Angsana Quan Lan

Declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, Ha Long Bay's magnificent karst formations have captured the imagination of travellers near and far. Consisting of over 1,900 limestone monolithic islands dating 500 million years in various geological states, Ha Long Bay is truly breathtaking. Several karsts are hollow with enormous caves, such as Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Vietnam. With its colossal size of over 10,000 square metres, Sung Sot Cave is truly spectacular to behold, with its diverse plant life, clear pond, stalagmites, stalactites and rock formations of all shapes and sizes, formed from millions of years of geological shifts. Ascending to the cave, guests can also discover a splendid view of Ha Long Bay.

While lesser known than Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay equals the former in natural beauty with its towering limestone cliffs, pristine beaches and diverse ecosystems including mangroves, coral reefs and coastal forests. Bai Tu Long National Park is home to various wildlife such as Chittagong Wood, Aglaia, Tembusu, Pale-Capped Pigeon, Rhesus Monkeys, the Asiatic Golden Cat, Sambar Deer, Chinese White Dolphin, the False Killer Whale, Otter Shell, and Hawksbill Sea Turtle. Bai Tu Long is certainly a more peaceful alternative to Ha Long Bay.

Van Don in Quang Ninh province is a special economic zone covering Cai Rong (the capital), Quan Lan, Minh Chau, and other islands in the Bai Tu Long Bay archipelago. Established in 1149 under the reign of Emperor Lý Anh Tông as Vietnam's first trading port, Van Don continues to thrive today, offering numerous natural and manmade attractions such as unspoilt beaches, historical pagodas and temples, and access to the famous Ha Long Bay.

Quang Ninh Province is home to culinary and cultural festivals year-round. Some highlights include Yen Tu Festival when Buddhists make a pilgrimage to Yen Tu mountain and visit pagodas and shrines dotting the path, Ha Long Carnival showcasing the natural wonder of the world-famous Ha Long Bay, Quan Lan Festival with its spectacular boat race to commemorate Vietnam's victory against invaders, and Quang Ninh Culinary Festival featuring local specialities such as peanut worms, fiddler crabs, custard apple, sesame rice cakes and more.

Explore some of Vietnam's artisan villages and learn how traditional craft is preserved and developed sustainably to benefit the communities. Quang Yen Town in Quang Ninh province features Hung Hoc craft village which has made fishing tools such as metal gear and handwoven fishing cages since the 15th century, and Cong Muong village, which builds traditional bamboo boats.