In mid-2023, actress Phuong Oanh officially tied the knot with Shark Binh. The new parents now have two adorable children, but their relationship remains as loving as when they first fell in love.
Interestingly, both before and after becoming parents, the couple has remained loyal to a particular travel destination. In fact, they splurged on exploring this location by chartering a luxurious cruise to Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
A breathtaking landscape, a masterpiece by Mother Nature
Ha Long Bay, one of the world’s natural wonders, boasts over 1,900 limestone islands spread across an area of more than 1500 km2. Together, they form a picturesque landscape that exerts a special allure on visitors. Thus, it’s no surprise that the bay attracts approximately 2 million tourists from Vietnam and abroad each year.
Ha Long Bay was first recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 due to its unique and aesthetically important natural landscape.
Ha Long Bay is renowned for its thousands of islands, each with diverse and distinctive shapes that evoke vivid images of nature. The Fighting Cock Islet is the bay’s symbol, featuring two rocks resembling two fighting cocks amid the sea. The Lư Hương Islet resembles a giant incense burner in the blue water, while the Chó Đá Islet looks like a dog guarding the sea.
Visiting Ha Long Bay during any season offers a unique experience. Typically, tourists prefer to visit from April to June or from September to November. During these seasons, the weather is pleasant and comfortable for outdoor excursions. The clear blue sky and calm sea create a picturesque backdrop.
The inside of Sung Sot Cave leaves visitors awe-struck with its surreal and colorful beauty.
One of the most captivating destinations in the bay is Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most beautiful cave with peculiar stalactites formed by nature. The interior resembles a surreal world with massive stone columns and natural rock formations. Additionally, the Thien Cung Cave is a must-visit site, featuring stunning stalactites and rock paintings created by Mother Nature herself.
Tourists visiting Ha Long Bay can also engage in exciting activities such as kayaking or enjoying the luxurious ambiance on a cruise while exploring the islands and caves or admiring the panoramic view of the bay from a seaplane.
A week after their wedding, the couple embarked on a luxurious cruise to Ha Long Bay, enjoying the tranquility and fresh air.
For those seeking immersion in nature, a visit to Vung Viêng fishing village is ideal. Here, locals reside on floating houses, offering a glimpse into the cultural and rustic lifestyle of the coastal community.
With its pristine and romantic beauty, along with a variety of tourism activities, Ha Long Bay is an appealing destination for travelers to connect with nature and explore the unique culture and history of the Quang Ninh mining region.
After giving birth, Phuong Oanh and her husband returned to Ha Long Bay for a thrilling exploration and survival-style vacation.
Captivating visitors with delectable specialties
Ha Long Bay is renowned not only for its breathtaking natural scenery but also for its diverse and delectable cuisine. Here are five must-try specialties when visiting this region.
Chả Mực (Squid Sausage)
Chả Mực is one of the most famous specialties of Ha Long. Made from fresh and meaty squid, it has a distinctive crunchy and chewy texture. The squid is hand-pounded to retain its softness, then fried to create a delicious, chewy, and sweet flavor. When eaten, you’ll savor the freshness of the squid and its alluring aroma.
The combination of crunchiness, chewiness, sweetness, and aroma makes this Ha Long specialty unforgettable.
Sá Sùng
Sá Sùng is a unique seafood delicacy commonly used in soups, stir-fries, or grilled dishes. Grilled dry Sá Sùng is a favorite among tourists due to its intense flavor and crisp texture. Alternatively, stir-fried Sá Sùng with vegetables offers a nutritious option.
Sá Sùng is a nutrient-rich organism, valued for its economic significance and its role in imparting a unique flavor to dishes.
Sam Biển (Sea Cucumber)
Sam Biển is a hard-shelled seafood delicacy prepared in various mouthwatering dishes such as Sam salad, Sam stir-fried with lemongrass and chili, or grilled Sam. Sam has a sweet and crunchy flavor, especially when combined with herbs and roasted peanuts in a salad, creating a unique and appealing dish.
Don’t miss the opportunity to try grilled sea cucumber with spring onions, a Ha Long specialty with an irresistible flavor.
Chả Rươi (Rươi Sausage)
Chả Rươi is a famous Ha Long delicacy that captivates diners with its unique flavor and elaborate preparation. Fresh Rươi are ground, mixed with spices, and transformed into pinkish sausages with a sweet and delicate taste. When fried, they emit an enticing aroma, with a crispy exterior and a soft, buttery interior. Enjoy Chả Rươi hot, dipped in a sweet and sour fish sauce or accompanied by rice crackers or vermicelli, for an unforgettable culinary experience.
Ha Long’s Chả Rươi is a delicious and nutritious specialty often purchased as souvenirs. The fried sausages have a golden appearance, an enticing aroma, and a crispy skin without being dry.
Ngán Hạ Long (Ha Long Razor Clams)
Ngán is a rare and valuable seafood delicacy commonly found in Ha Long. It resembles ngao (clams) in shell and flavor but boasts superior nutritional value. Ha Long razor clams are a unique specialty, enticing diners with their sweet and crunchy texture.
Ngán is a distinctive Ha Long delicacy that captivates diners with its sweet and crunchy taste.
Ngán can be prepared in various ways, such as steaming or grilling, resulting in a flavorful and tasty dish. Additionally, Ngán liquor is a unique alcoholic beverage exclusive to Ha Long, often purchased as gifts for loved ones, especially men.
The Billionaire Yacht Club: Over 200 Tycoons Set Sail for Ha Long Bay
In January 2025, approximately 80,000 people are expected to attend the “Art for Climate – Ha Long Bay 2025” event in Quang Ninh. Notably, over 200 European billionaires will be in attendance, arriving in their private superyachts. This spectacular gathering will not only showcase the beauty of Ha Long Bay but also emphasize the importance of climate action. With such a diverse and influential audience, the event presents a unique opportunity to inspire and engage individuals in the collective fight against climate change.
The Truc Lam Zen House: A “Miniature Ha Long Bay” in An Giang
The Truc Lam An Giang Meditation Institute is a spiritual tourist destination that attracts a multitude of visitors with its picturesque scenery and romantic landscape. Nestled in the Seven Mountains region, it boasts a breathtaking vista akin to a miniature Ha Long Bay, offering a serene and enchanting experience for all who visit.
The Gulf of Tonkin, Cat Ba Archipelago: A Recognized International Geological Heritage Site
The stunning Ha Long Bay in Quang Ninh Province and Cat Ba Archipelago in Hai Phong City have been recognized as international geological heritage sites by the International Union of Geological Sciences (IUGS). Alongside 99 other locations across 53 countries, these Vietnamese gems now hold this prestigious distinction.