Halong Bay Travel Guide

Places to visit & things to do

Halong Bay in Vietnam's northeastern seacoast is a mystical and magnificent natural wonder. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site, it spans 1,500 square kilometers with 1,969 karst limestone islands and islets. The bay offers breathtaking scenery, with towering stone mountains, lush green waters, and a serene ambiance.
Visiting Halong Bay feels like stepping into a beautiful painting, with a harmonious blend of sky, fresh green water, and giant stone mountains. This place has captivated world leaders, celebrities, and Hollywood directors, emphasizing Vietnam's significant representation on the global stage.

Halong Bay History

Halong Bay, sculptured by tectonic movements over 500 million years, has a rich history dating back tens of thousands of years with evidence of prehistorical human presence.
Legend has it that the bay's name, "Landing dragon," originates from a tale of a mother dragon and her children sent by Emperor Jade to protect the land from invasions. They transformed jewels and jade into islands and islets, forming the stunning bay.
Throughout history, Halong Bay witnessed Soi Nhu Culture (18,000 – 7,000 B.C.), Cai Beo Culture (7,000 – 5,000 B.C.), Halong Culture (3,000 – 1,500 B.C.), and the Feudal period. The latter played a significant role in Vietnam's history, with King Ngo Quyen's victory at Bach Dang River ending a thousand years of Chinese domination and ushering in an era of independence for Vietnam.

Top things to do in Halong Bay

Overnight on boat in Halong Bay

The overnight itinerary in Halong Bay is divided into 3 separate sightseeing routes:

Classic Itinerary: Visit Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island with a beautiful beach and bay viewpoint from above. Departure from Tuan Chau Pier.

Bai Tu Long Itinerary: Explore Thien Canh Son Cave and a nearby clear beach, followed by a visit to Vung Vieng fishing village. Departure from Hon Gai Vinashine Pier.

Lan Ha Bay Itinerary: Experience Bright and Dark Cave and Viet Hai Fishing Village, with the added thrill of swimming and jumping directly into the bay. Departure from Tuan Chau Pier.

Halong Bay Short Itinerary:
4-hour or 6-hour option: Visit Halong Bay and explore Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves. Enjoy the stunning cave formations during this brief but memorable trip.

You might interested: Top 10 best things to do in Halong Bay

Halong Bay Weather

Located in North Vietnam, the region experiences a tropical monsoon climate, characterized by four distinct seasons. The most favored time for tourists is from October to December. During this period, the weather is pleasant, avoiding excessive humidity. The waters remain calm like in summer, and the sky is notably clear and blue, making it the perfect time to visit.

Halong Bay Transportation

Getting to Halong Bay is commonly done through shuttle services booked via agents or private cars, though it can be time-consuming. Alternatively, air transfer is available, offering options from professional flights to seaplane or helicopter services, providing scenic bird's eye views. A less common choice is traveling by water, which is possible if you are on a trans-pacific cruise with stops at major spots..

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