Halong Bay

Imagine a thousand emerald islands scattered like jewels on a turquoise sea. Welcome to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam's crown jewel! About 100km from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of “The Seven Wonders of Nature". Kayak through hidden caves, explore towering limestone pillars, and relax on pristine beaches. Intrigued? Embark on Halong Bay cruises and more!

Free Designed Vietnam Itinerary Now!

1. LOCATION

With a combination of over 1,969 islands in a variety of sizes and shapes, divided into the south-east area (belonging to Bai Tu Long Bay), and a south-west area (belonging to Halong Bay), Halong Bay has been titled a World Natural Heritage for 2 times, in 1994 for its natural beauty, and then in 2000, for its essence in geography and geomorphology.

In terms of location, Halong Bay is situated in the northeast of Vietnam, comprising Bac Bo Gulf’s partially western bank, Halong City’s sea area, Cam Pha City, and a small proportion of Van Don District, Quang Ninh Province. Let's have a closer look at Asia Links Travels!

Halong tourism

Halong Bay tourism

2. BEST TIME TO VISIT HALONG BAY

There are different times to cater to your specific demand for a perfect trip.

Should your main concern be the weather, it is highly recommended that you take the trip from September - to November and from March to May to enjoy the best of Halong's temperature: dry and comfortable climate, the favorable conditions for enjoying all cruises’ activities.

If your priority is the budget, then the time from May to September may be your choice since it is the low season when a good many discounts can be offered. However, take care of the downside of this time, as storms take place mostly from July to August.

In case you have no choice in time, Halong is just as perfect as in any period of the year with warm sunlight and cool wind. Utilize such a natural advantage to have fun to the fullest through various activities such as swimming, scuba diving, and canoeing.

3. THINGS TO DO IN HALONG BAY

Explore the City

Although some may not pay much attention to the city of Halong, it is indeed worth your visit. Take time to explore the Halong Bay tour package vibe by mingling with the locals at Bai Chay Market, a collection of local produce and cheap clothing. Otherwise, the eating experience is brilliant as well since there are a lot of local restaurants offering fresh seafood in the indigenous taste.

Visit the Beach

Turn on relaxation mode since you are right here, in one of the most perfect beach retreats. Tuan Chau, Tiptop, Ba Trai Dao, Ngoc Vung, and Soi Sim are among the greatest beach options for you to get ready for sunbathing on the white sand and gazing at the crystal blue ocean unparalleled to any other area.

Because there are so many islands, schedule at least one or at best, several days to discover the most remarkable ones and engage in not less intriguing activities like kayaking, scuba diving, and visiting caves and floating villages. Consider our best itineraries for your Halong Bay trip.

Discover Grottoes

The most renowned caving destination in Vietnam must be Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park, home to Son Doong Cave, the largest worldwide, and Hang En, the third largest. However, in Halong, you can find grottoes and caves just as extraordinary as those mentioned above, nestled in jungle-covered areas. There are a few to name, for example, Heavenly Palace Cave, and Dau Go Cave, which can easily be accessible by boats and cruises.

Discover Grottoes in Halong Bay

Discover Grottoes in Halong Bay

Tour the Floating Villages

One of the most striking features of Halong is floating villages as you can catch sight of these little boat-attached houses which witness all the daily activities of the aqua community like cooking, washing, sleeping working, etc. Don’t miss out on the most signature villages: Cua Van, Vung Vieng, Cong Dam, and Ba Hang.

Take an Excursion to Cat Ba Island

Comprising up to 367 islands in various shapes and sizes, the Cat Ba Archipelago is an essential complex in the south of Halong Bay. The most gorgeous island and the biggest as well is Cat Ba Island. Should you have time to visit, rent a bike to explore around in tranquility, or take a trekking and climbing tour in Cat Ba National Park. Furthermore, cruises are also available here.

Kayak and Scuba Dive

The scenes underwater are just as beautiful as what you get above. Scuba diving and snorkeling are recent additions to the activities you can do in Halong Bay.

Kayak and Scuba Dive

Scuba diving in Halong Bay

Here comes a fascinating enjoyment for those thriller-seekers: kayaking and scuba diving. Favored by the natural conditions of crystal water and calm tides, Halong offers the perfect paddling setting. The most ideal areas are Tree Peaches Islets, and Dark and Light Cave.

Then, to explore the marine stun, take scuba diving and snorkeling, which enables you to relish virgin coral reefs and lively and colorful life underwater.

4. THINGS TO BUY IN HALONG BAY

Seafood

Not only attractive sightseeing but savory seafood is the remarkable highlight of Halong Bay. There is a wide range of choices to opt for like crabs, prawns, and snails which are cooked in various tasty ways to bring out freshness. Either at luxurious restaurants, cruises, or street vendors can fresh seafood be served in high quality. Otherwise, should you love to display your cooking skills, you can get seafood alive and fresh at a much cheaper price right from markets and fishing villages (Cai Dam market or Ben Doan) and make dishes in your style.

Spirivalve and Seashell Jewelry

Perfect beaches offer a variety of sea creatures, whose shells can be used to make jewelry and little cute stuff like key chains, desk statues, pearl bracelets, etc. which are widely sold at any souvenir shop and vendor in Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or even floating villages.

Pearls and Pearl Art

Pay a visit to the Pearl Farm to observe the artistic and fine-quality production of cultured pearls, as well as select the best pearl jewelry back home. Although it may cost you an arm and a leg to purchase an authentic pearl bracelet, the experience itself is insightful and attractive.

Visiting to the Pearl Farm

Visiting to the Pearl Farm

Vietnamese Rice Grain Painting

Rice has been utilized to a new height to turn into masterpieces. Grains in different sizes and colors are well chosen, before going through the process. Later, under the skillful hands of local artists, rice grains are transformed into stunning paintings, which will certainly keep in in awe.

5. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Do well - plan your trip as there are so many attractions in Halong. Make sure you cover the most unique ones to have an insightful glimpse at Halong Bay. Contact us for the best itineraries.
Do bring along only necessary things, not all your luggage with you on the trip to Halong Bay. You should leave them at your hotel because if you take the cruise on the bay, you will have everything you need onboard.
Bring along sunblock, a hat, sunglasses, and comfortable footwear.

Ms. Thu Uyen

(Personal Travel Consultant)

We listen to your needs, design it to your specifications, and build it to your dreams!

Satisfaction Guarantee

Your smile is our goal. Travel worry-free with your personal consultant!

All Handcrafted

We don't believe in one-fit-all tours. Our local experts tailor a trip to fit you perfectly.

Trusted Reviews

98% Customer satisfaction rating, 5 stars from TripAdvisor reviews.

Excellent Support

24/7 online support. We are always there for you from the first quote til the end of your trip.

Explore all things to do in Halong Bay 2024

Free Designed Vietnam Itinerary Now!

Start: Hanoi

End: Ho Chi Minh City

Vietnam North to South in 10 Days

4.9 Excellent (10)

Experience Vietnam: Get the best price for an all-in-one tour package to Vietnam highlights with Transfers, Meals, and Tours.

Satisfaction Guarantee

Free Cancellation

10 Days 9 Nights

40 % OFF

$977

From $582

35 % OFF

Main Menu

Halong Bay

Overview Halong Bay

1. LOCATION

2. BEST TIME TO VISIT HALONG BAY

3. THINGS TO DO IN HALONG BAY

Explore the City

Visit the Beach

Discover Grottoes

Tour the Floating Villages

Take an Excursion to Cat Ba Island

Kayak and Scuba Dive

4. THINGS TO BUY IN HALONG BAY

Seafood

Spirivalve and Seashell Jewelry

Pearls and Pearl Art

Vietnamese Rice Grain Painting

5. THINGS TO KEEP IN MIND

Ms. Thu Uyen

Satisfaction Guarantee

All Handcrafted

Trusted Reviews

Excellent Support

Explore all things to do in Halong Bay 2024

Other Vietnam Places

Tour Styles

Indochina Tours

Multi-Country Tours

Hashtag Tours

Optimize Your Trip with Our Local Experts

Travel Tips Before You Go