By Evelyn Nguyen, Sep 23, 2024
Situated along Vietnam's northeastern coastline is a natural marvel that captivates tourists with its ethereal beauty and mysterious appeal. Twice recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000, Halong Bay is known for its emerald waters strewn with dozens of towering limestone islands. Let’s join Halong Bay Cruise Trip on a journey to discover everything you need to know about this gorgeous destination!
Halong Bay is located in Quang Ninh Province, roughly 170 kilometers east of Vietnam's capital city Hanoi. It covers an area of around 1,553 square kilometers and comprises over 1,600 islands and islets, many of which are uninhabited and untouched by human presence.
Have you ever wondered what the name “Halong Bay” originated from? Halong Bay's name itself means "descending dragon". Legend tells a story of how these islands were created by dragons sent by the gods to defend Vietnam from invaders. Today, Halong Bay stands as a testament to natural beauty and a haven for adventurers, nature enthusiasts, and those seeking tranquility amidst stunning landscapes.
Halong Bay seascape
Travelers can travel to Halong Bay by plane via two main airports:
Taking a seaplane is another option for those who prefer a scenic and quick arrival (operated by Hai Au Aviation). The seaplane takes off from Noi Bai Airport and flies for around 45 to 60 minutes, giving a panoramic view of the coastline before landing in Tuan Chau Harbor in Halong Bay. It's relatively expensive, costing from 350 USD to over 400 USD per person per way depending on the schedule, but certainly a unique way to get to Halong Bay, especially for those looking to begin their trip with a touch of adventure and opulence.
Seaplane in Halong Bay
The shuttle bus is definitely the most popular choice among tourists in Hanoi due to its low cost and direct route. If you are staying in the Hanoi Old Quarter, there are plenty of round-trip shuttle bus services picking up directly from your hotel, and they also conveniently come with the package if you book with Halong Bay Cruise Trip. Our suggestion:
Option 1: To book a shuttle Limousine Bus
Option 2: To book a shuttle normal bus
For those seeking convenience and privacy, hiring a private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay is an excellent option. While the price is higher than other options, ranging from 2,000,000 VND - 3,500,000 VND/way, private cars allow flexibility in departure times as you can tailor your pick-up to suit your schedule, avoiding waiting around for other passengers on a shared transport. It ensures a seamless and personalized journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay for families with small children or couples who prefer a more private mode of transport.
While trains do not directly connect to Halong Bay, some travelers opt to take a train to nearby Hai Phong City and then transfer to a bus or taxi to reach Halong Bay. However, this route is not advised due to the longer travel time and inconvenience compared to other options, making it only suitable for transferring goods.
Outdoor activity during Halong Bay Cruise
The ideal windows of time to visit Halong Bay are March-May and September-November. During these months, the Halong Bay weather is mild, with less humidity and more pleasant temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C, great for participating in outdoor activities like cruising, kayaking, and discovering ancient caves. Especially in May, when it is the tail end of Halong Bay's high season, you can get a higher chance of catching a good cruise deal while still enjoying the delightful weather.
The low season is from June to August because Halong Bay weather can get quite hot, along with an influx of domestic tourists crowding the beaches during their summer vacation. And don’t be fooled by the sunny blue skies, typhoons and rain showers are very unpredictable during this season.
Tips for tourists: Be mindful of visiting on holidays like Tet, Christmas, Liberation Day, or Labour Day as there will be a surge in traveling cost
Kayaking in Luon Cave
Here are some activities in Halong Bay to include in your itinerary:
Accommodation options in Halong Bay range from luxurious resorts to budget-friendly hostels, ensuring there is something for every traveler's preference and budget. Some recommended places to stay include:
When booking a cruise in Halong Bay, consider the most suitable duration and itinerary for you:
If your start point is Hanoi Old Quarter, you will be picked up from your hotel’s doorstep at 8:00 - 8:30 AM (if you stay outside of this area, just self-transfer to Hanoi Opera House and the driver will wait for you there). As mentioned above, the bus ride lasts about 3-4 hours with a short break halfway for rest.
Once arrive, you will be greeted with the friendly smiles of the cruise staff and a welcome drink, they are ready to help you check-in onboard. All of your main meals are covered onboard from a welcoming lunch on day one to a light brunch on day two.
As for the itinerary, it usually covers key attractions such as visiting limestone caves (like Sung Sot Cave), kayaking, bamboo boat ride, swimming in white-sand beach (like Titop beach) and enjoying sunset views from the deck (the attractions and activities are different depending on which cruise you choose). And don’t miss out on some onboard activities like cooking classes, Happy Hour cocktail discount, squid fishing at night, and tai chi sessions in the early morning for a truly immersive experience.
After the well-planned itinerary, you will return to the cruise for check-out. Say goodbye to the cruise staff and hop on to the bus back to Hanoi. You will arrive back at the Old Quarter at about 4:00 - 4:30 PM.
Mon Cheri Cruise at night
A 2-night cruise lasts over two days and two nights, creating a more relaxed pace and further exploration of the bay. The first and third day will include all similar activities of the 1-night cruise, the biggest difference is the additional opportunities for further exploration and relaxation on the second day.
On day two, you will be transferred onto a day boat, and have the chance to engage in extra activities such as visiting less-visited areas of the bay, more extensive kayaking sessions, and possibly visiting a local fishing village. End of day two, you will return to the mother boat and join other passengers for the remaining activities of day three.
Similar to a 1-night Halong Bay cruise itinerary, the trip ends and you will be back in Hanoi at 4:00 - 4:30 PM.
A Halong day tour is perfect for those with limited time, a day trip offers a condensed yet immersive experience.
The pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter may vary from 6:30 - 7:00 AM to 8:00 - 8:30 AM, depending on the length of the trip (a cruise with an 8-hour itinerary will pick up earlier than a 6-hour itinerary).
When embarked on the cruise, you are welcomed with a buffet lunch filled with a variety of dishes from traditional Vietnamese to international cuisine (vegetarian options are always available). The activities offer a taste of the bay's top attractions, featuring kayaking in Luon Cave, exploring Sung Sot Cave, and relaxing on the pristine Titop Beach.
The fun doesn’t stop there! After kayaking, return to the main boat for a Sunset Party with tea, fruits, and cakes, enjoy the music, and strike up a conversation with fellow travelers while cruising back to the harbor.
The bus will take you back to your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter at about 8:30 - 9:00 PM.
Halong Bay luxury cruises
Halong Bay luxury cruises stand out by their superior amenities and services. On these 5-star and 6-star Halong cruises, you can expect spacious 30-40m2 cabins with private balconies offering stunning views of the bay. The cabins often come with luxurious amenities such as high-quality beds, flat-screen televisions, and beautiful bathrooms with sea-view bathtubs.
On cruise, gourmet meals are well-prepared by skilled chefs, often with a variety of options like traditional Vietnamese, Western, Vegetarian, Indian and Halal food. If you are a fan of live music, some top luxury Halong cruises even feature onboard entertainment such as live singing or traditional art performances.
Notable options providing an opulent experience on the bay
Deluxe Halong Bay cruises strike a balance between comfort and affordability, ideal for families and couples looking for a memorable experience without breaking the bank.
Often smaller than luxury alternatives, but mid-range cabins are nicely furnished with standard amenities like air conditioning and private bathrooms. Views from cabins may vary, with some offering windows rather than balconies.
Although not as luxurious as higher-end cruises, the quality and variety of food onboard are still good, and plenty of options. The itinerary also includes all the essential activities like kayaking, bamboo boat ride, swimming, cave visits and floating villages. Make sure to join some onboard highlights like cooking class, squid fishing and a relaxing karaoke session with other passengers.
Some recommended mid-range overnight cruises
Room in Halong Bay cruise
Budget cruises cater to adventurous travelers, offering basic amenities and incredible value.
The rooms on a classic Halong cruise are cozy and small, ranging from about 15-25m2 for a two-person cabin. They are often equipped with sea-view windows and private bathrooms.
The meals are not fancily presented, but focus more on offering an authentic taste of the local flavors.
Options provide an authentic experience for budget-conscious travelers
Stellar of The Seas
Halong Bay remains a timeless destination that continues to enchant travelers from around the world with its natural beauty and serene landscapes. Whether you're exploring majestic caves, enjoying a luxury cruise, or relaxing on pristine beaches, Halong Bay offers something extraordinary for every traveler. Let Halong Bay Cruise Trip help you craft a stress-free travel plan, ensuring a flawless experience. Dive into this magical world and let us guide you to the best experiences Halong Bay has to offer!
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