Ha Long Bay one of world’s 10 most beautiful places: Canadian magazine

The bay in Quang Ninh Province, two hours from Hanoi, is one of the only two Southeast Asian representatives to break into the list along with Cambodia’s Angkor Wat temple complex.

“The best way to experience this mist-shrouded landscape is to board a junk and sail through the outstanding scenic beauty,” the magazine said of Ha Long.

The rising popularity of Ha Long Bay has prompted travel agencies to develop a wide range of cruises – from budget to high-end, including half-day or overnight trips.

Prices for overnight cruises range from $116-228 per person.

The magazine also advised tourists to drop by Thien Cung (Heaven Grotto), one of the biggest caves in Ha Long, and Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave that “give way to impressive sweeping views of the water below.”

Other destinations on the list were Zhangjiajie National Forest in China, Yellowstone National Park in the U.S., Banff National Park in Canada, Santorini Islands in Greece and Venice in Italy.