Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in northern Vietnam. It’s renowned for its unique landscape shaped by 500 million-year-old limestone cliffs emerging from emerald waters, creating a maze of breathtaking islets (nearly 2000) and several caves.

Halong Bay means “descending dragon”, according to the legend to protect the country from invaders, the gods sent a family of dragons to assist in the defense. These dragons spat out jewels and jade, transforming into iconic rock formations and islets forming a natural barrier against invaders. Following their victory, the dragons chose to reside in the bay, leaving their mark on the landscape forever.

Back in 2009, I saw a photo of Halong Bay for the first time while studying for my Tourism degree in college. I was mesmerized by the stunning seascape and it was at that moment, that I put Vietnam in my top 3 destinations I wanted to visit in my lifetime.

When you’re there, time seems to slow down, and you can’t help but feel a deep sense of awe for the beauty of the world around you. It’s like something out of a fairy tale, where every corner holds a new surprise.

This article provides all the information you need to know to prepare for your visit to Halong Bay. You will find a selection of the best tours, a list of the best 10 things to do, recommendations to visit more secluded areas of the bay, and essential tips for your overnight cruise trip.

HOW TO VISIT HA LONG BAY AND OTHER SURROUNDING BAYS

For many travelers, Halong Bay is the ultimate highlight of Vietnam, and let me tell you already, that the place is worth the hype! It isn’t just a site to visit, but an experience that stays with you long after you’ve left its shores.

Planning your visit is important to ensure you make the most out of your time there, and understanding the geography of the area will allow you to make a more informed decision on which tours are best to book.

In a nutshell, to embark on one of the boats that will take you out to discover this location, you’ll have to arrive first at the island of Cát Bà. Cát Bà is considered the gate to Halong Bay and it is a fantastic place on its own. The majority of people book either a day tour or a 1-night cruise tour to visit Halong Bay, but did you know that other bays are equally stunning and even quieter? These are the main bays you can visit nowadays in northern Vietnam:

Halong Bay

This is the most famous bay in the area. Halong Bay offers a unique blend of adventure, relaxation, and cultural discovery, making it a must-visit destination for any traveler exploring Vietnam. The area is dotted with limestone karsts, hidden lagoons, and floating fishing villages, providing visitors with ample opportunities to immerse themselves in the natural beauty of the region.

Lan Ha Bay

Adjacent to Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay offers a quieter and more pristine alternative to its famous neighbor. With its crystal-clear waters and secluded beaches, Lan Ha Bay is a paradise for kayaking, swimming, and snorkeling enthusiasts. Whether you’re seeking adventure or tranquility, Lan Ha Bay promises an unforgettable experience away from the crowds.

Bai Tu Long Bay

To the northeast of Halong Bay lies the lesser-known gem of Bai Tu Long Bay. Characterized by its serene ambiance and untouched landscapes, Bai Tu Long Bay offers a more authentic and secluded experience for travelers seeking tranquility. This bay is perfect for those looking to escape the hustle and bustle of tourist crowds and immerse themselves in the raw beauty of Vietnam’s natural scenery.

Halong Bay Cruising – Best way to see Halong Bay

An overnight cruise is hands-down the best way to visit Halong Bay. Although day tours are a nice way to enjoy the area for a few hours, trust me, Halong Bay is not a place you want to rush, and you don’t want to miss the sunset and sunrise in such a spectacular location.

Something you should know though is that many boats dock in Halong Bay, and the area can be a little crowded at night, so what I would recommend is to book a tour to navigate Halong Bay with an overnight cruise in Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay.

THINGS TO DO IN HALONG BAY

Another reason why you should not rush your visit to Halong Bay is the wide range of activities you can do while in the area (some of these are included in many of the cruise tours). Here is a list of the top 10 things to do in Halong Bay:

Islet hoping in Halong Bay

Hop from one islet to another aboard traditional wooden boats, you’ve got nearly 2000 islets to explore!

Visit a Traditional Vietnamese Village

Immerse yourself in the rich culture and hospitality of Vietnam by visiting a traditional Vietnamese village near Halong Bay, here you can interact with locals, savor authentic cuisine, and partake in old customs and traditions.

Kayaking in emerald waters

Embark on a serene kayaking journey, discovering hidden lagoons and secluded beaches along the way.

Go Cave Exploring

Venture into mystical caves with impressive stalactites and stalagmites, where echoes of history reverberate within their chambers.

Visit The Floating Villages

Learn about the unique lifestyle of Halong Bay’s floating villages, where houses perch atop wooden stilts and communities thrive upon the tranquil waters, offering a glimpse into a world shaped by the sea.

Join a diving expedition

Plunge into the underwater wonders of the bays, and explore vibrant coral reefs teeming with marine life.

Cycle through picturesque landscapes

Take a scenic cycling journey around the island of Cát Bà, pedaling through lush countryside and quaint villages, and immersing yourself in the rhythms of local life.

Learn about pearl cultivation

Discover the secrets of pearl cultivation with a visit to a local pearl farm in Ha Long Bay, where you can witness the intricate process of pearl production and even acquire a precious souvenir.

Rock climbing with breathtaking views

Climb towering limestone cliffs that rise dramatically from the emerald waters, and enjoy the breathtaking views from above.

Join Hiking trails

There are several hiking trails within the Halong Bay area. Climb up the peaks to witness panoramic views of the bay’s iconic scenery.

CRUISES ON HALONG BAY

At this point, you’ll be wondering. What tour is best for me?

My recommendation here is to read each company’s itinerary and reviews and make sure you book a tour that fits your needs and expectations. This is exactly what I did.

Checking reviews online I found that Halong Dolphin Travel offers exactly what I was looking for, and since they had such incredible feedback from travelers, I decided to book my experience with them. Needless to say, it was an excellent tour!

HALONG BAY TOUR – MY EXPERIENCE ON BOARD WITH VENEZIA CRUISES

This is how a 2 DAYS / 1 NIGHT HALONG BAY + LAN HA BAY ITINERARY looks like on board Venezia Cruises (from Hanoi):

DAY 1. HANOI – Cát Bà ISLAND – HALONG BAY – LAN HA BAY

• Bus from Hanoi to Cát Bà Island

A bus collected several of us in Hanoi. The journey was smooth and we got to Cát Bà Island around 11:30am.

• Welcome drink on board & safety briefing

The crew took care of our luggage and then we got to meet our tour guide and the rest of the crew – a very lovely bunch!

• Lunch while navigating across Lan Ha Bay making our way to Halong Bay

We started navigating across Lan Ha Bay and we got our first lunch onboard. Lunch consisted of a spread of many Vietnamese dishes with a Western twist. Everything was delicious and the portions were big!

• Kayaking and swimming in Halong Bay

After lunch, we had 2 hours to explore Halong Bay. Some went kayaking and others went cave exploring. I did a little bit of everything – including jumping in the water! (I could not help it!)

• Sunset over the Gulf of Tonkin

That day was a bit cloudy so we didn’t have a proper sunset. I guess you can’t have it all! The scenery was anyways gorgeous!

• Traditional Cooking Class onboard + Dinner

Before dinner, we all gathered around our tour guide «Tiger» for a traditional Vietnamese cooking class. We prepared and rolled Vietnamese spring rolls that we ate later during dinner, together with copious amounts of food!

• Happy Hour & Karaoke + Squid Fishing

We had a couple of cocktails, tried to catch some squid (no success for me – I am just too bad at fishing), and sang some karaoke songs. Cocktails helped people socialize, and I literally got to talk to everyone on the boat – that was a great night!

• Overnight in Lan Ha Bay

We spent the night in Lan Ha Bay away from the crowds. It was very peaceful and we had quite a starry night. People talk a lot about stargazing in the desert, but I never thought about having this opportunity in northern Vietnam and it was spectacular!

DAY 2. LAN HA BAY – Việt Hải VILLAGE – Cát Bà ISLAND – HANOI

• Sunrise and breakfast on board from Lan Ha Bay

We woke up and had breakfast with a stunning view of the bay.

• Morning bicycle ride through Cát Bà Island National Park to visit Việt Hải Village

That was a lovely morning cycling across the lush landscapes on Cát Bà island. I particularly loved learning about the different aspects of a more traditional way of living. The scenery around the village was also incredibly beautiful!

• Back on the boat for check-out & goodbyes

Once we finished our little morning excursion, we returned to the boat and had some time to pack before checking out.

• Bus from Cát Bà Island to Hanoi

Our transfer took us back to land at Cát Bà Island and we did the journey in reverse. A few hours later, we all were back in Hanoi, putting an end to an unforgettable experience in Vietnam.

VENEZIA CRUISES BOAT AND FOOD REVIEW

Stepping aboard Venezia Cruises felt like entering a world where modern luxury met timeless elegance. The boat has 8 rooms only which is the perfect size as it helps create a more intimate and unique experience. I liked everything about it, from the beautiful cabins to the cozy dining room and the spacious sundeck, every corner of Venezia Cruises was very inviting!

My experience staying in a Venezia Cruises Deluxe Double room was truly unparalleled. When I visited the bays it was a little cold and I cannot even start to explain how much I appreciated the hot shower and the AC and heater in the room. And the bed—oh, the bed! It was like sinking into a cloud after a day of adventure. The big windows were the nicest touch, waking up to the stunning view of Lan Ha Bay rock formations is something I am not going to easily forget. I still look back at my time navigating Halong Bay and it feels unreal.

The food onboard was delicious too! From Vietnamese classics with a Western twist to semi-gourmet seafood creations, the generous portions ensured that we never left the table hungry, while the attentive service added an extra touch of warmth to every meal. Alcohol and soft drinks prices were very affordable too!

VENEZIA CRUISES TOUR GUIDE AND CREW

The highlight of this trip was «Tiger», our tour guide. In my many months in Vietnam, I realized how difficult it is to have a good English-speaking guide, who is local and knowledgeable and he is the full package! He explained our itinerary and briefed us about the activities before they were taking place so we could make the most out of our time and he did a really good job anticipating what we needed at all times. 

The rest of the crew did not speak much English but they were all lovely and very friendly. This is what I love about Vietnam, even with a significant language barrier, people are resourceful and this was no different on board of Venezia Cruises.

HALONG BAY TOURS

As much as I liked my cruise tour with Venezia Cruises, I understand that everyone has different preferences, so here is a selection of very well-rated tours by other travelers.

Depending on the type of cruise, location, and length of your visit, you can book any of the following:

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise *MY TOP CHOICE*

Halong Bay 2-night Cruise

Halong Bay Day Tours

HOW TO GET TO HALONG BAY

Many tour companies include the transfer from Hanoi. However, if you need to book it on your own, there are several ways to get to Halong Bay.

Ha Long Bay from Hanoi

This is the most common route.

• By bus

You may choose to travel by bus from Hanoi. You will stop at Halong City and from there you can take a ferry or transfer to Cat Ba Island. This could be a 4-hour journey approx.

• By train

You can take a train from Hanoi to Haiphong, a city located near Halong Bay, and then proceed to Halong City from there by taxi or bus. After that, you will have to take the ferry to Cat Ba Island. The journey can take approximately 7 hours.

• Private Transfer

Another option is to hire a private car or taxi for a more flexible and personalized journey, allowing you to explore at your own pace.

HALONG BAY HOTELS

Many visitors come straight from Hanoi. This means that you won’t need to book your stay in Halong Bay, especially if you’ve booked an overnight cruise to visit the area. These are some hotel options in Hanoi.

If you decide to spend more time in the area, I would recommend staying directly on the island of Cat Ba. Here you’ve got hiking trails and you can rent a bicycle and explore the island on your own too.

FAQs. HALONG BAY FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

These are the most frequently asked questions about Halong Bay:

How many days in Halong Bay is enough?

Determining the ideal duration for a visit to Halong Bay depends on individual preferences and the desired experience. While some travelers find that a one-day excursion provides sufficient time to see the highlights, others opt for a more immersive experience with a two or three-day itinerary.

Are 2 days / 1 night enough for Halong Bay?

Two days and one night can offer a balanced experience, allowing visitors to explore the iconic limestone karsts, caves, and floating villages while also enjoying activities like kayaking and squid fishing. However, longer stays provide more opportunities for relaxation and exploration of less-visited areas.

Is Halong Bay too touristy?

While it is undeniably a popular destination, whether it’s «too touristy» is subjective. The level of tourism varies depending on the season and the specific area visited within the bay. Some parts may feel more crowded, especially during peak tourist seasons, while others offer a more serene experience.

Best time to visit Halong Bay

The best time to visit Halong Bay is typically during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is mild, and there is less chance of rain or storms. These seasons offer pleasant temperatures and clearer skies, enhancing the experience of cruising and exploring the bay. However, Halong Bay’s beauty is year-round, and each season has its unique charm.

Swimming in Halong Bay – Is it possible?

Swimming in Halong Bay is indeed possible, particularly during the summer months (June to August) when water temperatures are warmer, averaging around 25-28°C (77-82°F).

Lan Ha Bay vs Halong Bay – Which is better?

While both destinations boast breathtaking scenery and opportunities for activities like kayaking and swimming, Lan Ha Bay is known for its quieter atmosphere and fewer tourist boats. Travelers seeking a more serene and less crowded experience may prefer Lan Ha Bay, especially if they prioritize tranquility and relaxation. Ultimately, the choice between the two depends on individual preferences and priorities. If you can, I will definitely recommend to visit both bays.

Do not hesitate to get in touch if you have any other questions or need any advice to visit the area.