Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam's Quang Ninh Province, has been named one of the top destinations for 2024 by luxury travel experts at OvationNetwork, a US-based travel agency specializing in high-end and experiential travel.

"As a mix of natural beauty, outdoor activities, fresh food, tranquility, and accessibility, Ha Long Bay is one of the world's most unique ecosystems and geological formations. Next year, people will be looking for a deeper, more experiential connection with destinations off the beaten path," said Zane Schafer, Vice President and General Manager of OvationNetwork.

"The unprecedented demand for travel we saw last year continues into 2023, and as the New Year arrives, people will be looking for a deeper, more experiential connection with destinations that are off the beaten path," he commented. 

Cruise on Ha Long Bay. Photo: Travel and Leisure

"Whether you're a history buff, nature lover, foodie, or adventure seeker, Ha Long Bay has something for everyone. The unique rock formations of limestone karsts and islets add to the magic of this unduplicated location," advises travel consultant Andrew Lewis Harrison.

Visiting Ha Long Bay via a junk boat excursion and a trip to Bai Tu Long Bay are also recommended by the OvationNetwork experts, who added that the best times to visit are between March and April and from September to November. "During these periods, the weather is temperate, rainfall is minimal, and sailing conditions are favorable," they said.

Ha Long Bay, about a two-hour drive east of Hanoi, features a variety of limestone karsts and islets rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Endowed with clear blue waters and more than 1,900 islands of all sizes that create magnificent and fascinating scenery, the bay is a not-to-be-missed destination for nature lovers.

Tourists can take sightseeing tours by boat to enjoy the serene and romantic atmosphere of this elegant place or experience impressive moments by taking special tours with helicopters and hydroplanes to view the bay from above.

The bay has long been celebrated for its natural beauty and geological formations. Outdoor enthusiasts can enjoy activities such as kayaking and snorkeling, offering an authentic experience that allows visitors to immerse themselves in the bay's landscapes.

For the discerning traveler who wants to avoid the crowds, an alternative worth considering is venturing north to Bai Tu Long, a hidden gem that mirrors the splendor of Ha Long Bay but with fewer tourists.

On September 21, 2023, Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, located in Vietnam's Northern province of Quang Ninh and the neighboring city of Haiphong, was officially recognized as a World Natural Heritage Site.

Ha Long Bay was twice recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 and 2000 and was named one of the seven new natural wonders of the world by the Swiss-based New Open World Corporation in 2011.