Ha Long Bay Travel Guide

Ha Long Bay Overview

Ha Long Bay covers over 1,500 square kilometers and is home to more than 2,000 islands of various sizes and shapes scattered across the bay, creating a magnificent landscape. Visitors should experience daytime boat tours, overnight stays on the bay, and seaplane flights for aerial views at least once.

Weather

Ha Long Bay has a tropical, hot, and humid climate, divided into two main seasons: winter from November to March with average temperatures between 15 and 20°C, and sometimes falling below 10°C; and summer from May to September with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 29°C, and occasionally reaching 37-38°C. There are also transitional seasons: spring (April) and autumn (October).

Getting Around

After arriving in Ha Long and enjoying the city, visitors can choose from various options for touring the bay. If you’ve booked a tour or cruise in advance, you’ll receive detailed guidance. If buying tickets independently, check information at the two major ports in Ha Long: Tuan Chau International Passenger Port (12 km from Ha Long City center) and Ha Long International Passenger Port in the city center, which has fewer ships than Tuan Chau.

Tour Options

Sightseeing Boats

This service transports passengers from the city’s ports to the islands and scenic spots along specific routes. There are various types of boats, from budget to luxury. Boats can be rented jointly or privately depending on the route. Ticket prices may increase during peak periods such as weekends or holidays, but not by more than 30%.

Cruise Ships

This service is provided by private companies. The ships must meet tourist service standards, be attractive and safe, and have between 1 to 40 cabins. Visitors can either share a cabin or rent the entire boat. Each ship has cabins, a bar, restaurant, spa, etc. Depending on the type and company, services may include activities like swimming, kayaking, visiting fishing villages, squid fishing, karaoke, and morning exercise.

Overnight stays on the bay can be for 1 or 2 nights. Prices range from approximately $83 to $167 per person per night.

Aerial Views

In addition to cruising or rowing boats, visitors can enjoy aerial views of the bay via helicopter or seaplane. However, helicopter services have been suspended since April with no reopening date yet. Seaplane services offer a new perspective on the bay’s beauty.

Flights cover islands such as Tuan Chau, Reu, Hang Dinh, Ba Hai, But Moc, Tai Voi, Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Dinh Huong Island, and Thien Cung Cave. A tour costs from $66.67 for Vietnamese guests and $83.33 for international guests, with a flight duration of 25 minutes. Charter flights or scenic flights from Hanoi to Tuan Chau are also available starting from $375.

Other Activities in Ha Long Bay: speedboat rides, fishing experiences, rowing boats, kayaking, bamboo boats, etc.

Entrance Fees

Due to Ha Long Bay’s vast size, it is nearly impossible to visit all points in just a few hours. The management organizes tours into different routes, each with its own theme, with 5 routes corresponding to 5 types of tickets, charged per visit and per person. Specific routes include:

Day Tours (6:30 AM to 6:30 PM)

Route 1: Port – Van Canh Park: Thien Cung, Dau Go, Cho Da Island, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Island, Trong Mai Island. Ticket Price: $12.08.
Route 2: Port – Cave Park: Soi Sim Beach, Titov Island, Sung Sot Cave, Maze Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Dong Tien Lake. Ticket Price: $12.08.
Route 3: Port – Marine Culture Conservation Center: Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake, Ba Men Temple, Ang Du. Ticket Price: $10.00.
Route 4: Port – Marine Entertainment Center: Co Cave, Thay Cave, Cong Do, Cap La Cave, Vong Vieng, Tung Ang Ecological Area – Cong Do, Hon Xep Park. Ticket Price: $10.00.
Route 5: Port – Gia Luan Wharf (Cat Ba – Hai Phong): Thien Cung, Dau Go, Cho Da Island, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Island, Trong Mai Island. Ticket Price: $12.08.

Overnight Tours on the Bay (Maximum stay of 24 hours for one night; 48 hours for two nights from departure)

Route 2 with 1 night: $24.58
Route 2 with 2 nights: $32.92
Route 3 with 1 night: $22.50
Route 3 with 2 nights: $28.75
Route 4 with 1 night: $22.50
Route 4 with 2 nights: $28.75

Overnight fees may be added to the cost of services on cruise ships.

Tourist Spots

Titov Island: Located in Cat Nang Creek, formerly known as Cat Nang before 1962. President Ho Chi Minh and Soviet cosmonaut German Titov visited in 1962, leading to the island’s renaming to Titov. The island features a 170m trail to a viewpoint, a 500m² beach, and service facilities. Activities include swimming, football, beach volleyball, kayaking, and speedboat rides.

Sung Sot Cave: The largest cave in Ha Long Bay with high geological value. It features unique stalactite formations and its name comes from the amazement visitors express upon entering.

Luon Cave: Located on Bo Hon Island, it resembles a tunnel with a water-covered floor and a small lake inside. To access the lake, visitors must use bamboo boats or kayaks. The cave’s name reflects the experience of bending down through the water-covered floor to enter the lake. There is also a service for watching golden monkeys.

Trong Cave: About 300 m² in size, this is an archaeological site from the Soi Nhu culture, dating back 18,000-7,000 years. It features brown-yellow sediment layers and freshwater mollusks. Inside, visitors can admire the cave’s beauty and hear wind sounds echoing through the cave, resembling drum beats. Dinner services are available inside the cave with prior arrangement.

Trong Mai Island: Two small islands, about 12 m high, facing each other and resembling a pair of roosters. They appear to be affectionately pecking at each other. As the boat moves past, the islands transform into the image of a giant fish swimming in the sea.

Cho Da Island: Located on routes 1 and 5, about 2.5 km from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and 6.4 km from Ha Long International Passenger Port. It stands at the base of a mountain, resembling a giant dog. It was once seen as a guardian symbol for fishermen’s safety.
Co To Island: Co To Island is a more remote island in Ha Long Bay, known for its pristine beauty and stunning beaches. It is an ideal destination for those seeking peace and solitude away from the crowds. Relax on beaches like Van Chay and Hong Van, or engage in outdoor activities such as kayaking, snorkeling, and walking along scenic trails on the island.

Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Vung Vieng Fishing Village is one of the traditional floating fishing villages in Ha Long Bay, where you can learn about the local fishermen’s way of life. Explore the fishing village by boat, discover traditional fishing methods, enjoy fresh seafood, and even participate in fishing activities.

Quan Lan Island: Quan Lan Island is another island located in the northern part of Ha Long Bay, famous for its long beaches and white sand. It’s an ideal spot for outdoor activities like swimming, beachcombing, and enjoying local seafood.

Ngoc Vung Island: Ngoc Vung Island is situated to the east of Ha Long Bay, distinguished by its pristine natural landscapes and beautiful beaches. Enjoy the unspoiled beaches, visit small fishing villages, and experience local life.

Other notable spots include Cua Van Village, Maze Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Dau Go Cave, Co Cave, Finger Island, Dinh Huong Island, etc.