Halong Bay is the nucleus of a large expanse of islands emerging from the waves, including Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. The landscapes of these three bays are so similar that it might be difficult to distinguish them.
Every year, nearly 11 million curious people flock to admire this treasure. But for travellers who wants to avoid the masses of tourists, what are the possible alternatives and good deals?
1. Discover Lan Ha Bay
Almost as beautiful as Halong Bay, or even more according to some travellers, Lan Ha Bay is a good alternative for visitors looking for calm and serenity away from crowds of tourists.
It has many secluded beaches, ideal for swimming and lounging in the sun and is characterized by the presence of a very important vegetation on the many loaves of sugar rising from the water.
In addition, traditional floating fishing villages and seafood farms add a touch of charm and authenticity to this heavenly setting. The seafood farms and floating fishing villages create a living beauty for Lan Ha Bay.
Cruise lines are more flexible than in the Bai Tu Long and Halong Bay, as this bay depends on another province, the province of Haiphong.
However, there is a limited amount of boats so make sure to book it well in advance.
2. Go on a cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay
Like Lan Ha Bay, the landscapes are similar to those of Halong, where the densities of islands and islets are denser.
In Halong and Bai Tu Long bays, for safety reasons, junks and boats must follow a route previously determined by the local authorities, so the “group” boat trips are almost identical. Private cruises are generally more flexible.
Halong Bay is home to spectacular caves that will not be found in the bays of Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha but they are, nevertheless, very interesting alternatives to enjoy a quieter cruise, far from the masses of tourists, with a small advantage for Lan Ha which guarantees a total immersion with a visit to the traditional floating villages.
3. What time to visit Halong Bay?
Between February and March, the weather is cold and wet. It rains often and Halong Bay is often covered by a layer of fog that prevents good visibility. In addition the sea is relatively cool (between 10 and 20 degrees), swimming is therefore reserved for the bravest.
The months of October to January offer good visibility. However, the water will be a little cold to be able to swim. During this period, rain and fog is rare, so it is an ideal time to visit the bay.
The period from May to early October is the warmest (around 30 degrees) and the sunniest in Halong Bay: the sea temperature will be ideal for swimming and you will have excellent visibility throughout the cruise, although rare and short showers may occur. At this time of year typhoons can appear, and companies may cancel their cruises because of this Rest assured, the customer is always fully refunded if this happens.
The month of April is ideal to discover Halong Bay and its treasures: the sun will be at the rendezvous, and neither the fog, nor the showers will disturb your stay on an emerald sea, where it will be good to swim (The water temperature will be 26-27 degrees at the end of the month). On the other hand, the bay gets many visitors during this month so you have to think about reserving your place as quickly as possible.
4. Which boat to choose when visiting Halong Bay?
The offer is very wide: there are all kinds of cruises, all types of boats, for all budgets.
The junks of the Indochina Junk company are very popular with French tourists because most of the guides of the company are French-speaking.
The fleet consists mainly of small traditional wooden junks, apart from the recent five-star Dragon Legend boats. The company is very popular because it offers less touristic cruises (especially in the bay of Bai Tu Long), the meals are excellent and the staff are very friendly and accommodating. The common areas are large and accessible.
Junks from Bai Tho are also recommended: the cuisine served on board is delicious and most rooms are spacious and have balconies. In addition, prices are relatively affordable (from $ 140 / person / night).
In Lan Ha Bay, Autumn Parfum is probably the best option for a private cruise on Lan Ha Bay, and the leader is French speaking. The company also offers more original activities such as the release of lanterns or the night fishing calamari.
Regarding group cruises, the luxury boats, Orchid and Azalea, are excellent choices. Very beautiful and very comfortable, with 14 cabins each, they offer unique itineraries. Indeed, their cruises of 3 days and 2 nights allow travellers to discover the three bays: Halong, Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha.
For luxury cruises, you have Paradise Cruise which offers three luxurious cruises: Paradise Peak, Paradise Luxury and Paradise Elegance. You can get pampered here while cruising along the limestone islands and islets, enjoying gourmet food and staying in very comfortable cabins.