Is Ha Long Bay Worth A Visit?
Ha Long Bay: A Hidden Gem in Vietnam
If you're on the lookout for an unspoiled haven where you can bask in the beauty of nature and immerse yourself in the local culture, let me share with you the marvel that is Ha Long Bay. Nestled in the heart of Vietnam, this breathtaking destination offers an experience unlike any other, where history, serenity, and natural wonder converge to create an unforgettable journey.
Unveiling the Hidden Oasis
We set out on a quest for a getaway that wasn't just a run-of-the-mill tourist spot. And Ha Long Bay greeted us with open arms. Yes, the harbour was bustling with boats and adventurers, but venture beyond the initial hubbub, to Ha Long City, and you can enjoy the untouched beauty of the bay whilst mingling with locals doing Tai-Chi or playing football at sunset alongside the bay.
One thing that we found interesting about Ha Long Bay was the fact that there were hardly any tourists staying in Ha Long City itself, all the tourists were on the boats exploring the UNIESO site (which makes sense, and we did this too), but the city remains mainly untouched by travellers and remains authentically Vietnamese! So authentic, that hardly anyone spoke English, so we tried our hardest to learn a few key phrases to help us out, but relied heavily on Google Translate whilst here.
Stepping into History and Culture
Ha Long Bay isn't just about stunning views – it's a history lesson and a cultural immersion rolled into one. The name Ha Long Bay translates to "Descending Dragon Bay," and the legends say it all. Dragons spitting out jewels and jade to protect the land from invaders – can you believe it? Those towering limestone formations poking through the mist? It's like wandering into a dreamland.
What is the legend of Ha Long Bay?
The legend of Ha Long Bay is a captivating tale that has been passed down through generations in Vietnam. It's a story that weaves together mythical creatures, bravery, and the creation of the breathtaking landscape that is Ha Long Bay.
The legend revolves around the time when Vietnam was fighting off foreign invaders. To aid the Vietnamese people, the Jade Emperor, the supreme deity in Vietnamese folklore, sent a family of dragons as protectors. These dragons were said to descend from the heavens, spitting out jewels and jade into the sea, which transformed into a defensive wall of islands and islets.
The purpose of these islands was to create a formidable barrier against enemy ships. These natural formations worked their magic, and the invaders' boats were shattered upon contact with the stone islands. The people of Vietnam emerged victorious, thanks to the divine intervention of the dragons.
The name "Ha Long" itself translates to "Descending Dragon" – a direct nod to the dragons that are said to have descended from the heavens to protect the land. The legend not only explains the unique karst landscape of Ha Long Bay but also carries a profound cultural significance for the Vietnamese people.
This mythological story infuses Ha Long Bay with a sense of magic and wonder, enhancing the allure of its stunning natural beauty. As visitors sail amidst the towering limestone formations, shrouded in mist and folklore, they become a part of this mesmerising tale that has shaped the heart and soul of the region for centuries.
Nature's Canvas: From Limestone Karsts to Tranquil Waters
Trying to capture Ha Long Bay's majesty with words is nearly impossible. Imagine sailing on emerald waters, surrounded by towering limestone forms wearing coats of lush greenery. The reflections on the water's surface? Pure magic. It's not just a sight; it's a feeling that awakens something inside you.
And let's talk adventure. Ha Long Bay is a playground for anyone who loves the great outdoors. Kayak through secret caves, climb up hills for panoramic views or just plop down on a hidden beach and soak it all in. There are many cruises that also take you to different islands surrounding Ha Long Bay, like Cat Ba Island and Bat Caves - I’ll do a separate blog post on those later because you don’t want to miss exploring some of the islands whilst you’re in the area.
There’s not a lot to do in Ha Long City
Whilst we loved staying in Ha Long City, honestly, there’s not a huge amount of things to do there. There are a few places you could go and visit like the amusement park called Sunworld, and there’s a theme park and a rollercoaster near there too, but, in my opinion, the main event is going on a cruise or boat tour to sail around Ha Long Bay. We did an amazing 3-day 2-night Cruise on a boat called Mon Cheri, which we will do a review on soon!
Digital nomad life in Ha Long Bay
We managed fine in Ha Long Bay with our remote working, but just fine. We didn’t find many places where we felt we could comfortably go and sit and work in all-day, but luckily we had fast internet in the Airbnb in which we were staying. However, there were regular blackouts/power outages which did make it hard to keep things running smoothly; which leads me into the next saga…
The Heatwave
We hit Vietnam during an epic heatwave, where the thermometer flirted with 45 degrees Celsius, and felt like 50! Our Airbnb in Ha Long kept having power outages due to power restrictions meant to prevent fires and electrical mishaps. No power meant no Wi-Fi and – brace yourself – no air conditioning! Yeah, the heat had us sweating buckets and sitting around in our undies hoping the power would come back on soon.
The rolling blackouts were planned to keep the city cool, but they didn’t tell you when they were going to happen or how long they would be for. The longest power outage we had was about 13 hours, overnight. We spent as long as we could in the Highlands Coffee (equivalent to Costa in the UK) across the road from us, but all the residents of our 30-floor tower block had the same idea so to say it was chaotic in there was an understatement.
After a week of consistently random blackouts, we pulled the plug early. The heatwave and Wi-Fi roulette were just too much for us. We packed our bags and sought refuge in a 5-star oasis in Hanoi, where a backup generator and working Wi-Fi were waiting for us. Luxury and comfort, ahoy!
To Wrap it All Up
So there you have it, a brief overview of our adventure in Ha Long Bay. Past the harbour chaos and the power struggles, lies a corner of Vietnam that's serene and spectacular. It is one of the most beautiful places that we have visited on our travels so far and is absolutely worth a visit. We would say that you probably only need to explore Ha Long City for a week maximum. We did three weeks here and we felt we had over-estimated the time we’d need to ‘complete’ the city.
We’d just recommend going in Winter or Spring to avoid the sweaty Summer situations that we had!
Happy travelling!
