Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a junk boat, or take a tour to explore.

Top things to do in Ha Long Bay
Catherine Cruise 6 stars visit Halong Bay

Nothing beats spending watching the sun set over the calm waters of Ha Long Bay, and waking up to a serene morning surrounded by karsts. Relaxing on a sun deck surrounded by magnificent panoramas is the highlight of many a trip.

Explore a floating village

Ha Long Bay is not just a UNESCO-listed site, it’s also home to a number of fishing communities who have lived on the water for centuries. Take a boat tour around a floating village for a glimpse of this rare and beautiful way of life.

Paddle out in a kayak

Even if you’re not an experienced kayaker, you can’t miss the chance to navigate your way around Ha Long’s gorgeous seascape. Just before sunset is an ideal time to kayak to see quiet lagoons and fishing boats up close.

Clamber into a cave

Beneath their rocks and jungled exteriors, many of Ha Long’s ancient karsts have been carved out by rain and water currents. Take a look inside these geological wonders on foot — some are a squeeze while others are enormous.

Try your hand at rock climbing

There are countless routes in the bay to keep climbing junkies entertained. Deep water soloing is becoming increasingly popular in beautiful Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, especially on Butterfly Island.

Ha Long Weather

When is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?
Ha Long weather changes month by month and each season has its distinct features. It is the reason why you should check the weather forecast carefully before starting your trip. To travel to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam, you can choose from the following time periods:

From April to June: This is the ideal time for you to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life through your Ha Long tour. At this time, the weather is warm and mostly sunny. Therefore, it is extremely suitable for sightseeing or soaking in the sunlight with your family and friends at some beautiful beaches.
From June to August: This is the peak season so there are many families traveling to this city with their children for their summer vacation. As a result, the number of tourists increases and so does the price of rooms and services. Therefore, you should make a specific plan in advance in order to have a cost-effective trip.
From late November to Tet Holiday: At this time, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam usually welcomes a large number of foreign tourists. Compared to the peak season, it is relatively less crowded so you can have more private space to experience Ha Long tourism in the best way.
Ha Long Bay’s climate can be cool with clear skies from September to November. Mist drifts in from December to March making the bay look all the more mysterious. April and May offer sunshine and a refreshing breeze, while the monsoon season can make visits unpredictable from June to August.

Ha Long Transport

Most visitors to Ha Long Bay opt for a packaged cruise, including transport to and from Hanoi. Independent travellers can take a bus to Ha Long City or Hai Phong and a taxi to the port. It’s also possible to charter a seaplane for a 45-minute ride direct from Noi Bai International Airport. Travelling Ha Long Bay is best by boat. Those looking for a bird’s-eye view can book a 15-minute seaplane ride over the bay. In Ha Long City you can hire a taxi to get around town.

From November 2021, Ha Long will open to an unlimited number of vaccinated tourists, who will be able to travel without quarantine requirements. Please check the current travel advisory for updates and application details.

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