Halong Bay Vietnam | The Ultimate Travelers Guide (NEW 2022)

Otto I. Eovaldi

If you’re planning a trip to Southeast Asia, add Halong Bay Vietnam to your itinerary! This beautiful bay is in northeast Vietnam. And known around the world for its stunning scenery and unique limestone formations.

Halong Bay is a popular destination for both Vietnamese. And foreign tourists, so there are plenty of options for accommodation, activities, and transportation. There are also many ways to explore the bay, so you can find an option that fits your budget and travel style.

Whether you’re looking for a relaxing cruise on a traditional junk boat or an adventurous hike through the jungle. Halong Bay has something for everyone. So don’t miss out on this unique destination – add it to your list today!

Here is your complete guide to visiting Halong bay Vietnam, one of the best world heritage sites in Southeast Asia. 

The name Ha Long bay means descending dragon. Which is easy to see with the jutting rocks looking like dragon scales descending into the sea. 

The Complete Guide to Visiting Halong Bay in Vietnam

where is Halong bay in Vietnam?

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. Sitting in the country’s northeast, we know the bay for its dramatic limestone cliffs and picturesque scenery. If you’re planning a trip to Halong Bay, here’s what you need to know about its location.

Ha Long Bay is in Quang Ninh province, in the northeastern part of Northern Vietnam. And not to far from Halong City… go figure.

The bay covers an area of approximately 1,553 square kilometers and is home to around 1,600 islands and islets.

The easiest way to get to Ha Long Bay is to fly into Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam. From there, you can take a bus or a train to the city of Ha Long.

How many days do I need to tour Halong Bay, Vietnam?

If you’re wondering how many days you need to tour Halong Bay, Vietnam, the answer is: it depends! 

There’s no right or wrong answer for deciding how long to spend in one more of the most beautiful places in the world. . It all comes down to what you want to see and do while you’re here. 

If you’re looking to simply enjoy the stunning views and relax on the water, then a couple of days may be sufficient. However, if you’re hoping to explore more of the bay and visit some of the nearby islands, then you’ll need to allow for more time. 

Ultimately, it’s up to you to decide how much time you want to spend in Halong Bay

But I highly recommend at least doing a 3-day cruise to see all it offers. 

If you don’t have that much time, you can always go on a Halong Bay Tour instead that will rush you through the sites. 

Best Way to See Halong Bay

There are many ways to see Halong Bay in Vietnam. You can book a tour, go on a cruise, or even rent a kayak and explore the area on your own. But what’s the best way to see Halong Bay?

The answer may vary depending on who you ask, but we think the best way to see Halong Bay is by taking a cruise. Not only will you get to see the amazing limestone formations up close. But you’ll also have the chance to enjoy other activities like swimming, kayaking, and cave exploring. Plus, most cruises include meals and accommodation so you can just sit back. And relax while enjoying the stunning scenery.

How to Pick a good Halong bay cruise

Picking a good Halong bay cruise can be tricky – there are so many options out there! But don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are a few things to keep in mind when choosing a cruise:

– Make sure you pick a reputable company. There are a lot of fly-by-night operations in Ha long Bay, and you don’t want to end up on a subpar boat. Do some research and read reviews before booking.

– Decide what kind of experience you’re looking for. Are you looking for a luxury cruise with all the bells and whistles, or something more basic? 

– Check what’s included in the price. Some cruises include meals and activities, while others charge extra for these things. Make sure you know what you’re paying for before booking.

– Ask about the boat. What is the capacity? How many crew members are there? What is the safety record like? How long does the overnight cruise last? These are all important things to consider before setting sail.

Following these tips should help you pick a good Halong bay cruise that’s perfect for you. Happy sailing!

Figure out your budget and what amenities you’re interested in, then shop around.

Where do Halong Bay Cruises Go?

Many companies offer Ha Long Bay tours. But they all follow the same general route: Visit Bai Tu Long Bay, then cruise through Ha Long Bay stopping at caves and grottoes along the way.

The tour will most likely end at Cat Ba Island where you can explore before heading back. After that, you can start exploring Hanoi or your next destination. Cruises are a great alternative for airbnb, and can save you some cash while letting you explore.

How to Get to Halong Bay

How to Get From Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long

If you’re looking to escape the hustle and bustle of Ho Chi Minh City, Ha Long Bay is the perfect destination. This picturesque bay is about four hours away from the city and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike.

There are a few different ways to get from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay, including an overnight bus, or a flight. The most popular option is to take an overnight bus, as it is relatively cheap and easy to do. However, it takes forever as they are on opposite ends of the country. If you’re looking for a more luxurious experience, you can take a plane to Noi Bai International Airport. This cost more, but the flight only takes a few hours. 

The journey from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long Bay takes approximately 34 hours by bus.

How to Get From Hanoi to Ha Long

Getting from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is a popular route for tourists visiting Vietnam. There are a few different ways to make the journey, and each has its pros and cons. The most popular options are by bus, by train, or by private car.

The cheapest option is by bus, with tickets costing around $8. Depending on traffic conditions, the journey can take up to 4 hours. The downside of taking the bus is that it can be quite cramped and uncomfortable, and there are often stops along the way to pick up other passengers.

If you’re looking for a more comfortable journey, taking the train is a good option. Tickets start at around $15.

How to Get from Hai Phong to Halong Bay

You may wonder how to get from Hai Phong to the famous bay. Luckily, there are a few different transportation options available to make the journey.

The easiest way to get from Hai Phong to Halong Bay is by taking a direct bus. Several companies operate buses between the two cities, and the journey takes around 3 hours. You can also take a train from Hai Phong to Halong Bay, although the journey is slightly longer at around 4 hours.

If you’re looking for a more scenic option, you can also take a boat ride from Hai Phong to Halong Bay. This is a popular option for tourists.

Top Things to do in Halong Bay Vietnam

Ti Top Island

If you’re looking for a breathtaking island experience in Vietnam. look no further than Ti Top Island in Halong Bay. This stunning island is home to some of the most beautiful beaches and scenery in the country and is a popular spot for both locals and tourists alike. They sandy beaches even put the best beaches California to shame.

Whether you’re looking to relax on the beach, take a swim in the crystal-clear waters. Or go snorkeling for everyone on Ti Top Island. And with its convenient location just a short boat ride from Hanoi. Or on your Ha Long Cruise, it’s the perfect place to escape the city for a few days.

So what are you waiting for? Pack your bags and head to Halong Bay for an unforgettable experience on Ti Top Island. 

Sung Sot 

Sung Sot Cave, also known as the surprise cave, is a great option when visiting North Vietnam. This cave is one of the largest and most popular in the area, and it’s easy to see why. The cave is beautiful, with unique rock formations and stalactites. It’s also a great place to learn about the history of Halong Bay and Vietnam.

Quan Lan Island

Quan Lan Island is a small island in the middle of Halong Bay. It is one of the most visited islands in Halong Bay because of its unique features and beautiful scenery. Quan Lan island has a lot of interesting things you can do while you are there.

The first thing that you should do is visit the Quan Lan cave and explore it on your own. The cave is quite large and has some impressive stalactites and stalagmites on display. After exploring the cave, you can go back outside and enjoy the beach on Quan Lan Island.

Another thing that you should do when visiting Quan Lan Island is rent a bike or moped. So that you can travel around the island by yourself. There are many paths through the forest where you can drive your vehicle around and enjoy nature at its finest.

If you want to see more than just nature, there are also some local vendors selling souvenirs on Quan Lan Island. And other local attractions such as fishing areas or even cooking classes. If you are looking for something different from what other tourists have done before their trip here to Halong Bay!

Thien Cung Cave

The Thien Cung Cave is a cave on the western side of Halong Bay in Vietnam. The name Thien Cung means “heavenly palace” in Vietnamese, and the name suits this place perfectly.

The Thien Cung Cave is on Nam Hien, about 15 km from Bai Chay tourist port. The entrance to the cave has 2 parts: one is called “Tinh Tam” or “Golden Gate”, and the other is called “Tinh Bao” or “Silver Gate”. Golden Gate is a limestone cliff with many stalactites and stalagmites. Which are composed of limestone (calcite) formed by water dripping down from the ceiling above for thousands of years.

Visiting Thien Cung Cave in Halong Bay is an unforgettable experience for tourists who want to enjoy nature at its best. Several travel magazines and websites have selected as one of the most beautiful caves in Southeast Asia. This cave because of its fantastic scenery and perfect arrangement of millions of stalactites and stalagmites inside it.

This cave looks like it is from another planet, like something you would see in where hobbit was filmed, or some other fantasy series.

Visit the Floating Village

There are 4 remaining floating villages in Ha Long Bay. 

Cua Van 

Cua Van is a small village that has been built on the southwest tip of an island. The village comprises several hundred houses and boats where the people live. Most of these boats are used as restaurants now, so you can have a meal there while enjoying the view.

Vung Vieng 

Vung Vieng is near Bai Tu Long Bay and is one of the most famous floating villages in Halong Bay. It comprises 200 houses on boats and there are two temples here as well. You can go out on a kayak or paddleboat here and enjoy paddling around the village while admiring its beauty, or just sit back and relax while enjoying some delicious food or drinks offered by local restaurants here.

Ba Hang 

Ba Hang is another famous floating village near Bai Tu Long Bay with about 300 houses on boats.

Cong Dam

They have developed this village into a tourist attraction so that tourists can visit it by boat or kayak to admire its beauty.

Other Things to do in Halong bay Vietnam

Tuan Chau Island

If you’re looking for a beautiful, natural getaway in Vietnam, look no further than Tuan Chau Island in Halong Bay. We know this gorgeous spot for its stunning views of the bay, as well as its friendly locals and vibrant atmosphere.

There’s plenty to do on the island, whether you want to relax on the beach. And if you’re feeling adventurous, you can even go kayaking. 

Bo Hon island

Bo Hon Island is a small island in the middle of Ha Long Bay. This island was once inhabited by fishermen, but now it has become a tourist attraction for visitors from all over the world.

High mountains and green forests surround Bo Hon island. It is also home to many exotic birds and animals such as monkeys and deer. In addition, there are also several beaches where you can spend time on vacation here. Such as Son Doi beach, Ao Son Doi beach, or Vuon Doi beach (optional tour).

Caï Rong

Caï Rong is a limestone island in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam. It is famous for its primitive forest and the stalactite cave Thien Cung.

The island is surrounded by cliffs up to 300 meters high. On top of the cliff, there is a cave named Thien Cung that the boat can reach from Cai Rong Pier. Besides the cave, you can also see other attractions. Such as the monkeys on the island or taking a swim on one of the many beaches around Cai Rong Island.

With tons of things to do, sites to see, and places to relax that rival the best beaches in Europe. Visiting Halong Bay is a no-brainer. Follow this guide and you won’t go wrong exploring all that Halong Bay Vietnam has to offer.

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