Ha Long Bay Best Travel Tips 2024

Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous tourist destinations known for its breathtaking limestone karsts and emerald waters. Whether you’re planning a family vacation, a solo getaway, or a romantic retreat, here are the essential travel tips and updated information to help you plan the perfect trip to this stunning natural wonder.

1. Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin, experiences four distinct seasons. Choosing the best time to visit depends on your personal preferences for weather and crowd levels:

• Winter (November to March): The weather is colder and less ideal for beach activities, but it is a great time to avoid the tourist rush. Cool weather can make cave explorations and sightseeing more comfortable if you’re not into sunbathing or water sports.
• Summer (April to August): This is the high season for domestic tourists. The weather is hot, perfect for swimming, beach sports, and activities like kayaking and parasailing. However, July and August are also prone to tropical storms, so keep an eye on the weather forecast to avoid disruptions.
• Autumn (September to November): This is often considered the best time for international tourists. The weather is pleasant, with cool breezes, fewer crowds, and clear skies, making it a perfect season for outdoor activities and boat tours.

Ideal times to visit: April to June for warm beach weather and fewer storms, or September to November for milder temperatures and quieter experiences.

2. Packing Essentials for Ha Long Bay

Whether you’re visiting during summer or autumn, packing the right essentials will ensure a comfortable and enjoyable trip:

• Sunscreen and Sun Protection: During the summer, Ha Long Bay can get very sunny, so make sure to pack sunscreen with a high SPF rating. Sunglasses, a wide-brimmed hat, and a lightweight umbrella will also help protect you from the sun.
• Comfortable Footwear: Since you’ll be walking on beaches, climbing steps in caves, and possibly boarding boats, pack comfortable shoes like sandals or sneakers. Water shoes are also useful for activities like kayaking or hiking around the islands.
• Swimwear and Towels: If you’re planning to swim or relax on the beaches, don’t forget your swimsuit. While beach towels are usually provided by hotels, it’s always a good idea to bring a compact, quick-dry towel for convenience.
• Camera or Smartphone: The scenery of Ha Long Bay is breathtaking, so make sure to bring a good camera or smartphone to capture the natural beauty. Don’t forget waterproof cases if you’re planning on getting near the water!

For families traveling with children, make sure to bring swim gear for the kids, including inflatable floaties or life jackets. Many beaches and hotels offer rentals, but it’s always best to be prepared.

3. How to Get to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is located approximately 170 kilometers from Hanoi, making it a convenient day trip or weekend getaway from the capital. Here are the most common ways to travel:

From Hanoi to Ha Long Bay by Bus or Car

The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on traffic and the route. There are two main routes:

• Route 1: Hanoi – Bắc Ninh – Hải Dương – Ha Long (150 km). This is suitable for all vehicles, including cars and motorbikes.
• Route 2: Hanoi – Hải Phòng Expressway – Ha Long (155 km). This route is faster, only for cars, and allows speeds up to 120 km/h, reducing travel time to around 2.5 hours.

By Public Bus

Public buses to Ha Long Bay depart from major bus terminals in Hanoi, such as My Dinh and Luong Yen. Buses are frequent, running every 5-15 minutes from 6 AM to 5 PM. Tickets range from 100,000 VND to 200,000 VND, depending on whether you opt for a seat or a sleeper bus.

By Motorbike

For adventure seekers, riding a motorbike to Ha Long Bay can be a thrilling experience. The 150 km ride from Hanoi is relatively straightforward, though it’s important to follow speed limits and watch for road signs. Some key tips for a safe ride:

• Sài Đồng to Bắc Ninh: Signal carefully when changing lanes.
• Bắc Ninh to Phả Lại: Stay within the speed limit of 50 km/h in urban areas.
• Sao Đỏ to Tuần Châu: Speed cameras are common, so stay vigilant.

By Seaplane

For a unique experience, consider booking a Hai Au Seaplane flight from Hanoi to Ha Long. Not only does this offer a quick and scenic way to travel, but the flight also includes a spectacular aerial tour of Ha Long Bay, giving you panoramic views of the islands and emerald waters below.

4. Accommodation Options in Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay offers a wide range of accommodation options, from budget-friendly hostels to luxurious 5-star resorts and cruises. Here are some recommendations based on different budgets:

Budget Stays

• Homestays: Prices start at around 500,000 VND/night. Popular choices include Vannie Homestay and MiRin Homestay.
• 2-3 Star Hotels: Hotels like BBQ HOSTEL and Ha Long Trendy Hotel are affordable, with rates ranging from 150,000 VND to 500,000 VND per night.

Luxury Stays

• 4-5 Star Hotels: For those seeking a more luxurious experience, options include Mường Thanh Luxury Hotel and Wyndham Legend Ha Long, with prices starting from 900,000 VND per night.
• Resorts: Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long offers a top-tier experience with stunning bay views, starting from 1,500,000 VND per night.

Overnight Cruises

For a truly memorable stay, consider booking an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay. These cruises range from 3-star to 5-star luxury options and include meals, guided tours, and activities like kayaking. Prices for a 2-day, 1-night cruise start at 2,100,000 VND and can go up to 22,000,000 VND for a 5-star luxury experience.

5. Dining and Local Cuisine

No trip to Ha Long Bay is complete without indulging in the region’s unique culinary offerings. Here’s a breakdown of where to eat and what to try:

Top Areas for Dining

• Bai Chay Area: The heart of Ha Long’s food scene, offering everything from local street food to upscale dining. Be cautious of tourist pricing here, especially in high season.
• Hon Gai Area: Known for its fresh seafood at more affordable prices. Check out the local seafood markets for authentic dishes like grilled squid and steamed crab.
• Tuan Chau Area: A more upscale dining experience with scenic sea views. Prices tend to be higher, but the experience is worth it.

Must-Try Dishes

• Chả mực: A local delicacy, this fried squid patty is famous across Vietnam.
• Sá sùng: A type of sea worm, often stir-fried or grilled, known for its rich umami flavor.
• Xôi trắng chả mực: Sticky rice served with squid patties, a favorite among locals and tourists alike.

6. Sightseeing and Attractions in Ha Long Bay

To fully experience Ha Long Bay, you’ll need a sightseeing ticket, which costs around 290,000 VND per person. There are several popular routes:

• Route 1 (3-4 hours): Stops include Dog Rock, Heaven Cave, and Ba Hang Fishing Village. Ideal for those with limited time.
• Route 2 (5-6 hours): Includes all the attractions of Route 1 plus additional stops at Surprise Cave and Ti Top Island. This is perfect for a full day of exploration.

7. Overnight Cruises on Ha Long Bay

For a truly immersive experience, consider booking an overnight cruise. Not only will you get to explore the bay during the day, but you’ll also enjoy activities like stargazing, squid fishing, and kayaking.

Cruise options include:

• 3-star: V’spirit, Oriental Sails
• 5-star: Paradise Elegance, Athena, Alisa Cruise

Prices for 2-day, 1-night cruises range from 2,100,000 VND for 3-star to 22,000,000 VND for luxury cruises.

In addition, on Ha Long Bay there are many 4 to 5-star cruise ships such as Au Co cruise ship, Ambassador cruise ship, Alisa cruise ship, Athena cruise ship, Paradise Elegance, Starlight… You can contact travel agencies for the best price, especially in the summer when cruise ships apply promotional policies for Vietnamese guests.

8. Transportation in Ha Long Bay

Once you’ve arrived in Ha Long, you’ll need to navigate between the main areas (Bai Chay, Hon Gai, and Tuan Chau). Here are your options:

• Motorbike: Rent for 120,000-150,000 VND/day.
• Taxi: Starting fare is 11,000 VND/km, ideal for families or groups.
• Grab: The ride-hailing app is also available for a more modern and convenient option.

9. Entertainment and Activities

On the Mainland

• Sun World Ha Long Park: A massive entertainment complex with a variety of attractions, including Dragon Park, Cyclone Park, and the iconic Queen Cable Car. Ticket prices start at 300,000 VND.
• Tuần Châu Island: Known for its dolphin shows, water performances, and clean beaches. Entry is 80,000 VND.
• Night Market: For those looking to buy souvenirs, the Ha Long night market offers everything from handicrafts to local specialties.

On the Bay

Popular stops on the bay include:

• Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt): One of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay.
• Ti Top Island: Known for its panoramic views and clear waters, ideal for swimming and hiking.
• Heaven Cave (Động Thiên Cung): A must-visit for its incredible stalactites and stalagmites.

10. Important Travel Tips for a Safe and Fun Trip

• Check your seafood purchases: Use a 550ml water bottle as a reference for weighing purchases at markets.
• Mind the rules on cruises: Avoid bringing outside food and drinks, as extra charges may apply.
• Respect the environment: Keep Ha Long Bay clean by not littering, and follow all safety instructions on boats and at the beach.

We hope these tips from Highlights of Vietnam help you plan the perfect Ha Long Bay trip. Ha Long Bay offers something for everyone whether you’re looking for a relaxing beach vacation or an adventure-filled journey. If you need assistance with booking a tour, cruise, or hotel, visit our website and let us make your trip planning easier!