Halong Bay: How to Visit & Things to do

Halong Bay: Things to do other than cruise & How to visit in 2025

Halong Bay is a not to be missed part on every Vietnam travel bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a smooth and accessible trip for all ages, from infants to elderly parents.

Planning a visit? Here’s a simple & very easy guide for unique things to do in Halong Bay—where to find hidden gems, what to expect on board, and the must-see sights. Sail through a seascape of towering limestone karsts and nearly 2,000 islands rising from jade-green waters. Discover secluded beaches, vibrant floating villages, and breathtaking starry skies. Explore this beautiful gem on one of our Vietnam Luxury Tours

All your questions on visiting Halong Bay, Vietnam’s must-see star attraction is answered, one by one

Where is Halong Bay located on the map?

Halong Bay lies in northeastern Vietnam, within Quang Ninh Province. It sits along the Gulf of Tonkin, about 3-4 hours bus ride from Hanoi. Here is the map…

Why Is Ha Long Bay Famous?

Halong Bay stuns visitors with its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and nearly 2,000 islands. Legends say a dragon created this unique seascape by dropping emeralds that formed natural barriers. Millions of years of geological evolution shaped its caves, cliffs, and hidden beaches, making it a must-visit destination.

Halong has it’s own tale and story, according to the legends, a mighty dragon once defended Vietnam from invaders, unleashing fire, emeralds, and jade. These precious stones dropped into the sea, transforming into towering limestone karsts and islands that blocked enemy ships. This mythical tale only enhances the breathtaking beauty of Ha Long Bay—a landscape shaped over 500 million years!

Halong Bay is a not to be missed part on every Vietnam travel bucket list. This UNESCO World Heritage site offers a smooth and accessible trip for all ages, from infants to elderly parents.

Halong is over touristy. But is It Worth Going Anyway?

It Definitely Worth the money. Crowds usually make us rethink destinations, and Halong Bay often falls into that category. Surprisingly, every single traveler would recommend it. After multiple visits, we’ve found that the right cruise and itinerary turn it into a worthwhile experience.

Image when cruising among the towering limestones, not packed with adventure but perfect for unwinding and part of a holiday that makes you want to explore it more. Drifting on emerald waters for a 2-3 days brings a sense of calm that makes the trip worth it.

What Can I Do at Halong Bay?

Cruises lasting 1 to 3 days explore the bay along three main routes: the bustling Halong Bay, the quieter Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. Each route features stunning limestone karsts and similar activities.

Most cruises include visits to caves, floating villages, kayaking, hiking, tai chi, and cooking classes. Many follow standard itineraries, but some offer unique experiences like cycling on Cat Ba Island for a more off-the-grid adventure.

How Long Should I Stay in Halong Bay?

Day Trip: A quick visit works if time is short, but expect a rushed experience. The 2-4 hour drive from Hanoi each way leaves only about 4-5 hours for cruising.

2 Day 1 Night Cruise: The most popular option offers more time for caves and kayaking, but schedules remain packed. Finding moments to simply relax and soak in the scenery can feel limited.

3 Day 2 Night Cruise: The best choice for a deeper experience. This itinerary allows for both sightseeing and enjoying cruise amenities while venturing into quieter, less crowded bays.

When Is the Best Time to Visit Halong Bay?

Halong Bay has two main seasons: winter (November–February) with cooler temperatures (15–20ºC) and summer (May–September) with warmer weather (25–35ºC).

The best months to visit are March–May, offering pleasant weather and fewer crowds—ideal for kayaking and swimming. Avoid April 30th and May 1st, as these national holidays attract large local crowds.

Winter is the peak season, bringing misty, foggy views that create a magical atmosphere. June–August sees the most rainfall, making it the least favorable (worst) time to go.

Weekends and public holidays bring large crowds to Erawan Waterfall, especially with local tourists and visitors traveling from Bangkok. If possible, plan your trip on a weekday to enjoy a more peaceful experience. Check out best time of the year to visit Vietnam

How to Get to Halong from Hanoi

Traveling from Hanoi to Halong Bay is simple, with all cruises offering pickups from the Old Quarter, in Hanoi, where many hotels are located. The fastest route takes around two hours via the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway. A slower, more scenic option, driving along the red river delta, this takes about four hours, including a rest stop along the way.

How to Choose a right Halong Bay Cruise for Your stay?

Many Halong cruises seem nearly identical, making it tricky to choose the best one. The experience you have depends on selecting the right cruise.

For a more enjoyable trip:

• Pick a smaller boat with 20–30 guests instead of larger ones with 50–60 people. Cruises that explore less crowded areas like Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay offer a more peaceful experience.

• Choose a two-night trip instead of one night. Extra time on the bay allows you to truly appreciate the scenery and relax.

Check to see what is included and what’s not. I highly recommend a 4 star cruise and higher since these options offer better services, more inclusions and there are better services on board. Lower category cruises, are more of a boat than a junk cruise (iconic in Halong), they’re noisy, not that clean and services are just very basic.

What’s the difference: Halong Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay vs. Bai Tu Long Bay

Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay are all bays in Vietnam, all are located within the same area, and each has its own unique features;

Halong Bay

For a high-end experience, Halong Bay offers the most luxurious cruises. Expect top-tier amenities like jacuzzis on deck, floor-to-ceiling windows showcasing breathtaking limestone formations, and personal butlers who remember your name. If indulgence is the goal, this route delivers. The only drawback? Large crowds are unavoidable.

Lan Ha Bay

Situated south of Halong, Lan Ha Bay provides a quieter alternative with a nearly identical landscape. Budget-conscious travelers and adventure seekers will find Cat Ba Island a great starting point, offering more affordable cruises packed with activities like rock climbing and kayaking through bioluminescent waters. For a premium experience, select a Lan Ha Bay cruise that departs directly from Hanoi.

Bai Tu Long Bay

Located to the east, Bai Tu Long Bay remains the most peaceful and less-packed with junk boats. The cruises here lean toward simplicity rather than extravagance, but the reward is pure serenity. This route suits those wanting to escape the crowds and immerse in nature. A two-day trip is the best option since it takes longer to reach, making the journey worthwhile.

Things to Do on a Halong Bay Cruise

While enjoying cruising through the bay, depending n a cruise tour you’re on, each offers a mix of adventure, nature, and culture. From water activities to cave exploration and village visits, there’s plenty to experience. You are advised to check what activities you’ll get before booking a cruise in Halong Bay. All these activities are part of a cruise tour and it is not possible t do them on your own (since you’re on a cruise)

Water Activities

• Swimming – Relax on hidden beaches and take a swimming.

• Kayaking – Paddle through caves and lagoons for a closer look at Halong Bay’s beauty.

• Snorkeling – Discover vibrant marine life beneath the surface.

• Scuba Diving – Dive deeper into the bay’s underwater world.

Explore caves

• Sung Sot Cave – One of the largest and most spectacular caves, located on Bon Hon Island.

• Dau Go Cave – Found on Wooden Head Island, this cave is known for its unique entrance shaped like a jellyfish.

Village Visits

• Cua Van Floating Village – The largest floating village in Halong Bay, surrounded by dramatic limestone cliffs.

Other Activities

• Rock Climbing – Challenge yourself with climbs on rugged limestone formations.

• Cycling – Ride through lush island rainforests for a scenic adventure.

• Squid Fishing – Try night squid fishing under the stars.

• Tai Chi – Greet the sunrise with a peaceful Tai Chi session on the cruise deck.

For A Less Touristy Ha Long Bay Cruise

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba, the largest island in the Cat Ba Archipelago, has gained more attention recently but still remains far less crowded than Halong Bay. While many travelers overlook it, those who visit find a paradise filled with adventure and natural beauty.

Backpackers and adventure-seekers flock to Cat Ba for its outdoor activities. Instead of joining the usual Halong Bay cruises, many choose a junk boat tour to the quieter Lan Ha Bay. The island offers endless ways to explore nature—trek through lush forests, climb limestone cliffs, abseil down rock faces, or kayak through hidden caves. Don’t miss Cat Ba National Park, a haven for wildlife and hiking enthusiasts, or Monkey Island, a fun stop with stunning viewpoints and playful primates.

FAQ: Everything You Need to Know about Visiting Halong Bay

Is Halong Bay Polluted?
(Truth about litter & rubbish)

Many travelers ask this, and the good news is that Halong Bay now stays mostly clean, thanks to the 2019 ban on single-use plastics. In the past, trash often floated in the water, but stricter regulations and eco-friendly initiatives, like switching from plastic to glass bottles on cruises, have made a big difference.

However, after Typhoon Yagi hit in September 2024, some debris washed into the bay from damaged fishing villages. Some cruises have responded by organizing clean-up activities, helping to restore the bay’s natural beauty.

What should I pack for Halong?

Pack light! Wear breathable clothes during the day and bring a jacket for chilly evenings in winter. Use sunscreen, wear sturdy shoes for cave exploration, and don’t forget a swimsuit. A reusable water bottle also comes in handy!

Is there phone signal & WIFI

Phone signal and internet can be unreliable, and while most cruises offer Wi-Fi, the speed tends to be slow and most of the times, you can’t even connect even if it showing you have a wifi signal.

Is Halong Bay a tourist trap?

It is definitely Not a tourist trap but it is a tourist hub. Halong Bay attracts many visitors, and the main routes can get crowded with boats. However, its breathtaking beauty keeps it high on most travelers’ must-visit lists. Expect crowds, but don’t let them take away from the experience—this natural wonder is still worth seeing!

For a more peaceful trip, choose the right cruise. Smaller boats and alternative routes like Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay offer a quieter and more enjoyable way to explore.

Is there a way to avoid the crowds at Halong Bay?

Halong Bay attracts many visitors, but the experience depends on how you plan your trip. A lively atmosphere can still feel enjoyable, while overcrowded spots might take away from the charm.

To explore the bay and avoid the crown as much as possible, consider these local tips:

• Choose a cruise with an itinerary that sail for Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay instead of the main Halong Bay route for fewer tourists but the same stunning scenery.

• Try to choose a smaller junk boats with max 30 guests over a larger one (60-70 guests) for a more intimate experience.

• Consider to travel during off-peak months & rainy seasons (March-May or September-October) to avoid the biggest crowds.

• If you have more time, try to book a 3-day, 2-night itinerary to reach quieter, less-visited areas.

Can I visit Halong Bay during Tet holidays?(Vietnam’s lunar new year)

Most cruises still run during Tet Holidays, though prices go up to 30% since staff receive extra pay for working those days. A few cruises may pause operations for two or three days, but options remain available.

If you’re staying in Hanoi during Tet, expect fewer food choices since many shops and restaurants shut down for the week-long celebration.

How many days should I spend on a Halong Bay cruise

A 3 days 2 night cruise offers the best experience, we do not recommend a day trip since this leaves you with nothing but a 7-8 hours of traveling between Hanoi to Halong and only ~4 hours in the bay. 2 days and 1 night feels good too. Halong Bay is best enjoyed at a slow pace, allowing time to take in the scenery and unwind on the boat rather than rushing through activities.

• Day trip – Best if you’re short on time and rush, but with only about 4 hours on the water, sightseeing feels limited, and there’s little chance to relax.

• 2 days & 1 night cruise – The most popular choice, but the packed itinerary leaves less than 24 hours on the boat since checkout happens early on the second day.
• 3 days & 2 night cruise – The top pick for a relaxed experience, with more time to explore quieter bays and enjoy cruise amenities.

What activities to do on board the cruise?

Cruises offer a variety of activities and services to enhance the experience:

• Yoga/Tai Chi – Start the morning on the top deck, stretching and moving while watching the sunrise over the stunning bay.

• Cooking Class – Join the chef to prepare Vietnamese dishes, using fresh local ingredients and learning local secrets to bring home.

• Spa & Massage – Luxury cruises provide spa treatments and wellness options, perfect after a day of kayaking and exploring.

• Star-Gazing – Relax on deck under a sky full of stars, reflecting off the calm waters.

• Sunbathing – Lounge on the open deck or unwind on sandy beaches, depending on the cruise itinerary.