Category: thuha

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Bac Bô (or Tonkin), located in Northeast Vietnam and about 160 km east of Hanoi (by RN 5).

The bays named after a legend, that of the dragon mother and her children fighting the enemies of the Vietnamese. Halong means “the descent of the dragon”. Halong Bay is dotted with islands and rocks, all composed of limestone and encircled by a sea of ​​jade. This particular geological spectacle is thought to have originated from a limestone boulder that reached the primary era 280 million years ago and which consequently formed steep reefs.

Some of the rocks have interesting forms, such as the island of Rông (like a dragon dancing at sea), the Vong (an old man in the fishing rod) or Trông Mái (forming a hen and cock couple). In addition, some islands have caves that you can be visit.

Of the 1,969 islands and islets in the bay, 989 have officially been named. Cat Ba is the largest island in Halong Bay and is famous for its natural park, endowed with a well preserved ecosystem (corals, tropical forest, etc). But the highlight is to cruise around Halong Bay. There are several excursions and even boat rentals that you can choose from. The points of interests are many, so try to go on an overnight cruise in order to see the most of Halong Bay.

Once you arrive at Halong Bay you will probably be lost in the grandiose landscapes here, hypnotised by the limestone islands, the green waters and the splendid caves. Here is a list of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay that we think you should visit.

Sung Sot Cave

This cave is still in the list of caves that must be visited when going to Halong. It is indeed a real natural exhibition, with lots of colours and shapes. You will see large and bright stalagmites and  stalactites in the shape of animals, such as elephants, seals, dinosaurs, etc.

Luon Cave

In this cave, discover the massive and majestic walls, the emerald waters which are calm and shimmer all year long. This poetic landscape is decorated by a rich and abundant flora. Luon Cave looks like a giant door that invites you to discover a large lake where a large number of aquatic animals lives. At the foot of the walls, you will find countless fossil shells.

Hanh Cave

This is a must-see during your visit Halong Bay. Located 9 km from Cam Pha province and 20 km from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf, Hanh Cave is the longest and most beautiful cave in Halong Bay, home to Tam Co Temple. 

Hanh Cave

If you want to visit this cave, you need to wait for low tide to enter by a light boat. Inside it is very dark, so you must bring torches or flashlights. And most importantly, do not forget to get out of the cave before the rising tide. The light boat will take you through the cave under the flashing torch light. The stalactites hang from the ceiling and reflect the light which forms a wonderful sight.

Tam Cung Cave

Located in the center of Halong Bay, 5 kilometers north from Sung Sot Cave, Tam Cung Cave is divided into three parts. After a walk through the cracks of the rocks, you will reach the first part of the cave where you could see boulders of different shapes and sizes. On the wall, there are three statues representing prosperity, happiness and longevity. On the ceiling, stalactites like thousands of buds bloom in a garden of stone flowers. At the end of a narrow path, you discover a natural reserve of live mammals.

Trinh Nu Cave

The name of this cave is related to a very romantic legend. It is for this reason that it is the emblem of love. The originality of this cave lies in a sculpture of a woman lying with long hair, her eyes are looking towards the open sea.

Thien Cung Cave

This is a magnificent cave located at Southwest Halong Bay. To get there, you have to climb a steep staircase bordered by bushy trees. Once inside the cave, you discover a landscape both mysterious and beautiful.

Kim Quy Cave

Another site not to be missed is the Kim Quy cave (golden turtle) that is on the mountain of Dam Nam. This mountain is between Dam Bac Mountain and Soi Sim Island. The cave has a width of 5 – 10m and a length of 100m, thus extending from North to South. The cave is well known thanks to the legend about the Golden Turtle.

Hang Hanh Cave

The longest cave in Halong Bay (2 km), has a simple name but is linked to an interesting legend. This tale tells that there was once three young girls who visited the cave by boat. While admiring the fantastic landscape, they did not see the tide rising, and drowned. Touched by their pitiful fate, fishermen in the area built a temple to honor them. At present, this temple still exists in front of the entrance of the cave, with the name “Ba Co” (Trois Demoiselles). The entrance to this cave is at the foot of the mountain of Quang Hanh. It can be visited when the tide is low, by using small boats, because its ceiling is very low. And it is essential that the rower knows by heart the time of the rising tide, so they know when when not to go. 

HOW TO EXPERIENCE HALONG BAY

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic landmarks, and you’ll understand why the day you visit this wonder of nature You can reach Halong Bay bus from Hanoi and it usually takes about 3-4 hours.

The good thing about Halong Bay is that there are plenty of options to how you can experience Halong Bay. The question is, do you want to go on an all-inclusive tour or do you prefer to get a bit off the beaten track? Here we explain your options.

-> Halong Bay on an all-inclusive tour

While we generally prefer less touristy trails, we decided this time to let us go to Halong Bay with an all-inclusive circuit, to enjoy this moment without any hassle. You will have the choice between a 1 DAY pack (from $40 to $65), 2 days / 1 night (from $70 to $115) and 3days / 2nights (from $150). We opted for the second option, ideal for our budget (85 $ per person). This way, we had fewer people on the boat and had some more privacy. The comfort, the food and the number of people on board makes it worth the price we paid.

While the one-day pack includes only a short trip to the bay, with a meal included, the two-day pack allows you to enjoy a bit more (with less tourists and a calmer atmosphere) with a stop on a small beach, the visit of a farm of cultured pearls, a canoe tour, and above all an amazing night, moored in the middle of the Halong waters. And this is the highlight of the show: to sleep to the sound of the waves (the boat does not move though) and wake up for the sunrise for an unforgettable moment. If you opt for a 3-day pass, you will also enjoy a stop over Cat Ba Island, with some sports activities on the program.

The boats have very different schedules so that they do not all rush to the same places at the same time. As a result, we are not surrounded by a long line of boats. This was our experience in April. In short, the all-inclusive pack version is validated and approved of!

-> Halong Bay off the beaten track

The second option to visit Halong Bay is to go a bit off the beaten track. This time, we advise you to take a bus then a boat direction Cat Ba, an island south of Halong. There are plenty of agencies who will offer you bus and boat rides. Remember to book a guesthouse on the island too. This is the less touristy experience and can feel a little more authentic. The downside, however, is that you will not be able (with exception) to visit the most famous spots of Halong Bay, located to the north. It will be a smaller tour in the south of the bay.

Kong: Skull Island is an American film directed by Jordan Vogt-Roberts, released on March 10, 2017. It is not a remake of the original film that was made in 1933, but a reboot of King Kong 2005. This is the story of a group of explorers venturing into the heart of an island unknown to the Pacific. They do not know yet that they have just entered the territory of Kong.

The crew arrived to Vietnam in February 2016 and shot scenes of the film in Ninh Binh, Halong Bay and Quang Binh. Quang Binh was the first destination in Vietnam of the Kong – Skull Island film crew. Quang Binh is a province in central Vietnam, about 500km south of Hanoi’s capital. It is well known for its system of more than 300 caves including the largest cave in the world: Son Doong. The Phong Nha Ke Bang National Park in the province has twice been recognized as UNESCO World Heritage Site.

After Quang Binh, the film crew arrived at Trang An, the landscaped complex 7km from Ninh Binh City, 96km south of Hanoi: Tam Coc and Van Long Nature Reserve in Ninh Binh Province were also chosen to shoot scenes from the movie: Halong Bay was the last destination in Vietnam for the film crew of Kong: Skull Island.

When in Vietnam, do not miss out on the opportunity to spend a night or two on a traditional junk cruise in beautiful Halong Bay, where you can see its iconic limestone islands and islets. There are a ton of other sights to keep you busy in Halong Bay though.  Here are nine of the most popular activities to do in Halong Bay.

1. Night aboard the junk
This is by far one of the most popular thing to do in Halong Bay. Spend a night aboard a junk so you won’t miss the wonderful sunset and sunrise in Halong Bay. There are many comfortable junks cruising the bay, but you have to choose wisely. Going through an agency is usually cheaper than on site and a place in comfortable junks is guaranteed. In Vietnam, as elsewhere, the principle is always the same: you get what you pay for. You can find everything from between $30 up to $200 or more. If you prefer luxury, be sure to check out Paradise Cruise, to get an unforgettable and comfortable journey to Halong Bay.

2. Sail in Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay is home to three quarters of Halong Bay and many islands’ world heritage sites in Van Don, Cam Pha District. The trip to Bai Tu Long is off the beaten path and provides you with unique experiences, far more than just sights.

3. Sunset on the bridge

The big question of all visitors to Halong Bay is where to settle during the golden hour. Every evening, the sun glides below the karsts, a dye of the tropical sky in luminescent hues, creating dramatic silhouettes of karsts and reflecting on the water. We recommend lying in a deck chair on the deck of your cruise, cocktail in one hand and the camera in the other.

4. Kayak in Halong Bay 

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities to do in Halong Bay, where you can paddle between limestone rocks and enjoy Halong Bay a bit more up close. Discover hidden caves and secluded lagoons, either with a guide or paddle by yourself.

5. Ride a bike in Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba is one the largest islands in Halong Bay and has some impressive natural landscape. Head over here and explore it either by foot or rent a bike, which is a very popular option. Here you can explore hidden waterfalls, white sand beaches, lakes, caves and limestone hills.

6. Tai Chi 

Tai Chi has been practiced in China for generations and is a good practice for the mind, body and soul. Why not try it in Halong Bay, one of the more peaceful places in Vietnam where you get to experience Tai Chi while enjoying the incredible beauty of Halong Bay in the background.

7. Pay a visit to the traditional floating villages

If you want to meet the locals in Halong Bay, one of the best options is to visit the so called floating villages. Here you can meet the fishermen and their families to learn about their fascinating life in Halong Bay.

8. Discover hidden caves

Ride aboard a boat and venture out to discover these hidden treasures by yourself, such as the beautiful Thien Cung Cave – nicknamed the Heavenly Palace Grotto, famous for its many stalagmites and stalactites and the cave Dau Go – known as the Cave of Wonders, with fascinating rock formations illuminated by a kaleidoscope of colors.

9. Fishing in Halong Bay

Apart from the magnificence of its imposing nature, Halong Bay is also home to hundreds of species of fish. Some boat cruises with the itinerary of 3 days 2 nights offer in the evening a small game of squid fishing from the bridge.

Has this list sparked your interest in Halong Bay? Why not give yourself a wonderful and memorable trip by coming to one of the worlds natural wonders.

Halong Bay – an ideal destination

In Halong Bay, you have a ton of things to do. Not only does this area offer you spectacular landscapes but also picturesque beaches and an opportunity to see a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Let us discover why Halong Bay is an ideal destination!

Halong Bay is part of the Gulf of Tonkin, covering an area of ​​1553 km2, belonging to the province of Quang Ninh. If you look at it from above, Halong Bay looks like a gigantic Chinese ink painting. The bay consists of islands and islets of different shapes and sizes.

Thousands of limestone pillars float on the water waves in a dreamy way, sturdy and picturesque but charming and alive. If the wildness of appearance already surprises you, the discovery of the sumptuous caves inside will captivate you. The cave of Dau Go is filled with brilliant colors, with a system of stalactites in various forms. The Bo Nau cave welcomes visitors with its “semicircular” archway of Romanesque architecture, from which many stalactites hang like weeping willows. Cave of Sung Sot (caves of surprises) remains beautiful in its modesty, but also deep, with stalactites in various forms.

What is an ideal destination for you? Where the climate is pleasant, the air is cool, where the beaches are clear with transparent water? Then this is it. Here you can do a ton of activities as well, such as go kayaking and canoeing. When you get tired, you can just go to one of many beaches in Halong Bay. These are some of the more well known beaches here: Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, Top Ti, Soi Sim, Vung Ha, Dau Chan, Ba Trai Dao

Halong Bay also offers tourists the opportunity to spend the night or more on a boat. You can choose to go on a day trip as well if you would like to, but it is highly recommended to go on the overnight cruises. Imagine yourself waking up in the middle of the bay, surrounded by all the beautiful limestone islands and islets, waking up to fresh air and eating a delicious breakfast onboard – this is an opportunity that should not be missed when visiting Halong Bay!

Halong Bay is attractive not only for its natural beauty but also for its location. Going to Ha Long, you can also visit other sites of tourist attractions in the area such as Yen Tu, Cua Ong, Van Don, Lan Quan, Coto, Mong Cai and Tra Co. A very popular choice amongst travellers is to go from Halong Bay to Cat Ba (2 or 3 days). There you can enjoy the beautiful and wild landscape and relax on one of many sand beaches.

So, what are you waiting for? Book your trip to Halong Bay today and come see this wonder of the world with your own eyes!

A grandiose postcard, a geological museum on the open sea or a world natural wonder – some of the many ways to describe Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s best destinations in successive years. It is listed in the World Natural Heritage of UNESCO for its outstanding values, ​​both in terms of landscape and geology. Halong is guaranteed a dream holiday to do. You can choose to do an excursion by boat or kayak in a magical setting formed by thousands of limestone peaks, explore some of the most beautiful caves, visit the charming fishing villages, and many more activities. Halong Bay is a place you should visit at least once in your life. 

Location

Halong is located west of the Gulf of Tonkin, 170 km from Hanoi. Its 1553 km2 consist of a core area and a buffer zone. The bay has a total of 1969 islands and multiform islands of which 980 are still waiting for a name.

Weather in Halong Bay

– The city of Halong has a coastal climate with two distinct seasons, winter from November to March and summer from May to August.
– The annual average temperature of Halong is 23.2 ° C, the warmest temperature is in June (29 ° C) and the coldest is in January (16 ° C).

When to visit Halong Bay?

This famous site is stormed by international tourists during summer holidays which begins between May and July. Travellers from other continents prefer coming here during winter period from November – March. The months between August and October, and between April and May are two of the best times to visit Halong Bay, with ideal temperatures between 24 and 28 ° C and a clear sky. Note that a cruise in Halong Bay between June and July could be spoiled by the rains and even by the typhoon that threatens the northern regions in this period.

How to go to Halong Bay?

Motorbike, bus, train and seaplane are all possible ways to get to Halong from Hanoi.
– By bus: Bus departures from My Dinh, Nuoc Ngam and Giap Bat bus stations start at 6am and end at 5pm everyday. Count with about 3 – 4 hours traveling time. The ticket price is 100,000 VND for the seat and 200,000 VND with berth.
– By train: Take the Halong Express tourist train from Gia Lam station to Halong. The 5 hour ride costs around 100,000 VND / person.
– On a motorcycle: There are two convenient itineraries: – Route 1 (155km): RN 5 – Sai Dong junction – Bac Ninh – RN 18A – Pha Lai – Chi Linh – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Halong.
– Route 2 (160km): Noi Bai Airport – Bac Ninh – RN 18A – Pha Lai – Sao Do – Dong Trieu – Uong Bi – Halong.
– By seaplane: This is the more expensive option, but you will get a full panoramic sight of the sea on a height of between 150 and 3000 meters. The seaplane is able to accommodate 12 travellers and you will guaranteed enjoy a fantastic and unforgettable experience on one of the most beautiful bays in the world.

What to visit in Halong Bay?

Discovery of caves and islets

The spectacular painting of Halong Bay unfolds in the midst of innumerable peculiarly shaped peaks as well as penetrating the admirable caves that they carve. Explore the wonders in its depths, the caves Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace), Dau go (Wonders), Sung Sot (Surprises), Trong and Trinh Nu (Man and Virgo), to name a few. The result of the descent of the Dragon into the sea, as indicated by the legendary name of Halong, mythical islets will surely surprise you on your excursion with the most famous names, Head of the Man, Fisherman, Fight of roosters , Sail, Monk, Perfume burner, Frog, and more.

Swimming on beautiful beaches

Relax in the sun on one of Halong’s emerald water beaches, and choose from the busiest to the more private ones. There are two artificial resorts – Bai Chay and Tuan Chau which becomes lively during the holidays. Ti Top island resort is also known for its beautiful landscape.

Kayaking

Ranked among the top 25 spots in the world for kayaking by National Geographic Adventures, the site has everything to delight lovers of this activity, a must-do experience in Halong Bay. Well accessible to the ports and on the islands, the hiring of a kayak costs between 100,000 – 200,000 VND / hour, according to the availability for one / two / three people.

Night aboard a boat on Halong Bay

To enjoy the miraculous universe on the high seas, it is advised to stay in Halong for at least two days. From a sublime dawn to a dazzling twilight, you will be able to experience it both on a boat cruise. For many travellers, this trip should be done at least once in a lifetime.

Visit fishing villages

Vung Vieng, Cua Van or Ba Hang are beautiful floating villages where you can chat with the smiling fishermen and rowers to get closer to the peaceful life in a boat.

Adventure in the climbing routes on the high seas

Beautiful cliffs, mythical gorges and caves make it a perfect place for climbers of all levels. Let yourself be carried away by the wind of the sea and the climbing tracks give the view of breathtaking landscapes.

Halong Sun World Amusement Park

Recently opened to visitors, this 214-hectare park offers a range of international entertainment. Composed of two giant poles, one along the coast and the other located in Ba Deo mountain, this complex offers a multitude of activities. Other points of interest that are also worth visiting is the Quang Ninh Museum, and the religious sites around Halong such as the Ba Vang pagoda, and the historical and religious ruins in Yen Tu mountain.

Halong Hotels

Since Halong welcomes millions of travellers from all over the world every year, hotel and entertainment facilities continue to diversify. You will have a very large choice of accommodation in Halong Bay and there is something for every taste and budget.

Halong culinary specialties

Halong Bay is full of little surprises to make you get an unforgettable culinary experience. Besides the fresh shellfish, other flavours that make the reputation of the sea and the land of Halong are glutinous rice and ravioli with squid pancakes “sa sung”, horseshoe crab ” banh gat gu ” and local dumplings.

Cat Ba Island is a paradise island located in the heart of Halong Bay. It has a lot to offer its visitors with its national park, caves and tropical paradise beaches, which will delight tourists in search of beach and idleness. Its 17,300 ha of tropical forest will thrill hikers and nature lovers. Cat Ba Island is undoubtedly a natural reserve of extraordinary biodiversity that needs to be explored.

Information on Cat Ba Island

Located 40 km east of Haiphong and 20 km south of Halong, Cat Ba is the largest and most important island in Halong Bay. Indeed, it is the largest island of Vietnam with an area of ​​354 km. Cat Ba Island is located in northern Vietnam and since 1994 has been a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve. Note that Cat Ba is home to the 280-mile Cat Ba National Park. The city of Cat Ba has a population of over 20,000. As an indication, this park is home to many endemic animal and plant species. It includes for example dolphins and seals. The island has a very diverse ecosystem that combines endangered tree species, hundreds of medicinal plants, and the famous Komodo dragon. The island of Cat Ba includes 367 islands, a real paradise for lovers of seaside and nature holidays. Lovers of beautiful landscapes will also be served with its lush forest, its rugged terrain and rice terraces.

The climate in Cat Ba

With a great climate diversity, what is the best time to visit Cat Ba Island? Located in a tropical monsoon zone, note that it is less cold in winter and less hot in summer than in other places in Vietnam. The rainy season is in July and August, and average temperatures are 25-28 ° C. But during summer the climate gets hotter and can reach up to  30 ° C and more. In winter, the average temperatures are 15-20 ° C. However, when there is the northeast monsoon, it can drop to less than 10 ° C!

The beaches of Cat Ba

A lot of people think of a dream beach when they think of Cat Ba. Indeed, the island shelters some of the most beautiful beaches of Vietnam, even of Asia. Of the 100 or so beaches on Cat Ba Island, the most famous are Cat Co 1, 2 and 3. Sun worshippers will find their happiness on one of these beautiful beaches. Crystal clear waters and cliffs, Cat Ba offers dream landscapes for sun-seeking holidaymakers. The large beach of Cat Co 1 is the most popular on the island. Many visitors choose Cat Co1 Beach. The turquoise waters in Cat Co 2 and its exuberant vegetation will leave you speechless. Cat Co 3 unofficially belongs to a resort. Visitors can enjoy seafood dishes while admiring the beautiful sunsets on one of these 3 idyllic beaches.

Cat Ba has countless treasures to discover: the Cat Ba National Park, its breathtaking landscapes, its lush nature, its sublime beaches. These sights should not be missed when you stay at the island of Cat Ba.

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.

Halong Bay is one of the most stunning natural wonders of the world and the most beautiful tourist destination of Vietnam. Halong Bay has over a thousand impressive limestone karsts and islands of various sizes and shapes along the Halong coastline. This is definitely worth seeing. It’s a great place to relax, see and find adventure. It is ideal for anyone interested in beautiful beaches, the sea and nature. According to travelers’ opinions, your trip to Vietnam would be incomplete if your itinerary does not include Halong Bay. You will need a lot of information to plan a good stay: how to get there, the length of your stay, meals, junks, activities …

Halong Bay Cruise

Transfer and daily departure from Hanoi

Because of its popularity Halong Bay is accessible from anywhere in Vietnam and in neighboring countries. Many visit Halong Bay on a large international cruise ship docking at the international port of Cai Lan (about 10 minutes from Halong Bay). Others choose to fly to Hanoi (180 km) or Hai Phong (80 km) and make a limousine transfer to the bay.

If you come from Hanoi, most cruises will organize the transfer of the capital of Vietnam to the boarding pier at Halong Bay for you. An average trip without traffic will take at least 4 hours for a one-way trip. If your hotel is located in the old district of Hanoi, you will be picked up at the hotel. Otherwise, you must take a taxi to the meeting point. There is a stop to cool off and stretch your legs before the second part of the trip. The shutdown normally lasts about 15 or 20 minutes.

Good reflexes before leaving

Make sure that the personal information is correct, because if it is incomplete or incorrect, you may be denied permission to board. Remember to bring all your personal items and necessities for the duration of 2 or 3 days of your cruise. Keep in mind the activities you expect when packing. Do not forget to bring sunscreen with your swimming equipment. North Vietnam becomes surprisingly cool from December to February, so if you are cruising in the winter months, be sure to bring warmer clothes.

Do not forget your camera and all other electronic devices you need to record your experience. Make sure your memory card has enough space, or bring extra cards, as most passengers end up with a lot more pictures than expected.

When is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

A Halong Bay Cruise on the magnificent waters of Halong Bay is possible throughout the year. But the best time for a trip to Halong Bay is from April to late November (summer and autumn in Vietnam).

In winter (December-January) there will probably not be much rain, but the temperature is rather cool between 15 and 20 ° C, so bring some warm clothes. Activities such as swimming are not practiced during this period. The good thing is that there are fewer visitors and a low risk of cancellation.

In the spring (February-April), the weather is usually wet and foggy. The temperature warms up well with a lot of sun, a good opportunity to go on the terrace to relax or go swimming. It is a busier time with many other tourists and boats around.

The summer months (May-August) can get quite humid in this part of Vietnam, but you get a gentle sea breeze on Halong Bay. This time of year is the most rainy and has the risk of occasional heavy showers. The warm temperature is ideal for relaxing, kayaking and go swimming if you do not have heavy rain or even sea storms.

When autumn arrives (September-November), the temperature is rather pleasant with low rainfall – but there is always a risk of storms. A positive point during this season is that the bay is relatively uncrowded (Halong is never completely quiet). The weather is cool and ideal for taking pictures.

Cruise safety measures

All cruise ships are under the authority of a captain and his crew, accompanied by a cruise crew. All crew members and staff are experienced professionals and have obtained training certificates or recognized expertise, as authorized by the relevant Vietnamese authority or government agency.

All junks have professional daily technical monitoring and continuous maintenance schedules. Each vessel undergoes routine monthly and semi-annual routine maintenance and annual dry docking to ensure all aspects of airworthiness are met and the condition of the accommodation is maintained.

Each cruise organizes a safety briefing for all passengers before departure. The briefing includes safety procedures on board and clear instructions in case of emergency. Each cruise cabin is connected to the alarm system integrated into the entire boat and is equipped with a fire extinguisher, a hammer, a flashlight and life jackets.

Each vessel is equipped with professional maritime safety equipment: VHF radio, GPS tracking, two-way radios, water inlet alarm system, anti-fall pump system, fire alarm system and fire extinguishers.

Each vessel is inspected by the local shipping authority every year and certified accordingly.

All junks are covered by an insurance which must include the certification of the ship, the total capacity of the crew and passengers.

Cruise lines give the highest priority to the safety and security of their vessels and all passengers, crew members and staff on board.

Types of cruise ships

The traditional junk boat is the most popular on Halong Bay. This type of boat can range from the size of a large boat with over 20 cabins to more private and romantic boats. In addition, the range of equipment can range from the exclusive and luxurious to the most basic or mid-range. Upscale ships are better equipped with larger cabins, en suite bathrooms and private balconies. Most cruise ships include meals and beverages, but the quality of the package varies by boat. It will be necessary to look at the program of each cruise and their options in order to choose the one that suits you.

Here are some examples of cruise companies that you may encounter: Paradise Peak Cruise, Paradise Luxury Cruises, Victory Star Cruises, Cruise Cruises, Legend Cruise, Golden Cruise, Indochina Sails, Bhaya Cruise Classic, Emeraude Classic Cruises.

Cuisine and specialties of Halong Bay

If you have special needs for food and beverages (such as a seafood allergy or being vegetarian), you must make a special order in advance when booking.

Halong’s cuisine is one of the most impressive. For each type of seafood, Halong has its own process. Many specialties of Halong Bay have become famous dishes, such as Halong squid sausage and Cai Rong fish sauce.

Halong Squid Sausage

Halong Squid Sausage is Halong’s most famous dish, which is considered a delicious dish where squid are in their natural habitat in the waters of Halong Bay. The treatment of squid requires some dexterity and experience to cook.

Lobsters from Halong Bay

Lobster is available in many places but if you go to Halong to enjoy it, you will have an unforgettable impression. the restaurant can serve lobsters of different weights depending on the number of guests at the table.

Fried sea snails with chili sauce

Halong is famous for its many kinds of seafood such as lobster, squid but also snails. Halong has many kinds of sea snails; each type has its own treatment and taste. But fried sea snail with chili sauce is the most appealing dish.

Oysters from Halong Bay

Like lobster, the oyster is one of Halong’s best known seafood. Oysters live on sandy beaches by the sea. The oyster, which is a highly nutritious food, with a hard shell and red intestine.

What to do during your cruise

Coming to Halong Bay, you can enjoy various types of fun activities in this world-famous natural heritage, such as kayaking, swimming, visiting floating villages or squid fishing.

Visit the caves

Halong Bay has been honored twice with the title of “World Natural Heritage Site” by UNESCO for its geological value and exceptional geomorphology. With its karst formations, Halong Bay has many caves and islands. Some famous caves are widely known by tourists such as Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung Cave or Sung Sot Cave. The magnificent masterpieces of nature will certainly dazzle all visitors with this magical world of stalactites and stalagmites of different shapes and sizes. You will also have the opportunity to dine in a cave and discover an exotic sensation in a spacious and romantic atmosphere inside the cave.

Bathing

The World Natural Heritage Site has been blessed with a calm and clear sea. Therefore, there is no better way to discover the wilderness of Halong Bay than swimming. Dive into the cool jade-colored water of Halong Bay and relax.

Kayak

Kayaking is one of the most popular activities in Halong Bay, covering an area of ​​1,500 square kilometers, offering many opportunities for the adventurous. With modern kayak equipment, you can control your speed and maneuver your boat to explore the sea and the many hidden lagoons, unspoiled beaches and floating fishing villages. Travelers can paddle in peaceful lakes surrounded by limestone mountains and through amazing caves. Kayaking inside the karst is one of the specialties of Halong Bay.

Floating villages

Floating villages are a unique feature of the culture and seascape of Halong Bay that draws the attention of travelers. By visiting floating villages, tourists will have time to interact with friendly fishermen and visit floating fish farms.

Squid fishing

Squid fishing in Halong Bay at night is an interesting activity that tourists can experience as a fisherman. Tourists will get instructions from the crew members on how to catch a squid.

The cooking class

Nothing more fascinating and original than learning how to make nems aboard a beautiful junk in the middle of the most wonderful bay in the world. You will have the opportunity at the end of the course to taste your preparation.

Tai Chi class

From the first light of the sun, you will have the opportunity to discover one of the most beneficial exercises for your body and your mind.