HaLong Bay is a stunning natural beauty in northern Vietnam, close to the Chinese border. The bay is about 1,500 square kilometers in size and is studded with 1,600 limestone islands and islets. In 1994, UNESCO designated this remarkable region as a World Heritage Site. This location seems like something out of a movie to many travelers. The reality is that Halong Bay is home to a diverse spectrum of species, and the bizarre beauty has been portrayed in a plethora of films.
Best time to travel to HaLong Bay

When is the greatest time to visit HaLong Bay depends entirely on your personal notion of a perfect vacation. If you are most worried about the weather, the months of September through November and March through May are perfect for a vacation to Halong Bay.
You’ll Love HaLong bay If…
There are several tiny islands packed around HaLong bay, with high cliffs perfect for adventure-seeking climbers and lovely sandy beaches, as well as a plethora of intriguing activities like kayaking and helicopter excursions. Less daring souls might just relax on beautiful cruise ships with big sails. The allure of Halong Bay is based on its adventure, natural beauty, and opulent lodgings. It is safe to say you’ll love HaLong Bay if water is your element. Whether you enjoy adventure sports or not, this destination has something in store for everyone.
How to get to HaLong Bay?
The best method to get to HaLong bay from Hanoi, which is only 170 kilometers away, is by car, minivan, or bus. If money isn’t an issue, an hour-long helicopter transport that offers the best view is also an option.
Where should you head to?
It is believed that the best way to discover and appreciate this global natural wonder is to board a boat and cruise to the farthest reaches, where there are secret lagoons, unexplored beaches, and fascinating grottoes found nowhere else on the planet. Some places your trip to HaLong Bay is incomplete without are:
The Cat Ba Island
An island around an ancient fisherman’s post; the largest island in this part of Vietnam. Rent a bicycle here and ride to explore.
Me Cung Cave, or the Bewitching Grotto
The perfect place to take innumerable pictures and discover fossils.
Hang Trinh Hu, or the Virgin Cave
A legendary cave where, as the myth goes, a woman committed suicide and her body turned to stone. A shrine in the cave commemorates the legend.
The Cat Ba National Park
A national park that has over 30 kinds of mammals, some of them the most endangered species in the world. A sweaty hike will take you there, but it’d be worth it all. .
The Cannon Fort
The fort offers a vantage point of view of the Cat Ba island.
The Hospital Cave
A cave used as a secret hospital during the Vietnamese war.
You shouldn’t miss
Kayaking
Kayaking over Ha Long’s lesser peaks, through arches and caverns, and across glassy pure water is a beautiful experience. The majority of the bay is off-limits, but you may kayak through the floating towns, via Luon cave, and around the rocky islands of Cong Do, which are studded with secret lagoons and surrounded by beaches and coral gardens.
Halong Carnival
Halong Carnival is one of the most well-known events in Halong Bay and, more broadly, in Quang Ninh Province. This festival has hosted some of the most exciting acts in Vietnam in recent years, and it has become one of the reasons that international visitors keep returning to Halong Bay. The Halong Carnaval is generally held in late April or early May. At this time, tourists may enjoy the magnificent landscape and participate in the carnival without worrying about crowds.
Shopping at the Cat Ba island market
Staying at the Cat Ba island? You cannot miss visiting the local markets and shopping for authentic Vietnamese fruits and veggies.
Sleeping on a boat
Your trip to HaLong Bay is incomplete without this experience. Watch the night sky and fall asleep to the lull of waters.
Look out for
Discounted cruise tours
Group adventure sports
Bach Dang destival
Tra Co festival
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