Ha Long Bay features 1969 islands in Vietnam's emerald waters. UNESCO site with caves, floating villages and kayaking. 1-3 day cruises from Hanoi (4 hours to port). Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha are less touristy alternatives. Best season March-May and September-November.
Day tour 200-310k VND (~$8-12). Overnight cruise 500-600k VND. Under 1.2m free. Routes VHL1-VHL8. UNESCO!
October to April for best weather. October-November and March-April ideal. Summer (June-August) has rain and crowds. December-February cooler but still good. Typhoons possible July-September. Early morning has most mystical atmosphere with mist.
From Hanoi: 2.5-3 hours by road to Ha Long City/Tuan Chau Marina. Most cruises include Hanoi transfers. New highway reduced travel time. Quang Ninh Van Don Airport (VDO) offers limited domestic flights. Cat Ba Island accessible by ferry for alternative base.
Sunrise from cruise deck. Ti Top Island viewpoint. Kayaking through karst formations. Sung Sot Cave entrance. Bai Tu Long Bay for fewer crowds.
Cruises year-round. 2D/1N: boarding ~1:00 PM, checkout ~10:30 AM. Day trips from 8:00 AM Hanoi. Best season October-April. UNESCO site. 1,969 islands. From Hanoi 2.5-3.5 hours.
faq.subtitle Ha Long Bay
Overnight cruise strongly recommended. Day trips are rushed and you miss sunset/sunrise on the bay. 2-day/1-night minimum, 3-day/2-night ideal for Bai Tu Long area exploration.
Useful tips for visiting Ha Long Bay
Entry fee 260,000-310,000 VND (~$10-12) depending on route, often not included in budget tours. Overnight cruise recommended ($100-400+). Day trips possible but rushed. Kayaking extra ~$10-20. Best weather: October-April (dry season). Avoid July-August (rain, crowds). Book cruises directly or through reputable agencies. Lan Ha Bay (adjacent) less crowded alternative.
From Hanoi: 2.5-3 hours by road to Ha Long City/Tuan Chau Marina. Most cruises include Hanoi transfers. New highway reduced travel time. Quang Ninh Van Don Airport (VDO) offers limited domestic flights. Cat Ba Island accessible by ferry for alternative base.
Sunrise from cruise deck. Ti Top Island viewpoint. Kayaking through karst formations. Sung Sot Cave entrance. Bai Tu Long Bay for fewer crowds.