Numerous large and small islands of countless shapes rise from the sea along the 200km stretch of coast from the estuary of the Bach Dang river to Tra Co beach. Local fishermen have given many of them evocative names according to their shapes: Cone-shape Cookie, Banana, Small Fish, Tortoise, Nail, Wading Ox, Wallowing Buffalo, and many more. The islands are riddled with innumerable caves and grottoes offering spectacular stalactite displays. Bo Nau cave, Dau Go grotto and Trinh Nu grotto are especially worth seeing.

Sail-boats and motor-boats (Halong cruises) are available to take you on a panoramic journey of the bay with visits to some of the caves and grottoes. Halong Bay is an experience that will stay with you forever.