Describing Halong Bay as a must-see destination in Vietnam due to its mystical beauty, Lonely Planet advises international tourists to visit during the winter (November to March) or summer (May, September). It's best to avoid visiting from June to August as the weather is hot and humid.
However, for adventure seekers, summer is an ideal time for water sports like kayaking, swimming, and cruising the bay, which has been recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site three times. The Ha Long Carnival, held in late April and early May, is another event not to be missed.
For photography enthusiasts, winter at Halong Bay, with its mist-covered islands, offers a more scenic setting for capturing breathtaking views.
Halong Bay
Most visitors come to Halong for sightseeing. For those short on time, a day trip to explore the islands is sufficient. However, the majority of international tourists opt for the "Plan B" experience—an overnight stay on the bay. Guests typically depart from Hanoi or nearby provinces early in the morning and board the boat in Halong by noon. They will spend the day and night on the cruise, exploring caves, beaches, pearl farms, participating in cooking demonstrations, or night squid fishing, before disembarking around noon the next day. The packed itinerary can feel rushed, so visitors are encouraged to choose specific activities instead of trying to experience everything.
To avoid the crowds, a three-day, two-night cruise offers a more relaxed pace, taking visitors deeper into the bay with stops at quieter beaches, floating villages, and lesser-known spots. Halong offers a wide variety of boats, from budget options to 5-star luxury, with prices ranging from a few hundred thousand to several million VND.
Halong Bay Cruise
Aside from the traditional activities like cruising, kayaking, and swimming, Lonely Planet recommends unique experiences such as viewing the bay’s core heritage area from a seaplane or riding the Queen Cable Car. From above, visitors can admire the islands from a fresh perspective.
To complete the trip, consider spending an extra day or two in the city to explore local cuisine, culture, and nightlife. Visitors can hike 200 meters up Bai Tho Mountain for panoramic views of the bay, visit the water park, Quang Ninh Museum and Library, or explore the night market.
Lonely Planet also suggests relaxation spots, such as soaking in natural hot springs just 15 minutes from Halong. When it comes to cuisine, visitors can enjoy local delicacies like steamed pancakes, grilled squid cakes, roasted squid, and crab noodle soup.
Estimated costs for Halong experiences:
- Day cruise: from 400,000 VND
- Overnight cruise: from 3 million VND
- Hotel room: from 500,000 VND
- Seaplane sightseeing: over 2 million VND
- Queen Cable Car: 300,000 VND
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