Halong Bay Vietnam

If you’re planning a trip to Vietnam, then a Halong Bay tour is a must-do activity. From Hanoi, there are many options for overnight cruises that will take you through the stunning limestone formations and emerald waters of this UNESCO World Heritage site. The first step in planning your tour is to decide on the length of your trip – most tours offer one or two-night stays on board.

Next, consider your budget and choose a cruise that fits within it while also meeting your desired level of comfort and activities. Some cruises offer kayaking, squid fishing, or cooking classes as part of their itinerary. Lastly, make sure to book in advance as these tours can fill up quickly during peak travel seasons.

Halong Bay is a popular tourist destination in Vietnam, known for its stunning natural beauty and serene waters. There are several tour operators offering overnight cruises, but choosing the right one can make all the difference in your experience. When selecting a Halong Bay cruise, consider factors such as itinerary, boat size and style, activities offered, food quality and safety standards.

It’s important to research different cruise options and read reviews from previous travelers to get an idea of what each cruise has to offer. Some cruises may focus more on luxury accommodations and fine dining while others may prioritize adventure activities like kayaking or hiking. Keep in mind that prices can vary greatly depending on the level of luxury and amenities offered.

Exploring the natural wonders of Halong Bay on your tour is an unforgettable experience. As you embark on your cruise, you’ll be surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters that are home to a diverse array of marine life. Take in the breathtaking scenery as you sail past hidden caves and grottoes, where you can witness ancient stalactites and stalagmites illuminated by colorful lights.

You can also hop aboard a kayak or bamboo boat to explore the bay’s secluded lagoons and beaches. Don’t forget to bring your camera to capture the stunning vistas at sunrise and sunset! With its unique blend of natural beauty and cultural heritage, Halong Bay is a must-visit destination for any traveler seeking adventure and relaxation amidst Vietnam’s stunning landscapes.

A Halong Bay cruise is a once-in-a-lifetime experience that promises to create lasting memories. Choose the right tour: Research and select a reputable company that offers an itinerary that suits your interests and budget. Pack smartly: Bring comfortable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera to capture the stunning scenery. Be prepared for the weather: Halong Bay can be chilly at night, so bring warm clothes or a jacket.

Embrace the local culture: Take part in activities like cooking classes or visiting local villages to learn about Vietnamese culture.

Overview

Ha Long Bay is one of the world’s seven natural wonders recognized by UNESCO. It is a famous tourist destination in Vietnam, located in the West bank of the gulf of Tonkin in the northeast sea area of Vietnam. With thousands of wonderful islands, the miraculous fruits of creation. Ha Long in northern Vietnam tourism has the advantage of beautiful scenery which attracts lots of domestic and international tourists .

How to get to Halong Bay?

Private Transportation

If you use private transportation, it only takes you about 3 hours to travel from Ha Noi Hotel in Old Quarter or Outside Old Quarter to Ha Long via Ha Noi-Hai Phong-Ha Long expressway system. Noting that motorbike is not allowed to use to travel on expressway.

If you want to ride a motorbike from Hanoi to Ha Long, you can follow 1A road to Bac Ninh and turn along highway 18 to travel to Uong Bi – Ha Long

Public Transportation 

By car

To move to Ha Long from Ha Noi, The fastest means of transportation is by car. Recently , many the owner of car service have opened 9-seat Limousine service with spacious and comfortable seats and travelling Ha Noi – Hai Phong expressway route to shorten the travel time to about 3 hours left. It is up to your period time to choose the appropriate way to get to best halong.

By airplane

Cat Bi airport in Hai Phong and Van Don airport in Quang Ninh are 2 airports closest to Ha Long. There are many daily domestic routes from most localities. You can choose the appropriate airport depending on your trip plan. If you want to explore Co to or Quan Lan island, you should choose Van Don airport. Or if you want to combine with exploring Hai Phong and Cat Bi island , Cat Bi is the nearest airport to get there .

Besides , there is a new choice with modern and luxurious seaplanes of Hai Au Airlines from Ha Noi. It is not only helps tourists to save travel times but it also makes you enjoy the nice view from the plane as well as record memorable of Ha Long Bay from above.

When to visit ? The best time to travel to Ha Long ? Day Trips or Bay Overnight

Which seasons we should travel to Ha Long? Which months is the best? Choosing the best time is never easy for tourists due to many factors such as work, weather, budget and even your schedule. Ha Long Bay has different beauty in each season and tourists will have their own ideal time to experience the highlights of Ha Long Bay.

Based on my experience, I will help you find the best time to visit here.

• Ha Long Bay in Spring 

Spring is the wettest season of the year, with drizzle and fog. Despite the weather is so cold, it is sunny. There are many things in Ha Long in Spring that make visitors be fascinated. You will have a chance to explore Vietnamese culture such as how people prepare for Tet Holiday either at Ha Long market or shopping center in the city, receive lucky money and try to taste lots of the difference traditional dishes.

• Autumn in Ha Long 

Autumn will be the best time to visit Ha Long Bay because it always has beautiful sunshine, clear blue sky, a little rain, mild climate .

At this time of year, the storm is also less , the number of visitors is also much more reduced, so you will avoid crowded scenes. Autumn’s romantic space is perfect for the ideal trip for a couple or couples during this time such as taking a wedding album on the top deck, then taking a sauna and relaxing on white sand beach.

Yacht is the best choice for those who want to experience in Ha Long. A Autumn’s romantic space is perfect for the Ideal Trip for a couple or couples during this time such as taking a wedding album right on the top deck, then taking a sauna and relaxing on white sand beach.

• Ha Long during Summer Days and Nights

Summer is the peak season and is also suitable for almost all activities in Ha Long Bay, from water sports to outdoor activities. Many famous destinations like Titop island, Sung Sot Cave or Bai Tho island …

• Ha Long Bay in Winter 

Even though winter is not the best time to travel to Ha Long Bay, there are many things to do for you to experience here.

Winter in Ha Long, there is no rain, no storm, the air is drier. However , the temperature can drop so low making you unsuitable for enjoying some outdoor activities like swimming

But if you want a quiet place, not crowded, this may be not the best time to go to Ha Long, because this is not the peak travel season for domestic tourists.

What to See for a Day Trip in Halong?

Ha Long has many fun spots and attractions. You can find some travel destinations suggestions you should not miss as below :

• Thien Cung Grottos

This is one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long. It is nearly 10 000 m² for wide with extremely complex structure including many levels, many compartments with so high and wide ceilings and walls. Especially in the cave, we can see countless blocks of stalactites and stalagmites with strange shapes everywhere .

• Dau Go Cave

About 300m from Thien Cung grottos, Dau Go is a large and nice cave with mossy antique style. Due to the wide opening, the humidity in the cave is high and the effect of sunlight can be seen immediately on the diversity of the flora, especially mosses and ferns, woody trees… This is a distinctive feature compared to many other caves in Ha Long Bay.

• Sung Sot Cave

This cave is located in the heart of the World Heritage Ha Long Bay, on the island of Bo Hon. Inside of Sung Sot cave there are fossil stalactites with extremely rich shapes. Sung Sot Cave is located in the center of many famous tourist sites of Ha Long.

• Ti Top Island

This is an island having a steep bank, an inclined bank with white flat sand . Tourists can swim or climb to enjoy all views of island. Looking down from above, Ti Top is shaped like a full moon embracing the island’s foot. Beach area is not large but quiet, white sand, pure and blue sea in four seasons.

• Luon Cave

You can see stalactites buds created for millions of years in many different shapes and sizes. In front of the cave is Con Rua Islet, in the right is Heaven Gate.

• Me Cung Cave

This cave is located at a height of 25m on Lom Island. Me Cung cave has a complex structure with many levels, many compartments , a niche spreading over the roof of the stone with the length of more than 100 meters, rising to the west and looking down to a small lake called Me Cung

• Drum Cave and Trinh Nu Cave

Located on the wings of a small mountain in east of the Bo Hon island. These two caves are away 700-800m from each other over a small bay. These two caves not only have lots of stalactites and beautiful views, but also attract tourists because of a very feeling story.

• Soi Sim island

Soi Sim has area of about 8,7 ha , located in the west of Ha Long Bay, about 700m from Ti Top Island . This island is a primeval forest with plant diversity , including many endemic, valuable and typical species of ecosystem of Ha Long Bay .

• Cua Van Fishing Village

At Cua Van fishing village, visitors can not only immerse themselves in a quiet and peaceful space, but also learn about the cultural life of fishermen, learn how to row boats, spread fishing nets, drop fishing rods to catch fish and shrimp …

What to do for a Day Cruise Trip ? Experience should try 

• Kayaking in Halong Bay

It will so regret if travelling to Ha Long but not exploring the bay by Kayak boat. When you sit on a small Kayak boat , row the paddle in the blue water, enjoy the fascinated natural scenery , It is simply but really interesting .

Ha Long Bay was voted as one of the top 25 Kayak boating destinations in the world by National Geographic Adventures magazine.

• Try to climb 

If you are adventurous sports followers , maybe the the thorny cliffs, the majestic corners of the mountains, cliffs, caves in Ha Long Bay will bring you a yearning to be conquered

• Exploring the beautiful caves 

Halong is also famous for beautiful and unique caves . Each cave of Ha Long has an interesting name, calling up the curious to explore such as Thien Cung cave, Sung Sot cave, Luon cave, Dau Go cave, Hanh cave, …

• Visit the fishing village on the Bay 

The coastal fishing villages in Ha Long are so peaceful , fresh . This is an interesting destination for tourists . The destinations for this experience are Vung Vieng fishing village, Cua Van fishing village, Ba Hang fishing village ..You can hire Nan boats at pier of Ha Long .

• Attending a Cooking Class

Cooking class is an on-board activity that helps passengers not only taste delicious food but also learn more about Vietnamese culinary culture.

The chef will teach you how to cook the Vietnamese traditional food or how to carve different types of vegetables and fruits. An interesting activity for person who is keen on cooking and cuisine

• Swim at Ha Long Bay beach

Nothing can match a refreshing swim in the emerald water of Ha Long Bay . The emerald water sea and refreshment of Ha Long Bay will help to ease all tiredness , stress and take visitor easy.

This is a good chance for you to enjoy the charming beauty of Ha Long Bay beaches , including Ti Top Beach, Tuan Chau Beach (Tuan Chau), Beach, Ngoc Vet Beach (Ngoc Vieu) and Bai Lan (Quan Lan) Beach …

• Sunbathing in Ha Long Bay 

One of the most satisfied things in Halong Bay is sunbathing or swimming. Ha Long Bay has countless places for tourists who like to swim, sunbathe, snorkel, fish or kayak …

Basing on some experienced tourists , they said that the beautiful scenery of the cliffs on the bay became the ideal scene for many underwater activities.

• Enjoy the beauty of the sunset 

After a long day full of physical activities on the beach like swimming and surfing, it’s time to sit quietly on the deck and see the sunset. This is really perfect for those who want to take professional photos in an extremely wonderful landscape. Observing the beautiful sunset on the beach gives visitors an unforgettable memory.

• See Ha Long Bay from seaplane 

If you have experienced the scenery of Ha Long Bay on the yacht but still not satisfied , maybe you have not seen whole beautiful views of Halong Bay like in the movies , seeing Halong Bay from seaplane is the best choice.

Which is the Best route to choose?

Ha Long Bay Route

• Departure: Ha Long International Port & Tuan Chau International Port
• Attractions: Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, etc.
• Time to visit the bay: 4 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8-hour cruise
• This route is the most popular day cruise itinerary when visiting Halong Bay. The tour starts from Halong Port or Tuan Chau Port. Following local authority, the route is named Route 1 and Route 2.
• Route 1 (4-hour cruise): Habour > Stone Dog islet > Ba Hang > > Thien Cung cave
• Route 2 (6-hour cruise): Habour > Stone Dog islet > Fighting Cocks islet > Sung Sot (Amazing) cave > Luon cave > Titov island

Lan Ha Bay Route

• Departure: Tuan Chau International Port (Ha Long city) or Ben Beo (Beo Pier) in Cat Ba island
• Attraction: Bright Cave, Ao Ech (kayaking), floating village
• Experience: kayaking, visiting caves, swimming
• Time to visit the bay: 5 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours

Bai Tu Long Bay Route

• Departure: Ha Long International Port
• Attractions: Thien Canh Son Cave, Vong Vieng fishing village, Cong Do
• Itinerary: 6-hour cruise
• The route is named Route 4 with the itinerary: Harbour > Cong Do area > Thien Canh Son cave > Vung Vieng fishing village.

Why choose Halong Bay One Day Cruises?

Ha Long Bay tourism in a day helps you to save the time and money . A tourism longer than a day will require a accommodation, a night on the boat, while with a 1 day tour, you can return to your place during the night or move to a less expensive place

• If the budget is one of your concerns , traveling in a day is a great choice .
• In addition , you will be able to experience a lot of activities, both on land, on the island and on the bay 
• A one-day tour is the best solution which helps you have get the most impressive and fully experience at UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Of course , the top activities are boat tours on the bay , this can take you to destinations like Sung Sot Cave, Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung Cave, The Best Beauty of Titop Island, Tuan Chau Island, and peaceful at Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay …

The Best Ha Long Bay Day Cruise Tours

While overnight boat trips are the most popular tours in Halong Bay, there are shorter tours but being perfect for those who has tight schedules.

Tourists who want to have a strong feeling can choose seaplane which offers the best views of traditional fishing villages, islets and limestone columns jutting out of the clear blue water.

Suitable for a variety of budgets, interests and group sizes, read our guide to Ha Long Bay’s most popular tours:

Deluxe Halong Bay Day Trip 6 Hour Cruise

Highlights of Halong Bay Day Trip 6Hours Cruise

• Cruising for a full 6 Hours around Halong Bay with a professional guide and crew
• Enjoy Vietnamese traditional Lunch with seafood meals
• Visit Titop Island, Trekking Titop Peak for taking photos with panoramic view of the bay.
• Kayaking or taking a sampan boat around the gorgeous Luon Cave
• Swimming on Beach
• Discovering the mystical beauty and ancient history of Sung Sot Cave
• Enjoy Cooking Class on cruise
• All Included ( Only without drinks on Personal expenses )

Halong Bay Full Day Kayaking + Swimming

Seaplane Flight Over Ha Long Bay

Trips to visit Ha Long Bay by seaplane with 2 flight services include:

• Itinerary flight: Hanoi – Ha Long

Cost: From VND 4,200,000 – VND 9,700,000

Starting point: Noi Bai International Airport, 109 counter, E hall, 1 terminal.

Ending point: Tuan Chau Port, T7 Villa , Tuan Chau port urban area, Ha Long city , Quang Ninh province.

Duration of a journey: 45 minutes. There are 2 flights daily from Hanoi to Ha Long at 9:30 am and 14:30 pm and 2 trips from Ha Long to Hanoi at 12:30 pm and 16:00 pm.

Fly for sightseeing Ha Long Bay

• Cost: VND 1,500,000 – VND 2,870,000
• Duration of a journey: 25 minutes.

Starting and ending points: Tuan Chau Port, T7 Villa , Tuan Chau port urban area, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province.

Route for places of interest such as : Ha Long city, Ti Top island, Ca Vung Vieng village, Ngu Ngoc Trai camp, Soi Sim Island, Yen Ngua Island , Dragon Eye Island, Hon Gai commune, Bai Tho mountain, Lu Huong Island , Trong Mai Island, Tuan Chau harbor, …

Private Full-Day Halong Bay Tour

Private tours to Halong Bay include a one-day private guide from Hanoi. You can visit wonderful caves, explore the majestic scenery of limestone mountains , and learn about the life of fishermen in the traditional fishing and pearl villages on the Bay.

These excursions can come with a higher price, but you can enjoy a personalized journey of Halong Bay, ensuring a unique holiday experience for you and your family.

What to eat in Ha Long Bay for A Day Tour?

Traveling to Ha Long, you will not only be tasted with all the fresh and delicious seafood dishes, but also the special delicacies that only Ha Long has. So What to eat , where to eat ?

• Cha Muc (Grilled Chopped Squid)

Cha Muc is famous throughout the three regions and have been considered as a “ brand” food in Ha Long province . It is guaranteed to be freshed , so it always crispy and typical.

• Grilled oyster

Fresh oysters washed and grilled over charcoal stove as soon as a customer orders , so it is always hot . You can suggest grilled oysters with onion fat or chili discharge to change the taste.

• Fried Snail with soya sauce

With many types of snails and different recipe , You should not miss the chance to enjoy fried Snail with soya sauce. In addition, if you have time, you should enjoy grilled chopped squid white sticky rice , squid spring rolls , sea horseshoe crab , “nodding” cakes, sour or glutinous-rice wine soaked in Hoanh Bo, grilled spring rolls in Quang Yen , “ Ca Say “ in Tien Yen …

Tips to Choose a Best Halong Bay Day Trip 

Some people will always prepare and perform the trips for Vietnam tour as well as information about famous travel companies via the Internet before the estimated departure date. However, some cases still have problems with travel agencies fraud, or the quality of tour services is not as advertised.

To ensure that you find the good tour company specializing in organizing quality Halong a day tour. We recommend you some useful information, as well as the most accurate detailed advice for your next trip when you want to visit Ha Long Bay.

Book Online

If you have started to research travel booking websites and information sites, travel blogs, etc.,you will be very confused and very difficult because there are so many online travel companies offering Ha Long Bay tours.

• You should read information in forums like TripAdvisor and Lonely Planet . You can read from others about the experience and know a list of reputable company names from these forum pages
• On these forum pages , you can find the schedule yourself. Some customers may even bookmark or mention the websites of reputable travel companies they have experienced.Finally, when you have all the information you need and peace of mind , you can book a tour with that travel agency
• On the Top 10 Travel Agency on the Tripadvisor website in Hanoi.The website must have accurate information such as address, Hotline, Email, representative and business license.
• The website has permissions, as well as cancellation policies for customers.
• The website must be committed to and contractual compensation terms, if they do not provide services such as selling to customers.

Booking in Hanoi 

It will definitely be easier if you search for a reputable travel agent in Hanoi through the Google. Then you can go directly to their office in Hanoi for direct advice.

Therefore, you will always receive the most useful information and the best prices.

Find out a ticket at harbor

This problem you can only do when you are in Ha Long city and want to go directly to the harbor for quick tickets. You will pay for 40USD / Pax or maybe more expensive if you buy tickets to visit Ha Long Bay in a day including boarding passes and scenic tickets.

Duration: there are 4-hour, 6-hour, and 8-hour tours, so you should consider carefully since each tour offers different activities. In our opinion, 6-hour tour will be the most reasonable to experience a day tour on the bay. Our goal is to consult on a tour that is not only reasonably priced but also of excellent quality and gives you a memorable experience.

• One day trip to Halong Bay by Halong Cruise may leave much to be desired. But if you have no other choice than to visit it in just one day, this is our guide to try and help you find the best experience you can get.
• Our objective will be to find a tour with not only reasonable price but also has great quality.

If finding a tour is too much of a chore for you, just consider the Hanoi Explore Travel. It covers all the expenses and also includes pick up. For a one day tour with all the important sites covered, you won’t find a better offer.