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Ha Long Bay Location Map: Where is Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
This map of Ha Long Bay highlights its location in northern Vietnam. On the map, look for the coastline near the Gulf of Tonkin. In Quang Ninh Province, about 170 kilometers east of Hanoi in northeastern Vietnam.
It covers an area of about 1,553 square kilometers, featuring a 120-kilometer coastline. The bay stretches from Yen Hung district in the west to Van Don district in the east, with the city of Ha Long serving as the main gateway.
Ha Long Bay Area Map
This detailed Ha Long Bay area map showcases 3 interconnected bays, helping you choose the right cruise route and ensure you don't miss the most spectacular areas of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
The greater Ha Long region consists of three distinct bays:
Ha Long Bay (Central Area): The most famous and frequently visited section, featuring iconic limestone karsts and islands seen in postcards. Known for caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace), and popular attractions like Ti Top Island. This area offers the classic Ha Long Bay experience with both day and overnight cruises.
Lan Ha Bay (South): Located off Cat Ba Island, this quieter bay features similar limestone formations but with fewer tourists. Known for its pristine beaches, floating fishing villages, and excellent kayaking opportunities. Many consider it more peaceful than Ha Long Bay proper, with clearer waters and better opportunities for swimming.
Bai Tu Long Bay (Northeast): The most remote and least visited of the three, offering a more authentic experience. Features untouched islands, pristine beaches, and fascinating floating villages. Cruise ships here are fewer, making it perfect for travelers seeking tranquility and unspoiled scenery.
Ha Long Bay Attractions Map: Top Attractions on Map
This Ha Long Bay tourist map highlights Ha Long Bay's most remarkable attractions. And it helps you visualize the bay's natural wonders and plan your cruise itinerary. Let me guide you through these iconic locations:
Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cocks): Two rock formations resembling roosters facing each other, the most iconic symbol of Ha Long Bay.
Dinh Huong Island (Incense Burner): A distinctive islet shaped like a traditional Vietnamese incense burner, one of the bay's most photographed formations.
Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Located on Bo Hon Island, it's the largest and most spectacular cave in Ha Long Bay. Three enormous chambers feature stunning limestone formations and natural "sculptures."
Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace): On Dau Go Island, known for its intricate rock formations and local legends about dragon princes.
Ti Top Island: In the heart of the bay, offering the most famous panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from its peak. Features a crescent-shaped beach perfect for swimming.
Cua Van Floating Village: The largest floating village in the bay, offering insights into traditional fishing life.
Vung Vieng Fishing Village: In Bai Tu Long Bay, known for its pearl farm and authentic local culture.
Luon Cave: A tunnel-like water cave perfect for kayaking, leading to a hidden lagoon surrounded by limestone walls.
Cat Ba Island: Jungle hikes in Cat Ba National Park (UNESCO Biosphere Reserve) and quiet beaches like Cat Co 3.
Ha Long Bay Cruises Map: 1 Day, 2 Days & 3 Days
Looking at this Ha Long Bay cruise map, I want to help you understand the best way to explore these beautiful waters. The cruise routes actually make a lot of sense when you think about the bay's layout.
Ha Long Bay Cruise 1 Day: Explore Central Part of Ha Long Bay
Route: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Sung Sot – Ti Top Island (about 6-8 hrs)
If you only have one day, you'll stay in the central part of Ha Long Bay. This is where the famous sights are. You know, the big caves like Sung Sot, the familiar Ti Top Island viewpoint, and those iconic rock formations you see in all the photos.
Ha Long Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night: Classic
| Day | Highlights |
|---|---|
| 1 | Hanoi - Sung Sot Cave - Titop Island - Kayaking |
| 2 | Tai Chi class – Kayaking - Cua Van |
Stay overnight on the boat! Day 1: See Ti Top, Sung Sot Cave, and kayak. Watch the sunset on the deck. Day 2: Wake up for sunrise Tai Chi, visit Cua Van Floating Village to see fishing life, then return.
Ha Long Bay Cruise 3 Days
Three days is the full experience. After covering Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay in your first two days, you'll head into Bai Tu Long Bay. This is the quiet, untouched part that most tourists never see.
Day 1: Ha Long City → Ti Top Island → Sung Sot Cave → Overnight on boat.
Day 2: Kayak to Dark & Light Cave (Lan Ha Bay) → Cat Ba National Park hike → Overnight.
Day 3: Visit Bai Tu Long Bay's Cong Dam Area → Return.
Hanoi to Ha Long Bay Map
This simple Hanoi to Ha Long Bay map solves all your transport headaches. It shows exactly how to reach Vietnam's most famous bay from Hanoi in the fastest, cheapest, or most scenic way possible.
See that blue water area east of Hanoi? That's Ha Long Bay, about 160km away (2.5-3 hours by road). The map clearly marks:
- Two main piers (Tuan Chau for luxury cruises, Bai Chay for budget boats)
- Every transport option from your Hanoi hotel to the bay
With the map, you'll see the fastest routes, like the 2.5-hour drive by private car or the 45-minute seaplane ride from Hanoi's airport. For budget travelers, it marks train (6.5 hours) through Vietnam's countryside.
How to Get from Hanoi to Halong Bay? (2025 Ultimate Guide)
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