Travel Guide to Ha Long Bay in 2024

Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is a famous tourist destination located on the West coast of the Gulf of Tonkin in the North East of Vietnam. Located around 165 kilometers from the capital of Hanoi, it is part of Quang Ninh province and covers 1,553 square kilometers. With thousands of magnificent islands and many nearby attractions, the bay is a favorite destination of many tourists.

Being one of the top 7 natural wonders of the world recognized by UNESCO, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam is surely the dream destination of every traveler around the world. If you and your family are planning to travel to Quang Ninh and especially want to explore Ha Long Bay, this article will be extremely useful for your trip.

1. When is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?

The weather in Ha Long varies monthly, with unique characteristics associated with each season. This is the reason you ought to thoroughly examine the weather forecast before departing on your journey. You have the following window of time to pick from when visiting Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay:

From April to June: This is the ideal time for you to get away from the hustle and bustle of daily life through your Ha Long tour. At this time, the weather is warm and mostly sunny. Therefore, it is extremely suitable for sightseeing or soaking in the sunlight with your family and friends at some beautiful beaches.

From June to August: This is the peak season, so many families are traveling to this city with their children for their summer vacation. As a result, the number of tourists increases and so do the prices of rooms and services. Therefore, you should make a specific plan to have a cost-effective trip.

From late November to Tet Holiday: At this time, Ha Long Bay in Vietnam usually welcomes a large number of foreign tourists. Compared to the peak season, it is relatively less crowded, so you can have more private space to experience Ha Long tourism in the best way.

2. How to get to Ha Long Bay?

If you come from a faraway destination, the airway is the fastest and most convenient way to get to Ha Long Bay. There are three airports to access Ha Long which are Van Don (Quang Ninh), Cat Bi (Hai Phong), and Noi Bai (Hanoi). Van Don and Cat Bi are just 1 – 1.5 hours from the airport to the cruise port while Noi Bai is around 2.5 hours away (Take note: Van Don has few flights so you have to check the information about this)

When you arrive at one of those airports, you can easily travel from that location to Ha Long using the following methods:

2.1. By motorbike

From Hanoi and some Northern provinces, you can go to Bac Ninh by motorbike via Highway 18. Then, make your way to Pha Lai Ward, Chi Linh District, Hai Duong Province. After going to Dong Trieu Town, the western gateway of Quang Ninh Province, and continuing past Uong Bi City, you will arrive in Ha Long City.

With this route, it will take you about 4 – 5 hours to travel. For those who like going backpacking, this will be a great experience. However, you should be aware of the dangers by maintaining an appropriate speed, wearing a helmet with glasses, and wearing long-sleeved clothing during the journey.

2.2. By car

Traveling by car is a time-saving way for your Ha Long trip in Vietnam. From the center of Hanoi or Hai Phong, you need to follow the directions on the Hanoi or Hai Phong – Halong Highway to reach Halong City quickly and safely. In comparison to traveling by motorbike, it offers shorter travel time which is only about 2 – 2.5 hours.

2.3. By public transport

In addition to private vehicles, you can also use public transport such as taxis, coaches, or buses to get to Ha Long. If you are departing from the Southern provinces, you can take a plane that lands at Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong or Van Don Airport in Quang Ninh. From these airports, it is very convenient for you to visit Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and explore its beauty.

2.4. By Fantastic Way to Experience – Seaplane

The most wonderful way is using a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

Using a seaplane is the most luxurious way to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay. Hai Au Aviation is the only seaplane provider in Vietnam offering a 45-minute scheduled flight from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and an additional 15 minutes for sightseeing.

The seaplane departs from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina, the gateway to Halong Bay day and overnight cruises. It can reach a height of 3,000 meters, but it gives you the best view of the bay at a height of 300 meters.

Each seaplane has spacious windows, which help you to see the beautiful landscape below, including 1,600 islands and islets scattered beside the Gulf of Tonkin, along with beaches, lagoons, and towering sea cliffs. It has a capacity of 12 passengers who are each allowed 7 kg of luggage.

3. Top 5 attractive tourist destinations in Ha Long City

Here is more information about Vietnam’s Ha Long Bay and some well-known spots in Ha Long City you should know:

3.1. Ha Long Bay 

Ha Long Bay boasts thousands of large and small islands, several unique caves, and majestic, lyrical natural beauty. Numerous people visit it annually to take in the amazing tourist sites here, including Dragon Eye Island, Ti Top Island, Con Coc Island, Ngoc Vung Island, and Sung Sot Cave.

3.2. Quang Ninh Museum

The Quang Ninh Museum considered a miniature model of the province, is a source of great pride for the people of Ha Long. Not only does it boast unique architecture, but it also houses a wealth of important cultural information. If you’re planning a trip to Ha Long City, be sure to add this destination to your checklist!

3.3. Cua Van Fishing Village

One of the most popular tourist spots in Ha Long is Cua Van Fishing Village, a must-visit destination. Here, you can unwind in a serene setting surrounded by picturesque natural vistas. Immerse yourself in local culture by learning about and participating in the activities of the local fishermen.

3.4. Bai Tho Mountain

Bai Tho Mountain is a popular destination for adventure seekers in Ha Long. Located near the sea in the heart of Ha Long City, this mountain rises over 200 meters high. It’s considered a natural masterpiece gifted to Quang Ninh Province, offering breathtaking views of the entire Ha Long Bay landscape.

3.5. Bai Chay Beach

Bai Chay is an artificial beach stretching up to 1,000 meters long and over 100 meters wide. It is renowned as Ha Long’s largest beach with crystal-clear blue waters and pristine white sandy shores. A straight row of trees adds to its charm, offering a picturesque backdrop perfect for capturing stunning photographs.

Conclusion: A Journey to Remember

Ha Long is an excellent choice for your upcoming holiday with your loved ones. The above information about Ha Long Bay in Vietnam and Ha Long City in general should help ensure you have a memorable and enjoyable trip. Be sure to take note of some useful tips before departing for this wonderful destination.