Ha Long Bay – one of the 7 Wonders of the Natural World. Formed over millions of years through sea transgression, this bay of descending dragons boasts nearly 2000 limestone islands and islets scattered like precious gems in a vast expanse of serene seawater. Visit local fishing villages and explore the fascinating karst islands, teeming with wildlife and featuring unique shapes while sailing through the best part of Ha Long Bay.
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.
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.
- 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.
Thien Cung, also known as the Palace in Heaven, is a must-visit attraction in Ha Long Bay. The stunning grotto's chambers are adorned with stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years through limestone walls. Visitors can indulge in fascinating stories about various shapes of stalactites and the legend of King Dragon.
Dau Go Island, meaning 'Wooden Stake', is a neighbor to the magnificent Thien Cung grotto. The island spans 5,000 square meters and features three large caves with an ancient rocky appearance and harmonious displays of stalactites and light.
Sung Sot, or 'the Grotto of Surprise', is a highly-rated attraction on Bo hon island. The grotto covers 10,000 square meters and features three chambers with naturally carved rocky shapes that may surprise you.
Named after Russian cosmonaut Gherman Stepanovich Titov, who visited the island in 1962 with President Ho Chi Minh, Titop Island has become a popular tourist destination. The island offers various services and features a viewing spot at its top for breathtaking panoramic views of Halong Bay. Visitors can relax by swimming, sunbathing, or enjoying a refreshing coconut while taking in the views.