Northern Vietnam
Halong Bay
Thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald water, best seen from a small boat.
About Halong Bay
Islands, Kayaks And Nights On The Water
Halong Bay and its neighbours, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long, form one of the most famous seascapes in the world: nearly two thousand limestone islands and islets, many covered in forest, with caves, hidden lagoons and small sandy beaches. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The main bay can be busy with large cruise boats, so we prefer the quieter waters of Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long, on smaller boats with only a few cabins. Days are spent kayaking through rock arches, swimming from the deck and visiting floating fishing villages where families farm fish and pearls.
A night on board is the best part. When the day boats leave, the bay grows calm, the sunset turns the karsts gold, and early risers can watch the mist lift from the islands with a cup of coffee on deck.
Best time to visit
March to May and September to November, for calm seas and clear views. Summer is hot with occasional storms; winter can be misty and cool.
Getting there
About 2.5 to 3 hours by road from Hanoi on the highway. Boats leave from Halong City, Hai Phong or Cat Ba.
How long to stay
1 or 2 nights on a boat, or 3 to 4 days including Cat Ba Island.
Good for
Scenery, kayaking, relaxing, families and couples.
Highlights
What We Love About Halong Bay
Lan Ha Bay
Quieter than Halong, with clear water, sandy coves and lagoons to explore by kayak.
Bai Tu Long Bay
The bay’s wild north-east, with fewer boats and traditional fishing villages.
Kayaking
Paddle under rock arches and into hidden lagoons only reachable from the water.
Floating villages
Families who live, fish and farm on the water in wooden houses.
Cat Ba Island
Forest trails, Viet Hai village and the view from Navy Peak.
Sunrise on deck
The bay at its most peaceful, before the day boats arrive.
Tours
Halong Bay Tours
Overnight cruises on small boats, plus longer journeys that combine the bays with Cat Ba, Ninh Binh or Pu Luong.
Halong Bay
Pu Luong to Bai Tu Long Bay
A seven day journey through hill tribe villages, limestone rivers and the islands of Bai Tu Long Bay.
Halong Bay
Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Discovery
Sail past limestone karsts, kayak hidden lagoons and sleep aboard a boat for four days.
Halong Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay Overnight Cruise
Sail quiet waters past limestone karsts and a floating fishing village, away from the crowds.
Halong Bay
Lan Ha Bay Cruise and Island Kayaking
A two-day private cruise through Lan Ha Bay's karsts, coves and quiet fishing villages.
Plan Your Trip To Halong Bay
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