Ha Long recommended as a compelling year-round destination by France’s oldest travel guide

In an article titled “Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s natural wonder,” Routard.com describes the UNESCO-listed bay as one of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, with more than 2,000 limestone islands and around 40 impressive caves.

The French travel guide also emphasizes that Ha Long has a different kind of beauty in every season. While summer brings bright sunshine, the cooler autumn and winter months give the bay what Routard describes as a “mysterious atmosphere,” with limestone peaks appearing and disappearing through the mist like a poetic shadow play across the water.

With its emerald-green waters, Ha Long Bay is described by French travel guide Routard as a magical destination at any time of year.

To experience the heritage landscape at its fullest, Routard recommends an overnight cruise, allowing travelers to wake to the sounds of forest birds, kayak through Luon Cave, explore Sung Sot Cave, climb Ti Top Peak for panoramic views of the bay or take a bamboo boat to Vung Vieng fishing village in nearby Bai Tu Long Bay.

The experience, however, does not end on the water. Routard also points visitors toward the more modern rhythm of Bai Chay and Hon Gai.

For a convenient start to a cruise, Ha Long International Cruise Port, developed by Sun Group in the center of Bai Chay, provides direct access to the bay while connecting travelers with nearby entertainment, accommodation and waterfront amenities. Routard also recommends Oakwood Ha Long in Bai Chay as a convenient place to stay before or after a cruise.

Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu spiritual complex on Ba Deo Hill.

Back on land, visitors can continue the journey with a ride on the Queen Cable Car at Sun World Ha Long, taking in sweeping views over Cua Luc Bay from above.

At the top of Ba Deo Hill, the tranquil Japanese Garden, koi ponds, Bao Hai Linh Thong Tu spiritual complex and Sun Wheel offer a slower-paced setting for visitors to unwind.

As evening falls, the waterfront comes alive with street performances and shopping at VUI-Fest Ha Long night market near the Lighthouse, while Sun Bavaria Ha Long offers craft beer and grilled dishes in a lively seaside setting.

The waterfront comes alive after dark around VUI-Fest Ha Long night market.

For travelers visiting during the cooler autumn and winter months, the trip can be extended to the valley of Quang Hanh.

Set among peaceful mountains and forest, Hilton Quang Hanh Onsen Resort offers Japanese-style hot-spring bathing and wellness experiences, with the added advantage of drawing directly on the area’s natural mineral water.

Quang Hanh’s hot springs contain more than 40 mg/l of bromine, over eight times the level used in Japan’s criteria for identifying mineral springs.

The Quang Hanh hot spring contains bromine levels of around 40.42 to 45.31 mg/l, placing it among the more bromine-rich mineral sources globally and well above the 5 mg/kg bromide-ion threshold used in Japan’s criteria for defining mineral springs.

Combined with a network of mineral pools and villas with private onsen facilities, the resort offers an ideal place to relax and recharge after exploring the bay.

The combination of dramatic natural scenery praised by international travel media and a more integrated tourism, entertainment and resort ecosystem onshore is helping Ha Long move beyond traditional seasonality, positioning it as a diverse destination with something to offer in every season of the year.