At Pandaw, we delight in helping discerning travellers to uncover the most naturally beautiful, historically significant and culturally rich destinations in Asia. Our luxurious river cruises allow intrepid travellers to explore remote and hard to navigate areas that have, for too long, been obscured from view.
Our greatest joy is in showing our clients from all around the world the beauty that the continent has to offer by introducing them to stunning experiences, like breathtaking Halong Bay cruises in Vietnam. Join us as we explore this gorgeous bucket list location.
The History of Halong Bay
Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, within Quang Ninh Province in the northeast of Vietnam, scenic Halong Bay is made up of 1,600 islands and islets, combining to make a spectacular view with a stunning seascape of towering limestone pillars bedecked with verdant greenery. Most of the islands are completely uninhabited, unspoiled and unaffected by the presence of humans.
A UNESCO World Heritage site, all activities on the bay, including tourism, are strictly regulated and carefully managed to preserve the bay’s incredible natural beauty.
But there’s more to this incredible site than just looks (although they do need to be seen in person to be believed). The bay also has a long and fascinating history as well as being steeped in local legend.
The product of 500 million years of geological development, Halong Bay has been occupied by various cultures throughout the centuries. Most lived on floating villages, isolated from the outside world. The bay is home to one of Vietnam’s most ancient fishing peoples- the Cai Beo who lived on Cat Ba island. In the feudal 12th century, Halong Bay was one of Vietnam’s first (and most thriving) international commercial ports as well as being instrumental from protecting Vietnam from coastal invaders from the north. In fact, legends tell that the Vietnamese forefathers fought off invaders with such bravery that the gods noticed from the heavens and sent the Mother Dragon and her children to help the ancient Vietnamese people repel the invading forces!
Things to See and Do in Halong Bay
As well as the stunning natural wonders abundant in Halong Bay, visitors can see the vestiges of the bay’s unique cultures which differ from many found within mainland Vietnam. Architectural sites to visit include Mê Cung and Thiên Long where visitors can still see the remains from mounds of mountain shellfish (Cyclophorus), spring shellfish (Melania), some freshwater mollusc and even some of the primitive labor tools employed by the bay’s ancient inhabitants. If you’re lucky there might even be a chance to enjoy some cocktails on the beach!
Check out our cruises that give you the chance to see the majesty of Halong Bay
Pandaw Cruises unlock the majesty of Halong Bay with not one but two of our cruises. Combine an unforgettable trip to Halong Bay with a visit to the famed Red River which flows from southwest China through to northern Vietnam. Or perhaps you’d prefer to add a visit to Laos Mekong for a travel experience you’ll take with you for the rest of your life?
Let Pandaw Cruises unlock Asia’s gems for you
Explore the natural and historic wonders of Halong Bay cruises with Pandaw. We are dedicated to bringing you a travel experience you’ll never forget, combining the many wonders of the Asian continent with an unassuming luxury. Our cruise ships are small enough to allow you to explore Asia’s treasures yet offer the highest passenger-to-deck-space ratio of any cruise ships afloat. You’ll find that our crew are completely dedicated to making your trip enjoyable and unforgettable.
Let us be your companions as you explore the bounty of Halong Bay.
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