Ha Long Tours

Why visit Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay's karst islands were shaped over millions of years, and their steep, forested sides and hollow caves are the image most people have of northern Vietnam. In 2023 UNESCO extended the listing to include the neighbouring Cat Ba archipelago, under the name Ha Long Bay–Cat Ba Archipelago. A cruise lets you watch the light change across the islands, from soft morning mist to sunset, and an overnight trip gives you time to explore beyond the busy areas near the harbour.

Top things to do in Ha Long Bay

• Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave: one of the largest caves in the bay, with wide chambers of stalactites reached by a short climb from the pier.
• Ti Top Island: a climb of a few hundred steps to a viewpoint over the bay, with a small beach for swimming below.
• Kayaking around lagoons and rock arches such as Luon Cave, where you paddle through a low tunnel into an enclosed lagoon.
• Bamboo boat rides: some routes stop at a fishing village area, where local rowers take you past floating fish farms.
• Life on board: many overnight cruises offer sunrise tai chi on the sundeck and a spring roll cooking class.

Best time to visit

Spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) bring mild temperatures and generally calm seas. June to August is hot and good for swimming, but storm season runs mainly from July to September, and cruises can be rescheduled at short notice when the authorities close the bay to boats. December to February is cool, with daytime temperatures often in the mid-teens Celsius and frequent mist, which softens the views but makes swimming less appealing.

Getting there

Ha Long is about 2.5 hours from Hanoi by road on the Hanoi–Hai Phong–Ha Long expressway. Most cruises leave from Tuan Chau Harbour or the international cruise port at Bai Chay, and boarding is usually around midday. Day trips leave Hanoi in the morning and return in the evening, which makes for a long day, so many travellers prefer at least one night on the water.