Halong Bay is one of the world’s natural wonders, recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site twice, in 1994 and 2000. Spanning an area of approximately 1,553 km², Halong Bay comprises over 1,900 majestic limestone islands and mystical caves, creating a uniquely breathtaking and ethereal landscape. It remains an idyllic destination for discerning travelers seeking sophisticated exploration and serene seaside refinement.
To ensure our guests can fully experience the exquisite destinations of Halong Bay, tourism organizers and the Halong Bay Management Board have meticulously designed several distinct sightseeing routes tailored to suit every preference. Among these, Route 4 stands out as a singularly captivating journey, offering travelers unforgettable encounters with the bay’s rich and diverse biological heritage.
General Introduction to Halong Bay Sightseeing Route 4
Route 4 is officially designated as the Cruise Port – Marine Entertainment and Conservation Center Zone. It is perfectly tailored for travelers seeking a profound and comprehensive immersion into Halong Bay’s pristine beauty, encompassing Co Cave, Thay Cave, the Cong Do Island area, Cap La Cave, the Tung – Ang Cong Do Ecological Area, Hon Xep Park, and the Vung Vieng floating cultural area. This route features an array of untouched and spellbinding destinations, promising moments of pure enchantment.
Among the five designated sightseeing routes in Halong Bay, Route 1 and Route 2 cater primarily to mainstream tourism and are the most frequently chosen by general visitors. Consequently, these routes readily offer daily shared day-cruises ranging from 48 to 500 passengers. In contrast, Route 3 and Route 4 are classified as high-end luxury excursions, thoughtfully curated for upper-middle-class clientele and international connoisseurs from markets such as Japan, South Korea, and Europe. Notably, Route 4 is ideally suited for guests wishing to spend an overnight on the bay, as the journey features an extensive collection of attractions that require a leisurely, extended itinerary to truly appreciate.
Therefore, for those wishing to embark on Route 4, we highly recommend selecting an overnight luxury cruise tour through Halong Bay. This represents the longest and most immersive itinerary available in the bay. Typically, cruises along this route operate on a 2-day-1-night program; however, for a truly unhurried and indulgent experience, a 3-day-2-night voyage is exceptionally rewarding. The pricing and itinerary parameters for this route are as follows:
- Route 4 Attractions: Co Cave, Thay Cave, Cong Do Island area, Cap La Cave, Tung – Ang Cong Do Ecological Area, Hon Xep Park, and Vung Vieng area
- Duration: 2 Days 1 Night, 3 Days 2 Nights
- Halong Cruise Pricing: 2,000,000 – 3,000,000 VND per guest (Featuring 3- to 5-star luxury vessels)
Detailed Overview of Route 4 Attractions in Halong Bay
The departure points for this exclusive route are premier international passenger ports in Halong City, including: Tuan Chau International Passenger Cruise Port, Halong International Cruise Port, and Hon Gai Vinashin Port. Below, Halong & Lan Ha Bay Cruise Tours presents an overview of the distinguished stops included in this magnificent itinerary.
1. Co Cave (Hang Co)
Co Cave is celebrated as one of the most magnificent caverns in Halong Bay, perched at an elevation of 20 meters above sea level on Hon Co Island. Also known as Thien Canh Son (Heavenly Landscape Cave) due to its ethereal, otherworldly scenery, Co Cave was sculpted over millions of years by the patient erosive forces of wind and sea. The cavern is divided into two distinct chambers: the first features an intimate, narrow space adorned with warm brownish-gold stalactites, while the second opens into a grand chamber glittering with pristine white formations. A defining feature of the cave is the natural sunlight filtering through crevices in the vaulted ceiling, casting magical, luminous pillars throughout. Beyond exploring the cavern, visitors can embark on a tranquil kayaking excursion to glide across the serene, poetic emerald waters.
2. Thay Cave (Hang Thay)
Thay Cave is a breathtaking and captivating sanctuary situated within the pristine Bai Tu Long Bay, located near the Stone Park and approximately 25 km from Quan Cave. Departing from Tuan Chau Port, guests enjoy a scenic 2-hour and 45-minute cruise to reach Thay Cave, whereas the journey from Halong Port is shorter, spanning about 18 km. Thay Cave boasts a wealth of immaculate white stalactites and stalagmites sculpted into fascinating shapes resembling books, writing brushes, and desks. The cave entrance is low, gracefully curved, and sits close to the water’s surface, welcoming visitors effortlessly into its interior. The cavern floor is cushioned with a layer of velvety, smooth sand. Stretching 150 meters deep, the air inside grows refreshingly cool as you venture further. At the heart of the cave, a pristine subterranean stream cascades over rocks, its gentle murmurs harmonizing with the shimmering natural mineral pillars illuminated by shafts of sunlight. Outside the entrance lies a secluded 70-meter white-sand beach, perfect for sunbathing, relaxation, and kayaking. The Halong Bay Management Board has future plans to transform Thay Cave into an exclusive in-cave swimming destination2. Additionally, new luxury cruise itineraries will be introduced to welcome discerning travelers to this hidden gem, offering an unforgettable experience amidst breathtaking surroundings.
Thay Cave
3. Cong Do Island
Spanning nearly 23.4 km², Cong Do Island is a masterpiece of nature, featuring dense coral reefs, hidden subterranean lagoons within limestone mountains, submerged caverns, and expansive sandy shores. Notably, its vibrant coral ecosystem is exceptionally prominent, measuring over 700 meters in length and 300 meters in width, and harboring rare marine species such as red coral. A sprawling coral reef gracing the southwest of Cong Do Island displays a breathtaking chromatic ballet. For this reason, visionary plans are underway to develop this locale into a premier destination for world-class diving and swimming. Furthermore, dotted with tranquil lagoons, Cong Do serves as a flourishing sanctuary for an abundance of marine life, including squid, vibrant fish, shrimp, and crabs.
Coral Ecosystem at Cong Do Halong
Cong Do is an idyllic retreat for swimming, boasting exquisite beaches with crystal-clear turquoise waters and powdery white sand, such as Tra Gioi Beach, Cay Bang Beach, and Cat Oan Beach. Moreover, travelers can indulge in light trekking to scenic peaks to admire panoramic, bird’s-eye vistas of the bay. The hidden lagoons and tranquil atmosphere make this region exceptionally desirable for serene kayaking adventures.
4. Cap La Cave
Cap La Cave is among the more recently discovered caverns in Halong Bay, nestled upon Cong Do Island. Stretching 150 meters in length with a total area of approximately 3,000 m², the cave is elegantly divided into four distinct sections connected by two entrances spaced 5 meters apart. The cavern showcases a remarkable collection of striking stalactites, with grand pillars supporting the soaring stone arches and delicate formations mimicking floating clouds, cascading waterfalls, and gentle streams. The cavern walls gleam with vibrant hues of warm golden-brown and immaculate white. The magnificent stalactite system features diverse shapes—such as chimes, slender rods, and intricate combs—that distinctly define each chamber. Adding to its allure, a crystal-clear, refreshing stream meanders quietly within the cave.
Cap La Cave
5. Tung Ang Cong Do Ecological Area
The Tung Ang Cong Do Ecological Area is a captivating highlight along Route 4, renowned for its unique ecosystems and breathtaking natural scenery. Departing from Tuan Chau International Passenger Cruise Port or Halong International Cruise Port, guests can easily reach this area via cruise tender or speedboat within 20 to 30 minutes. Here, travelers are invited to explore two prominent enclosed lagoons: Ang Ca Bong and Ang Cong Do. Ang Ca Bong serves as a natural habitat for the goby fish, a species characteristic of Halong Bay. Accessing this lagoon involves an exhilarating journey of scaling rugged rock faces and traversing pristine primeval forests. Ang Cong Do is a charming, intimate lagoon featuring a floor composed of sand, pebbles, and lush green moss. Visitors may enter the lagoon either by swimming through the Cong Do cave during low tide or by gently scaling a towering limestone cliff. The Tung Ang Cong Do Ecological Area not only promises fascinating exploratory adventures but also affords guests the opportunity to contemplate the untouched, tranquil beauty of Halong Bay.
Tung Anh Ecosystem
6. Hon Xep Park
Centrally located within the Hon Xep parkland, Hon Xep is a truly distinctive geological landmark of Halong Bay. To reach this destination, guests can embark on a 25 to 30 km cruise or speedboat journey from Tuan Chau International Cruise Port or Halong International Cruise Port. Hon Xep bears a striking resemblance to an Egyptian pyramid, formed by numerous perfectly squared stone blocks neatly stacked in uniform rows and horizontal layers. Rising to a height of 21 meters, Hon Xep presents a natural work of abstract art rising majestically amidst the open sea.
Hon Xep
7. Vung Vieng Fishing Village
Vung Vieng, also historically known as Vong Vieng, is an exceptionally charming cultural destination along Route 4 of Halong Bay. Accessible via a 20 to 25 km voyage by cruise vessel or speedboat from Tuan Chau International Cruise Port or Halong International Cruise Port, Vung Vieng preserves the timeless traditions of Halong’s indigenous fishermen, even though the community relocated to the mainland in 2014. Visitors are granted a rare opportunity to discover and experience authentic local life through enriching activities such as traditional net-fishing with local fishermen, bamboo boat rowing, kayaking, dragon boat racing, savoring freshly caught seafood, and observing pearl cultivation artisans at work. Furthermore, guests can admire the unspoiled and diverse natural landscapes of Halong Bay, complete with enclosed lagoons, pristine natural beaches, and a rich flora and fauna. A striking highlight of Vung Vieng is a colossal stone arch sculpted by nature to resemble a welcoming “village gateway” greeting esteemed travelers.
Vung Vieng Area
We hope this comprehensive guide to Halong Bay Sightseeing Route 4 has provided you with valuable insights. If you wish to charter a private cruise to explore Halong Bay and experience these magnificent destinations firsthand, please do not hesitate to contact us for tailored assistance.
