A First-Time Traveler’s Guide to Halong Bay, Vietnam

Nov 8

5 min read

Halong Bay, situated in northeastern Vietnam, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site famed for its stunning seascape featuring over 1,900 limestone islands and islets scattered across emerald waters. Spanning 1,500 square kilometers (589 square miles) in the Gulf of Tonkin, the bay’s silhouette, seen from above, mirrors the shape of dragons gliding through the water – a nod to its name, which means “descending dragon” in Vietnamese.

According to folklore, the Jade Emperor dispatched the Mother Dragon and her offspring to aid the Vietnamese in defending their land against invaders. These celestial beings chose to stay, transforming into the bay’s verdant islands.

Today, Halong Bay is a bucket-list destination renowned for its otherworldly beauty, featured in the 2017 film Kong: Skull Island. The area boasts caves, secluded beaches, and numerous outdoor activities, all accessible just a few hours from Hanoi.

Best Time to Visit Halong Bay

Halong Bay's charm changes with the seasons, making it a year-round attraction. The region experiences two main seasons: winter, from November to March, when temperatures hover between 15–20ºC (59–68ºF), and summer, from May to September, with warmer temperatures ranging from 25–30ºC (77–86ºF). The months of June to August see the most rainfall.

For thrill-seekers, summer is ideal for activities like kayaking and swimming, while early May brings the vibrant Carnaval Ha Long festival. On the other hand, photographers might prefer winter visits, when the bay often takes on a mysterious atmosphere as morning mist shrouds the islands.

How Long Should You Stay in Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is best experienced on a cruise. For those on a tight schedule, half-day or full-day cruises can offer a brief glimpse of the bay’s splendor but will make for a long day when you factor in travel to and from Hanoi.

Most visitors choose an overnight cruise, which typically departs from Hanoi in the morning and embarks at noon. Activities often include cave tours, beach visits, floating pearl farm excursions, onboard cooking classes, and nighttime squid fishing. These itineraries, while immersive, can feel packed and leave little time for relaxation. Additionally, many boats follow the same routes and dock at popular sites at the same times.

If your schedule allows, consider a two- or three-night cruise. These longer journeys allow for more flexible itineraries, exploring further into Halong Bay or the neighboring Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bays. With fewer boats and more secluded stops, these extended cruises offer a more serene and exclusive experience.

For those with extra time, a day or two in Halong City is worth considering as the area is developing into a notable destination itself.

Choosing the Perfect Cruise

With between 200 to 300 overnight cruise boats operating in Halong Bay, there’s a cruise for every budget and preference. The key is to decide whether you want to spend more than one night onboard – doing so can transform your perception of the bay.

Cruises range from basic, no-frills options to luxurious 5-star experiences complete with world-class amenities. Be sure to confirm whether your package includes transportation to and from Hanoi. To ensure you get the boat you want, book directly with the cruise company rather than through a third-party operator, as tour companies sometimes switch boats without prior notice.

For larger groups (eight to ten people or more), consider chartering a vessel for a more personalized experience. Companies like Bhaya Cruises and the exclusive Emeraude Premium cater to private groups, with the latter offering intimate charters for just two passengers.

For shorter trips, you can book day cruises directly through operators or purchase tickets at the Halong International Cruise Port, with prices starting at 440,000d (US$18) for basic options and going up to 1,200,000d (US$49) for cruises that include lunch and better facilities.

Getting to and Around Halong

Halong is well connected to Hanoi, 170km (105 miles) away. Most cruises offer shuttle bus services from the capital, but private cars or public buses are also an option, with the trip taking around two hours on the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway. The city is also accessible via Van Don International Airport, 50km (31 miles) away, which serves domestic flights from key Vietnamese cities.

For a more upscale travel experience, consider taking a flight with Hai Au Aviation, which operates scenic 12-seater Cessna amphibious planes between Halong Bay and Hanoi, offering aerial views of the bay.

Top Experiences in Halong Bay

Scenic Flights Over the Bay From sea level, the limestone islands, with evocative names such as Fighting Cock and Incense Burner, are mesmerizing. To get a new perspective, opt for a 25-minute seaplane flight for breathtaking views of the islands as they resemble mountain peaks scattered across the water.

Cable Car Rides The Queen Cable Car, part of the Sun World Halong complex, provides panoramic views of Halong Bay and Halong City. Each cabin holds up to 230 passengers and spans the city, offering scenic rides and access to amusement areas on either side.

Explore Halong City Beyond the bay, Halong City has its own attractions, including Bai Tho Mountain, which offers 200m-high (656 ft) viewpoints, and Sun World Halong’s amusement park, home to games, coasters, and one of Southeast Asia’s biggest water parks. The city also boasts the architecturally striking Quang Ninh Museum and Library and a bustling night market at Halong Marine Plaza.

Relaxing at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh A personal favorite, the Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, located 15 minutes from Halong, offers a peaceful retreat surrounded by mountains. This Japanese-inspired onsen features natural, mineral-rich waters at a fraction of the cost of onsen experiences in Japan.

Sampling Local Cuisine Halong Bay’s culinary scene is rich and unique. Try local delicacies such as bun cu ky (stone crab noodle soup) at Nha Hang Thanh Loc or Bun cu ky Ba Lan at Bai Chay Beach. Other must-tries include grilled squid and Halong-style squid cakes, a popular snack often paired with steamed rice flour crepes.

What to Pack for Your Halong Bay Trip

If you’re visiting in the summer, don’t forget your swimsuit. Sturdy walking shoes are essential for exploring caves and hiking trails on the islands. During the cooler months, a light jacket will keep you comfortable on early morning or evening excursions.