Halong bay majestic and mysterious, inspiring and imperious: words alone cannot do justice to the natural wonder that is Halong Bay. Imagine 3000 or more incredible islands rising from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin and you have a vision of breathtaking beauty. Halong Bay is pure art, a priceless collection of unfinished sculptures hewn from the hand of nature.
In 1994 it was designated a World Heritage site. Visitors can’t help but compare the magical, mystical landscape of limestone islets to Guilin in China and Krabi in southern Thailand, but in reality Halong Bay is more spectacular. These tiny islands are dotted with beaches and grottoes created by wind and waves, and have sparsely forested slopes ringing with birdsong.
The best way to explore Halong bay is on a cruise tours that are arranged from Hanoi. Most visitors opt for cruise tours that include sleeping on board within the bay, while a growing number are deciding to eschew the main bay completely, heading straight for Cat Ba Island from where trips to less-visited but equally alluring Lan Ha Bay are easily set up.
Best activities to expect including cruising through the heavenly emerald Bay and explore some of its lesser known islands and its biodiversity, kayak, explore caves and or swim in the calm waters and get the best out of the magical sunset over a panorama of limestone pillars. If that’s not enough, then turn toward the south of Halong Bay and opt for cruising through the Bai Tu Long Bay which is just as incredible yet lesser known and visited as Halong.
10 TOP reasons to visit Halong Bay →
Visiting Halong Bay provides a harmonious blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and unique experiences, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking an unforgettable adventure. Here are 10 reasons why you should consider visiting Halong Bay:
Spectacular Scenery → Halong Bay is renowned for its mesmerizing limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the emerald waters. The bay’s unique landscape creates a surreal and picturesque setting.
World Heritage Site → Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994, recognized for its outstanding geological and geomorphic values. It is a testament to the Earth’s history and evolution.
Cruise Experiences → Explore Halong bay on a traditional junk boat or a luxury cruise. The calm waters and stunning scenery provide a serene environment for a relaxing cruise, offering a unique perspective of the karst formations.
Cave Exploration → Halong Bay is home to numerous caves and grottoes, each with its own distinctive features. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) is one of the most famous, known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites.
Floating Fishing Villages → Witness the unique lifestyle of the floating fishing villages that dot the glorious Bay. Experience the local culture and see how the residents make a living on the water.
Breathtaking Sunsets and Sunrises → The bay is known for its stunning sunsets and sunrises. The changing colors of the sky combined with the limestone formations create a magical atmosphere.
Kayaking and Water Activities → Halong Bay offers various water activities, including kayaking. Paddle through the bay’s peaceful waters and explore hidden corners and secluded lagoons.
Rich Biodiversity → Halong Bay is home to a diverse range of flora and fauna, including unique species that have adapted to the karst environment. Birdwatching and exploring the bay’s ecosystem can be a rewarding experience.
Cultural Heritage → Learn about the rich cultural history of Halong City and its significance in Vietnamese folklore. The bay has legends and myths associated with its formation, adding an extra layer of intrigue.
Tranquil Islands and Beaches → Halong Bay is surrounded by many tranquil islands and pristine beaches. Some islands are ideal for hiking and panoramic views, while others offer secluded spots for relaxation and unwinding.
What is Halong Bay Famous for & Practical Information
Remember that Halong Bay is known for its serene landscapes, limestone karsts, and emerald waters. The extra time allows you to fully appreciate the unique atmosphere and take part in various activities. Additionally, it’s a good idea to check the weather conditions and choose a time of the year when the weather is favorable for your preferred activities.
Recommended days to stay
The recommended duration for a visit to Ha Long Bay can vary based on personal preferences, interests, and the type of experience you’re looking for. However, a common suggestion is to spend at least 2 days and 1 night in Ha Long Bay to fully enjoy its natural beauty and explore some of its attractions. Here’s a breakdown of how you might plan your stay:
One-Day Trip:
If you have limited time, you can opt for a one-day cruise. This typically includes a boat trip around the bay, visits to some of the main caves and grottoes, and perhaps some kayaking or swimming.
Two-Day, One-Night Trip:
This is a more popular choice as it allows for a more leisurely experience. You can take a cruise and spend the night on the boat, giving you the chance to witness the stunning sunrise or sunset over the karst formations.
Three-Day, Two-Night Trip:
For a more relaxed experience and a chance to explore further, consider a three-day, two-night cruise. This option allows for more time to visit additional attractions, engage in activities like hiking or fishing, and immerse yourself in the beauty of the bay.
What is BEST Time of the year to visit Halong Bay?
Best time to visit is yet a very standard of a tropical region, Halong Bay introduces two distinct seasons, a hot and humid sticky season starts between April and September followed by a dry and chill season from October to March. The rainy season of Halong Bay generally start in early June. October to December are considered the best months to visit Halong Bay where there’s a big chance of great blue skies and plenty of sunshine, warm weather and less to no rainfall. January to May is also a good time to visit, however, temperatures can be a not appropriate to swim until February.
In addition, find out → Best Time To Visit Vietnam
Spring Splendor (March to May): As the winter chill recedes, spring emerges in Halong Bay, bringing with it mild temperatures and blooming landscapes. March to May is considered one of the best times to visit, offering pleasant weather with temperatures ranging from 20 to 25 degrees Celsius. The bay is less crowded during this period, allowing you to enjoy its tranquility while cruising through the iconic limestone formations.
Summer Serenity (June to August): Summer visit in Halong Bay is characterized by warm temperatures, reaching up to 35 degrees Celsius. Although it is the peak tourist season, the bay’s clear skies and calm waters make it an ideal time for boat cruises, kayaking, and exploring the numerous caves that dot the area. Be sure to plan and book in advance, as the popularity of summer can lead to crowded tours.
Autumn Allure (September to November): Transitioning from summer to fall, Halong Bay experiences a shift in weather with cooler temperatures and occasional light rain. This season offers a unique blend of warm and cool, creating a comfortable environment for travelers. The bay takes on a different charm with misty mornings and vibrant foliage, making it a picturesque time to capture stunning photographs.
Winter Wonder (December to February): While winter is the coldest season in Halong Bay, it still attracts visitors seeking a more serene and peaceful experience. The temperatures range from 10 to 20 degrees Celsius, providing a refreshing escape from the summer heat. Although the occasional drizzle may occur, winter in Halong Bay unveils a different kind of beauty, with misty landscapes and a quieter atmosphere.
Ha Long Bay → How to Visit & 10 Things to do
Since being designated a World Heritage site in 1994, much has been made of Halong Bay’s mystical landscape of limestone islets. As the number-one tourist attraction in the northeast Vietnam, Halong Bay attracts visitors year-round, no matter how the weather would be since visitors can lodge in a comfy cruise’s cabin. UNESCO reports that the numbers of visitors have climbed from 200,000 in 1995 to 1,7000,000 in 2002. There are many ways to experience the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay. Unless you have a private yacht (or you’re an Olympic kayaker), you’ll have to take a tour of some kind.
Cruise through Halong Bay
For a serious splurge in Halong Bay, cruising the karsts aboard a luxury Chinese-style junk is hard to beat. There are also a few very luxurious paddle ships, based on a French craft from the early 20th century. But be aware that nearly all of these luxury trips operate on a fixed itinerary, taking in the well-known caves and islands, and simply do not have the time to stray far from Halong City. Many ‘two-day’ cruise tours actually involve less than 24 hours on a boat, itineraries are all fixed and there are over hundreds (if not more), of cruise, junk, companies offering almost the same experience, the only difference would be the facilities, onboard dinning and cabins to sleep overnight, so, choose the one that best suits your budget and expectations.
There are many complaints about poor service, bad food and rats running around boats, but these tend to be ONLY on the ultralight budget cruise tours. Spend a little more and enjoy the at least 3 star cruise experience a whole lot more. It can be false economy signing up for one of the budget tours, and it’s also potentially a matter of safety. 4 and 5 star and plus luxury cruises are offering world class cruising along the Halong Bay.
Visiting Halong Bay for families with kids
Definitely recommended as families with kids will have an absolute fun times visiting the ultimate beauty of Halong Bay as an unforgettable family adventure. This UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam offers a captivating seascape of limestone karsts and emerald waters, making it a perfect destination for families with kids. Sail on traditional junk boats, and engage in kid-friendly activities like exploring hidden caves and floating fishing villages. Halong Bay’s calm waters ensure a safe and enjoyable experience for children to swim.
Halong Bay Helicopter Flight & Seaplane Experience
Exploring Ha Long Bay by seaplane is a unique and breathtaking experience that allows you to witness the stunning beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site from a whole new perspective. Ha Long Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the sea.
Here’s what you might experience during a 25 minutes seaplane tour over Ha Long Bay:
Aerial Views: As the seaplane takes off, you’ll be treated to spectacular aerial views of Ha Long Bay and its mesmerizing landscape. The bird’s-eye perspective allows you to appreciate the vastness and intricate details of the bay, including the numerous limestone formations and lush green islands.
Unique Photo Opportunities: The seaplane journey offers fantastic opportunities for photography. You can capture panoramic shots of the Halong bay, the iconic karst formations, and the serene waters. The changing angles and lighting conditions during the flight create a dynamic canvas for photography enthusiasts.
Uninterrupted Views: Seaplanes often have large windows, providing unobstructed views of the scenery below. This ensures that you can fully immerse yourself in the beauty of Ha Long Bay without any visual obstructions.
Island-Hopping Experience: Some seaplane tours may include the option to land on the water, allowing you to experience a unique form of island hopping. Touching down on the emerald waters of Ha Long Bay can be a memorable part of the adventure.
Luxurious Experience: Seaplane tours are typically considered a luxurious way to explore Ha Long Bay. From the comfort of the aircraft, you can enjoy the scenic beauty in style, making it a perfect option for those seeking a special and memorable experience.
Time Efficiency: Seaplane tours can be more time-efficient compared to traditional boat cruises. They offer a quicker way to cover a larger area of Ha Long Bay, allowing you to see more in a shorter amount of time.
Before embarking on a seaplane tour, it’s advisable to check with tour operators regarding availability, weather conditions, and safety precautions. Ha Long Bay’s natural beauty is awe-inspiring, and exploring it from the air provides a truly unforgettable experience.
Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking & Swimming
Kayaking is one of the experiences you’ll receive one you book any tour in Halong Bay. Most cruises include kayaking to their itinerary and you can enjoy the bay kayaking around for around an hour or less. Halong Bay’s calm and crystal-clear waters make it an ideal haven for kayakers of all skill levels. Navigate through hidden caves, arches, and floating fishing villages, immersing yourself in the rich culture and breathtaking scenery.
Whether you’re a seasoned paddler or a beginner, the bay’s diverse ecosystem offers an unforgettable adventure. Experience the thrill of exploration as you meander through Halong Bay’s intricate waterways, creating memories that will last a lifetime.Embark on a kayaking journey in Halong Bay and let nature’s wonders unfold beneath your paddle.
Floating fishing villages in Halong Bay
There are 4 fishing villages in Halong Bay → Cua Van, Viet Hai, Vung Vieng, Cong Dam & Ba Hang. To get to those villages, sometimes you’ll need to ask whether your cruise itinerary is included a visit to floating villages or not. Floating villages are very unique and there are a little number of people living on the floating houses, living their life by fishing.
There are around 50 families living in Vung Vieng Floating Village; located in Bai Tu Long Bay. The population is between 200 and 300 residents. This includes almost 100 children. These families have lived in this floating village for generations. Cruises with itineraries visiting floating village of Vung Vieng: Paloma Cruise, Swan Cruise, La Regina Royal Cruise, Huong Hai Sealife Cruise and Dragon Legend Cruise.
Swim & Relax on Beautiful Beaches in Halong Bay
Halong Bay beaches offer pristine sands and crystal-clear turquoise waters, these beaches create a mesmerizing tableau against the backdrop of limestone karsts. The most popular beaches, like Bai Chay and Titov, boast a perfect blend of tranquility and water activities, from kayaking to swimming. Immerse yourself in the local culture by exploring nearby fishing villages or enjoy a relaxing cruise through the bay. Swimming and relaxing on the fine beaches are also part of the cruise itineraries.
Vietnam boasts some of the most beautiful beaches in Southeast Asia. From white sand beaches to the fine ones for swimming and snorkeling. Explore 10 Best Beaches in Vietnam →
Explore Cat Ba → Largest Island in Halong Bay
Beautiful Cat Ba, the largest island in Halong Bay, is northern Vietnam’s adventure sport and ecotourism hub. In recent years, Cat Ba Town has experienced a hotel boom, and a chain of semi-luxury concrete hotels now frames a once-lovely bay. But the rest of the island is largely untouched, and with idyllic Lan Ha Bay just offshore you’ll soon overlook Cat Ba Town’s overdevelopment.
Most of the year Cat Ba Town is a laid-back place, and an excellent base for activities around the island, or sailing and kayaking around Lan Ha Bay. On summer weekends Cat Ba turns into a roaring resort, filling up with vacationing Vietnamese. Hotel prices double or treble and there’s an excess of karaoke joints and hubbub. Cars are banned from the promenade, which is taken over by a sea of strolling holidaymakers. Weekdays are saner, but still busy between June and August.
Cat Ba’s best weather is from late September to November, when air and water temperatures are mild and the skies are mostly clear. December to February is cooler but pleasant. From February to April is still good, but you can expect some rain. Summer (June to August) is hot and humid with occasional thunderstorms. This is also peak season and the island is packed with Vietnamese tourists.
Visit Lan Ha Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay
Lying south and east of Cat Ba Town, and technically part of Ha Long Bay, over 300 (as your guide say) karst islands and limestone outcrops of Lan Ha are just as beautiful as those of Halong Bay and have the additional attraction of numerous white-sand beaches. Due to being a fair way from Halong City, not so many tourist boats venture here, meaning Lan Ha Bay has a more isolated appeal. Sailing and kayak trips here are best organised in Cat Ba Town.
Bai Tu Long Bay, a hidden gem nestled in northeastern side of Ha Long Bay, captivates with its pristine beauty and tranquility. Unlike its more famous neighbor, Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay remains unspoiled and less crowded, offering an idyllic escape for nature lovers. With its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts, Bai Tu Long Bay provides a serene backdrop for cruising adventures. Explore the bay’s picturesque fishing villages, where local life unfolds against the stunning seascape. Dive into its rich marine biodiversity, home to diverse species. Discover Bai Tu Long Bay, where every wave whispers tranquility and every sunset paints a masterpiece on the horizon.
Explore Halong Bay Caves
If Halong Bay is magical, emerald and awe-inspiring, the caves that formed the limestone towers are its undeniable part of it. Halong Bay, boasts an array of enchanting caves, among its treasures are awe-inspiring caves that tell tales of ancient geological formations. These caves, like Thien Cung Cave and Sung Sot Cave, Hospital cave (served during American war), showcase intricate stalactite formations and ethereal beauty.
Among all the islands in Halong Bay, you’ll see a number of caves with highly formed ceilings. The tourism authorities of Ha Long Bay, have efficiently turned a number of caves into popular attractions with radiant lighting displays that illuminate the stalactite deposits generating fine array of light and texture and a number of cruise companies include it to their itinerary with well arranged candle dinner inside the cave. One of the most visited caves named Hang Dau Go cave with its high walls that glow in the light while the equally popular Hang Sung Sot cave is known for its phallic-shaped rock formations.
Halong Bay and Cat Ba Rock Climbing
Explore the thrill of rock climbing in Halong Bay, as at least, offers a killer views over the enchanting bay, where towering limestone karsts meet the azure waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Halong Bay offers a unique and challenging rock climbing experience for enthusiasts of all levels. The sheer cliffs and jagged formations provide a natural playground for climbers seeking adventure.
With routes designed to cater to beginners and seasoned climbers alike, Halong Bay promises an unforgettable ascent with stunning panoramic views as your reward. Again, some extended 3 days cruise companies include rock climbing experience in their itinerary, check for the details when booking.
Where to stay in Halong Bay
Cruising: The first and foremost Choice
Halong Bay is an experience that reveals its unique character through cruising the emerald waters. Choosing the perfect cruise in Halong Bay enhances the enchanting experience of this amazing Site. Opt for luxury cruises, offering panoramic views and deluxe amenities, blending comfort with the beauty of nature. Alternatively, explore boutique junk boats for moderate budget. Any cruise you choose, will initially follow the same itinerary with difference on cruise style and services you receive. One day cruises won’t give you much while the popular high-demanded two and or three day itineraries offer more of the Halong Bay’s sites such as islets, caves and floating villages. Cruise’s route are navigating through Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay.
Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is a first and best choice when its comes to choosing an accommodation in Ha Long Bay. There are several resorts, star hotels and smaller homestay to lodge when in Cat Ba Island, the beautiful island is nestled in the heart of Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Town offers a diverse range of lodging options. From budget-friendly hostels to luxurious beachfront resorts, there’s something for every traveler.
For panoramic views, opt for hotels perched on the cliffs overlooking the bay. Nature enthusiasts might prefer eco-friendly stays nestled within the island’s lush landscapes. Additionally, the bustling Cat Ba Town offers a vibrant atmosphere with a myriad of dining and entertainment options. Whatever your preference, finding the perfect place to stay is key to unlocking the beauty of Cat Ba Island.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau is a docking point from where most boats are departing towed the Halong Bay. Beside port, the whole area is planned and designed to focus on a large scale landscapes offering tourism services with luxury hotels, seafood buffet restaurants and other amenities. The cruise companies all have separate offices here as well and you can book your cruise itinerary here as well.
Halong City
Home to Halong Bay, Ha Long City is divided into two different town, first is the Bai Chay and the second one is the Hon Gai, these two are connected to each other trough a bridge. Bai Chay is hosting all the tourist activities and offering a large number of hotels and high end restaurants, while, Hon Gai is more of a local, authentic Halong City from where you find life of the local families and markets.
Food & drinks are always included no matter what sort of cruises are you choosing to visit Halong Bay. All the daily, two days and three day cruise are offering on board buffet breakfast, lunch and dinner in the attached boat’s restaurant. Drinks are usually not included and you pay them separately. 10 Best Vietnamese Food Dishes You Must Try
Getting to Halong Bay →
Taking a tour and cruising Halong Bay is certainly convenient, and many are pretty good value.
It’s also possible to head here independently. The regular run is by bus, or regular high-speed comfy 16 seat limousines, both from Hanoi to Bai Chay (Halong City), and then by motorbike taxi or taxi to Bai Chay harbour. At bustling Bai Chay, you can book a tour, but once you factor in getting there from Hanoi it’s actually not much cheaper. These day-trip boats are also usually crowded, and often come with a soundtrack of Vietnamese karaoke.
There are also tour boats running from Bai Chay via Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island. Alternatively, head directly to Cat Ba Island from Hanoi and arrange a boat trip from there to explore Lan Ha Bay.
Getting around Halong Bay →
Most boat tours leave from Bai Chay tourist dock in Halong City. Prices are officially regulated and depend upon the route, length of trip and class of boat. This dock is pretty chaotic, with hundreds of people embarking and disembarking from dozens of boats. However, the best is to book directly from Hanoi (No you won’t pay higher if book from Hanoi), get picked up from your hotel in the old quarter, board the junk boat and enjoy the Bay at its best.
Eventually, if you’re visiting Cat Ba island you can rent a scooter, or bicycle directly from your hotel, or go one step further and get a car and driver together and explore the lush landscapes of the Island your way.
Halong Bay 2 Days Itinerary For First-Timers →
A classic 2 day Halong Bay cruise itinerary follows the following routine:
Depending on your itinerary, you might hop off to explore Tien Ong, Bo Nau, or Surprise Caves; visit the small Ba Hang fishing village, swim at Ti Top Island and more. It’s advised to always check the itinerary and tis off the places you going to visit.
→ Pick up and transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay
→ Board your chosen cruise and tour the emerald bay with its killer views
→ Kayaking and explore the islets
→ Relax at beach and swim the warm waters
→ Watch the sunset on a top deck
→ Watch the beautiful sunrise through the towering limestones.
→ Tai Chi exercise on the sun deck
→ Visiting caves and or floating villages
→ Join a seafood cooking class
→ Transfer back to Hanoi’s old quarter
Essential Tips for Traveling in Halong Bay
Halong is surely a beautiful gem and it keeps covering the travel plans and itineraries for every single travelers visiting Northern Vietnam. As you embark on this enchanting “Ha Long Bay Experience”, here are some more essential tips to ensure an unforgettable experience;
Choose the Right Time → Optimal weather conditions prevail from September to November and March to May. These months offer mild temperatures and clear skies, enhancing the panoramic views of limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Explore Off-Peak Hours → If you’re heading to Cat Ba, to avoid the crowds, plan your activities during early mornings or late afternoons. This allows for a more intimate encounter with the lush island and its breathtaking landscapes, as well as the chance to witness a serene sunrise or sunset.
Select a Reputable Cruise → Halong Bay’s charm is best savored aboard a cruise. Choose a reputable cruise company to ensure a safe and comfortable voyage. Research and read reviews to find a cruise that aligns with your preferences and budget. We suggest 4 & 5 star cruises…
Pack Smart → Essentials include comfortable clothing, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy footwear for onshore excursions. Don’t forget your camera to capture the awe-inspiring vistas. You can leave your big size luggages at your hotel’s storage in Hanoi, this is alway a free of charge service from your hotel.
Respect the Environment → Halong Bay’s delicate ecosystem deserves preservation. Dispose of waste responsibly and follow the “Leave No Trace” principle, leaving the natural beauty unspoiled for future generations.
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