Northern Vietnam’s Twin Dragon Bays: Dual UNESCO Wonders & Scenic Idyllic Landscapes

Text provided by Qidou Travel Network; Images provided by Yingda Travel

Introduction: Vietnam’s most stunning landscapes are located in the northern areas of Ha Long Bay and Luon Cave (Luon Bay), where the unspoiled scenery resembles a beautiful painting or poem. These sites have earned UNESCO World Heritage recognition, captivating travelers from around the globe.


▲Vietnam’s landscapes are as poetic and picturesque as can be.

▲Ha Long Bay features classic karst topography.

Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam is the country’s premier tourist destination, boasting a full range of accommodations, restaurants, cruise ships, and recreational facilities. It attracts visitors year-round. The bay is a prime example of karst landforms, with 1,969 islands and islets scattered across its waters. A boat tour offers sweeping views and island-hopping opportunities to take in the magnificent scenery.

Beyond admiring the views, you might also enjoy a local legend. In ancient times, the gods sent a dragon to help locals repel invaders. After successfully driving away the enemies, the dragon spat out pearls that scattered across the sea, forming the scattered islands and peculiar rock formations—akin to a “Ha Long Bay on water,” also known as the “Guilin of the Sea”—which is what we now call Ha Long Bay.

▲A distant view of Titop Island.

On our seven-hour VIP cruise, we’ll take you to visit Sung Sot Cave—the largest and most stunning karst cave in Ha Long Bay—and Titop Island, which boasts pristine white-sand beaches. The shoreline of Titop Island shifts with the tides, offering soft, fine white sand.

In this tranquil sea area, you can try kayaking, stroll leisurely along the beach, or climb stairs to the summit for panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. Titop Island, a popular destination, was even visited by Vietnam’s first President, Ho Chi Minh, who came to experience its unique charm.


▲Ha Long Bay’s top-tier five-star day cruise ship – the Princess Cruises.

For the August summer holiday, Yingda Travel has upgraded the VIP cruise to an even higher level: Ha Long Bay’s top-tier five-star day cruise ship – the Princess Cruises. This cruise ship was newly built in 2014, featuring a modern and luxurious design, equipped with central air conditioning and three public activity decks. During the voyage, in addition to stops at Ha Long Bay’s famous Surprise Cave and Titop Island, the Princess Cruises also offers performances with traditional Vietnamese musical instruments and live singing by passionate Filipino singers. All this allows you to enjoy a delicious Vietnamese buffet in a relaxing and comfortable atmosphere.


▲Ninh Binh’s Luon Cave (Luon Bay) feels like stepping into a hidden paradise.

If you love Ha Long Bay, you’ll surely fall for Ninh Binh’s Luon Cave (Luon Bay). This inland “bay” is often referred to as the “Ha Long Bay of the land.” The Trang An Landscape Complex in Ninh Binh is even Southeast Asia’s first site simultaneously listed as both a UNESCO Cultural and Natural World Heritage Site.

Yingda Travel reminds visitors to avoid the more chaotic Ninh Binh Dock and opt instead for the regal-style Trang An Dock to ensure a better travel experience. Drifting along the serene, winding river in a small boat, you’ll pass emerald-green forests covering the mountainsides and striking karst rock formations. The crystal-clear river rivals Jiuzhaigou in beauty. Gazing at the solitary, oddly shaped mountains makes you feel as if you’ve entered a hidden paradise—an ethereal and peaceful wonderland. What a luxurious delight in life this is.

When visiting Northern Vietnam’s Twin Dragon Bays, don’t miss a side trip to Hanoi. Listen to the legends of Hoan Kiem Lake, explore the charming Ancient Street area, and visit major attractions such as Ba Dinh Square, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Tran Quoc Pagoda, West Lake, and the Temple of Literature. Don’t forget to catch a performance of Vietnam’s national treasure: water puppetry.


▲The One Pillar Pagoda, named for being built upon a single pillar.

Exploring the UNESCO-level wonders of Northern Vietnam’s Twin Dragon Bays also includes enjoying the luxury of international five-star accommodations. Yingda Travel recommends the Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, part of the “Miracle of the Countryside” international five-star resort chain, managed by the EMG Group. Nestled within a garden-like landscape planted with many organic plants, the resort features architecture and interiors crafted from natural materials, subtly incorporating Vietnamese traditional elements to offer guests a peaceful and idyllic countryside experience.

According to TripAdvisor users, this is a place where “you feel like you've found heaven” and can “experience the beautiful essence of Vietnamese life.” It's not only “great value for money” but also a top choice for a “perfect weekend getaway.”


▲Emeralda Resort Ninh Binh, the “Miracle of the Countryside” international five-star resort chain.

Next, head to Hanoi, where one of the most worthwhile luxury stays is the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake. Located by West Lake, this five-star InterContinental property offers some of the city’s most spacious rooms, with lake-view balconies providing direct vistas of West Lake.

It has thus earned praise from TripAdvisor users as a “luxurious hotel by the beautiful West Lake” and a place that “feels like home.” Additionally, the InterContinental Hanoi Westlake has won global accolades such as “World’s Best Hotel” and “World’s Leading Brand Hotel.”


▲InterContinental Hanoi Westlake, an international five-star hotel chain.

▲HOME Restaurant: “Home”-style Northern Vietnamese Cuisine

Food is a highlight of any journey. In Northern Vietnam, we recommend starting with the rural countryside meal set at the Emeralda Resort, and the international buffet lunch at the InterContinental Hanoi. Also worth trying are the Northern Vietnamese cuisine at HOME Restaurant (“Home”-style dining), the refined Vietnamese buffet at Hanoi’s SEN Lotus Restaurant, and the delicious Vietnamese seafood at Hanoi Hai San Ngon… Each restaurant not only serves delicious and distinctive dishes but also provides a comfortable dining environment. The rich and varied flavors are sure to whet your appetite.

Recommended itinerary:
Treasure Vietnam – Miracle of the Countryside “Northern Vietnam’s Twin Dragon Bays” 5-Day Tour
* Explore both Ha Long Bay and Luon Cave (Luon Bay), two UNESCO World Heritage Sites in one trip
* Exclusive summer upgrade: Ride Ha Long Bay’s top-tier five-star day cruise ship – the Princess Cruises
*Priority check-in at The Prince Wonder Ninh Binh International Five-Star Resort Chain
*Guaranteed stay at InterContinental West Lake Hanoi, an International Five-Star Hotel Chain
August http://goo.gl/Uq763E: VIPs can upgrade to the Princess Cruise, save $3000 for the second person when traveling in pairs
September http://goo.gl/ZnozFd: Save $1000 on Mid-Autumn holiday group tours, and an additional $3000 for the second person when traveling in pairs

Detail inquiries: Yinda Travel 02-2563-5728