Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, northeast of Vietnam, Halong Bay has an area of approximately 1,553km2, including 1,969 islets. The area designated by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage Site incorporates 434km² with 775 islets.

Halong literally means ‘where the dragon descends into the sea’. Legend has it that a dragon had plunged itself to the sea, making a wall to help the locals defend against the invaders and then stayed to protect this beautiful land. In fact, historical research surveys have shown the presence of prehistorical human beings in this area tens of thousands years ago. With artifacts found in Bai Tho Mount, Dau Go Cave, Bai Chay area, Halong is proved the place for important events in the history of Vietnam

Halong was praised as a "rock wonder in the sky" by famous poet Nguyen Trai some 500 years ago. In 1962, the bay is designated as 'Renowned National Landscape Monument' by Vietnam Ministry of Culture, Sport and Tourism. Ha Long Bay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994, in recognition of its outstanding, universal aesthetic value. In 2000, the bay was recognized for the second time for its outstanding geological and geomorphological value. Halong Bay is also included in the list of nominations for the World's seven Natural Wonders in 2009, run by the New 7 Wonders Foundation.

Above words and rewards, Halong Bay is of breathtaking beauty with thousands of islands and islets rising spectacularly from the emerald waters. Towering cliffs, jungle-topped islands, hidden caves, grottoes and calm waters have made the bay a must-see for travelers. Cruising this magical environment will carry you deep into the Bay’s more secluded inner reaches for a memorable experience of this unique seascape. Besides, Halong is also famous for the beautifully illuminated caves and lively floating villages.

The climate of the bay is tropical, wet, sea islands, with two seasons: hot and moist summer, and, dry and cold winter. The average temperature is from 15°C- 25°C, and annual rainfall is between 2000mm and 2200mm. Typhoons may hit the bay during September to November.