The Bay of Descending Dragons: Halong Bay

Halong Bay Photo Cruise

This is a revamped version of an older post.

No trip to Vietnam is complete without a visit to Halong Bay (also known as Ha Long Bay)—a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can measure the level of excitement by the number of photos you take—and during my two-day cruise there, I took a lot.

Around 2,000 limestone islands rise like towers from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, creating truly stunning views. Traditional wooden ships known as junk boats—resembling pirate vessels—sail between these dramatic karst formations, passing beautiful caves and grottoes waiting to be explored, slow-moving fishing boats, and sleepy floating villages.

Ahoy, me hearties!

“The fishermen know that the sea is dangerous and the storm terrible, but they have never found these dangers sufficient reason for remaining ashore.” – Vincent Van Gogh

Take a photographic journey through the limestone karsts of Halong Bay.

Ha Long Bay is a place that lingers in memory long after the journey ends. Its quiet beauty, shifting light, and timeless landscapes make it unforgettable.

The Camera

• Sigma DP1
• Post-processing: Adobe Lightroom CC and Nik Collection

Do

• Take a junk boat tour and relax.
• Visit the “Cave of Surprises”, the largest cave in Ha Long Bay, featuring vast chambers and striking natural sculptures formed by stalactites and stalagmites.
• Buy snacks and drinks from local boat vendors if you run out of provisions.

Map

Related

• Halong Bay – Lonely Planet Guide
• Romantic Hanoi
• Back in Time in Mekong Delta
• Intro to Hoi An and Saigon