Transportation

How to get to Ha Long Bay

The travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay now takes only 2 hours thanks to the new Hai Phong – Quang Ninh expressway. For your convenience, most cruises provide limousine shuttle service with a complimentary bottle of water, Wi-Fi, and USB chargers.

Ways to get around Ha Long Bay

- Day trip boat: If your time is limited, booking a day trip is a good idea to have a glimpse at the beauty of Ha Long Bay. The boat won't take you too far from its dock yet allow you to visit some popular attractions in the Bay. Lunch served on board with other included activities such as: visiting Wonder cave, fishing village, and kayaking or bamboo raft ride.

- Overnight cruise ship: The most recommended option is a fantastic cruise trip to admire the UNESCO Heritage site with its best offerings. Various selections of boats are available at the harbor, from elegant boutique cruises to modern boats. Numerous limestone islands can be beheld on the way, fine dining experiences and other activities like morning Tai-chi lessons or squid fishing along with discovering spectacular grottoes shall make your trip memorable.

Best times to visit

The weather is ideal from April through June, allowing you to swim and relax on the deck in the evenings. The clear sky also provides opportunities to explore the karst islands and grottos with a clear vision. Wintertime from October to December can also be considered a good time to visit Ha Long Bay as it's dry most days. The fog highlights the magnificent layers of effect created by the differing distances between the islands, offering a mysterious atmosphere.

Tips when visiting Ha Long Bay

- Tipping is not customary in Vietnam; feel no pressure to tip here. If service exceeds your expectation, a tip is highly appreciated and valued.

- Some overnight cruises offer WiFi on-board, but the internet connection may be unstable or unavailable when sailing far from the mainland, as the area is surrounded by large karst mountains that can block signals. This also applies to phone services.

- Halong Bay has thousands of islands, ensuring still waters similar to those of a lake. Even sensitive people rarely get seasick, but it's a good idea to have seasickness medicines on hand just in case.

- When visiting Halong Bay, it's recommended that you bring sunscreen, mosquito repellent, and windbreakers in case the weather doesn't cooperate.