The secret may be out about Halong Bay’s picture-postcard views, jungle-tipped limestone karsts, and calm turquoise waters. Fortunately, this UNESCO World Heritage Site lives up to the hype. One of the best things to do in Halong Bay is to hop aboard a traditional-style wooden junk boat and cruise around the gravity-defying islands, joining optional excursions to stalactite-studded caves, floating villages, and sandy beaches. Cat Ba Island is a dry land alternative, with a range of accommodation, activities, and views and epic scenery—half the island is a designated national park.
Although you can visit year-round, the best time to visit Halong Bay is in spring or autumn—roughly February–May and October–November/December. You'll avoid the cooler, busier winter months—Christmas is one of the busiest times of the year—and the hot, wet summers. Although the monsoon months are generally best avoided, it rarely rains all day every day, so even if you visit in July and August you’ll still be OK—though it might be worth splurging on an overnight adventure rather than a day trip.
Boats tend to be the best way to get around Halong Bay, with most travelers opting to stay overnight on junk-style boats that cruise around the jagged limestone karsts. If you prefer to stay on dry land, you can also opt to visit (and stay on) Cat Ba Island—the largest island in Halong Bay. Most tour packages usually include minibus transportation. However, travelers looking for a speedier—and more scenic—option can also check out Halong Bay from above on a seaplane.
While most travelers to Halong Bay take in the views of the turquoise water and rugged, forested islands from a boat deck, one of the best ways to explore the islands is via sea kayaking or by hiking up to the bay’s best caves and viewpoints. Most cruises include these activities. You can also stay on one of the bay’s bigger islands, like Cat Ba Island, which sits on the border between Halong Bay and neighboring Lan Ha Bay.
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One of the best things people can do in Halong Bay is to go on a cruise or scenic flight. Boat cruises are optimal ways to take in the scenery, with many also offering overnight accommodation onboard and activities including hiking, kayaking, and visiting islands and floating fishing villages.
...MoreMost travelers to Halong Bay stay two or three days, but you can also visit on a day trip from Hanoi. The 2-day/1-night boat cruise option is a popular choice, but there are also 3-day/2-night options for more time at the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
...MoreYes, you can do Halong Bay in one day, but you'll see more in that short time on a tour—especially if you’re coming from Hanoi. Travelers can board a day cruise from Halong City and head out to the islands. Some also include activities such as hiking and kayaking.
...MoreYes, it’s worth spending a night in Halong Bay. An overnight cruise in Halong Bay gives you more time to explore the islands and enjoy different activities, and it gives you the chance to see Halong Bay at sunrise, sunset, and under starry skies.
...MoreHalong Bay is around a 2.5- to 4-hour drive from Hanoi, depending on traffic. Travelers usually head from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong City via shuttle bus before cruising around the islands on a boat. A faster option is a seaplane from Noi Bai Airport, which takes 45 minutes.
...MoreYes, you can swim in Halong Bay. Halong Bay is a great spot for travelers who want to swim, with a range of picture-postcard beaches from which to choose. Thanks to the sheltered location, the water is also tranquil and calm, and the temperature is great for year-round swimming.
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