Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: A Fantastical Journey Through a Landscape Painting
After a three-hour bus ride from Hanoi, I finally arrived at the long-desired Ha Long Bay. The scenery outside the window kept changing, and my heart had already flown to that mysterious bay.
When this “Guilin on the Sea” appeared before my eyes, I was still deeply moved.

It shares similarities with Guilin in China, but Ha Long Bay is more grandiose and has more islands. In this vast sea area of over 100 square kilometers, there are more than 3,000 islands scattered like stars, with over 1,000 named. This is a treasure bestowed by nature upon Vietnam and the most dazzling tourist gem in northern Vietnam, attracting visitors from all over the world.

We embarked on a fulfilling half-day journey, switching between large boats, speedboats, and small wooden boats, each providing a completely different experience. The large boat sailed smoothly, allowing us to leisurely enjoy the scenery along the way; the speedboat raced through the waves, splashing water and bringing a refreshing thrill; the small wooden boat swayed gently, as if taking us back to the past.

We climbed up to Paradise Bird Island, following the winding mountain path, admiring the spectacular sea views and unique rock formations around us. Standing on the mountaintop, we could see the entire beauty of Ha Long Bay, with its azure waters, emerald islands, and the boats coming and going, forming a breathtaking landscape painting, making one marvel at the wonders of nature.

Next, we visited Moon Lake. To enter Moon Lake, we had to switch to a small wooden boat and pass through a narrow cave. Although the cave entrance was small, it opened up to a different world inside. Surrounded by mountains, the lake was tranquil and clear, like a giant mirror reflecting the sky and surrounding peaks, creating a dreamlike beauty.

We also explored the magical karst caves, where strange rocks and stalactites shimmered under the lights, some resembling soaring dragons, others like inverted lotus flowers, leaving one in awe of nature’s creativity.
During the trip, food was an essential part. We savored Vietnamese specialties such as bamboo tray meals and boat meals, with fresh seafood, unique spices, and soft Vietnamese spring rolls, each bite filled with rich Vietnamese flavors, taking our taste buds on a wonderful journey.

The beauty of Ha Long Bay is indescribable in words; only by experiencing it firsthand can one truly appreciate its unique charm. This is a feast for both the eyes and the palate, an unforgettable fantastical journey, whose beauty will forever remain deep in my memory.


I’ve always wanted to visit Ha Long Bay! The way you described it as a “landscape painting” really captures its beauty. Those boat rides and caves sound incredible—definitely on my travel bucket list now. Your adventure makes me want to plan a trip there ASAP!
Halong Bay sounds incredible! The landscape looks like a painting come to life. I’d love to take the bus ride just to see how the scenery unfolds. Definitely adding it to my travel bucket list!