Halong Bay - World Heritage Site

Situated in the North-East region of Vietnam, Halong Bay is a bay in the Gulf of Tonkin comprised of regions of Halong City, the township of Cam Pha, and a part of the island district of Van Don. Halong Bay borders Cat Ba Island in the southwest, the East Sea in the east, and the mainland, creating a 120 km coastline.

Halong Bay is made up of 1,969 islands of various sizes, 989 of which have been given names. There are two kinds of islands, limestone and schist, which are concentrated in two main zones: the southeast (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay), and the southwest (belonging to Halong Bay). This densely concentrated zone of stone islands, world famous for its spectacular scenery of grottoes and caves, forms the central zone of Halong Bay, which has been named a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

The bay itself has an area of 43,400 ha, consists of 775 islands, and forms a triangle with the island of Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto) to the west, the lake of Ba Ham (Three Shelter Lake) to the south, and the island of Cong Tay to the east.

Viewed from above, Halong Bay resembles a geographic work of art. While exploring the bay, you feel lost in a legendary world of stone islands. There is Man's Head Island, which resembles a man standing and looking towards the mainland. Dragon Island looks like a dragon hovering above the turquoise water. La Vong Island resembles an old man fishing. There are also the islands of the Sail, the Pair of Roosters, and the Incense Burner, which all astonishingly resemble their namesakes. The forms of the islands change depending on the angle of the light and from where the islands are viewed. At the core of the islands, there are wonderful caves and grottoes, such as Thien Cung (Heavenly Residence Grotto), Dau Go (Driftwood Grotto), Sung Sot (Surprise Grotto), and Tam Cung (Three Palace Grotto).

Halong Bay has many links to the history of Vietnam. For example, there are such famous geographical sites as Van Don (site of an ancient commercial port), Poem Mountain (with engravings of many poems about emperors and other famous historical figures), and Bach Dang River (the location of two fierce naval battles fought against foreign aggressors).

It has been proven by scientists that Halong was one of the first cradles of human existence in the area at such archeological sites as Dong Mang, Xich Tho, Soi Nhu, and Thoi Gieng. It is also a region of highly-concentrated biological diversity with many ecosystems of salt water-flooded forests, coral reefs, and tropical forests featuring thousands of species of animal and plant life.

With all this in mind, the 18th meeting of the Committee of the World Heritages of UNESCO (in Thailand on December 17th, 1994), officially recognized Halong Bay as a natural heritage site of worldwide importance.

GO TO HOME

Top Resort In Ha Long - Tuan Chau International Resort

Rates: $65 - $90

Address: Tuan Chau Island, Ha Long

resort Class: ****

Tuan Chau International Resort hotel is located in the Tuan Chau island, 12 km from Halong bay is the ideal place for you both to visit Halong bay and sea bathing in a special beach. Parts of MEGA Tuan Chau project has finished are White sandy beach, Au lac resort, Vietnam food garden, and Dolphin showing club, and Crocodile theatre. Tuan Chau beach with man-made sandbank will bring you excellent felling while sea bathing & admiring a mankind.

Room Type	High(Sep~Mar)		Low(Apr~Aug)		Ex bed
	Single	Double	Single	Double
Pine Hill Villa	65 $	70 $	65 $	70 $	25 $
Seaside Villa Promenade	75 $	80 $	75 $	80 $	25 $
Seaside Villa Beachfront	85 $	90 $	85 $	90 $	25 $

About 2 kilometers far away from the No.18A highway, a very important life line that link 3 economic areas Hanoi, Hai Phong and Quang Ninh.
At present, almost means of transportation from these cities take only 2 or 3 hours to reach Tuan Chau, even if from Mong Cai. There is also a waterway from Mong Cai or Hai Phong to Ha Long in 1 or 2 hours.

By taxi: call (84-33) 628 628/ (84-33) 848 484

Pine Hill Villa Garden/Ocean View:

- The villas are styled in ancient Vietnamese architecture
- Largest villas with 148 Deluxe rooms including 4 suites
- Standard rooms with garden view and overlooking Ha Long Bay.
- Out door playing ground
- Daily buffet breakfast - Welcome fruit basket in room
- Free using swimming pool and private beach

Seaside Villa Promenade Garden/Ocean View:

- The villas are styled in French architecture
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Standard rooms with garden view and overlooking Ha Long Bay
- Out door playing ground
- Welcome fruits basket in room
- Free using swimming pool and private beach

Seaside Villa Beachfront Garden/Ocean View:

- Nearest villas to the beach
- 35 Deluxe rooms and 10 Executive rooms
- The villas are styled in French architecture
- Daily buffet breakfast
- Standard rooms with garden view and overlooking Ha Long Bay
- Out door playing ground
- Welcome fruits basket in room
- Free using swimming pool and private beach

Restaurant & Bar

Ngoc Chau:

In Ngoc Chau, guests will have chances to taste Vietnamese traditional cuisines prepared by professional chefs coming from Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City.
There is a stage built on the lake (which looks like the One Pillar Pagoda) on which artists conduct traditional performances of all the three parts of Vietnam, such as chau van, quan ho, cheo, traditional dances etc.

Thuy Dinh :

Few steps away from the Peach Garden, guests will come to Thuy Dinh to gaze with veneration the beauty of the five storey falls, which is as beautiful as a bit of string. There is an instrument of water here. Whenever it finishes a cycle, the instrument will automatically play another piece of music. This water instrument reminds guests of windmills in mountainous area.

There is a lake on which lotus are planted, making this landscape become so beautiful and romantic. On the surface of the lake, there is an ancient temple. This is where best puppet performances are staged by famous northern artists. Puppet is a very unique and original art in Vietnam. And it can be said that Vietnamese puppet has best attraction to foreign visitors.

Coming here, guests at the same time can taste delicious food made by professional chefs and enjoy interesting performances. Let our dedicated staff carter your needs to the highest standard!

Culinary Street:

In a spacious space, popular food are served making guests feel comfortable when coming here after hours of having fun. Besides, there are a lot of food carts with various kinds of food.

Meeting facilities

- Venue: White House

- Theater style: capacity up to 300 guests

- Class style: up to 180 guests

- U shape: up to 80 guests

- Meeting room rental: $400.00/day
- Coffee break: $3.00/pax

- LCD, micro, and other meeting equipments: to be adviced upon requests.

Leisures & sports

Dolphin, Seal, Beluga Performance Club:

The club is located in a grand building that looks like a seamen ready to depart for his sea voyage. With the total area of appx. 14,000 m2, it can seat 2000 people at a time. All the dolphins, seals, and belugas are trained by Russian trainers. Furthermore, performances in this club are combined with music and fashion shows…

The Circus Club:

This club has over 1500 seats. You can see many performances conducted by the leading artists in Vietnam. You will have a good time when watching actions performed by lovely elephants, pythons, monkeys, and bears.

Crocodile Performance Club:

This club is able to accommodate 1000 people. Curious visitors will be very thrilled when our brave artists skilfully play with the wild crocodiles.

Hightech Water Fountain:

The water performance zone, which is able to seat 12,000 people, shows laser and films on water. This rich blend of music, light, water and modern technology gives tourists an hard-to-forget experience when they set foot on Tuan Chau Island to discover part of Halong Bay-the wonder of nature.

Amenities

-BEACH Bar
-Health club
-Swimming pool
-Bussiness centre
-Tea/coffee making
-Satellite stations
-IDD telephone
-Large standing shower
-Heater temperature and towels.
-24-hour room service
-Outside swimming pool
-Fitness Studio
-Beauty salon
-Massage

-Sauna/steam-bath
-Karaoke
-Laundry & dry-cleaning service
-Car/Motor/Bicycle rental service
-Water Ski
-Speed boat
-Fitness room
-Restaurant
-Fax machine
-Car parking
-Souvenir shop
-Tours operations
-Ticket booking and visa arrangement service
-Luxurious massage room

Other services

There are many ways for you to discover Ha Long: by helicopter, boat, canoe, etc. There are also numerous caves for you to explore.
When you are tired from hours of hard working, you may want to go to the water recreation park that boasts various outdoor activities such as parachuting, water skiing, motor canoeing, kite flying, playing beach volleyball and football.

The tennis court of international standard is also an ideal place for you to meet friends and boost your health. In the modern spa center, you will be taken care of by the most dedicated staff.
In addition, you may have a chance to join us in celebrating traditional festivals such as human chess playing, swinging, parallel sentences commanding and cock fighting.

Hotel speacial offers in Ha Long - Halong Plaza Hotel

Halong Plaza Hotel

Rates: $75 - $195

Address: 8 Ha Long Road, Bai Chay, Halong, Vietnam

Hotel Class: ****

Halong Plaza Hotel is located in the heart of Halong city, on Halong road, near the Baichay Ferry Station, with convenient access to Baichay Beach & Wharf and Hongai Administration Center. Halong Plaza Hotel is surrounded by beautiful beaches, lush green tropical plants and offers breathtaking views of the bay and its numerous islets. Everything is conveniently located and easy to access.

Our 12 story 200 luxurious room hotel is specially equipped with the latest in equipment and offers luxurious comfort. Halong Plaza Hotel offers special amenities found in most luxurious four star hotels such as live entertainment in a state of the art entertainment facility.

Whether you are on business or leisure, Halong Plaza Hotel is the prefect choice to stay. With four star amenities, travelers of all kinds can find a luxurious comfort right here at Halong Plaza Hotel. Book us on your next trip. We look forward to offering you the experience of Halong Plaza Hotel.

Room Type	High(Sep~Mar)		Low(Apr~Aug)		Extra bed
	Single	Double	Single	Double
Superior	$ 85	$ 85	$ 75	$ 75	$ 25
Deluxe	$ 103	$ 103	$ 90	$ 90	$ 25
Junior Suite	$ 140	$ 140	$ 128	$ 128	$ 25
Suite	$ 170	$ 170	$ 150	$ 150	$ 25
Super Suite	$ 195	$ 195	$ 170	$ 170	$ 25

Note: Price included breakfast, tax, service charge

The luxurious 200 rooms available feature suites and spacious deluxe and superior rooms all providing up-to-date facilities and high-quality standards, designed with the international traveller in mind. All rooms feature: Central air-conditioning and heating system, Security box, Fully stocked mini-bar, Spacious desk, Complimentary fresh fruit, chocolate, tea and coffee, Extensive bay views, IDD telephone and fax power point, Colour TV with Satellite programmes (18 international channels broadcast in English, French, Japanese, Chinese, etc; plus 2 in-house movie channels), Convenient nightstand control board, Free high speed Internet access.

Whether you are enjoying the breath-taking landscapes, lounging or sipping on a cocktail, there are always entertaining and fun places for everybody.

Swimming Pool Take a wade or dip in the hotel outdoor swimming pool and receive the personal attention you would expect.

Massage & Fitness After a long day of fun, relax with a Thai massage. No need to skip those workouts while you are enjoying your stay, exercise in our fully equipped fitness room.

Dining

Our philosophy at Halong Plaza Hotel is to provide the very highest standards for our guests, and no more so than in the quality of our service. The emphasis is on elegant, contemporary and traditional dishes combined with elements of the freshest ingredients, in a range of innovative dishes from our accomplished chefs.

Every evening is celebrated with passionate flair. Within the dramatic woodwork decor, you willl enjoy an intriguing menu of eclectic cuisine while a glorious apricot sun sets over the azure landscapes of the bay. This restaurant overlooks all of Halong Bay with the dramatic lights of the night.

Hotel speacial offers in Ha Long - Halong Dream Hotel

Rates: $63 - $218

Address: No 10 Halong Street, BaiChay Ward, Halong, Vietnam

Hotel Class: ****

Designed with the characteristic of the traditional French architectural style and well furnished with the wooden interior, modern facilities and the excellent service. The 15 floors-building of 4 stars Hotel of Halong dream creates a cozy atmosphere.

The hotel is situated right in the center of culture, socioeconomic and entertainment of Halong City, overlooking the magnificent view of Halong Bay, two times acclaimed as the World Heritage by the UNESCO, Halong Dream hotel is the ideal palace for travelers.

Room Type	Hi_season(Sep~Mar)		Lo_season(Apr~Aug)
	Single	Double/Twin	Single	Double/Twin
Superior	$ 68	$ 68	$ 63	$ 63
Deluxe	$ 115	$ 115	$ 103	$ 103
Junior Suite	$ 128	$ 128	$ 128	$ 128
Executive Suite	$ 218	$ 218	$ 218	$ 218

Note: Price included breakfast, tax, service charge

The Halong Dream hotel is overlooking the magnificent view of Halong Bay, two times acclaimed as the World Heritage by the UNESCO, The hotel is situated right in the center of culture, socio-economic and entertainment of Halong City.

184 guest rooms and suites are equipped with individually controlled air conditioning, multi-channel satellite television reception, mini-bar, coffee and tea facility, refrigerator, international direct dial telephone, and safe deposit, ect...

Bussiness Centre

The Halong Dream hotel Business Center, operated by our professional and dedicated staff, offers complete communication facilities include computers with ADSL internet connection, fax machine, photocopy machine, telephone, ect… Customers also can find information of tours, air fares or executive meeting room.

Recreation

Relaxing and keeping fitness while staying in the Halong Dream hotel are always regarded as the chief aspects. Here in the hotel, we offer a system for fitness: an outdoor swimming pool, the gymnasium, and another for leisure such as: sauna, steam bath, foot and body massage, ect…

Restaurant and Bars

Hanoi Restaurant (open from 6.00 a.m to 10.00 p.m) serves an array of international cuisines and daily buffet breakfast with the capacity of up to 400 seats. The VIP rooms are for groups from 10 to 30 persons.

The modern Trang An Bar Café located at the mezzanine floor is the place for entertainment and enjoying different styles of cocktails. Open from 10.00 a.m to midnight.

The lobby lounge is also a nice place to enjoy coffee or tea with fresh baked pastries.

In the poolside area, selected international snack and popular fast-food are available. Here is also an ideal place for open air parties.

Banquet & Functions

Halong Dream hotel’s meeting and banquet facilities provide a choice of rooms for small or large group.

The ballroom is ideal for conferences, banquet or exhibitions with the capacity of up to 300 seats. Banquet and Function rooms located in the function floor is perfect for reception or meetings for groups from 30 to 200 persons.

Besides, the executive meeting room located at the lobby is ideal for board meetings or interviews with the convenient space for 12 people.

Top cuisine in Ha Long

Nem rán (Spring roll)

The stuffing of the nem ran is comprised of mince pork, sea crabs, eggs, minced Jew's ears, thin-top mushroom, dried onions, bean-sprouts, pepper, spiced salt, etc. The mixture is then rolled in flat rice cakes and fried in a pan until crispy.
Nem are eaten hot with a sauce that it is, at the same time, somewhat salty, sweet, acidic and scented (with the flavours of onion and pepper). Papaya and a few fresh scented vegetables are added.

Steamed Bun (Bánh bao)

Steamed bun dumpling that can be stuffed with onion, mushrooms, vegetables, etc. Banh bao is an adaptation from the Chinese baozi to fit Vietnamese taste. Exclusively vegetable banh bao are also available. Vegetarian banh bao are popular food in Buddhist temples. Typical stuffings for banh bao include slices of marinated "xa xíu" (from Chinese cooking) meat, tiny boiled duck eggs or quail eggs, and pork.


Recipes - 1/2h prepare- 30- 40 buns

Ingredient:

Dough
4 cups self rising flour
1 cup milk
3/4 cup white sugar

Filling
2 links Chinese sausage, thinly sliced
5 hard-boiled eggs, cut into 1 ", pieces
1/2 lb barbecued pork (optional)
2 lbs ground pork
10 dried shiitake mushrooms
1 onion, finely chopped
3 tablespoons oyster sauce

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How to cook

1. Submerge mushroom in hot water until softened. Take them out, dry and finely juliene. Reserve water.
2. Heat some oil in a skillet, put in onions and let it sweat for a while. Stir in the rest of filling except boiled eggs and BBQ pork. Season with fish sauce and pepper to taste.
3. Add sugar to milk to dissolve. Add flour one cup at a time, after each time kneed the dough before adding the next cup. Put dough into a large mixing bowl, put a damp cheese cloth over to prevent drying out.
4. Cut a handful of dough (size to your choice), roll out thin (use bread roller or the smaller dumpling roller). Add a spoonful of filling, 1 piece of egg, BBQ pork. Seal dough tight around filling and put on a cut-out piece of parchment paper. Steam buns for about 15 minutes. These buns freeze pretty well as well, if you want to make a big batch at a time.