Exploring Ha Long Bay, Karst Landscapes along the Northern Coast of Viet Nam - Seasia.co

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam’s Quang Ninh Province spans about 1,500 square kilometers in the Gulf of Tonkin, with a UNESCO World Heritage core zone covering roughly 434 square kilometers. A buffer area of 1,119 square kilometers surrounds the protected site, reinforcing zoning that separates conservation areas from surrounding seas. The bay is known for thousands of limestone pillars and islets, many uninhabited, forming a network of small islands. With average water depths of 5 to 10 meters, it also includes sea caves such as Sung Sot and Thien Cung. Maritime routes operate from Tuan Chau Port and Ha Long International Cruise Port, using designated navigation paths, overnight anchorage near Luon Cave and Lom Bo Island, and kayaks or rowboats for shallow gaps.