Ha Long Bay

Travel Guide

Halong Bay featuring a gorge or canyon, a coastal town and a bay or harbour
Halong Bay showing kayaking or canoeing, a bay or harbour and rocky coastline
Halong Bay which includes rocky coastline, general coastal views and a bay or harbour
Halong Bay featuring a bay or harbour, a sunset and mountains
Halong Bay which includes a ferry, a coastal town and landscape views
Thousands of jagged, green peaks rising out of the emerald waters, surrounded by the colourful sails of traditional boats, give this bay an almost magical appeal.

Halong Bay is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam thanks to its breathtaking natural landscape. Discover the bay from the comfort of a so-called junk, a traditional wooden sailing boat. The bay’s beauty, and its UNESCO heritage listing, is due mainly to the thousands of limestone islands that rise out of the sea.

Halong Bay is located some 150 kilometres (100 miles) east of Hanoi. The wharf of Bai Chay is a 3-hour drive away and the most comfortable way to get there is on an organised tour, with pre-arranged accommodation. You can also take a minibus or train to the bay and try to get a last-minute deal for a boat trip locally.

Follow a guide through illuminated caves or go rock climbing on the islets. The sheer cliffs can reach up to 90 metres (300 foot) high. Go kayaking in the bay by hiring gear from a floating hut. Most tours also include a fisherman’s floating house where you can try some fresh ngan (Vietnamese-style clams) for lunch. Buy fruit and nuts from the hawkers who row past.

Take an overnight cruise to see the more remote islands. Cat Ba and Tuan Chau Island offer adventure sports and man-made beaches. Watch the sunset and see the silver moonlight give the bay an ethereal appearance. Dive in to see the illuminating effects of your movements in the phosphorescent waters.

Back on the mainland, visit the stylish Halong Bay Marina and the nearby Dolphin Club or take a taxi to the Nha Tho Hon Gai Temple.

The best time to visit Halong Bay is between March and October. In winter, dense mist affects visibility, though the eerie effect of this is a sight in itself. When you see the rising mist slowly reveal the shapes in the bay, it’s easy to imagine the towering peaks to be gentle giants in a mythical landscape that is out of this world.

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay

Default Image

Bai Chay

4/5(11 area reviews)

Bai Chay is noteworthy for its seafood restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dragon Park and Ha Long International Cruise Port.

Bai Chay
Halong Bay showing mountains and a bay or harbour

Cat Hai

4.5/5(11 area reviews)

Cat Hai is noteworthy for its seaside views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Cat Ba National Park and Lan Ha Bay.

Cat Hai
Default Image

Hon Gai

4.5/5(5 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the coffee shops and casinos in Hon Gai. You might want to make time for a stop at Halong Bay Marina or Nha Tho Hon Gai Temple.

Hon Gai
Flamingo Resort Cat Ba
Flamingo Resort Cat Ba
5 out of 5
Cat Co 1 Beach, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Hai Phong
The price is €70 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
€70
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hai Phong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Popular attractions Cat Co Beach and Cannon Fort are located ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (91 reviews)
"Breakfast was excellent."

Reviewed on 17 Feb 2025

Flamingo Resort Cat Ba
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
5 out of 5
Reu Island, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
The price is €90 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
€90
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Ha Long. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (436 reviews)
"Very friendly place Mr Who greeted us and was very kind"

Reviewed on 27 Feb 2025

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
FLC Halong Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort
FLC Halong Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort
5 out of 5
Nguyen Van Cu Street, Hong Ha Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
The price is €63 per night from 4 Mar to 5 Mar
€63
includes taxes & fees
4 Mar - 5 Mar
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ha Long. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
8.8/10 Excellent! (160 reviews)
"I had great experience with property and their staff. They were very polite and helpful"

Reviewed on 29 Dec 2024

FLC Halong Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oakwood Ha Long
Oakwood Ha Long
3.5 out of 5
Number 9, Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly villa in Ha Long. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Halong Bay Marina and Sun Square ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (13 reviews)
"Very impressed with this facility, the cleanliness, and very helpful staff."

Reviewed on 23 Feb 2025

Oakwood Ha Long
Luxe Rental Apartments - Residence A La Carte
Luxe Rental Apartments - Residence A La Carte
4.5 out of 5
Lot h30-h33 Peninsula 2, Hung Thang, Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province
Stay at this 4.5-star luxury aparthotel in Ha Long. Enjoy free WiFi, a beach locale, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Halong Bay Marina and Ha ...
9/10 Wonderful! (2 reviews)
Super appartement luxueux
"Super appartement luxueux très bien placé avec tout le confort pour un excellent rapport qualité prix. En revanche, la procédure d’arrivée serait peut être à revoir car c’est un particulier qui vient vous chercher en bas de l’immeuble : nous avons dû demander à quelqu’un de contacter la personne ..."

Reviewed on 21 Apr 2024

Luxe Rental Apartments - Residence A La Carte
The Yen Residences Halong
The Yen Residences Halong
4 out of 5
E362 Sun Plaza Grand World, Bãi Cháy, Ha Long
Stay at this 4-star aparthotel in Ha Long. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Ha Long International Cruise Port and ...
8.6/10 Excellent! (9 reviews)
"Absolutely the most comfortable bed I’ve stayed in my whole trip!"

Reviewed on 16 Feb 2025

The Yen Residences Halong
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

Popular places to visit

Things to do