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.