Ha Long Bay in the northeastern province of Quang Ninh was twice recognised by UNESCO as the World Natural Heritage in 1994 and 2000.

On September 16, 2023, Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago (Hai Phong city) was recognised as a World Natural Heritage by UNESCO.

Google honours Ha Long Bay of Vietnam.

With it scenic beauty, Ha Long Bay attracts millions of domestic and foreign visitors each year.

According to Google Doodle, this wonder is situated in the Gulf of Tonkin in Quang Ninh province and is believed to have formed roughly 3 million years ago. Today, Ha Long Bay consists of roughly 2,000 islands and islets.

"Its limestone pillars and emerald green waters attract millions of bucket-list visitors each year, making it one of Vietnam’s national treasures,” read a description by Google Doodle.

It suggests experiences not to be missed when visiting Ha Long Bay such as Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, or nautical adventures like fishing, snorkeling, and kayaking.

Ha Long Bay is also an important site for scientists as it helped them study and understand the movement of geologic plates and the Earth's history of climate change over the years.

On November 11, 2011, Ha Long Bay was recognised by the New7Wonders. Other six new natural wonders of the world include Amazon Rainforest in Brazil, Jeju Island in the Republic of Korea, Iguazu Falls in Argentina and Brazil, Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park in the Philippines, Komodo Island (National Park) in Indonesia, and Table Mountain (National Park) in South Africa.

How to cruise Ha Long Bay on a budget

Tourists can set the budget first, then choose affordable, small-sized, and comfortable cruise cabins with basic amenities around Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay.

Ha Long Bay among the top 24 travel destinations for 2024

Ha Long Bay has been listed among 24 travel destinations worldwide for 2024 by luxury travel experts at Ovation Network, offering travelers the chance to explore its landscapes and cultural heritage.

More luxury cruises to busy Ha Long season

Authorities in the northern province of Quang Ninh have announced that 18 luxury cruise ships will bring tourists to Ha Long beginning late this month, signaling a busy year-end season.

Ha Long Bay featured in Hollywood movie

Ha Long Bay has once again become the setting in a Hollywood movie named "The Creator", directed by Gareth Edwards, after "Kong: Skull Island".

Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago recognised as first inter-provincial world heritage site

The United Nations Educational, Scientific, and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has added Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago to the World Heritage List, making it Vietnam’s first inter-provincial UNESCO-listed world heritage site.

Source: VNA