In fact, Ha Long Bay is truly a nature temptation, luring travellers from all over the world. When visiting Ha Long Bay, especially on its famed boat cruises, it feels as though people from all walks of life have come together for a closer look at the bay. The unspoiled and preserved pride of Vietnam gives the feeling of walking back in nature time.
Nature in Ha Long Bay is, without a doubt, breathtaking, the forever pride of
Vietnam (VENICE ITALY GONDOLA RIDE).
How to Travel to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Travelling to Ha Long Bay is best planned for a smooth and meaningful trip.
Since there is no airport, it is reachable from Hanoi by a 2.5 to 3-hour drive,
either by bus or car. Those coming from Ho Chi Minh City usually take a
two-hour flight to Hanoi, followed by the drive to the bay.
For organized tours, the route depends on the travel package, but either way,
it is a convenient way for discovering Ha Long Bay in Vietnam.
Where to Stay in Ha Long Bay
Touring Ha Long Bay depends on the number of days allocated. A single day can
be sufficient, arriving and departing on the same day. However, at least a day
in Ha Long Bay gives a sense of the bay’s weather and atmosphere. Mornings are
cool and covered in mist, with views visible even during early breakfast.
Nights can be chilly, reflecting the bay’s coastal location.
There are no stays on the islands of Ha Long Bay, yet neither near nor distant
views of the bay are compromised. The choices for accommodations in Ha Long Bay
are between:
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau is the closest land-based option for Ha Long Bay accommodation, with
resorts and hotels from mid-range to luxury, convenient for tours and boat
departures.
Bai Chay (Beach Area)
Bai Chay is a tourist-friendly area of Ha Long City with hotels, resorts, and
easy access to the beach, restaurants, and cruise pick-ups. The option for
quick access to Ha Long Bay cruises.
Ha Long City (Mainland)
Ha Long City is where urban and budget-friendly hotels with full amenities are
located. 5–10 minutes from Bai Chay or Tuan Chau for Ha Long Bay access.
Types of Cruises in Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay cruises come in several forms. A half-day cruise is ideal for those
who prefer just the natural scenery of the bay, an option for budget-conscious
travelers as well. Most cruises depart from Tuan Chau Island or Bai Chay, with
all trips providing the same views of the bay.
Other types of Ha Long Bay cruises include:
Overnight Cruises
One or more nights on the boat, allowing
for sunset and sunrise views, kayaking, and visiting caves.
Luxury Cruises
High-end boats with spacious cabins, full amenities, and guided activities.
Ha Long Bay Half-day Cruise
It is an early morning start, arriving at the bay by 9 am while queuing with
other local and international tourists. For group tours, boats are private,
while others share with allocated numbers. A slow take-off, and it all begins –
the natural wonderland of Ha Long Bay, for sitting back in silence and letting
the eyes roam in all directions.
Chilly breezes, towering limestone hills, rocky cliffs, lush greenery, emerald-green waters, and coastal birds.
Along the way, small floating fishing villages and traditional boats are part
of touring in Ha Long Bay waterway. Time passes quickly during the cruise, and
next is getting down and walking to Dau Go Cave, also known as the Cave of
Wonders.
Dau Go Cave (Cave of Wonders)
Inside the cave, natural rock formations have been shaped over time by water
and minerals. Stalactites and stalagmites are highlighted with colorful lights.
Viewing the whole cave will take around 10 minutes as a quick stop. For those
who want to spend more time, the cave opens onto small chambers and rock steps
for short walks and close-up views.
Ha Long Bay Lunch Cruise
The views on the return cruise are essentially the same. Perhaps the momentum
has picked up with more boats going up and down in the waters. It is also the
time for tucking into Vietnamese food. Freshly cooked lunch, catering for
vegetarians and non-vegetarian, served one after the other. The fresh catch of
the bay like steamed prawns, steamed fish, simply stir-fried vegetables,
consisting of at least 7 to 8 dishes.
Simple and delicious, capturing the nature of a Vietnamese meal, a fitting end to the cruise.
Things to Do in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Though the cruise is the main highlight, there are also other activities in Ha
Long Bay. Some recreational activities do not require entry charges, whereas
others may, depending on which is which. Not to forget, street shopping in Ha
Long Bay offers endless choices of Made-in-Vietnam products. The choices for
spending time in Ha Long Bay can range from:
Ha Long City
Coastal city area with a seaside
promenade, markets, and glimpses of local life.
Ha Long Night Market
Open-air market in Bai Chay selling
handicrafts, souvenirs, and local goods.
Bai Chay Beach
Small man-made beach for swimming and
leisurely walks.
Long Tien Pagoda
Main Buddhist temple in Ha Long City,
located at the base of Bai Tho Mountain.
Bai Tho (Poem) Mountain
Viewpoint offering panoramic views of Ha
Long Bay; access is occasionally restricted.
Cat Ba Island
Accessible by ferry, with hiking trails, a
national park, and beaches.
Cua Van Floating Village
One of the oldest fishing villages in the
bay, reachable by boat.
Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
Large limestone cave with stalactites and
stalagmites, a common excursion point.
Ti Top Island
Small island with a beach area and a
hilltop viewpoint.
Ha Long Queen Cable Car
Connects Bai Chay and Sun World Park,
offering aerial views of the bay.
Sun World Ha Long Park
Amusement and water park with rides and a
large ferris wheel.
Quang Ninh Museum
Museum showcasing the province’s history,
mining industry, and marine environment.
