Ha Long Bay

Travel Guide

Halong Bay showing a coastal town, a gorge or canyon and rocky coastline
Halong Bay featuring rugged coastline, kayaking or canoeing and a bay or harbor
Halong Bay featuring rugged coastline, general coastal views and a gorge or canyon
Halong Bay which includes landscape views, mountains and a bay or harbor
Halong Bay showing a coastal town, a ferry and landscape views
Thousands of jagged, green peaks rising out of the emerald waters, surrounded by the colourful sails of traditional boats, give this bay an almost magical appeal.

Halong Bay is one of the most famous tourist attractions in Vietnam thanks to its breathtaking natural landscape. Discover the bay from the comfort of a so-called junk, a traditional wooden sailing boat. The bay’s beauty, and its UNESCO heritage listing, is due mainly to the thousands of limestone islands that rise out of the sea.

Halong Bay is located some 150 kilometres (100 miles) east of Hanoi. The wharf of Bai Chay is a 3-hour drive away and the most comfortable way to get there is on an organised tour, with pre-arranged accommodation. You can also take a minibus or train to the bay and try to get a last-minute deal for a boat trip locally.

Follow a guide through illuminated caves or go rock climbing on the islets. The sheer cliffs can reach up to 90 metres (300 foot) high. Go kayaking in the bay by hiring gear from a floating hut. Most tours also include a fisherman’s floating house where you can try some fresh ngan (Vietnamese-style clams) for lunch. Buy fruit and nuts from the hawkers who row past.

Take an overnight cruise to see the more remote islands. Cat Ba and Tuan Chau Island offer adventure sports and man-made beaches. Watch the sunset and see the silver moonlight give the bay an ethereal appearance. Dive in to see the illuminating effects of your movements in the phosphorescent waters.

Back on the mainland, visit the stylish Halong Bay Marina and the nearby Dolphin Club or take a taxi to the Nha Tho Hon Gai Temple.

The best time to visit Halong Bay is between March and October. In winter, dense mist affects visibility, though the eerie effect of this is a sight in itself. When you see the rising mist slowly reveal the shapes in the bay, it’s easy to imagine the towering peaks to be gentle giants in a mythical landscape that is out of this world.

Where to stay in Ha Long Bay

Halong Bay, Vietnam

Bai Chay

4/5(47 area reviews)

Bai Chay is noteworthy for its seafood restaurants, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Dragon Park and Ha Long International Cruise Port.

Bai Chay
Halong Bay featuring a bay or harbor and mountains

Cat Hai

4.5/5(33 area reviews)

Cat Hai is noteworthy for its seaside views, and you can make a stop at top attractions like Tung Thu Beach and Cat Ba National Park.

Cat Hai
Default Image

Hon Gai

4.5/5(12 area reviews)

You'll enjoy the coffeehouses and casinos in Hon Gai. You might want to make time for a stop at Halong Bay Marina or Nha Tho Hon Gai Temple.

Hon Gai
Flamingo Resort Cat Ba

Flamingo Resort Cat Ba

5 out of 5
Cat Co 1 Beach, Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Hai Phong
The price is ¥14,455 per night from Aug 6 to Aug 7
¥14,455
¥16,494 total
Aug 6 - Aug 7
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Hai Phong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and 2 indoor pools. Popular attractions Cat Co Beach and Cannon Fort are located ...
8.4/10 Very Good! (136 reviews)
Stay in Cat Ba
"Hotel room was up to all my expectations and good choice for breakfast. Unfortunately due to storm the week before some pools were closed and the beach was full of rubbish which staff didn't seem to be making an effort to clean up in any hurry. Distance from Cat Ba town was easy"

Reviewed on Jul 28, 2025

Flamingo Resort Cat Ba
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long

5 out of 5
Reu Island, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
The price is ¥13,615 per night from Aug 4 to Aug 5
¥13,615
¥15,761 total
Aug 4 - Aug 5
includes taxes & fees
Stay at this 5-star luxury resort in Ha Long. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and a full-service spa. Our guests praise the helpful staff in our reviews. Popular ...
9/10 Wonderful! (474 reviews)
"Beautiful resort on a small island with well taken care gardens, beach and swimming pools. The breakfast buffet was impressive with so many options available. Most of the service staff are lovely and so helpful, especially staff in the bars/restaurants and the staff managing luggages to and from ..."

Reviewed on Jul 1, 2025

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long
THE WATSON PREMIUM HALONG HOTEL

THE WATSON PREMIUM HALONG HOTEL

5 out of 5
Lot 9, Hung Thang Area, Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh Province
Stay at this 5-star luxury hotel in Ha Long. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free valet parking. Our guests praise the pool and the helpful staff in our ...
9.4/10 Exceptional! (165 reviews)
5-Star
"The hotel lived up to its 5-Star status. All your staff were friendly and helpful. We will definitely come again. Thank you."

Reviewed on Jul 21, 2025

THE WATSON PREMIUM HALONG HOTEL
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.
Oakwood Ha Long

Oakwood Ha Long

3.5 out of 5
Number 9, Ha Long Street, Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Stay at this 3.5-star family-friendly villa in Ha Long. Enjoy free breakfast, free WiFi, and free parking. Popular attractions Halong Bay Marina and Sun Square ...
9.8/10 Exceptional! (14 reviews)
A great stay with some improvements to make
"Good: 1. The entire area was beautiful, well maintained. 2. Facilities like the pool and gym were excellent. 3. Staff were very friendly. 4. Villa was fantastic, so spacious. Could improve: 1. Cleanliness of the villa. Not a huge issue but the sofa had some stains and there were used cigarettes on ..."

Reviewed on Jul 10, 2025

Oakwood Ha Long
Nam Dat Hotel by D'Lecia Ha Long

Nam Dat Hotel by D'Lecia Ha Long

3.5 out of 5
8 Doan Thi Diem, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
Stay at this 3.5-star aparthotel in Ha Long. Enjoy free WiFi, breakfast (surcharge), and a 24-hour front desk. Popular attractions Halong Bay Marina and Long ...
"Was a great experience and friendly front desk staff"

Reviewed on May 4, 2025

Nam Dat Hotel by D'Lecia Ha Long
Cat Ba Maison Villa

Cat Ba Maison Villa

3.5 out of 5
211 Ben Beo , Cat Ba , Cat Hai, Hai Phong, Hai Phong
Stay at this 3.5-star villa in Hai Phong. Enjoy free WiFi, free parking, and breakfast (surcharge). Popular attractions Cat Ba National Park and Cannon Fort ...
Cat Ba Maison Villa
Lowest nightly price found within the past 24 hours based on a 1 night stay for 2 adults. Prices and availability subject to change. Additional terms may apply.

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