Top Reasons to Go

Views from the water: Cruise among thousands of limestone karsts and deserted islands where sandy coves, hidden caves, and floating villages abound.

Exploring Cat Ba Island: At this national park the endangered langur monkey finds refuge among lakes, waterfalls, and limestone cliffs that are now prized territory for rock climbers.

Luxury at sea: You don’t have to spend the earth to enjoy a Halong Bay cruise, but the ever-growing selection of sumptuous vessels with top-class amenities that ply the waters make it worth splashing a few dollars more on the experience.

Laid-back café culture: Haiphong may not get the same press as other major Vietnamese hubs, but the city’s tree-lined boulevards and colonial-era architecture are easily appreciated from one of its many friendly coffee shops.