Melo Villareal
The Ultimate Travel Guide to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
The limestone island paradise that is Ha Long Bay in Vietnam was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994. People from across the globe travel to this Southeast Asian nation to hop aboard a cruise on Ha Long (which means “descending dragon”) Bay, which is a long stretch of water and about 2,000 limestone islets and grottoes, which took at least 500 million years, extreme environmental conditions, and weathering, to form and solidify. If the Philippines has the Hundred Islands, Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay can be called the Thousand Islands.
Travel Guide to Ha Long Bay in Vietnam
In this travel guide to Ha Long Bay, we listed some helpful tips on how to get there, a sample itinerary and budget, things to do and see, places to eat, recommended hotels, and more:
About Ha Long Bay
Ha Long City of Quang Ninh Province, Vietnam, has played a significant role in the country’s history. It had been a predominantly coal mining city since the 1880s, during the French Occupation. It was the leading coal producer for northern Vietnam’s industrial zones, and there had been a constant military presence because of its strategic location near China.
At present, Ha Long is a peaceful city that is home to the picturesque and poet-inspiring Bai Tho Mountain, the quaint Cua Van fishing village, the Vietnam-Japan Cultural House, and the world-famous limestone islets of Ha Long Bay.
Visa Requirements
Filipino Passport holders are not required to secure a tourist visa to visit Vietnam. Philippine passport holders can travel to Vietnam entirely visa-free for 14 days.
The best time to visit Ha Long Bay
One of the great things about Ha Long Bay is that you can visit it anytime. Ha Long typically experiences four different seasons: Winter (November to March), Spring (March to April), Summer (May to early September), and Fall (September to October), and each season will give travelers a different vibe.
Temperatures during winter drop to as low as 12ºC, while summertime temperatures can get as hot as 25ºC. If you want to avoid extreme cold or hot temperatures, visit during either spring or autumn.
Also, check the weather conditions regardless of the time of the year you plan to visit, as a cruise may be canceled primarily due to a typhoon, which occurs pretty frequently.
How to get there (from Manila, Philippines)
Cebu Pacific is a local airline that offers direct flights from Manila to Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi five times a week (S-T-W-Th-S).
You can get to Ha Long City from Hanoi via a four to five-hour bus ride. Minibus fares from Hanoi to Ha Long cost around 120,000 dong (Php 280). You can get to your chosen accommodation via motorbike taxi or taxi if the bus does not pass by them.
You will need to ride a ferry to get to Ha Long Bay. Most hotels offer airport transfers directly to the bay. If your chosen accommodation does not, you can independently book a trip to Ha Long Bay at Tuan Chau Pier, a typical jump-off point.
Travelers may also choose to ride a seaplane from the airport to Ha Long Bay for about Php9,400 per person. This takes 45 minutes and may include a 15-minute scenic tour over the bay.
Noi Bai Airport Transfers (HAN) for Hanoi City or Halong Bay
- Enjoy the convenience of private airport to hotel transfers in a modern air-conditioned vehicle
- Receive a meet and greet service at the airport arrival hall or your hotel lobby from your professional driver
- The car can accommodate up to 10 passengers – a convenient transportation option for those traveling in groups or with bulky luggage
Getting around
Tuktuk (motorized rickshaws), Cyclo, motorbike taxis, and taxis are the standard modes of transportation in Ha Long.
Where to Stay in Ha Long
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
Location: Reu Island, Halong, Halong, Vietnam, 8433
Price: Php 8,025 via Agoda.com
A Deluxe Twin Room in this five-star hotel gives you an exclusive garden view, two single beds, a shower and bathtub, and a complimentary breakfast for two. This luxury hotel offers 24-hour room service, currency exchange, and airport transfer.
Royal Halong Hotel
Location: Halong Street, Bai Chay Ward, Quang Ninh Province, Halong, Halong, Vietnam
Price: Php 3,280 via Agoda.com
After a cruise on Ha Long Bay, relax in the sauna and steam room of the Royal Halong Hotel and enjoy a comfy, king-sized bed with a view of the mountainside. All rooms have complete amenities, including slippers, bathrobes, and a hairdryer.
Novotel Ha Long Bay
Location: 160 Ha Long Road, Bai Chay Ward, Halong, Halong, Vietnam, 200000
Price: Php 3,688 via Agoda.com
This four-star hotel has its own hot tub and fitness center, and a Standard King Bedroom will give you a mountain view. The hotel offers airport transfer and cash withdrawal (ATM machine on-site) and has facilities for disabled guests.
Halong Paradise Suites Hotel
Location: Tuan Chau island, Halong, Quang Ninh, Tuan Chau Island, Halong, Vietnam
Price: Php 3,665 via Agoda.com
Halong Paradise Suites Hotel has a private beach, spa house, sauna, and hot tub, so it is ideal to end your trip after cruising the Thousand Islands of Ha Long Bay. Guests are entitled to complimentary breakfast.
Also Read: Hotel Review: Ha Long Plaza Hotel
Ha Long Bay Boat Cruises
3D2N Halong Bay Cruise and Cat Ba Island Tour
- Explore beyond Halong Bay with this 3D2N tour that combines both the majestic Halong Bay and the beautiful Cat Ba Island
- Cruise aboard a traditional junk boat on peaceful, tranquil waters
- See nature at its best on Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, and trek through the Cat Ba National Park
- Try various activities, from swimming, kayaking, visiting caves, cooking class, and squid fishing!
- Choose between staying in a 3-star hotel or a 4-star resort
Halong Bay Full-Day Guided Tour Including Cruise, Kayaking and Lunch From Hanoi
The tour starts in Hanoi’s Old Quarter in the morning. Guests will be driven to Red River Delta during the four-hour trip. Arrival in Ha Long Bay will be at around midday. They will offer a short trip to well-known grottoes like Butterfly Rock, Fisherman’s Head, and Sea Dog. The tour is inclusive of kayaking to grottoes. Note that this is from Hanoi.
Halong Bay Day Tour
- Visit the world-famous UNESCO World Heritage Site, the majestic Halong Bay
- Cruise past an epic landscape of limestone pillars and tiny islets on a traditional junk boat
- Enjoy a seafood lunch aboard the junk boat, then take a kayak tour out in the open waters
- Explore the stunning Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Cave)
Halong Bay Overnight Cruise with Kayaking, Caves, and Private Cabin
This overnight cruise includes a trip to Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave, kayaking, as well as cooking demonstrations and squid fishing in the evening. This package is inclusive of accommodation of 17 private air-conditioned cabins and all three meals for the day. The tour begins in Tuan Chau island.
Overnight 4-Star Halong Bay Cruise
This two-day, one-night tour includes a trip to the Bewitching Grooto and the Dark and Bright Cave, as well as a stopover at the Hoa Cuong floating fishing village. This package includes cooking demonstrations, complete meals (1 breakfast, 2 lunches, and 1 dinner), a night in your own cabin, and all entrance fees.
Halong Bay Deluxe Cruise
- Take in the stunning views of the UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site – Halong Bay
- Get ready for exotic photos and absorb the magnificent natural splendors, limestone bedrock, and sheer cliffs of tiny islands highlighted with fanciful names: Fighting Cocks (symbol of Halong Bay), Duck, Swan, Incense Burner, and Stone Dogs
- Explore a limestone cave with gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a fabulous seafood feast onboard
- Convenient hotel transfers, meals as stated, and all admission fees are included
Where to eat
1958 Restaurant
Address: Tuan Chau Island, Halong Bay, Halong 200000, Vietnam
Despite its vintage-sounding name, 1958 Restaurant is a classy, elegant restaurant that offers seafood, Asian, Vietnamese, and vegetarian dishes for a fair price. They are best known for their chicken soup and oyster dishes.
Wander Station
If 1958 Restaurant is classy, Wander Station is hip and trendy. The aesthetic appeal of the café and restaurant draws both tourists and locals alike. Their menu features both Vietnamese and typical Western snacks like sandwiches and fries.
Linh Dan Restaurant
If you plan to have a lovely evening out with local dishes and a great ambiance, take your date to Linh Dan Restaurant. Dishes like spring rolls, squid and clam soup, and crab are some of their highlights.
Rock House Pizza
Tourists who want to take a break from local dishes like Goi Cuon (the famous Vietnamese spring rolls as we call it) or Pho (Vietnam’s national dish of chicken broth and rice noodles) have a side trip to Rock House Pizza, where they offer classic American food like burgers, pizza, and, yes, pizza burgers, too.
Things to do and see in Ha Long Bay
Chance upon Dau Be Island
To put it bluntly, Dau Be Island is quite “hard to get.” It is not always that one gets to swim or dive here to see this island’s coral reefs and lakes. It is only possible to see this part of Ho Lang Bay by rowing a boat during the low tide.
Visit the Virgin Cave
Legend has it that a virgin committed suicide after being sold by her father to an old Mandarin. Although the supposed backstory is eerie, this cave draws thousands of tourists all year round. Virgin Cave is one of the three caves in Bo Hon Island, one of the largest island chains in Ha Long Bay.
Sleep over at Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba, the largest island in the bay, is like an entire paradise. Topped with forests, cream-sand beaches on the shoreline, and a fresh, cool breeze are just some of the things this island has to offer. There are many commercial establishments on the island, but if you prefer, you can have a date with nature by mountain biking, trekking, and kayaking.
WiFi and Internet access
The average connection speed in Vietnam is 3.4 Mbps. 3G and 4G are available in most areas, and all hotels offer Wi-Fi. Café shops also provide free Wi-Fi. Alternatively, Internet cafes are also open at 3,000 dong (Php 7) to 8,000 dong (Php 19) per hour.
Halong Bay Itinerary and Trip Expenses
| Ha Long Bay Sample Budget Itinerary and Expenses | ||
|---|---|---|
| Day 1 | ||
| Time | Price | Activities |
| 8:00pm | Manila Airport Assembly | |
| 9:55 PM to 12:30 AM | Php 5,700 | Manila to Hanoi Flight (via Cebu Pacific direct flight) |
| 11:30 PM* onwards | Php 500 | The bus ride to Ha Long |
| Php 12,000 (3 nights) Hotel accommodation + breakfast for two people | ||
| *Vietnam is one hour late from Philippine time, so you will arrive there at 11:30 PM | ||
| Day 2 | ||
| 8:00 AM | Php 5,000 | Meet up and start of Ha Long Bay Cruise |
| 8:00 AM to 12:00 NN | Travel to Ho Lang + stopover | |
| 12:00 NN to 1:00 PM | Lunch onboard | |
| 1:00 PM to 4:00 PM | Cruise activities, cave hopping + early dinner | |
| 4:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Return to hotel | |
| 8:00 Pm onwards | Free time and rest | |
| Day 3 | ||
| 7:00 AM to 8:00 AM | Breakfast at the Hotel | |
| 9:00 AM to 12:00 NN | Php 1,000 | Souvenir shopping + tour around Ha Long City |
| 12:00 NN to 1:00 PM | Php 500 | Lunch |
| 1:00 PM to 5:00 PM | Php 1,000 | Continuation of tour around the city |
| 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM | Php 500 | Dinner |
| 7:00 PM to 8:00 PM | Rest at the Hotel | |
| 8: 00 PM to 12:00 AM | Php 300 | The bus ride to the Airport |
| 1:15 AM to 5:25 AM | Php 5,700 | Hanoi to Manila flight (via Cebu Pacific direct flight) |
Ha Long Bay Travel Tips
- Check! Check! Check! The weather conditions before scheduling a cruise. Remember that fog, grey clouds, and storms will cancel or ruin your trip.
- Do not be tempted to book a cheap cruise and sacrifice your safety. Before booking any cruise, check if the trip includes a guide, especially if your package has kayaking in the itinerary. Although a fun activity, it may be dangerous to do kayaking if unguided.
- If you book a cruise from Hanoi, remember that a trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay takes about four hours. If you booked a one-day tour, note that eight hours of your day will be spent traveling to and from Hanoi, and the remaining few hours will be for the tour itself. If you want to stay longer, consider staying in Ha Long instead or booking a longer itinerary from Hanoi.
*Airfare, transportation, tours, and hotel rates may change without prior notice. We aim to keep this Travel Guide to Ha Long Bay updated and helpful to fellow travelers. Please feel free to notify us about the updated rates by commenting below.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many days in Halong Bay is enough?
The number of days to spend in Halong Bay depends on the individual’s preference and itinerary. A few days would be suitable for most people with limited time. For example, a 3-day itinerary in Hanoi and 2 days in Halong Bay would cover most of both places.
However, if you have a more extended vacation, we suggest spending at least 3-4 days in Halong Bay to fully enjoy the experience. There are also options for day tours or overnight trips lasting 1 or 2 nights. Ultimately, the ideal length of stay depends on the traveler’s interests and budget.
What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?
The best time to visit Halong Bay is generally from October to April. During these months, the weather is cooler and drier, with less humidity and fewer chances of rain. The peak season is from December to February when the weather is the driest and the skies are clearest, but this is also the busiest time of the year with higher prices and more crowds.
March to May and September to November are good months to visit, with pleasant weather and fewer visitors. June to August is the summer season with higher temperatures, more humidity, and occasional typhoons, but it is still possible to visit during this time.
Is it worth staying at Halong Bay?
Yes, It is worth staying at Halong Bay. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site and one of Vietnam’s most popular tourist destinations. It is known for its stunning scenery, limestone cliffs, and emerald waters.
Staying overnight on a cruise or in a hotel allows visitors to fully experience the bay’s beauty, explore its caves, and participate in activities such as kayaking and swimming. Many travelers recommend spending at least one night on a cruise to see the bay at sunset and sunrise and fully appreciate the area’s peacefulness.
While some reviewers have noted that the area can be crowded and touristy, most agree that the bay’s natural beauty makes it a worthwhile destination.
Can you do Halong Bay on your own?
Yes, It is possible to do Halong Bay on your own. Visitors can travel to Halong Bay independently by bus or private car from Hanoi and then arrange boat tours or kayaking trips. It is also possible to book a day tour or overnight cruise through a travel agency or to stay on Cat Ba Island and explore the bay from there.
Some travelers recommend doing Halong Bay independently to save money and have more flexibility, while others prefer to book a tour for convenience and to ensure a quality experience. It is important to note that visitors must purchase an entrance ticket to Halong Bay, which can be done at the entrance gate or through a tour operator.
How much is the entry fee for Halong Bay?
The entry fee for Halong Bay varies depending on the type of tour and duration of stay. As of October 2023, the entrance fee for Halong Bay is 290,000 VND (approximately 12 USD) per person for a day cruise, which includes 250,000 VND for the travel ticket and 40,000 VND for the Tuan Chau port entrance.
For an overnight cruise, the entrance fee is from 500,000 VND (approximately 21 USD) per person. However, fees are subject to change, and visitors are advised to check with their tour operator or at the entrance gate for the latest prices.
Halong Bay Travel and Tour Packages
Avoid the hassle! Find the best places to stay in Halong Bay and book your accommodation with Booking and Agoda!
Also Read:
- 4 Places to Visit in Hanoi During Autumn
- Hotel Reviews: Crowne Plaza West Hanoi
- 9 Must Do’s When You Visit Hanoi
- Bun Cha and Nem Cua Be: Eat in Hanoi like a Local
- Exploring Hanoi and Ha Long Bay
Exploring Ha Long Bay by Traditional Junk Boat - Resort Reviews: Flamingo Dai Lai Resort in Vinh Phuc, Vietnam
- 5 Breathtaking Natural Wonders to See in Vietnam
- Travel Guide: Things to Do and See in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
- 7 Best Things to see and do in Ho Chi Minh City, Vietnam
Do you have a Pinterest account? Please pin this Guide to Ha Long Bay blog post.
