Bai Tu Long Bay listed among 7 Wonders of Southeast Asia for 2026

The Vietnamese bay, located in the northeast of popular Ha Long Bay in the northern province of Quang Ninh, was ranked third on the list, featuring a more tranquil, less crowded, but just-as-beautiful alternative.

The bay has the same towering limestone islands and karst formations, caves, hidden coves, and floating fishing villages, but with a quieter, more quaint and intimate feel.

The U.S. magazine suggests that visitors opt for luxury boutique cruises and smaller boat tours instead of large-scale cruises.

Highlights include kayaking and swimming in emerald green waters, and eco-tours that explore the awe-inspiring natural wonders of Bai Tu Long National Park. There are also multi-day excursions that allow tourists to get a closer look into the local culture and daily life in the fishing villages.

From Bai Tu Long, tourists can easily reach other islands such as Co To Island, Da Dung Island, Cai Chien Island, Vinh Trung Island, Vinh Thuc Island, and Tra Co Beach, offering even more opportunities for exploration and discovery.

Other wonders on the list include Indonesia's Raja Ampat, Thailand's Doi Inthanon National Park, Laos' Bolaven Plateau, Malaysia's George Town, Cambodia's Phnom Kulen National Park, and the Philippines' smallest province, Batanes./.