As Korea’s Chuseok—a major harvest festival often compared to Thanksgiving—approaches, travelers are in for a rare treat this year: a full week off. With national holidays like National Foundation Day and Hangul Day bookending the long break, the so-called “golden week” in early October offers a perfect window for escape. If you’ve been yearning for a true break from your busy routine, somewhere to simply be, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam may be the answer you’ve been searching for.

Rising out of the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, thousands of limestone islands scatter across the sea like pieces of a carefully composed painting. Sculpted over millennia by nature’s quiet, persistent hand, these formations evoke a sense of mystery, almost otherworldliness. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Ha Long Bay has long been one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonders.

The name “Ha Long” itself—meaning “descending dragon” in Sino-Vietnamese—tells a story passed down through generations. Legend has it that a celestial dragon descended to protect the land from invaders, and in doing so, its body carved the jagged islets that now define the bay. Locals say the dragon still rests beneath the waves, and once you see the spiny, steep cliffs rising from the water, it’s not hard to believe.

A cruise through the bay feels like drifting through a dream. Towering karsts, shimmering blue waters, and ancient myth come together in a way that feels both grounding and transcendent. Ha Long Bay is more than just a place to visit—it’s a place to pause. A retreat not only from the world, but into something deeper. If even a dragon chose to rest here for a thousand years, surely it’s a worthy spot for a few days of genuine peace.

And now, there’s a new reason to stay a little longer.

In August, InterContinental—one of the world’s premier luxury hotel brands—opened the doors to its brand-new Ha Long Bay resort. While Ha Long Bay has long attracted day-trippers from Hanoi, the lack of luxury accommodations meant few lingered to truly immerse themselves. That changes now.

The InterContinental Ha Long Bay Resort is set to redefine the way travelers experience this storied destination. Designed by renowned architecture firm WATG, the resort blends contemporary luxury with subtle nods to local mythology, offering a stay that is both elegant and evocative. From architectural lines that mimic the contours of dragon’s scales to interiors inspired by the flow of water and stone, every detail invites connection—with nature, with history, and with yourself.

And the views? Every room offers sweeping vistas of Ha Long Bay’s mesmerizing seascape—an ever-changing canvas of light and limestone that never looks the same twice.

Even the entry-level “Classic Ha Long Bay View” rooms promise uninterrupted panoramas, starting at a surprisingly accessible rate of around $162(USD) per night—an incredible value, especially compared to the skyrocketing prices of domestic accommodations in Korea.

Located just a two-hour drive from Hanoi’s Noi Bai International Airport, the resort is an easy addition to any Vietnam itinerary. And for those short on time, Hai Phong Airport offers direct flights from Korea and a quick 40-minute transfer to the bay—ideal for a Ha Long-only escape.

This golden week, Ha Long Bay offers something more than just a holiday—it offers a story. A retreat wrapped in legend, luxury, and stillness. On the waters where the dragon once descended, find your own moment of quiet magic.