The tunnel is the only entry to a secluded and beautiful lagoon. You can also explore some other caves nearby. After lunch you paddle to Ba Trai Dao Lagoon, along a stunning and fairly rough sea channel, to explore its beautiful beaches. Then continue paddling to Lan Ha Bay, which is smaller than Halong Bay but much more interesting with lots of secluded beaches.
Day 3: Breakfast is served on the junk and you will enjoy the sundeck while the Junk navigates amazing rock formations of Bai Tu Long Bay to get back to Halong City. Lunch on the junk before heading back to Hanoi by bus.
When to kayak
You can do kayaking on the bay all year around but great time is between October and June. A typical kayaking day starts at about 8.00 am after breakfast. Lunch will be served on support boat. At the end of a kayaking day, we would return to the junk by 5 pm or 5.30 pm.
Travel gears
Hard-cell, tandem kayak, paddle, life-jacket and dry bag are available on this tour. We recommend you to bring some extra gears such as Sun block, hat, anti-insect repellent, sunglasses, rain coat. The kayak tour with well-trained and experienced tour guide is always recommended for a best exploration.
Halong Bay is said to be a magical land of natural sea bay beauty which is attracting more and more tourists ever since UNESCO’s recognition of its natural beauty and value! Located in the Northeast of Vietnam, Halong belongs to Ha Long city, Quang Ninh Province, in the Gulf of Tonkin. In Halong, there are series of attractions, say, Tuan Chau and Cat Ba. Others are Bai Chay, Ti Top, Minh Chau, Quan Lan and so forth. Ha Long Bay is undoubtedly not only a national but also a world natural beauty spot, a magnificent work of Natural Creator. When visiting Halong, guests can choose among numerous luxury Halong hotels with modern facilities and excellent service.
Here are the best hotels in Halong Bay recommended by travelers on Trip Advisor.
Set amidst a mystical landscape overlooking the stunning Halong Bay, the 4-star Novotel Ha Long Bay is one of the luxury Halong hotels which offers a glimpse into the contemporary Vietnam, while recalling a story of the country’s intricate past through its elegant interior decor. A vision set in polished stone, glass and marble against delicate Asian textures – silk, wickerwork and carved wood – accentuated by splashes of bright colors and elaborate design centerpieces – will fascinate all guests who have chance to stay here. With sweeping windows and over-sized mirrors, the hotel captures panoramic views of Halong Bay and its spectacular seascapes at every turn.
Price from $92*
2. Halong Pearl Hotel
The Halong Pearl Hotel Halong is a magnificent property conveniently located on HaLong Road providing easy access to many key attractions and major transport links. The Halong Pear Hotel is the perfect retreat for the weary traveler offering consistency and high standards combined with extra amenities and services set in stylish and charming surroundings. The Halong Pear Hotel offers a selection of finely decorated spacious guestrooms equipped with modern amenities to ensure satisfaction from the most ardent and well-traveled client.
Price from $62*
3. Halong Hidden Charm
Hidden Charm Hotel is set to three-star international standard, newly opened in August, 2007. Structurally, the 8-floor hotel built with modern architecture and traditional Vietnamese art combination, well furnished interior which creates romantics, comforts and offers a perfect setting to relax, enjoy, marvel and cherish the natural sights and surrounding of the bay, which is the most suitable for families’s holiday and honeymoon.
Halong Plaza Hotel is one of luxury hotels in Vietnam. It is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lush green tropical plants and breathtaking view over Halong bay vietnam and its numerous islets. Everything is conveniently located and easy to access. With four star standard amenities, guests are offered the best services and facilities at Halong Plaza Hotel. The luxury that surrounds you and the typically wonderful Vietnamese service here will make our hotel a true ‘home-away-from-home’.
Price from $77*
5. Ocean Beach Resort
Ocean Beach Resort, the unique Halong Bay Eco Private Island Beach Resort, is located on an island 3 miles Southeast of Cat Ba which is the largest eastern island in Halong bay and was recognized as the World Biosphere Reserve by UNESCO. The resort is divided into two separate areas sprawling on two different direction beaches. The beach directed toward Cat Ba town is Sunrise Beach and the other beach directed toward East Sea is Sunset Beach. All the bungalows made from all-natural materials and everything is designed to compliment each facility and its natural surroundings.
Price: $52*
* The price is for reference only as it may change due to the hotels.
Indochina Sails – the most luxury cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam will attend the upcoming ITB in Berlin from March 9-13, 2011. The five day B2B international travel trade show and convention has its debut from March 9 to 13, 2011 in Berlin.
As driving force in the travel industry, ITB Berlin gives important impulses to a continuously growing market. ITB Berlin is the leading B2B-Platform of all tourism industry offers. In addition, the world’s largest tourism convention Market Trends & Innovations provides unique opportunities to benefit from the leading think tank of the global tourism industry.
Indochina Sails express the desire to promote Luxury Halong Bay Cruises, Vietnam in the luxury segment, which is addressed to people who want to live a unique experience, with personalized service, privacy, tranquility and simplicity in World Heritage of Vietnam.
Indochina Sails is the first and biggest company to offer luxury overnight cruises on the bay. Indochina Sails is now widely known as the number one choice for discerning travelers, operating a fleet of six luxurious built wooden junks and cruises. Two of them are newest additions in 2010, named Valentine Premium with 2 deluxe cabins and Indochina Sails Premium with 24 deluxe and suite cabins. They were designed in time-honored traditional style, with contemporary and luxurious cabins and facilities.
Please come to visit Indochina Sails at booth number 128 Hall 26A.
Ha Long Tourism Festival Week 2011 will be held from April 28 to May 2. It will officially open in Bai Chay Beach area on May 1 with its full pomp.
The main highlights will include art performance and Carnival 2011 themed “Ha Long wonder sparkling in colour” to mark its 5th annual celebration.
Mong Cai, Dong Trieu, Uong Bi, Van Don and other localities are busy preparing to introduce their special products and cultural values at the festival.
2011 is a decisive year of the voting campaign for Ha Long Bay to become one of the world’s natural wonders, launched by New Open World (NOW) through the internet (www.natural7wonders.com).
Over the past month, Quang Ninh has welcomed 270,000 tourists, including 167,000 foreigners and earned VND260 billion in revenue, an increase of 20 percent from a year earlier.
Halong Bay in Quang Ninh Province, a UNESCO recognised world heritage site, is doing its utmost to accumulate 60 million votes to become one of the new seven wonders of the world.
The announcement was made by the Vice Chairwoman of the Quang Ninh Provincial People’s Committee Nhu Thi Hong Lien, at a meeting to promote Halong Bay’s image and encourage people to vote for it on February 15.
After the third round of voting, dating back from August, 2007, Halong Bay now ranks fourth out of the 28 finalists in the vote launched by New Open World.
In order to be included in the top seven, the country’s famous landscape must collect over 60 million votes, including a substantial number from foreigners. Therefore, Quang Ninh authority has continuously made an effort to spread information and promote the image of Halong Bay both in and outside of the country.
In the first seven days of 2011, Halong Bay attracted 56,000 visitors, with 94% being foreigners, the largest number ever.
The result of the voting is expected to be made public on November 11.
The Saigon Travel Service Company on Jan. 25 welcomed 2,500 foreign tourists and crew sailing aboard the cruise liner Costa Classica, which docked in Ha Long City, in the northern province of Quang Ninh.
Costa Classica Cruise
The visitors, mostly from Italy, Spain, Germany and the United Kingdom, will visit Halong Bay, Yen Tu relic site, Long Tien pagoda and leave the city on the evening of Jan. 26, concluding the trans-Vietnam tour.
This year, Quang Ninh’s tourism sector expects to welcome 5.4 million arrivals and gain three trillion VND in revenue.
Be the First to Comment 
