Looking to set sail to the water of Halong Bay for the first time? I’ve got you covered!
The wonders of Halong Bay have been recognized as a World Heritage Site. It’s famous for its towering rocky hills, pristine beaches, mysterious caves, and peaceful villages where fishermen earn their living.
One unique thing about Halong Bay is the stunning caves scattered across the islands. Once inside, these caves are breathtaking and have beautiful lighting. During my day cruise, I enjoyed delicious seafood served right to my table before hopping on a sampan that headed to the dark, mystical caves. The whole experience felt like a fancy dining adventure on the water.
And you’re about to feel the same way!
In this article, I’ll give you a heads-up on the best caves to visit in Halong Bay, the best way to get there from Hanoi, as well as a handy guide to choosing the best cruise.
More on that below!
Read More: An Insider’s Guide to 10 Coolest Things to Do in Hanoi
The Best Time To Visit Halong Bay
Influenced by the coastal climate, Halong Bay boasts a clear contrast between summer and winter. The average temperature hovers between 17°C and 24°C, turning autumn into the best time to visit Halong Bay. That is between September and November when the air is crisp and the water is not cold.
Winter to early spring is another great time to hit the beach in Halong. Despite the chilly days, foggy skies are less common.
How To Choose The Best Halong Bay Cruise?
Choosing the best Halong Bay Cruise is not an easy task. You’ve got to weigh in different factors such as duration, prices, and itineraries.
Simply put, here are the three most popular Halong Bay cruise options:
(Budget) Halong Bay Day Trip From Hanoi: this is the best call if you’re short on time.
Price-wise, it’s cheaper than other overnight cruises as it doesn’t include fancy five-star cabins, luxury meals, or a large staff to function a string of activities. A tour like this may include pick-up and drop-off in Hanoi or Halong.
If you’re looking at a day tour to Halong from Hanoi, keep in mind that the round trip may take up to 12 hours, with the base rate starting around USD 45 per person (group tour).
(Deluxe) Halong Bay Two/Three-Day Tour From Hanoi: Take it easy and opt for an all-inclusive package without feeling hurried. An overnight Halong Bay Cruise ticks all the boxes with a cooking class, night fishing trip, morning yoga/Tai Chi on the deck, kayaking, cave visits, and four meals for each guest.
Halong Bay Deluxe Cruise is also the most popular call. If you’re looking for the best cruise to sign up for, consider spending a night on Amanda Cruise! I’ll dig into my sample itinerary later in the article.
(Luxury) High-End Overnight Cruise: This all-in-one package ticks all the boxes to curate your lavish stay. Think five-star voyages featuring Michelin-starred chefs, pools on decks, mini golf courses, and many more.
The differences boil down to what you get on the boat, what’s in your room, and the quality of the food and service, which, of course, affects the cost. For that reason, choosing the right type of cruise is really about your budget.
Keep in mind the saying “you get what you pay for” – it holds here. If you’re watching your pennies, a budget or three-star cruise is a good choice. You still get a nice cabin with everything you need.
However, if you’re up for spending a bit more, a deluxe or luxury cruise is worth considering. It’s a chance to treat yourself and have an unforgettable adventure out on the open sea.
Traveling with Amanda Cruise, you’ll have a chance to explore Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, and Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave.
At an extra amount from USD 5 to 10, they’ll arrange a private pick-up at your hotel in Hanoi to Halong Bay.
All confirmation details will be arranged via WhatsApp by the tour guide – before, during, and after the tour.
Once you step off the bus, just follow the driver’s instructions and head over to the counter on the other side to check in. They’ll give you a sticker for getting on the cruise ship, and you can relax in the waiting area. They sell snacks and drinks there if you fancy a bite. If you’re worried about getting hungry on the cruise, you might want to grab some snacks before you board.
The folks at the counter will then assist you in moving your bags to where the cruise company keeps your luggage. Easy peasy!
Amanda Cruise boasts eight room types, ranging from Deluxe Cabin to Senior Suite. Fully equipped with large windows, the cabin is flooded with sunlight and a fabulous view when the air is crisp.
Steeped in a modern Asian design, the cabin is heavily influenced by wooden finishes balanced out by straight-up white walls.
How To Travel To Halong Bay From Hanoi?
Looking to visit Halong Bay by yourself? I’ve got your back!
With a big budget, opt for a limousine starting from 180,000 to 200,000 per person.
Kumho Viet Thanh leaves for Cam Pha Bus Station. The earliest bus is 5:00 and the last bus is 18:30.
Ha Vy Limousine arrives in Quang Ninh. The earliest bus is 5:30 and the last one is 17:00.
Meanwhile, regular buses start at around VND 150,000 per person. These buses can be found at My Dinh, a big and modern bus station on the outskirts of Hanoi. These buses are bound for Bai Chay City in Quảng Ninh Province where Halong Bay is located. It takes around three hours to reach Halong from Hanoi.
Alternatively, you can fly directly into Van Don Airport from Ho Chi Minh City or Da Nang. From there, local buses fetch you directly to the city core.
Best Places To Visit In Halong Bay
In Halong Bay, there’s a hidden world of caves waiting to be discovered (60 of them to be exact). Nestled beneath the limestone islands, these caves vary in size and allure. Some are grand, flooded with light, and adorned with lush greenery.
Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
One of the most talked-about things to do in Halong Bay is pop a visit to Sung Sot Save. As the name suggests, this is Halong Bay’s superstar cave. A short trek leads to its entrance so get your comfortable shoes!
Once you’ve landed in, the natural wonders start to unfold. Get ready to be blown away by the mesmerizing stalactites and stalagmites filling up the cave’s two chambers. A narrow passage then opens into the massive second chamber, bathed in natural light, spacious enough for a multitude.
Luon (Tunnel) Cave
Kayaking into a cave, why not?
When the tide is out, Luon Cave reveals a mystical tunnel that’s only accessible by bamboo boat or kayak. The limited ceiling height demands extra attention when you paddle through this arc-shaped cave with stone pillars and diverse plants.
Ti Top Island
A panoramic gem, Ti Top Island captivates with its steep, inclined slopes. Famous for its Insta-worthy moon-shaped beach, Ti Top Island is adorned with smooth white sand that showcases crystal-clear blue waters year-round.
Satisfying even the most demanding travelers, Ti Top Island is a perfect call for both relaxation and adventure. There’s a pristine beach to soak up the sunny sky or get on a hiking trail that leads to a panoramic view of the entire Bay.
While the beach might get a bit crowded on weekends, a 20-minute hike to the top rewards you with breathtaking scenery.
Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?
As a UNESCO World Heritage, Halong Bay is usually packed with travelers year-round. Boasting a one-of-a-kind limestone wonder that’s barely seen elsewhere, Halong Bay is well worth a stop if you ever make your way to the northern part of Vietnam.
The real deal that makes or breaks your trip to Halong is which travel agency you’re traveling with and how much time you wanna spend there. To make the most of your stay, spend at least two nights on the water! Take it slow and let the natural beauty blow you away.
Looking for more amazing beach destinations in Vietnam? Head over to Phu Quoc Island in the south of Vietnam and rock the tropical island in your own way!