Travel Guide to Halong Bay
Halong Bay
Weather
Halong Bay features a tropical climate with hot and humid conditions, divided into two main seasons in the northern region.
The winter season lasts from November to March the following year, with average temperatures ranging from 15 to 20 degrees Celsius and dropping below 10 degrees Celsius at times.
Summer spans from May to September, with average temperatures ranging from 25 to 29 degrees Celsius, reaching peaks of 37-38 degrees Celsius. Additionally, there are two transitional seasons, spring (April) and autumn (October).
#### Transportation
Upon arrival in Halong, after exploring the city's culinary delights and attractions, travelers can choose suitable means to tour the bay. If pre-booked with a cruise company or tour, detailed instructions will be provided.
Otherwise, for individual ticket purchases, consider visiting the two main ports: Tuan Chau International Passenger Port (12 km from downtown Halong City) and Halong International Passenger Port in the city center, although with fewer vessels compared to Tuan Chau Port.
### Sightseeing Options
#### Boat Tours
This service transports passengers from Halong City's ports to various islands and scenic spots along designated routes. There are various types of boats available, from budget to luxury options. Passengers can opt for group tours or charter private boats according to their preferences and selected routes. Ticket prices may increase during peak weekends or festivals but usually not exceeding 30%.
#### Overnight Cruises
This service, provided by private enterprises, offers accommodation on boats meeting tourism standards, ranging from 1 to 40 cabins.
Travelers can either share accommodations or rent an entire boat. Each boat features cabins, bars, restaurants, spas, and offers various activities such as swimming, kayaking, visiting fishing villages, squid fishing, karaoke, and morning tai chi sessions. Overnight stays typically last for 1 or 2 nights, with prices ranging from approximately 2 million to 4 million VND per person per night.
#### Aerial Views
In addition to boat cruises, visitors can admire Halong Bay from above by taking helicopter or seaplane tours. However, helicopter services have been suspended since April, with no announced resumption date. Seaplane services offer unique panoramic views of the bay's beauty.
Tours usually cover Tuần Châu Island, Rều Island, Hang Đinh Islet, Bà Hai Islet, Bụt Mọc Islet, Tai Voi Islet, Sửng Sốt Cave, Ti Top Island, Đỉnh Hương Islet, and Thiên Cung Cave, with prices starting from 1.6 million VND for Vietnamese tourists and 2 million VND for international tourists for a 25-minute flight. Alternatively, charter flights or scenic flights from Hanoi to Tuần Châu are available starting from 9 million VND.
#### Other Sightseeing Services
Other sightseeing options in Halong Bay include high-speed boat rides, experiencing the life of a fisherman, bamboo boat rides, kayaking, and rowing boats.
### Ticketing Information
Given the vast expanse of Halong Bay, it's nearly impossible to visit all attractions in just a few hours. Therefore, the bay management organizes tours along specific routes, each with its own theme and corresponding ticket types. There are five routes, each with its own ticket priced per person and per route:
Day Tours (from 6:30 AM to 6:30 PM)
- Route 1: Port - Van Canh Park: Thien Cung, Dau Go, Dog Rock Islet, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, Cock and Hen Islet - Fighting Cocks. Ticket price: 290,000 VND.
- Route 2: Port - Cave Park: Soi Sim Beach, Titov Beach, Sung Sot Cave, Maze Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Tien Cave Lake. Ticket price: 290,000 VND.
- Route 3: Port - Marine Cultural Conservation Center: Cua Van Floating Cultural Center, Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake, Ba Men Temple, and Ang Du. Ticket price: 240,000 VND.
- Route 4: Port - Marine Entertainment Center: Co Cave, Thay Cave, Cong Do, Cap La Cave, Vong Vieng Islet, Tung Ang Eco Park - Cong Do, and Hon Xep Park. Ticket price: 240,000 VND.
- Route 5: Port - Gia Luan Pier (Cat Ba - Hai Phong): Thien Cung, Dau Go, Da Dog Island, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Island, Trong Mai-Ga Choi Island. Ticket price: 290,000 VND.
Overnight Stays on the Bay (maximum stay of 24 hours for one night; maximum stay of 48 hours from departure)
- Route 2 with one or two nights' stay. Ticket price: 590,000 VND and 790,000 VND.
- Route 3 with one or two nights' stay. Ticket price: 540,000 VND and 690,000 VND.
- Route 4 with one or two nights' stay. Ticket price: 540,000 VND and 690,000 VND.
* Overnight tour fees are subject to additional charges included in the overnight cruise service fees.
### Attractions
- Titov Island: An essential stop on any Halong Bay itinerary, featuring a 170-meter peak for panoramic views, along with a 500-square-meter beach area offering various recreational activities.
- Sửng Sốt Cave: The largest cave in Halong Bay with significant geological value, boasting unique limestone formations.
- Luồn Cave: Located on Bo Hon Island, this cave resembles a tunnel with a submerged floor. Visitors can explore the cave via bamboo boat or kayak.
- Trống Cave: Spread across approximately 300 square meters, this cave belongs to the Soi Nhu Culture and boasts ancient geological formations dating back 18,000 to 7,000 years.
- Hòn Trống Mái: Comprising two small islands, this site is famous for resembling a pair of roosters facing each other affectionately, symbolizing everlasting love.
### Precautions
- During winter, strong and cold sea winds prevail in Halong Bay, so it's advisable to carry warm clothing.
- When kayaking, swimming, or embarking on high-speed boat rides, wear appropriate gear, including swimsuits, hats, and sun protection. Life jackets are essential for safety.
- When purchasing tickets for bay tours, ensure to buy from authorized vendors and arrive at the pier on time.
Tâm Anh
According to the Halong Bay Management Board, Department of Information and Communication of Quang Ninh Province
Luxury Travel Made Effortless: Introducing Hanoi to Halong Bay Limousine Van Rental
Embark on a journey of unparalleled comfort and convenience with our exclusive limousine van rental service from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Experience the epitome of luxury as you traverse the scenic route between these iconic destinations. Say goodbye to the hassle of public transportation and embrace the opulence of private travel tailored to your preferences.
Comments