Ha Long Bay (Halong Bay) which is literally “Descending Dragon Bay” is Vietnam’s most legendary seascape. It has limestone karsts rising from greenish waters, scattered over 1,600+ islets, surrounded by dragon-fish folklore. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its beautiful scenery and floating fishing villages.

In our travel guide, we’ll cover the essentials: how to reach Ha Long, highlights like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, hidden gems such as Lan Ha Bay excursions, practical visiting info (hours, fees, best seasons), and safety advice on sea travel.

How to reach Halong bay from Hanoi

Ha Long Bay is 160 km east of Hanoi. By road or ferry, the journey takes ~2-3 hours.

If you are planning to reach Halong from Hanoi, you can book a shuttle or private car (Grab rides from the airport run ~1.7M VND, about $70-80 for 2h20 drive) or public bus from My Dinh bus station (~150k VND, 4 hours).

Another scenic option you can do is take the passenger ferry from Tuan Chau Marina (Halong City) to Cat Ba Island. It goes between karsts and costs only about 100k VND.

Pro tip: If you can, stop in Ninh Binh instead as I personally found it quite scenic and less crowded (It's called the Halong bay on land!). Then you can continue to Halong.

Nearest airports are in Hanoi (Vietnam Airlines, Bamboo Air run domestic/international routes). From Hanoi airport, avoid unmetered taxis - your Grab driver gave around a 2h20 estimate.
Once at Halong City or Tuan Chau Port, you’ll board a boat. Ha Long City itself has hotels, but for the bay experience most stay on cruises or on Cat Ba Island (a short ferry away).

Best things to do here

Kayaking in Halong Bay Is Totally Worth It!

Kayaking in Halong Bay Is Totally Worth It!

Kayaking & Swimming: Many cruises offer kayak stops in quiet lagoons where you can paddle through peaceful waters (can be a bit muddy during peak tourist season or rainy season) with limestone towers all around.

Ti Top Island has a small sandy beach and viewpoint (climb ~440 steps up for instagram shots if you are into that). Swimming is allowed.

Surprise Cave in the Descending Dargon Bay, Vietnam
Caves: Don’t miss Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave which is a grand, chambered cavern. Most tours include a 30-minute visit (entrance ~200k VND). Also Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace) is highly decorated.

This Floating Village of Halong Looks Pretty Peaceful!
Floating Villages: Visit a local community in Cua Van or Vung Vieng. Witness daily life on the water where families live in stilt houses or houses on boats.

Some tours let you kayak or give a free sample of fresh seafood caught from nets.
I did one of such tours and I would rate that experience 4/5!

Indochina Junk Cruise Ship in Waters of Halong Ba
Cruise Overnight (Highly Recommended): Honestly, it’s barely enough!

For the full Ha Long Bay adventure, book a 2-day/1-night cruise (or longer).

I did a 3d2n cruise on Halong Bay which was pretty nice to say it mildly and I would rank it up there with seeing the Grand Canyon.

Cruises include meals (fresh seafood, Vietnamese and Western dishes), cabin sleep, and multiple activities (onboard cooking demo, night squid fishing). Families should ensure cabins have good reviews to avoid issues.I saw a tripadvisor review where the guy warned of bed bugs where he booked a cheap boat.

I myself had a 5 star experience but then it could be due to me spending almost an hour in trip planning and reading through various reviews.

Lan Ha Bay Looks Way More Cleaner and Peacful Than Halong Bay!
Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba (Beyond Ha Long): Consider a side trip. Lan Ha Bay (adjacent to Ha Long) is quieter, with pristine beaches and a famous floating fishing village run as a homestay (one of my favorite travel experiences).

From Cat Ba Island (accessible via ferry from Ha Long City), you can explore Cat Ba National Park and quieter bays (Lan Ha, Cay Bay).

Spend an extra day on Cat Ba for a more authentic island experience.
Hidden Beach Bars: If you have time, take a longer cruise that stops at the beach on Dark and Light Cave (Hang Sung Sot) or Luon Cave (small lagoon). These calm lagoons often have floating bars or homemade cocktails which are fun for relaxing away from crowds.

a Beautiful Rainbow With a Cruise Ship in Background Somewhere in Halong, Vietnam
Sunset and Night: Sunset views from the top deck of your cruise or from Ti Top’s summit are stunning. Some cruises also offer squid fishing off the boat at night (catch & cook!). The bay is nearly as lovely, lit by moonlight and very peaceful.

Booking fees and schedules

Schedules & Fees: There’s no strict “closing time” as Ha Long Bay itself is open 24/7. Cave attractions (e.g. Sung Sot Cave) open ~8am-5pm. Boat tours typically depart mid-morning and return by late afternoon or next morning (for overnight cruises).

Tourism fees (environmental charges) are usually included in cruise tickets (~15-20 USD per person).
Best Time to Visit: Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Oct) offer mild weather and relatively clear skies. Summer (Jun-Aug) is hot and can bring summer storms - boats may be delayed by typhoons (rare in summer but possible in July-Sept).

Winter (Dec-Feb) is off-peak (cheaper, misty but beautiful). Peak season is mid-Sep to Nov (cool, dry, and a lot of tourists). If you can, avoid Vietnamese Tet (around Feb) as crowds spike.
Always check for weather warnings a week in advance as extreme weather is quite unpredictable in Halong from Typhoon Yagi in 2024 to the recent unfortunate incident where a tourist boat in Halong capsized due to sudden hail storm in July 2025.
Safety first, travel later!

Another Shot of Less Touristy Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam
Anything nearby? The bay has no shops or restaurants (it’s a nature preserve), so bring water, snacks, sunblock on day trips. Halong City and Tuan Chau Island have supermarkets and restaurants if you need supplies.

Cruises provide all meals and tea. If you stay on Cat Ba, restaurants serve cheap seafood and Vietnamese dishes by the waterfront.
Clothing: Pack swimwear, a hat, light layers (evenings on the water can get breezy), and sturdy shoes for hiking or exploring caves. Bug spray is useful on Cat Ba.

Rain gear (poncho) is helpful in the wet season while some cruises supply ponchos, bring your own to be safe.
Cruise booking tips: Choose a reputable cruise company in Halong bay. If I were you I would prefer smaller, well-reviewed boats (for example choose a smaller boat if you were given a choice of 10 rooms vs 20 rooms).

Check if your cruise includes kayaking or just swimming.

Remember to tip your guides (standard is ~$5-10 per day per person, in US$ or VND). Cruises often encourage extra “spa” fees or exit fees so clarify costs in advance.

I am not providing any affiliate boat tour here but in the link above I have added the original Indochina junk website. They consistently get great organic reviews on google and which is also why

I booked through them. Do your own research.

Note: If you loved Halong bay then you would love Luwuk Banggai in the Sulawesi region of Indonesia so check it out if you are in the area and would love to swim alongside a friendly whale!
Environmental Etiquette: Ha Long Bay is protected. Do not litter on boats or in water. Many tours now discourage takeaway plastics. Coral reefs and marine life are fragile - do not anchor on reefs or touch them. Also, refrain from feeding wildlife. Support local community tours (like Ban Sen floating village) to benefit the bay’s people.

Ha Long Bay Itinerary for a 2-Day Cruise

Day 1 Morning (8:00-12:00): Depart Hanoi early (bus/ferry) or start at Tuan Chau Marina. Board your cruise around 11:00am. Enjoy welcome drinks and lunch as the boat sails into the bay. In the early afternoon, visit Sung Sot Cave - wander through its grand chambers. Afterwards, kayak or swim in a quiet cove (cruises usually stop near Ti Top or a secret lagoon).
Day 1 Evening (17:00+): Return to the boat deck for sunset cocktails. Dinner is served on board (fresh seafood or buffet). After dinner, try night squid fishing off the boat or watch an on-board cooking demo (many cruises do a spring-roll class). Stargazing on deck is magical here.
Day 2 Morning (7:00-10:00): Wake up to sunrise, have breakfast, then check out. In the morning you might visit a floating village (if not done on Day 1) or Tien Ong (Tien Ong Hot Spring or Cave). Alternatively, head to Ti Top Island - climb to the viewpoint and swim at the beach. Return to the boat by 11:00am for brunch. Debark around 12:00-13:00 back at Halong City.

This Is the Reason Halong Bay or Descending Dragon Bay Is so Famous in Vietnam, Just Look at It!

Day Trip (One Day): For a shorter visit, a day cruise covers the bay’s main sights but has a rushed feel. If time-limited, aim for a 1-day deluxe or 2-day flexible cruise to avoid feeling “overcrowded” or missing out on off-path spots.
It's also perfect if you are on a budget as you almost see the same thing which overnight cruisers see albeit faster!

FAQ about Descending Dragon Bay (Halong bay)

Is Ha Long Bay worth visiting?
Most people I met who did this tour told me it’s a “must-see” in Vietnam. The bay’s limestone karsts are a unique landscape and UNESCO has protected it for its beauty. Even if it’s touristy, many still rate it among their most memorable experiences. If you have time, it’s recommended over some alternatives.
How many days do I need in Ha Long Bay?
At least 1 night/2 days for a proper experience. A day-trip lets you see highlights, but overnight cruises allow time for hidden lagoons, sunrise/sunset and a relaxed pace. Some advise not to stay longer than 2 nights (to avoid feeling like you’ve seen “all” the bay), but many extend it by visiting Cat Ba or Ninh Binh afterward.
What does a Ha Long Bay cruise cost?
Cruises range widely. Budget options start at ~$80-100 for a 2-day/1-night (shared cabins, large boats). Mid-range ($120-200) offers better service and cabins. Luxury yachts can be $200+. 1-day cruises are cheaper ($30-70) but rushed. Check if meals and kayaking are included. Always confirm the total price (some include hotel transfers, some don’t).
When is the best time to go to Ha Long Bay?
Spring (March-May) and fall (Sept-Nov) have pleasant weather and lower humidity. October-December are particularly recommended for clear skies and calm water. Avoid typhoon season (July-September) and very foggy winters (Jan). The bay can be misty and moody in winter (Nov-Dec), which is atmospheric but you might lose the long-distance views.
Can you swim in Ha Long Bay?
Yes, at designated spots (most cruises stop at a small beach). Wear lifejackets if unsure. The water is safe for casual swimming. Always heed crew’s instructions - do not swim far from the boat. Avoid swimming at night or near boat engines.Do I need a visa to visit Ha Long Bay?
Visa policies are for Vietnam itself, not specific locations. If you have visa clearance to enter Vietnam, you can go to Ha Long Bay. Many cruises and agencies will ask for your passport for check-in. This is the official Vietnam government visa portal where you can apply.
Is it safe for solo travelers or kids?
Generally yes as most cruises are family-friendly, and kayaking/swimming is supervised. Solo travelers often join group tours. Women traveling alone should take standard precautions (lock cabins, don’t wander off alone at night on an island).
How to travel onwards to Phong Nha?
Some adventure travelers do visit Phong Nha from Halong bay like me so I have written a guide just for that which is linked here.
Looking for more extreme adventures like the Ha Giang loop? Then we have got a travel guide for that too :)

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