Best Ways to Visit Ha Long Bay: A Local Guide 2025

Your complete guide on how to visit Ha Long Bay! Discover when to go, where to stay (mainland, cruise, or island), and the best routes through this limestone paradise. Learn about the three main areas, ideal trip lengths, must-try activities, and local foods. Everything you need for the perfect Vietnam adventure in one simple guide!

1. When to Visit Ha Long Bay?

The prime time for Halong Bay boat trips matches what's best for Vietnam overall – most people come between October and April. From June through September, expect heat and lots of rain. You might run into monsoon downpours and even typhoons, which can hit until October.

Surprise fact: Halong gets chilly (and often misty) during December and January! Still worth seeing, but bring a warm top!

If we had to pick the perfect window for your Halong adventure, we'd say aim for November or the stretch from February to April.

November or the stretch from February to April are the most suitable time to visit Ha Long Bay - Photo source: Joytime

To fully appreciate the beauty of Ha Long Bay, it's helpful to understand how Ha Long Bay formed—through millions of years of erosion and weathering, shaping its iconic limestone islands.

2. Where to Stay in Ha Long Bay? 

Finding the right accommodation ensures a relaxing and enjoyable experience in Ha Long Bay.

2.1. Staying In The Mainland

For those who want to combine exploring Ha Long Bay with visiting mainland attractions, hotels and resorts are the best choices. Ha Long offers a wide range of accommodations, from budget-friendly hotels to luxurious resorts, catering to all preferences and budgets. Many hotels provide stunning bay views, while high-end resorts offer full amenities for a comfortable stay.

2.2. Staying Overnight On Cruises

For a unique and unforgettable experience, consider staying overnight on a cruise. This allows you to admire the bay’s magnificent scenery at night, join exciting activities such as squid fishing and karaoke, and savor fresh seafood onboard. Ha Long Bay cruises vary in class and amenities, making them suitable for all types of travelers. You can refer to Joytime's Ha Long cruise tour.

The cruise is an accommodation destination that brings many new and memorable experiences in Ha Long Bay. - Photo source: Joytime

2.3. Staying On The Islands

Halong Bay has countless islands dotting its waters, yet only a handful offer places for tourists to sleep - most islands with hotels are actually bigger spots with lots of locals living there and all the handy services you need, while you'll also find a few special private islands like Monkey Island and Reu Island that belong to fancy resorts only with no regular folks living there!

3. How to Get to Ha Long Bay?

To reach Ha Long Bay, you need to travel to Ha Long City first and then continue to the bay. There are multiple transportation options depending on your budget, time and preference.

3.1. By plane

Airplanes are the top choice for those pursuing time optimization. You can fly to one of three airports near Ha Long such as Van Don, Cat Bi (Hai Phong) or Noi Bai (Hanoi), then travel by road to Ha Long Bay. 

If your landing point is Noi Bai airport, you can refer to the options Shuttle service Hanoi - Ha Long of Joytime for more convenience in traveling.

If landing at Noi Bai airport (Hanoi), visitors can choose Joytime's transportation service to get to Ha Long Bay in the most convenient way. - Photo source: Joytime

3.2. By train

If you're not in a rush, traveling by train can be a scenic and relaxing experience. You can enjoy a cup of tea while admiring the peaceful countryside through the train window. This is an ideal option if you are departing from a location with a convenient train connection.

3.3. By coach

Taking a coach is the most budget-friendly choice. With affordable fares and frequent departures, it’s an easy and cost-effective way to reach Ha Long. The well-connected network ensures you can find a suitable departure time without hassle.

3.4. By seaplane

For those seeking a luxurious and one-of-a-kind experience, a seaplane ride offers a breathtaking aerial view of Ha Long Bay. However, this option comes at a higher price, and flights are limited.

For more detailed information about transportation to Ha Long, you can refer to the article "how to go to ha long bay"

4. Where to Visit In Ha Long Bay?

Not sure which part of this famous bay to explore? We'll help you understand the three main areas: Ha Long Bay itself (the famous star attraction), Bai Tu Long Bay (the peaceful northern section with fewer crowds), and Lan Ha Bay (the southern gem with stunning scenery and top luxury cruises). Each offers something special for different types of travelers!

4.1. Ha Long Bay

The central route lets you see what makes Halong Bay special. Sail among amazing limestone rocks that rise from the sea like giants. These unique formations have made this place famous worldwide. Step inside Sung Sot Cave, one of the biggest caves in the bay. Inside you'll find beautiful rock shapes hanging from the ceiling and growing from the floor, creating a magical underground world.

The central route lets you see what makes Halong Bay special - Image Source: Collected

Visit Titop Island, named after a Russian space traveler. Climb the stairs to the top for the best views of Halong Bay - you can see for miles in every direction! The fun doesn't stop there! Go kayaking to find hidden beaches and quiet corners, swim in the clean waters, or just relax on soft sand while taking in the beauty all around you.

4.2. Bai Tu Long Bay

Find the real Halong Bay at Bai Tu Long, a hidden part that few tourists see. This quiet spot lets you connect with nature away from the crowds. Float through clear waters past giant limestone rocks and small green islands. The untouched beauty here is hard to beat.

Visit Thien Canh Son Cave with its amazing rock shapes formed over thousands of years. Stop at Vung Vieng Fishing Village where friendly locals show you their sea life. Relax on clean beaches or take a peaceful boat ride through empty bays.

Find the real Halong Bay at Bai Tu Long, a hidden part that few tourists see - Image Source: Collected

Looking for adventure? Explore the secret spots like Cong Dam and Cong Do where hidden caves and lagoons wait to be found. Join the Treasure Junk boat to see the best of Bai Tu Long. The rich local culture and stunning views will stay with you forever!

4.3. Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay sits south of famous Halong Bay in Hai Phong province. Here, calm waters rock you gently as you float past limestone mountains and green islands. Find empty beaches and hidden coves where it feels like time has stopped. The peace here is something special.

Lan Ha Bay sits south of famous Halong Bay in Hai Phong province - Image Source: Collected

Grab a kayak to discover secret lagoons and caves. Paddle through narrow gaps, see amazing rock shapes, and find hidden spots in this magical place. Try a slow ride on a bamboo boat to Bright Cave. This 80-meter cave leads to a pretty lagoon surrounded by tall limestone cliffs. As you row through the still waters, you'll see why Lan Ha Bay is so special.

5. Which Itinerary to Choose

5.1. 1-day cruise

Try a day tour to see Halong Bay's beauty in just a short time. Pick from half-day tours (4 or 6 hours) or full-day trips (8 hours). These quick cruises work if you're short on time and want to go from Hanoi to Halong and back in one day - but honestly, an overnight stay gives you a much better experience.

Even on a short cruise, you can see famous spots like Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. Try fun activities like kayaking or riding bamboo boats through Luon Cave. You can also check out floating villages where locals live on the water. All day trips include lunch on the boat.

5.2. 2 days 1 night cruise

Join the most popular Halong Bay trip - just 2 days and 1 night cruise. This short adventure lets you see the amazing stone islands while fitting into a tight schedule. Besides seeing thousands of limestone rocks rising from the sea, you'll get to swim at wild beaches, paddle kayaks around islands, and explore an amazing cave.

Join the most popular Halong Bay trip - just 2 days and 1 night cruise - Image Source: Collected

You'll spend about 24 hours on the boat, with 3-hour bus rides each way between Hanoi and Halong Bay. Everything's included in one price: four meals, fun boat activities (like Tai Chi sessions, sunset parties, cooking classes, and spa treatments), plus all the outdoor fun (kayaking, swimming, island visits, and cave exploring).

5.3. 3 days 2 nights cruise

Take the perfect 3-day, 2-night trip to really see Halong Bay and get a taste of local life without rushing. This relaxed journey includes exploring an amazing cave, paddling kayaks through quiet waters, and visiting a real pearl farm.

Enjoy nature's wonders during two magical nights in the bay. On day two, the cruise team will take you on a smaller boat to discover Lan Ha Bay, then bring you back to the main boat later that day.

6. Interesting Activities In Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a breathtaking natural wonder with endless experiences. What can you do in Ha Long Bay? Here are some must-try activities:

Each activity offers unique and unforgettable experiences, allowing you to fully appreciate the beauty of this world wonder.

Kayaking or SUP through the caves is an interesting experience that should not be missed when coming to Ha Long Bay. - Photo source: Joytime

7. Food In Ha Long Bay

Ha Long is not only famous but also a culinary paradise with fresh and unique seafood dishes.

Ha Long cuisine is the perfect combination of fresh sea flavors and uniqueness in preparation. From familiar seafood dishes to local specialties, each dish has its own mark, contributing to creating a memorable travel experience.

Ha Long Bay possesses abundant and attractive seafood resources. - Photo source: Joytime 

8. Useful Tips on How to Visit Ha Long Bay

To have a complete and safe trip to Ha Long, please note the following:

• Check the weather forecast: Stay updated on weather conditions to plan accordingly, especially for outdoor activities.

• Follow safety regulations: Always listen to tour guides and follow safety guidelines, particularly for kayaking, swimming, or cave exploration.

• Protect the environment: As Ha Long is a UNESCO World Heritage site, do your part by disposing of waste properly and avoiding littering.

• Negotiate prices when shopping: Don’t hesitate to bargain for better deals, especially at markets or small souvenir shops.

• Keep an eye on personal belongings: Secure your phone, camera, wallet, and other valuables.

• Carry some cash: Some island spots or small markets only accept cash, so having some on hand is useful.

Tourists should update the weather forecast before departure to prepare appropriate clothing and items. - Photo source: Joytime

We hope this detailed guide equips you with everything you need to confidently plan how to visit Ha Long Bay. For a stress-free journey without worrying about every detail, Joytime is your ideal travel companion.

Let Joytime craft your dream trip - from carefully planned itineraries and convenient transportation arrangements to handpicked accommodations and unique local experiences. With tailor-made Ha Long tours featuring authentic local touches, attentive services, and affordable prices, Joytime is committed to bringing you unforgettable moments.