8 Things you should not miss in HaLong Bay, Vietnam
HaLong Bay is the largest and best-preserved saltwater bay in Vietnam. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of HaLong Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam. With crystal-clear emerald waters, stunningly beautiful limestone cliffs, and a wealth of biodiversity, this UNESCO site is a must-see for anyone visiting Vietnam.
Ha Long Bay offers breathtaking scenery that’s visible both on land and at sea. The best way to enjoy the scenery, however, is undoubtedly in a boat or cruise, as it allows for the gorgeous views. The bay is home to thousands of different spices, as well as some of the largest saltwater turtles in the world. There are also a number of beautiful villages dotting the bay, and it’s an excellent place to dive, snorkel or simply enjoy a peaceful day outdoors.
Where to Stay?
HaLong Bay is a beautiful and magical place to visit, but it can be difficult to know where to stay while you’re there. You can either stay on an island or on the mainland. If you want to stay around the bay, there are a few different options. You can either stay on a cruise or small islands around. If you want to stay on the mainland, there are also a few different options. You can either stay in a hotel or homestay.
Personally, I highly recommend Novotel HaLong Bay if you are visiting HaLong Bay.
While looking for options to stay, and still figuring out to see if I should stay on the cruise or mainland, I finally made up my mind to stay on the mainland and explore the bay by day cruise tour. Honestly, the one night on a cruise price was a bomb, spending more than 100$ in one night was not fitting in my budget. So I booked Novotel HaLong Bay and got an amazing discount offer during my stay.
The best part about Novotel was its location, it was so centrally located from the city center and a 15 minutes ride to the Tuan Chau Harbor. The Novotel Halong Bay is located at a 6-minute walk from the beach, Overlooking the UNESCO World Heritage listed Ha Long Bay, 1 km from Sun World Ha Long Park and HaLong Queen Cable Car with convenient access to all that this beautiful city has to offer. From here, guests can explore the area’s ancient caves, temples, and pagodas or take a cruise on the bay to see its spectacular limestone cliffs.
I didn’t want to miss the opportunity to visit HaLong Bay in Vietnam and stayed at the 4-star hotel Novotel. It was a great experience! The hotel was beautiful and the view from my room was amazing. All rooms are elegantly designed with sophisticated furnishing and high-tech luxuries. Offering centralized air conditioning, personal locker, wardrobe, mini refrigerator and more in all units. Their en-suite bathroom with bathtub and shower area was a perfect match for ending a day with a hot bath. The room also had a private balcony with a breathtaking view of the bay.
Our room was spacious equipped with soundproof windows that induce serenity while making you unwind after all the distractions of your daily life. A cozy and warm area for yourselves, your partners, and your families so you can enjoy the togetherness.
Room Type you can pick from:
The hotel features different guest rooms from standard, dulex to suites with all of the modern amenities, including free Wi-Fi access. There is also a Square Restaurant and chill-out cornet at Lobby Bar or Poolside Bar available on-site, as well as a fitness center, spa, outdoor pool, meeting rooms, and ballrooms. The hotel is perfect for both business and leisure travelers.
The hotel offers 24-hour room service, currency exchange and car hire. Novotel’s staff are very friendly. They helped us arrange a day cruise tour and got us a car pick up at the doorstep.
You can look up some amazing online offers on booking.com or other websites to get a great deal for your stay. I got the property at 4.5k per night with a standard bay view room from booking.com. This price included free breakfast too. It was a great bargain offer for a 4 star hotel.
The food at the Novotel is good. There is a Square restaurant and lobby bar, all serving up delicious dishes from all over the world. It offers a wide range of dining options, including international buffets, seafood restaurants, and Vietnamese cuisine. The breakfast buffet is especially popular, with a great variety of food to choose from. You will go crazy in choosing what you like the most. Right from local vietnamese cuisine to chinese dishes, to french breads and more, the choices are unlimited you are sure to skip your lunch. You can even opt for a poolside bar in the evening and sip on some cocktails or mocktails while enjoying the sunset and soaking in the pool
Website: https://novotelhalongbay.com/
Address: Ha Long Road, Bai Chay Ward, Quang Ninh Province, Ha Long, Vietnam
Check-in/Check-out time: 3:00 PM to 12:00 PM
Contact Number: (+84) 203 3848 108
How to Reach HaLong Bay?
Recent development in the infrastructure has caused a smooth transformation from a 5-6 hours journey to 2-3 hours drive to HaLong Bay because of its road and highways.
It is now a lot easier and convenient to reach the famous UNESCO world heritage site of HaLong Bay. Hanoi is about 165 kilometers (103 miles) from Halong Bay. If you are traveling to HaLong Bay there are many ways to reach the city if not by roads.
You can opt for a Seaplane. A quick 45 minutes flight from Noi Bai airport in Hanoi can reach you at the bay. It is a one of a kind experience, as you can have an eagle eye view from the top of the bay at a height of 200-3000 meters. But you will need money in your pocket to do so, be ready to spend around 5000-8000 Rs. one side ride from Hanoi.
Another flight option can be booking a domestic flight from Hanoi or Ho Chi Minh or Danang to Haiphong, Cat Ba International Airport. This would roughly cost you around 8000-15000 Rs. one way. The best way to explore HaLong Bay is when you explore Hanoi city and plan a one night trip from hanoi to halong bay. This is more cost effective and you will be able to explore more.
You can also opt for the cheapest transportation via Local/Public Bus. You will have to reach the bus station at Bac Thang Long Toll station to catch the bus and it will cost you around 400-800 Rs. per person one way. Though it is the cheapest, it comes with a disadvantage of taking as long as 6 hours to reach the Bay. Would recommend not to opt for this. Instead book a private 7-9 seater car or 16 seater van which is still cost effective and faster. This would cost you around 1200-1500 Rs. per person and you will reach your destination within 3 hours.
The cheapest option is the train, you can book a train ride from Hanoi to HaLong Bay at just 500 Rs. one way trip. You will have to make sure to research more on this topic, as I haven’t checked the details for this.
Best time to visit HaLong Bay?
Often this question pops up in our mind, which is the best time to visit HaLong Bay as it can be risky to plan when there are storms and heavy rains. So which season is the best to visit HaLong Bay? One person’s best time can be another’s worst!
The best season to visit HaLong Bay is in spring and autumn, that is in the months of March, April, September and October. During this season, the weather is pleasant, the temperature is mild and bearable, the sky is clear and blue and it is also the peak season for the destination.
Even during June and July you will find the weather will be sunny and clear during this time, but extremely hot. There is a high chance of showers and unpredictable typhoons. In general, August is the hottest time of the year as well as the wettest and tourist spots are crammed with local people, especially beaches. During November and December the weather is cold, dry and cloudy. But a few days you can see some lovely sunny, cloudless days. If you come to Halong Bay during this period, you’re suggested to bring warm clothing and a waterproof jacket in case of rain.
If you are a budget traveler and want to get the best offer, the period from May to September can be the best time. The period is often considered as the low season of Halong Bay. But considering the pandemic ending you will find this place packed with tourists and locals as Vietnam has recently opened its borders for travelers.
Things to do in HaLong Bay
Ha Long Bay is an amazing place to stay. There are so many things to do in HaLong Bay that it can be hard to decide what to do first. I had planned a 1 night trip to HaLong Bay which I felt was too rushed out and I missed some of the popular spots to see. In the morning we had our transfer from Hanoi to HaLong Bay which dropped us off at 11:00 am, after check-in I got immediately ready for the day tour cruise, which covered some of the majestic spots in the bay. Post that we had an evening to explore the mainland. The next morning we had time till 12:00 noon so after a quick breakfast we headed towards the beach and headed out to Hanoi.
But if you have time make sure to check out Cat Ba Island, floating Village, do some water activities around the bay and beaches. Mentioning a list of activities which you can do while you are in HaLongBay so you don’t miss out on anything.
Here are a few suggestions:
Cruise Along the Bay
The best way to see HaLong Bay is on a cruise. Cruise along the bay and take in the magnificent sights of limestone karsts jutting out from the water. There are many different cruise options to choose from, so find the one that fits your budget and interests.
If you opt for a day tour it will start at the day time and end before sunset. It included similar bay excursion what a cruise would offer leaving the on-board activities This would cost you 1500-3000 Rs. per person with entry ticket to bay leaving the kayaking, swimming and snorkeling activity. Day tour on cruise can take up to 3-4 hours which will include, caves, hotspots on bay, boat ride, food, and more. If you have limited time in hand you can always look for this option and also it is very pocket friendly.
Cruising for a night allows you to take in all the beauty of the bay while enjoying a meal and some drinks on board your boat. A cruise for a night will give you enough time to explore some of the highlights of the bay. This could be the perfect way to see HaLong Bay without having to worry about getting lost or hiring a boat taxi.
On such a cruise, you will board a boat in the morning and cruise to some of the most beautiful spots in HaLong Bay. You will have ample time to enjoy the scenery and take photos before lunch is served on board. After lunch, there will be time for swimming or kayaking in the crystal-clear waters. At night you can enjoy traditional music and dance performances, as well as movie screenings. Some cruises also have a casino and many bars and restaurants where passengers can enjoy a drink or a meal. There is also a night market where passengers can buy local handicrafts.
Where and how to book the tour and price:
There are also plenty of tour companies that offer packages that include transportation, lodging, and meals. Prices vary depending on what type of package you choose but expect to pay anywhere from $100 to $200 per day per person. The best way to find deals is to book your trip online. Here are some recommendations from my side.
- Orchid Classic Cruise
- Price: $175/pp including bus
- Stellar of the Seas Cruise
- Price: $180/pp including bus
- Ambassador Cruise
- Price: $140/pp including bus
- Capella Cruise
- Price: $165/pp including bus
Explore Cave
Various caves can be found in limestone formations. Many of the caves tend to be quite large and have stalagmites and stalactites. Furthermore, some can only be reached by means of water, so guests can try out kayaking under the arches of limestone to take an appearance at hidden areas.
Some of them are famous while the others are less known. The famous ones are the big and approachable caves in the center of the bay, one of which is Sung Sot Cave where you can explore by yourself during your private HaLong cruise. Although the cave is getting more and more crowed of travelers to enter to be amazed, it’s worth for sightseeing as a symbol of HaLong Bay. You can also explore Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave), Luon Cave, Thien Cung Cave (Paradise Cave), and Bo Nau Cave (Pelican Cave).
Kayaking in Bay
When you’re looking for things to do in HaLong Bay, kayaking is definitely a must-try. Not only is it a lot of fun, but it’s also a great way to see the incredible scenery that surrounds the bay and its many limestone cliffs and caves. Every tour package includes Luon Cave, you come across a tranquil round lake, surrounded by luxuriant trees and high dangerous stone walls. This cave is famous for kayak tours, if you entry this side of bay, your cruise will park aside and you can enjoy rowing inside the caves with your kayak. If you do not wish to kayak, they also have small boat rides that will take you to explore the caves.
There are several companies that offer kayaking tours, so it’s easy to find a trip that fits your schedule and interests.
Island Hopping
If you’re looking for a more adventurous experience, you can try island hopping. This involves visiting several islands in one day and experiencing everything they offer. There are many different islands in HaLong Bay, and each offers its own unique set of attractions. Some of the most popular islands include Cat Ba Island, Quan Lan Island, and Hon Gai Island. Each island has its own distinct culture and history.
Visitors can explore the different islands by boat or on foot. Plenty of beaches to relax on and enjoy the sun and sand. Be sure to pack your swimsuit and sunscreen, as there are plenty of opportunities for swimming and sunbathing on these serene islands.
The biggest island in the region is Cat Ba, on which is located the Cat Ba National Park. Here, visitors can take a walking tour in hopes of seeing the critically endangered golden headed langur. One of the most visited islands in the area is Bo Hon, which has two large caves featuring unusual rock formations that appear particularly eerie in moonlight.
Floating Village
One of the most popular things to do in HaLong Bay is visiting the floating villages. There are several villages located in the bay, and each one has its own unique culture and way of life. Visitors can take a boat tour of the villages or simply wander around on their own. The villagers are always happy to greet tourists and share their stories. The floating village is home to around 1500 people who make a living from fishing and tourism. Life on the water is not easy, but the villagers have created a unique and sustainable way of life.
The floating villages are constantly moving, following the fish and changing with the weather. This makes them very difficult to find, but it’s well worth the effort to visit these unique communities.
Hiking
HaLong Bay is also a great place to hike. There are a number of trails that wind through the hills and around the bay. The scenery is beautiful, and there are plenty of places to stop and enjoy the top view. The trails can be challenging, but they are well worth the effort. The best time to hike in HaLong Bay is during the spring or autumn when the weather is milder. However, the area can be visited all year round. Be sure to bring plenty of water and snacks, as there are very few places to buy food or drinks along the trails.
Put on some sneakers and head to hike Bai Tho Mountain. I’d seen loads of pictures of this spot when planning my Vietnam trip and absolutely had to check it out for myself.
This trail is technically closed for tourists, and since it’s located in a local resident’s backyard, the “Admission cost” is 150-200 Rs per person. I would suggest you better check with your hotel or hostel staff before heading to this place.
Weekend Nightlife
If you’re looking for a quiet weekend night out, there are plenty of options. One popular spot for night time entertainment is to chill around the beach with beer. You can also opt for boat bars that stay open late, and they offer delicious food, drink specials, and dance parties. Another great option for nighttime fun is to book a trip on a traditional junk boat. These boats often have dinner shows with traditional music and dancing. After dinner, the party usually continues until late into the night.
If you want to spend a night like a local you must head to the city center where there are some of the best lounge clubs to party all night. Some of the best are the Soul catchers cocktail bar and H club Halong bay. This is sure to make your weekend fun.
If you’re not into partying, take a walk around town. There are lots of small shops and cafes to explore, and it’s a great way to get a feel for local life. Or you can head to night markets in town, like Long Tong market, HaLong night market and more.
Try Seafood
Ha Long Bay is home to some of the most popular seafood in Vietnam. The seafood here is so fresh and tasty, it’s no wonder it’s a favorite for locals and tourists alike. Some of the most popular dishes include crab, clamps, squid, and fish. Many of the seafood dishes are unique to the region and are heavily influenced by French cuisine. Some of the most popular seafood dishes include grilled chopped squid, horseshoe crab, drunken prawns, and Lobster.
If you’re looking for a delicious seafood meal while in HaLong Bay, be sure to check out one of the many restaurants serving up local favorites. You won’t be disappointed!
HaLong Bay is a must when you visit Vietnam, make sure to pre-decide your activities and accordingly plan your days here. It is a place where both budget and luxurious tours can be opted. If you are looking for a budget trip, you can always use public transport, stay in hostels and book day tour boat rides.
When coming to Vietnam, you are allowed to bring a maximum US$5,000/person for the whole trip. So you can plan your trip accordingly before coming to Vietnam. You can always book your flights and stay at home through your cards and the rest of the tour and sightseeing, food and drinks can be managed in cash.
When traveling to cities in Vietnam, a daily spend is around 300,000 VND/person that is 1000-1500 Rs. To prepare the best for your trip, make sure to prepare some cash ahead of time, bring along your credit card, and check carefully with your chosen tour or cruise operator.
FAQs
Which cruise is best for Halong Bay?
- Orchid Classic Cruise
- Price: $175/pp including bus
- Stellar of the Seas Cruise
- Price: $180/pp including bus
- Ambassador Cruise
- Price: $140/pp including bus
- Capella Cruise
- Price: $165/pp including bus
What is the best time to visit Halong Bay?
The best season to visit HaLong Bay is in spring and autumn, that is in the months of March, April, September and October. During this season, the weather is pleasant, the temperature is mild and bearable, the sky is clear and blue and it is also the peak season for the destination.
Is Halong Bay touristy?
HaLong Bay is the largest and best-preserved saltwater bay in Vietnam. The UNESCO World Heritage Site of HaLong Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Vietnam.
Can someone visit Halong Bay on a low budget?
Yes, it is a place where both budget and luxurious tours can be opted. If you are looking for a budget trip, you can always use public transport, stay in hostels and book day tour boat rides.
