Imagine sailing through a sea of emerald water, surrounded by thousands of towering limestone islands, each with its own shape, size, and story. Imagine exploring hidden caves, pristine beaches, floating villages, and ancient temples, while witnessing the rich and diverse wildlife and culture of the bay. Imagine experiencing the magic and mystery of a place that has been shaped by legends, history, and nature for millions of years. This is Halong Bay, Vietnam’s most famous and beautiful attraction, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Halong Bay, or “Bay of the Descending Dragon”, is located in the northeast of Vietnam, about 170 km from Hanoi. It covers an area of over 1,500 square km, and consists of nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, some of which are inhabited by humans, animals, and plants. The bay is also home to several archaeological and historical sites, such as the Bai Tu Long National Park, the Cat Ba Island, the Sung Sot Cave, and the Thien Cung Cave.
Halong Bay is a must-see destination for anyone who visits Vietnam, as it offers a variety of activities and experiences for all types of travelers, such as cruising, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, cooking, and more. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, romance, or culture, you will find it in Halong Bay.
In this article, we will provide you with a complete and updated guide on everything you need to know about Halong Bay, such as how to get there, how to visit, what to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and more. We will also give you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your trip, and how to avoid common problems and enjoy the trip. By the end of this article, you will be ready to book your dream vacation to Halong Bay, and experience the wonders of this World Heritage Site.
How to Get There
Halong Bay is about 170 km from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, and there are several options to get there, depending on your budget, time, and preference. The most common and convenient ways are by bus, train, car, or plane.
Bus: Taking a bus is the cheapest and easiest way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi. There are many bus companies that offer daily services, such as Hoang Long, Kumho Viet Thanh, and Phuc Xuyen. The buses depart from various bus stations in Hanoi, such as My Dinh, Gia Lam, and Luong Yen, and arrive at Bai Chay bus station in Halong City, which is about 4 km from the bay. The bus journey takes about 4 hours, and costs around 100,000 to 200,000 VND ($4 to $8) per person. You can book your bus tickets online, at the bus station, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Train: Taking a train is another option to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi, but it is less popular and convenient than the bus. There is only one train service that operates between Hanoi and Halong City, which is the Ha Long Express. The train departs from Yen Vien station in Hanoi at 4:55 am, and arrives at Halong station at 11:45 am. The train journey takes about 7 hours, and costs around 100,000 to 150,000 VND ($4 to $6) per person. You can book your train tickets online, at the train station, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Car: Taking a car is the fastest and most comfortable way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi, but it is also the most expensive. You can hire a private car with a driver, or join a shared car service, such as Dichungtaxi or Grab. The car journey takes about 3 hours, and costs around 1,500,000 to 2,000,000 VND ($65 to $85) per car. You can book your car service online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Plane: Taking a plane is the most adventurous and scenic way to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi, but it is also the most limited and exclusive. You can book a seaplane flight with Hai Au Aviation, which is the only company that offers this service. The seaplane flight takes about 45 minutes, and costs around 4,000,000 to 5,000,000 VND ($175 to $215) per person. You can book your seaplane flight online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Each option has its own pros and cons, so you should choose the one that suits your needs and expectations. Here are some tips and recommendations on how to book and plan your transportation to Halong Bay:
The best time to travel to Halong Bay is from October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant, and the bay is less crowded and more beautiful.
The best company to travel with is the one that has good reviews, reliable service, and reasonable price. You can check the reviews and ratings of the bus, train, car, and plane companies online, or ask your hotel or travel agency for suggestions.
The best route to travel to Halong Bay is the one that avoids traffic jams, tolls, and accidents. You can check the traffic conditions and road maps online, or ask your driver or guide for advice.
The best way to travel to Halong Bay is the one that matches your budget, time, and preference. You can compare the different options and choose the one that offers the best value, convenience, and experience for you.
How to Visit
Halong Bay is best explored by boat, as it allows you to see the most of the bay and its islands, caves, and villages. There are different types of boats that you can choose from, depending on your budget, time, and preference. The most popular and common types are cruise, day-trip, kayak, and seaplane.
Cruise: Taking a cruise is the most luxurious and relaxing way to visit Halong Bay. You can book a cruise package that includes transportation, accommodation, food, and activities, such as kayaking, swimming, cooking, and sightseeing. There are many cruise companies that offer different levels of service, quality, and price, such as Bhaya, Paradise, Indochina, and Orchid. The cruise duration can range from one to three nights, and the cost can vary from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($45 to $450) per person. You can book your cruise package online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Day-trip: Taking a day-trip is the most economical and convenient way to visit Halong Bay. You can book a day-trip package that includes transportation, lunch, and activities, such as kayaking, swimming, and sightseeing. There are many day-trip companies that offer similar itineraries and prices, such as Halong Bay Tours, Halong Bay Cruises, and Halong Bay Day Tours. The day-trip duration is about 8 hours, and the cost is around 500,000 to 800,000 VND ($20 to $35) per person. You can book your day-trip package online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Kayak: Taking a kayak is the most adventurous and fun way to visit Halong Bay. You can rent a kayak and paddle around the bay, exploring the islands, caves, and villages at your own pace. You can also join a guided kayak tour that includes transportation, lunch, and equipment, such as Halong Bay Kayaking, Halong Bay Adventure, and Halong Bay Kayak Tours. The kayak duration can range from 2 to 6 hours, and the cost can vary from 200,000 to 600,000 VND ($10 to $25) per person. You can rent a kayak or book a kayak tour online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Seaplane: Taking a seaplane is the most scenic and exclusive way to visit Halong Bay. You can book a seaplane flight with Hai Au Aviation, which is the only company that offers this service. You can choose between a scenic flight that gives you an aerial view of the bay, or a flight and cruise combo that includes a scenic flight and a cruise. The seaplane flight duration is about 25 minutes, and the cost is around 2,000,000 to 3,000,000 VND ($85 to $130) per person. You can book your seaplane flight online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Each type of boat has its own pros and cons, so you should choose the one that suits your needs and expectations. Here are some tips and recommendations on how to book and plan your visit to Halong Bay:
The best time to visit Halong Bay is from October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant, and the bay is less crowded and more beautiful.
The best boat to visit Halong Bay is the one that has good reviews, reliable service, and reasonable price. You can check the reviews and ratings of the cruise, day-trip, kayak, and seaplane companies online, or ask your hotel or travel agency for suggestions.
The best itinerary to visit Halong Bay is the one that covers the most of the bay and its attractions, such as the Sung Sot Cave, the Ti Top Island, the Luon Cave, and the Bai Tu Long Bay. You can check the itinerary and map of the boat companies online, or ask your guide or captain for advice.
The best way to visit Halong Bay is the one that matches your budget, time, and preference. You can compare the different options and choose the one that offers the best value, convenience, and experience for you.
What to See and Do
Halong Bay is a treasure trove of natural and cultural wonders, and there is no shortage of things to see and do in this amazing place. Whether you are looking for adventure, relaxation, romance, or culture, you will find it in Halong Bay. Here are some of the major attractions and activities that you should not miss when you visit Halong Bay:
Limestone Islands: The limestone islands are the signature feature of Halong Bay, and they are the result of millions of years of erosion and sedimentation. There are nearly 2,000 islands and islets in the bay, each with its own shape, size, and story. Some of the most famous and beautiful islands are Ti Top Island, Dau Go Island, Bo Hon Island, and Bai Tho Island. You can admire the islands from your boat, or climb up to their peaks for a panoramic view of the bay.
Caves: The caves are another highlight of Halong Bay, and they are the hidden gems of the limestone islands. There are hundreds of caves in the bay, some of which are open to the public, and some of which are still undiscovered. Some of the most popular and spectacular caves are Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, and Luon Cave. You can explore the caves by boat, kayak, or foot, and marvel at their stalactites, stalagmites, and rock formations.
Beaches: The beaches are another attraction of Halong Bay, and they are the perfect places to relax and enjoy the sun, sand, and sea. There are many beaches in the bay, some of which are part of the islands, and some of which are standalone. Some of the most beautiful and serene beaches are Titov Beach, Soi Sim Beach, Ngoc Vung Beach, and Quan Lan Beach. You can swim, sunbathe, snorkel, or surf on the beaches, or join a beach party at night.
Floating Villages: The floating villages are another attraction of Halong Bay, and they are the living proof of the rich and diverse culture of the bay. There are four main floating villages in the bay, namely Cua Van, Vung Vieng, Ba Hang, and Cong Dam. They are home to hundreds of fishermen and their families, who have been living on the water for generations. You can visit the floating villages by boat or kayak, and learn about their history, lifestyle, and traditions.
Festivals: The festivals are another attraction of Halong Bay, and they are the best way to experience the festive and vibrant spirit of the bay. There are many festivals in the bay, some of which are celebrated by the locals, and some of which are organized by the authorities. Some of the most famous and fun festivals are the Halong Carnival, the Halong Bay Heritage Marathon, the Halong Bay Fishing Village Festival, and the Halong Bay Kayaking Festival. You can join the festivals and enjoy the music, dance, food, and games.
Where to Stay
Halong Bay offers a wide range of accommodation options for all types of travelers, from budget to luxury, from land to water, from traditional to modern. You can choose to stay in a hotel, a resort, a hostel, or a homestay on the mainland or on the islands, or you can choose to stay on a cruise, a junk, or a houseboat on the bay. Here are some of the best and most suitable accommodation options in Halong Bay:
Hotels: Hotels are the most common and convenient accommodation option in Halong Bay, especially for those who prefer comfort and convenience. There are many hotels in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan, that offer different levels of service, quality, and price, such as Novotel, Wyndham, Vinpearl, and Sunlight. The hotel prices can range from 500,000 to 5,000,000 VND ($20 to $200) per night, depending on the season, location, and rating. You can book your hotel online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Resorts: Resorts are another popular and comfortable accommodation option in Halong Bay, especially for those who seek luxury and relaxation. There are several resorts in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan, that offer high-end service, quality, and price, such as Paradise, Flamingo, Vinpearl, and FLC. The resort prices can vary from 2,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($85 to $450) per night, depending on the season, location, and rating. You can book your resort online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Hostels: Hostels are the cheapest and most social accommodation option in Halong Bay, especially for those who travel on a budget and want to meet other travelers. There are a few hostels in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan, that offer basic service, quality, and price, such as Halong Backpackers, Halong Party Hostel, Halong Bay View, and Cat Ba Central. The hostel prices can range from 100,000 to 300,000 VND ($4 to $15) per night, depending on the season, location, and rating. You can book your hostel online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Homestays: Homestays are the most authentic and cultural accommodation option in Halong Bay, especially for those who want to experience the local life and hospitality. There are a few homestays in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan, that offer simple service, quality, and price, such as Halong Ginger, Halong Bay Farmstay, Halong Bay Homestay, and Cat Ba Eco Lodge. The homestay prices can vary from 200,000 to 500,000 VND ($10 to $20) per night, depending on the season, location, and rating. You can book your homestay online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Cruises: Cruises are the most unique and adventurous accommodation option in Halong Bay, especially for those who want to stay on the water and enjoy the bay at night. You can book a cruise package that includes transportation, accommodation, food, and activities, such as kayaking, swimming, cooking, and sightseeing. There are many cruise companies that offer different levels of service, quality, and price, such as Bhaya, Paradise, Indochina, and Orchid. The cruise duration can range from one to three nights, and the cost can vary from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($45 to $450) per person. You can book your cruise package online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
What to Eat
Halong Bay is a paradise for food lovers, as it offers a variety of dishes and specialties that reflect the local cuisine and culture. The main ingredient of Halong Bay’s food is seafood, which is fresh, abundant, and delicious. You can find seafood in almost every dish, from soups, salads, and noodles, to rice, pancakes, and rolls. Some of the most famous and tasty seafood dishes are cha muc (fried squid patties), banh cuon cha muc (steamed rice rolls with fried squid), and nem chua (fermented pork and shrimp rolls).
Besides seafood, Halong Bay also has other dishes and specialties that are unique and flavorful. Some of them are influenced by the neighboring regions, such as Quang Ninh, Hai Phong, and Hanoi, and some of them are created by the locals, such as the fishermen and the ethnic minorities. Some of the most popular and interesting dishes are bun be be (noodles with baby clams), banh gat gu (rice cake with honey and sesame), and com chay (crispy rice).
Halong Bay’s food is not only delicious, but also affordable and accessible. You can find food in many places, such as restaurants, markets, street vendors, and boats. You can also enjoy food in different ways, such as dining in, taking out, or cooking yourself.
Here are some of the best and most suitable places and ways to eat in Halong Bay:
Restaurants: Restaurants are the most common and convenient place to eat in Halong Bay, especially for those who prefer comfort and variety. There are many restaurants in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan, that offer different types of cuisine, service, and price, such as Vietnamese, Chinese, Western, and seafood. Some of the best and most famous restaurants are Cua Vang, 1958, Green Mango, and Bien Mo. The restaurant prices can range from 100,000 to 500,000 VND ($4 to $20) per person, depending on the season, location, and rating. You can book your restaurant online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Markets: Markets are another popular and cheap place to eat in Halong Bay, especially for those who seek authenticity and freshness. There are several markets in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan, that sell food and ingredients, such as seafood, meat, vegetables, fruits, and spices. Some of the most lively and colorful markets are Halong Market, Cat Ba Market, Tuan Chau Market, and Quan Lan Market. You can buy food and ingredients from the markets, and eat them on the spot, or take them to your accommodation or boat, and cook them yourself.
Street Vendors: Street vendors are another option and fun way to eat in Halong Bay, especially for those who love street food and snacks. There are many street vendors in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan, that sell food and drinks, such as noodles, pancakes, rolls, coffee, and tea. Some of the most delicious and unique street food and drinks are pho, banh xeo, banh mi, ca phe sua da, and tra da. You can find street vendors on the streets, sidewalks, and corners, and eat their food and drinks on the spot, or take them to your accommodation or boat, and enjoy them later.
Boats: Boats are the most unique and adventurous way to eat in Halong Bay, especially for those who want to stay on the water and enjoy the bay at night. You can book a boat package that includes transportation, accommodation, food, and activities, such as kayaking, swimming, cooking, and sightseeing. There are many boat companies that offer different levels of service, quality, and price, such as Bhaya, Paradise, Indochina, and Orchid. The boat duration can range from one to three nights, and the cost can vary from 1,000,000 to 10,000,000 VND ($45 to $450) per person. You can book your boat package online, or through your hotel or travel agency.
Travel Tips
Halong Bay is a wonderful and safe destination to visit, but there are some things that you should know and do before and during your trip, to avoid common problems and enjoy your trip. Here are some of the essential and useful information and advice for traveling to and around Halong Bay:
Visa: You may need a visa to enter Vietnam, depending on your nationality and purpose of visit. You can check the visa requirements and procedures online, or contact your nearest Vietnamese embassy or consulate. You can also apply for an e-visa, which is a convenient and fast way to get a visa online. You can apply for an e-visa online, and receive it by email within 3 working days. The e-visa is valid for 30 days, and costs $25 per person.
Currency: The currency of Vietnam is the Vietnamese dong (VND), which is divided into 10 hao and 100 xu. The exchange rate is about 23,000 VND to 1 USD, as of November 2023. You can exchange your money at the airport, banks, hotels, or authorized exchange offices, such as Vietcombank, Eximbank, or Agribank. You can also withdraw money from ATMs, which are widely available in Halong City and on the islands, such as Cat Ba, Tuan Chau, and Quan Lan. You can use your credit or debit card, such as Visa, Mastercard, or JCB, at some hotels, restaurants, and shops, but you should always carry some cash with you, as not all places accept cards.
Weather: The weather of Halong Bay is tropical and humid, with four seasons: spring, summer, autumn, and winter. The average temperature is about 24°C, and the average rainfall is about 2,000 mm per year. The best time to visit Halong Bay is from October to April, when the weather is dry and pleasant, and the bay is less crowded and more beautiful. The worst time to visit Halong Bay is from May to September, when the weather is hot and rainy, and the bay is more prone to storms and typhoons.
Safety: Halong Bay is generally a safe and peaceful place to visit, but there are some risks and dangers that you should be aware of and avoid, such as:
Scams: You may encounter some scams and frauds in Halong Bay, such as overcharging, fake tickets, fake products, or fake services. You should always be careful and vigilant, and check the prices, quality, and authenticity of everything before you buy or book. You should also negotiate and agree on the price and terms before you pay or sign anything. You should also keep your receipts and confirmations, and report any problems or complaints to the authorities or your hotel or travel agency.
Theft: You may face some theft and robbery in Halong Bay, especially in crowded and touristy places, such as markets, streets, and boats. You should always keep your valuables and documents, such as money, passport, phone, and camera, in a safe and secure place, such as a locker, a safe, or a hidden pocket. You should also avoid carrying or showing too much cash or jewelry, and avoid walking alone or at night in dark or isolated areas. You should also be alert and aware of your surroundings, and report any suspicious or illegal activities to the authorities or your hotel or travel agency.
Accidents: You may experience some accidents and injuries in Halong Bay, especially when you engage in some activities and experiences, such as cruising, kayaking, hiking, biking, or swimming. You should always follow the rules and instructions of the boat, tour, or activity operators, and wear the appropriate equipment and clothing, such as life jackets, helmets, and shoes. You should also check the weather and sea conditions before you go, and avoid going when it is stormy or foggy. You should also have a first aid kit and a travel insurance, and seek medical help if you need it.
Etiquette: Halong Bay is a place of culture and tradition, and you should respect and follow the local customs and manners, such as:
Greeting: You should greet the locals with a smile and a nod, and say “xin chao” (hello) or “cam on” (thank you). You should also avoid touching or hugging the locals, especially the opposite sex, as it is considered rude and inappropriate. You should also avoid pointing or gesturing with your fingers, feet, or chopsticks, as it is considered disrespectful and offensive.
Dressing: You should dress modestly and appropriately in Halong Bay, especially when you visit some religious and historical sites, such as temples, pagodas, and caves. You should cover your shoulders, chest, and knees, and avoid wearing shorts, skirts, or tank tops. You should also remove your shoes, hats, and sunglasses, and avoid taking photos or making noise, when you enter these places.
Tipping: You should tip the service providers in Halong Bay, such as drivers, guides, waiters, and porters, as it is a common and expected practice. You should tip according to the quality and satisfaction of the service, and the standard and cost of living. You can tip about 10% to 15% of the bill, or 50,000 to 100,000 VND ($2 to $4) per person, per day.
Halong Bay is a wonderful and safe destination to visit, but you should always be prepared and informed, and follow these tips and recommendations, to avoid common problems and enjoy your trip.
Conclusion
Halong Bay is one of the most stunning and fascinating destinations in Vietnam, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It offers a variety of activities and experiences for all types of travelers, such as cruising, kayaking, hiking, biking, fishing, cooking, and more. It also showcases the natural beauty and diversity of the bay, as well as its cultural and historical significance.
In this article, we have provided you with a complete and updated guide on everything you need to know about Halong Bay, such as how to get there, how to visit, what to see and do, where to stay, what to eat, and more. We have also given you some tips and recommendations on how to make the most of your trip, and how to avoid common problems and enjoy your trip.
We hope that this article has inspired and informed you, and that you are ready to book your dream vacation to Halong Bay, and experience the wonders of this World Heritage Site. Halong Bay is a place that you will never forget, and that you will always want to return to. Don’t miss this opportunity, and book your trip now. Thank you for reading, and have a great time in Halong Bay.
