Halong Bay- One of Vietnam’s Top Destinations

Halong Bay is undoubtedly one of the most scenic places in Vietnam. The imposing limestone karsts jutting out of the pristine emerald water and the secluded beaches make this bay a must-stop in your Vietnam tour.

Visit the stunning Halong Bay

Let's take a look at how to reach, what to do, and the best time to visit Halong Bay.

How to reach

To reach Halong Bay, you can either take a bus, car, airplane or if you want to splurge a bit, a seaplane.

By bus

The bus is one of the cheapest and easiest methods of getting to Halong Bay. You can book a bus from Hanoi and make your way to Halong Bay in under 3 hours. You can also take a bus from any of the major cities in Vietnam but it is recommended to go to Halong Bay from Hanoi since it offers the shortest traveling time.

By car

Another way to reach Halong Bay is by renting a car and driving yourself to the bay. This is a popular method if you want to take your time and see different sights during your journey. If you don’t have a driving license and are worried about driving around in a foreign country, you can also book a taxi with a driver. 

By airplane

Taking a flight to reach Halong Bay is a great idea, especially if you are not anywhere near Hanoi. Book a flight ticket to the closest airport to Halong Bay, Van Don International Airport in Quan Bing which is located 50 km away from Halong. From the airport, there are free buses that take you to Halong Bay. 

By seaplane

If you like making grand entrances, a seaplane is a great choice. It is more expensive than any of the other transportation methods mentioned above, but it is worth it when you see the stunning bay for the first time from your seat miles above the sea. 

You can check out this blog on Vietnam trip expenses so that you can plan your budget accordingly. 

Best time to visit

The best time to visit Halong is during the months of October to November when the weather is pleasant with little chance of rain. But this period is also the most crowded time of the year. 

If you want to avoid crowds, you can also visit Halong Bay during the months of May to September during the off-season. Expect to see rainfall but fewer crowds.

What to do

Halong Bay cruise

The best thing to do in Halong Bay is to go on a cruise along the bay. Witness the stunning limestone karsts amidst the pristine emerald sea on specially made boats known as junk boats. You can choose to go on a one-day cruise or, even better yet, a multi-day cruise around the bay.

Island hopping

The bay is home to over 2000 small islands which are all accessible by boat. With so many islands to choose from, you can spend an entire afternoon on a small island in peace without being interrupted. 

Outdoor sports

Halong Bay is home to a variety of beautiful corals and colorful marine life making it the perfect place for outdoor activities like snorkeling, fishing, kayaking, and more. You can also go hiking across some of the more mountainous islands on the bay.

Explore caves

All around the bay are multiple caves which you can explore. The most famous of which is the Sung Sot or Surprise Cave with its stunning stalagmites and stalactites. There is also Thien Cung or Heaven Cave and the fascinating Dau Go or Wooden Stakes Cave.

Now that you know about what to do and how to get to Halong Bay, you can start planning your trip to one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Check out BDATrip and apply for a Vietnam visa.