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Discover Halong Bay's Wonders
Halong Bay
Few places in the world feel as surreal as Ha Long Bay. Here, the sea stretches out like a vast emerald mirror, reflecting thousands of limestone islands that rise dramatically from the water. It’s a place that feels like it belongs in myth and legend, best explored by boat—gliding through hidden caves, kayaking into secluded lagoons, or waking up to the gentle lapping of waves against a luxury cruise deck. Ha Long Bay isn’t just a sight to see; it’s a world to lose yourself in.
Current Weather
82.87 °F - Clouds Min/Max: 82.87 °F / 82.87 °FFeels: 90.07 °F Humidity: 77%5 Day Forecast
Halong Bay

Trips

Hotels

Activities

Transfers

Useful information
Population:

1,540

Currency:

Vietnamese dong (VND)

Emergency Info:

Search & Rescue: 112
Police: 113
Fire: 114
Ambulance/First Aid: 115

Opening Hours:

Shops are generally open from around 8am to 9/10pm, with a one or two-hour lunch break. Banks are open from Monday to Friday from around 8am to 11:30am and from 1pm to 4:30pm. Government offices are open on weekdays from 8am to 4:30pm with an hour off for lunch.

Top 5
Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

Just east of Ha Long Bay is Bai Tu Long Bay. Both of these places share many of the same geological characteristics, the exception being that Bai Tu Long is a bit of a hidden gem and has a lot fewer tourists. This is what makes Bai Tu Long such an interesting alternative to northeastern Vietnam's most popular destination. With limestone karst islands just as impressive as those in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long doesn't have as many grottos but is equally beautiful.

Cannon Fort

Cannon Fort

Cannon Fort

Enjoy some absolutely staggering vistas from the viewpoints of Cannon Fort, a military construction built by the Japanese during WWII amongst the thick tropical vegetation of the green hills of Cát Bà island. Explore the tunnels and the historic gun emplacement used by Japanese, French, and Vietnamese soldiers throughout the past century. There is even a small museum, a café and mannequin gunmen loading and firing the weaponry.

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is located just off of Cát Bà island. With a whole archipelago of its own, it receives far fewer visitors than Ha Long Bay and is a particularly pretty little spot in this unique limestone karst island landscape. Around 300 green islands lined with sandy white beaches stand tall in the bay. Discover the area in all its natural splendour by booking a cruise to Cát Bà which includes Lan Ha Bay. You can explore the ins and outs of this itinerary with Cát Bà Island Cruises. They also offer activities that involve trekking in Cát Bà and kayaking in the bay.

Seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Some of the most scenic vistas in Vietnam can be admired from a bird’s eye view aboard a plane that takes off from the capital city of Hanoi. Flying over the green landscape of northeastern Vietnam, this aeroplane tour is possibly the best way of seeing the limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay. Hai Au Aviation offers this service, and although somewhat pricey, the sights you can see from the plane are absolutely astonishing. This is most likely one of the best ways there is to see the natural wonders of the bay.

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave

As one of the most beautiful and appealing caves in Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot is a dazzling work of nature, astonishingly vast in size, despite its inconspicuous appearance from the outside. The rocky entrance down into the cave, coated in dense vegetation, leads to two large limestone-laden chambers, each meticulously decorated with a millennia-old ceiling of delicately formed stalactites. The impressive rock formations are colourfully lit up and can be admired from the comfort of a smooth walking path that traverses the cave.

Ha Long
Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay

Just east of Ha Long Bay is the less visited Bai Tu Long Bay. The two share many of the same geological characteristics, with the exception that Bai Tu Long has a lot fewer tourists and is not as well-known. This is what makes it such an interesting alternative to Vietnam's most popular destination for many visitors. With limestone karst islands just as impressive as those in Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long doesn't have that many grottos. However, what it does have is lovely beaches to relax on, such as Ban Chan.

Dong Thien Cung

Dong Thien Cung

Dong Thien Cung

Thien Cung Cave, or Dong Thien Cung, is a grotto located on the island of Dau Go, in the southwest of Ha Long Bay. Complete with a colourful decoration in the form of lighting on its walls, the cave boasts an enviable display of ancient stalactites and stalagmites. Along with Sung Sot Cave, this has proved to be one of the most popular and visited grottos in the archipelago, and its stunningly beautiful interior is the reason.

Seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

Some of the most scenic vistas in Vietnam can be seen from a bird’s eye view aboard a plane that takes off from the capital city of Hanoi. Flying over the green landscape of northeastern Vietnam, this aeroplane tour is possibly the best way of seeing the limestone karst formations of Ha Long Bay. Hai Au Aviation offers this service, and although somewhat pricey, the sights you can see from the plane are absolutely astonishing.

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave

Among the most beautiful and appealing of the Ha Long Bay caves and grottos, Sung Sot is a dazzling work of nature, astonishingly vast in size, despite its inconspicuous appearance from the outside. The rocky entrance down into the cave, coated in dense vegetation, leads to two large limestone-laden chambers, each meticulously decorated with a millennia-old ceiling of delicately formed stalactites. The impressive rock formations are colourfully lit up. All of this can be viewed from the comfort of a smooth walking path that traverses the cave.

Dining
Cua Vang Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Cua Vang Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Cua Vang Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Head to Cua Vang, also known as the Golden Crab, to find a comprehensive selection of appetising seafood dishes. At the entrance to the restaurant, customers are met with a fish tank full of sea creatures, some of which you will also notice making appearances on the menu. Here you'll find some very tasty local Vietnamese cuisine. Try the shrimp and the squid, or go all out and order the speciality crab hotpot.

Linh Dan Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Linh Dan Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Linh Dan Restaurant (Ha Long City)

Linh Dan is probably one of the best restaurants you'll find in Bãi Cháy. Sit down at a table in the building's large food hall and choose from an extensive menu of varied seafood delicacies including crab, lobster and prawns. They also do spring rolls, salads, noodles and rice-based dishes. Have a taste of the delicious cuisine that is native to this part of the world for a reasonably moderate price in the surroundings of Bãi Cháy Beach.

Papa's BBQ (Ha Long City)

Papa's BBQ (Ha Long City)

Papa's BBQ (Ha Long City)

Claimed to be one of the best restaurants in the area, Papa's BBQ is the home of German-Vietnamese cuisine in Ha Long. Come in and fill yourself up with their steak, sausage and shrimp-based menu. Accommodating a largely international clientele, their kitchen caters to guests who are accustomed to European standards.

Yummy Restaurant (Cát Bà Island)

Yummy Restaurant (Cát Bà Island)

Yummy Restaurant (Cát Bà Island)

Located on the island of Cát Bà, this Western restaurant certainly lives up to its name. On the menu, hungry travellers can choose from a range of pan-Asian meals, from Indian to Thai and Vietnamese food. Aside from a broad choice of beef, chicken, squid and shrimp, vegetarian options are also available.

Bars & Nightlife
Bai Hoi Stalls (Cát Bà Island)

Bai Hoi Stalls (Cát Bà Island)

Bai Hoi Stalls (Cát Bà Island)

Bai Hoi is a popular draught beer produced in the city of Hanoi that is sold at stalls on the harbourfront of Cát Bà island. Try some of this classic locally brewed alcoholic beverage for an affordable price while you sit back, relax and take in the wonderful views of the sun setting over the bay.

Catba Oasis Bungalows (Cát Bà Island)

Catba Oasis Bungalows (Cát Bà Island)

Catba Oasis Bungalows (Cát Bà Island)

In a privileged location overlooking the bay, Oasis Bar is a homely place with a very laid-back atmosphere. Grab a beer and have a game on the pool table. After you've finished honing your skills on the cue, sit out on the terrace and watch the evening go by with a pint in your hand. Oasis Bar also does meals and burgers.

Tourist Information
Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

Best Time to Visit

The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is between October and April when the weather is mild and dry, offering clear skies and calm seas perfect for cruising among the limestone karsts and exploring the stunning caves. During this period, visitors can comfortably enjoy outdoor activities like kayaking, hiking on Cat Ba Island, and visiting fishing villages.

Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa

Passport/Visa

Travellers to Vietnam generally need a visa to enter the country, although some countries, such as Japan, South Korea, and several ASEAN member states, are exempt for short stays. For longer stays, visitors typically require a visa, which can be obtained from Vietnamese embassies or consulates. Another convenient option is to apply online for an e-visa, available for citizens of over 80 countries.

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Noi Bai International Airport (HAN)

Noi Bai is the international airport of the Vietnamese capital, Hanoi. If you are flying in from outside of the country, your airport of arrival will likely be Noi Bai. This is the main airport near Ha Long Bay with most international connections. To get from Noi Bai Airport to Ha Long Bay, there are a few different options. Depending on whether you are travelling on a budget or you don't mind splashing out a little extra in exchange for a bit of comfort, you might like to choose one of the options over the other. If you have booked a cruise trip in Ha Long Bay it is a good idea to check if the cruise operator offers an airport shuttle bus to the point of departure of the cruise trip. These shuttle buses are often cheaper when booked alongside the cruise itself. In the case that this option is not available, there are also other means of transport. On the cheap and cheerful side, there are local coaches. The stops each bus provider uses may be located in very different parts of town, so please make sure you check with your cruise company before selecting a bus provider. On the more expensive side, there are also private cars and even seaplanes.

Van Don International Airport (VDO)

Van Don International Airport (VDO)

Van Don International Airport (VDO)

Van Don International Airport or Ha Long Airport is an airport in Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam. It is located about 50 km away from Ha Long. Having started its activity as a fully functioning airport towards the end of 2018, Van Don offers flights to an extensive list of, mainly Asian, airports including Ho Chi Minh City (Vietnam), Seoul-Incheon (South Korea) and Shenzhen (Hong Kong). So unless you are arriving in Van Don from a city within Eastern Asia, you will most likely be flying to a different airport. If your plane is, however, landing at Van Don, there is a public shuttle bus service available from the airport to Ha Long and back.

Taxi

Taxi

Taxi

Some of the most well-known and recommended taxi companies that operate within Ha Long City are Mong Cai Taxi and Halong Bay Taxi. Another option is the ride-sharing app Grab, the Uber of Southeast Asia.

Electricity

Electricity

Electricity

In Vietnam, electrical outlets typically operate at 220V/50Hz and commonly use plug types A and C. Type A features two flat parallel pins, while type C has two round pins. Travellers are advised to carry a power plug adapter to ensure compatibility with local sockets when visiting the country.

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

Pharmacy

You can find pharmacies ('nha thuoc' in Vietnamese) in the main city area of Ha Long, which is close to the bay itself. Many of these pharmacies will have English-speaking staff and carry a range of medications.

Post

Post

Post

There are two main post offices in Ha Long. One is in the Bai Chay area and the other is on the other side of the bridge, in Hòn Gai. Postal services such as mailing, postcards and money exchange are offered in both branches.

Frequently Asked Questions

The best time to visit Halong Bay is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier. During these months, you can enjoy pleasant temperatures and clear skies, ideal for cruising and exploring the bay's limestone karsts and caves. Avoid the summer months of June to August, as they can be hot, humid, and prone to tropical storms.

A typical visit to Halong Bay lasts 2 to 3 days. This allows enough time to enjoy a cruise, explore the stunning limestone islands, visit caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), and participate in activities such as kayaking or swimming. A longer stay may include visits to less crowded areas like Bai Tu Long Bay or Cat Ba Island.

In Halong Bay, don't miss the iconic limestone formations and islands. Key attractions include: - Sung Sot Cave: Known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. - Ti Top Island: Offers a panoramic view of the bay from its summit. - Cua Van Floating Village: Experience local life on the water. - Bai Tu Long Bay: A quieter alternative with pristine scenery.

Halong Bay offers a variety of cruise options, ranging from budget to luxury. You can choose: - Day cruises: Ideal for those with limited time. - Overnight cruises: Experience the bay's beauty at sunrise and sunset. - Luxury cruises: Provide upscale amenities and gourmet dining. - Adventure cruises: Include activities like kayaking and hiking.

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay is straightforward, with several options available: - Private transfer: Offers convenience and flexibility. - Shuttle bus: A cost-effective option provided by many cruise operators. - Seaplane: Offers a scenic aerial view of the bay, available from Hanoi's Noi Bai Airport.

Halong Bay is known for its fresh seafood. Be sure to try: - Grilled squid: A local specialty, often served with chili sauce. - Cha Muc: Deep-fried squid patties, a regional delicacy. - Fresh oysters: Enjoyed raw or grilled with garlic and herbs. - Banh Cuon: Rice rolls filled with minced pork and mushrooms.

While Halong Bay itself is more about natural beauty, the nearby city of Ha Long hosts the annual Ha Long Carnival in April or May. This vibrant event features parades, music, dance performances, and fireworks, celebrating the culture and beauty of the region. It's a great opportunity to experience local traditions and festivities.

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