Come with us to explore one of the seven natural wonders of the world, Halong Bay. A breathtaking combination of emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and hidden grottoes. Explore this waters with a one day or two day cruise, enjoying the captivating landscapes, discover hidden gems, and immerse yourself in this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Pack your bags and get ready to explore this natural beauty.

Best Time to Travel:

To witness Halong Bay at its most enchanting, plan your journey during the months of October to December. During this period, the weather is mild, the skies are clear, and the bay is buried in a mystical fog that adds more beauty to the landscape. Avoiding the summer’s heat and occasional storms, these months provide the perfect climate for cruising and exploring the wonders of Halong.

5 Must-Sees in Your Itinerary:

1. Halong Bay Cruise: this is the gateway to an immersive experience, discover the breathtaking tapestry of emerald water adorned with towering limestone karsts. Navigating between these natural marvels, the cruise becomes a beautiful journey, offering incredible panoramic views.

You can do a day trip through Halong Bay (here is the tour) or if you want to explore this area to the fullest plus wake up to the mesmerizing beauty of Halong Bay at your doorstep, you also have a two day trip (here is the tour). We leave you here a mini-guide, that has more options and will help you chose the right cruise for you. 

2. Lan Ha Bay: navigate the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay by kayak, weaving through hidden caves and discovering pristine beaches secluded among limestone karsts draped in abundant greenery. The bay’s intimacy reveals a tapestry of nature’s finest strokes, inviting adventurers to paddle through a mosaic of scenic wonders.

Tip: If you are going in a two plus day cruise, make sure that this place is in the itinerary since it’s a majestic area to visit and explore it with kayak.

3. Ti Top Island: ascending to the summit of Ti Top Island elevates your perspective, offering a spectacular view of Halong Bay. From this vantage point, panoramic views unfold, creating postcard-perfect moments against the blue canvas of the bay.

4. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): embark on an exploration of Sung Sot Cave, where colossal stalactites and stalagmites form an awe-inspiring underground spectacle. The vast chambers, adorned with nature’s chandeliers, create an ambiance that captivates the imagination. The cave’s enormity echoes the magnificence of Halong’s geological narrative.

5. Cat Ba Island: escape to the largest island in Halong Bay, Cat Ba, offering a perfect blend of natural beauty and outdoor adventures. Explore Cat Ba National Park, home to diverse ecosystems and trekking trails that lead to panoramic viewpoints. Relax on pristine beaches, kayak through secluded lagoons, and savor local seafood in the island’s charming fishing villages. More information about this area here. 

Other Activities or Places to See in Halong:

1. Dau Go Cave: uncover the secrets buried within the chambers of Dau Go Cave, where illuminated stalactites create a beautiful ambiance. The cave’s colossal formations become a silent testament to the geological forces that shaped this subterranean wonder.

2. Cua Van Fishing Village: immerse yourself in the tranquility of this fishing village, where traditional wooden boats create a picturesque spectacle among the karsts. The village showcases the coordinated relationship between the local community and the bay.

3. Visit Quang Ninh Museum: immerse yourself in the rich cultural and natural history of this area. This museum becomes a portal to the past. From the maritime heritage to the diverse communities that call this region home, the museum’s exhibits shows a narrative that deepens your understanding of the profound connection between Halong and the people who have shaped its story.

4. Bai Tu Long Bay: extend your exploration to Bai Tu Long Bay, a quieter sibling to Halong, where pristine landscapes and secluded coves invite a sense of serenity. This bay, adorned with its own unique karst formations, provides an escape into untouched beauty, allowing for a more intimate connection with nature.

How to Move Through Halong:

Navigate the captivating waters of Halong Bay by cruise. The cruise operators offer a variety of itineraries, allowing you to choose the trip that adjust more to what you want. Kayaking and local boat transfers offer additional ways to navigate the bay’s intricate waterways, providing an immersive experience.

Where to Sleep in Halong:

Choose from a good selection of hotels to rest your head in Halong. This land-based accommodations provide a comfortable retreat with convenient access to local attractions.

Here we leave you some hotels:

• Luxury: enjoy Halong from the comfort of your hotel. Wyndham Legend Halong Hotel, where panoramic views of Halong Bay meet unique rooms. Also, Muong Thanh Luxury Ha Long Residence, offers a great experience.
• Mid-Range: Gran Fleuve Boutique, is the perfect mid-range choice for travelers seeking comfort. Also, The Almin Hotel, discover a balance of affordability and quality in the city center.
• Budget: embrace affordability without compromising the comfort. Ha Long Essence Hotel, a budget-friendly option where friendly service, clean accommodations, and a convenient location create a welcoming establishment for budget-conscious travelers. Also, Halios Halong Hotel, is an ideal choice.

Where to Eat in Halong:

Spoil yourself in a culinary journey through Halong, savoring the freshest seafood and regional delights. Cruise ships often offer exquisite dining experiences, allowing you to dine with the backdrop of the bay’s beauty. Explore Halong City for local eateries, seafood markets, and vibrant street food stalls. Don’t miss the opportunity to try local specialties like: “Cha Muc” (grilled squid cakes), “Banh Con” (pork and mushroom rolls) and “Nem Cua Be” (crab spring rolls) for an authentic taste of Halong’s gastronomic treasures.

Here we leave you some restaurants:

• Nha Hang Phuong Nam: this restaurant is great to try the seafood dishes from Halong.
• Linh Dan Restaurant: great place to try some of the typical dishes.
• A Dong Cuisine: another great place to try some typical Vietnamese dishes.

Our opinion of Halong Bay:

While Halong Bay is a must-visit destination, our experience left us the feeling that is overrated. Despite the breathtaking scenery during the cruise, we couldn’t shake the feeling that, compared to other natural wonders, it falls short. The abundance of cruises and crowds is also something to take into consideration.

Exploring the city added another layer of disappointment, the hotel area resembled a ghost town with numerous empty buildings, lacking the vibrant Vietnamese culture we anticipated. The European city vibe that this area has felt out of place. Halong City, didn’t offer much to explore, making it clear that the real charm lies in the bay itself.

As for the cruise, opting for a day trip proved a reasonable choice, providing an affordable and well-organized itinerary. Multi-day cruises didn’t appeal to us due to their itineraries and pricing, but it also depends on what you are looking for. Once in the bay this place is beautiful, cruising around is just amazing, but the downside persists, the large amount of boats and people can decrease the peaceful experience you might seek in such place.

Other areas of North Vietnam to explore:

Hanoi: Vietnam’s vibrant capital, combines history with urban vitality. Explore the Old Quarter’s lively streets, admire French colonial architecture, and enjoy the diverse street food delights. Hanoi is a captivating blend of tradition and modernity, inviting exploration at every corner. More information in our travel blog of Hanoi here.

Ninh Binh: indulge in the tranquility of Ninh Binh’s countryside, where ancient temples and mysterious caves await exploration. Take leisurely boat rides through breathtaking landscapes, navigating through winding rivers and surrounded by limestone karsts that create a surreal backdrop. We leave you a day trip from Hanoi, in case you don’t have enough time to explore Ninh Binh for a couple of days, trust us, you shouldn’t miss this place. More information in our travel blog of Ninh Binh here.

Sapa: venture to the picturesque mountain town of Sapa, a haven for nature enthusiasts. Here, terraced rice fields cascade down the hills, creating a mosaic of vibrant green. Immerse yourself in the indigenous cultures of the region, where vibrant markets and traditional villages offer a glimpse into the rich tapestry of local life. We leave you a two day trip from Hanoi, in case you don’t have enough time to explore Sapa for a couple of days. More information in our travel blog of Sapa here.

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Tell us in the comments your opinion about Halong Bay!