Halong City

Halong City in Quang Ninh Province of Vietnam is a quiet but blossoming town right in the heart of the UNESCO World Heritage Site Halong Bay.

Quite laid back from other touristy cities, the roads are wide and without traffic (maybe peak season is different).

Apart from popular Ha Long Bay cruises, it also offers beach activities, nature treks, local food and night markets.

Divided into two main areas: there is Hon Gai on the other side of the bridge where local life, culture and food can be experienced.

These are Vietnamese girls in traditional dress called “ao dai”, in a backdrop of Ha Long Bay.

Bai Chay is the central tourist area on the other side where Ha Long Bay is filled with luxury cruises or traditional junk boat tours.

Other options are: an artificial beach, restaurants, cafes and varying structures from high end resorts to boutique hotels lined along the bay.

This January, Vietnam was the host country of the 38th ASEAN Tourism Forum (ATF) 2019. Held in Ha Long, this country created a major and lasting impression on its 1500 delegates from different countries, and I was one of those. The 3-day ATF TRAVEX 2019 event commenced from January 16 until January 18.

Special thanks to partners who have supported me in my trip: PLDT Home for my Fibr connection here at home enabling me quick access to my cloud files anywhere as well as communication matters; Printlife Official for my printed cards, AromacologySensi Philippines, Bioskin and MX3 for the proudly Davao products I gave away to fellow delegates.