Halong Bay

Halong Bay is easily reached from any other city in Vietnam with many internal flights and other transports.

From Hanoi, you can get to Halong Bay after 2-3 hours of driving (170 km)

From Da Nang, book a flight from Da Nang airport to Cat Bi airport (Hai Phong) and then travel by car to the bay. Or you can fly to Hanoi (1-hour flight) and go from there to Quang Ninh.

From Ho Chi Minh City, similar to when you travel from Da Nang, you can either go by plane from HCM City to Hai Phong (3-hour flight) or to Hanoi (2.5-hour flight) and then drive to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is in the north of Vietnam, so it has a humid tropical climate and sees four seasons in a year. Winter’s temperatures can drop down to 12-17°C. Summer is mostly sunny, but rain showers are frequent as the humidity is higher. Spring and Autumn are nicely warm.

Summer is a good time for Halong Bay because you can go swimming and kayaking. Yet summer remains the shoulder season for tourists because of its hot weather.

In fact, the peak travel season in Halong Bay is during the fall and spring (from October to April) because the weather is cooler, providing the best views of the bay.

On the other hand, these are the seasons for specific trips in Halong Bay:

• Best time for sightseeing: April, May, June, October, November and December.
• Best time for outdoor activities: March, April, May and June.
• Best time for honeymoon: November, December, January and February.
• Best time for money-saving: late May, June, July, August and early September.

The answer can vary from 1 day to 3 days. It depends on your plan for the whole trip and whether you enjoy staying for a night on a cruise (this is the best way to see around the islands).

If you start from Hanoi and don’t have too much time, you can go on a day trip. But staying overnight on the cruise might give you the full experience of the beauty of the bay.

Absolutely!

No matter how many people you are traveling with—it can be you and your partner or with your family or friends—you all can enjoy visiting the wonderful landscape of Halong Bay.

• For families, you and your parents or kids can choose to go kayaking, squid-fishing, or exploring the magnificent cave system of the bay.
• If you are with your friends, hanging out on the cruise deck and enjoying a nice cocktail with breathtaking scenery of islands will make another excellent option.

Whether you opt for a 3-star cruise or set your sights on a 4 or 5-star experience, you’re bound to have an amazing time in Halong Bay.

A 3-star cruise surely offers good services and enjoyable experiences. However, if you’re celebrating a special occasion and choose a 4 or 5-star cruise, you’re in for an unforgettable time. These cruises provide outstanding services, a wide range of activities for customer enjoyment, spacious rooms, and delicious food, all of which will undoubtedly enhance your cruise experience.

In Halong Bay, several must-see spots capture the essence of its enchanting beauty and cultural heritage:

• Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): This iconic cave is the largest in Halong Bay, renowned for its vast chambers filled with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. The dramatic formations and the cave’s immense size leave visitors in awe, making it a highlight of any visit.
• Ti Top Island: Famous for its panoramic views of the bay, Ti Top Island is a perfect spot for those seeking breathtaking scenery. Climb to the island’s summit to witness the sweeping vistas of emerald waters and limestone karsts, or relax on its pristine beach.
• Floating Fishing Villages: Experience the traditional way of life in one of Halong Bay’s floating fishing villages, such as Cua Van. These charming communities, with houses perched on the water, provide a unique glimpse into the local culture and the daily lives of the fishermen.
• Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave): Steeped in history, Dau Go Cave is known not only for its stunning formations but also for its legendary role during the Mongol invasion of Vietnam. The cave’s interior is a masterpiece of nature’s architecture, with striking stalactites and stalagmites.

When exploring Halong Bay, discerning travelers can immerse themselves in an array of exquisite experiences that unveil the bay’s unparalleled allure:

• Explore Halong Bay Caves: Discover the mesmerizing caves like Thien Cung, Sung Sot, Dau Go, Luon, and Trinh Nu, each boasting stunning stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.
• Kayak on Dragon Eye Island: Explore the stunning landscapes up close by kayaking around Mắt Rồng Island, known for its shallow waters and pristine beaches.
• Dive or Snorkel at Tuan Chau Island: Discover the vibrant underwater ecosystem of Tuan Chau Island, where you can dive or snorkel amidst rare corals and marine life.
• Seaplane Sightseeing: Experience the breathtaking aerial view of Halong Bay by taking a 45-minute seaplane flight from Hanoi. This offers an unparalleled perspective of the bay’s beauty.
• Cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay: Escape the crowds with a cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay, an off-the-beaten-path gem featuring pristine beaches, peaceful floating villages, and remarkable caves.
• Rock Climbing at Lan Ha Bay: Challenge yourself by climbing the limestone cliffs of Lan Ha Bay, a tranquil area east of Halong Bay, perfect for adventurous spirits.

Free Wi-Fi is available on the cruise, allowing you to connect from your mobile phone, tablet, and laptop, although the internet signal at sea may suffer frequent interruptions.

Many people are concerned about feeling unwell while traveling to this beautiful place. However, there is no need to worry. The water at the bay is very calm with hardly any waves. If you’re on a big cruise, it’s unlikely that you’ll feel any motion sickness. It’s still a good idea to bring some seasickness tablets just to be careful and fully enjoy the trip!

• Search price comparison websites before booking: It’s a good idea to do your ‘homework’ before choosing a Halong Bay cruise. Different booking websites can offer you different deals – from price, booking policy, and complimentary services.

• Book early for early-bird deals: This tip is extremely useful, especially if you plan to travel during peak season. If you have a fixed itinerary, book early to get the best out of these deals.

• Or look for last-minute promotions: For travelers with the flexibility to book a cruise at short notice, it’s worth checking out last-minute deals as operators try to fill up remaining cabins before the cruise sets sail.

• Discuss with your tour operator: It can be beneficial to speak to the tour operator in person. Not only may you be offered exclusive deals, but you can also gain a good understanding of what is available on a cruise trip.

• If possible, negotiate a group discount: Large groups may sometimes be able to get a special deal on the cruise itself, as well as on transport and hotels.

• Travel during off-peak or shoulder season: Not only will you make some considerable savings, but visiting Halong Bay in off-peak or shoulder season means you can enjoy more of the stunning landscape without other cruises around.