Vietnam • UNESCO Seascape

Halong Bay Travel Guide

Limestone islands, quiet coves and emerald water — usually experienced on an overnight cruise with gentle sightseeing and time to simply watch the scenery.

See top things to do Best time to visit

Use this guide to decide how many nights to cruise, which style of boat suits you, and how Halong Bay fits into a wider Vietnam route.

About Halong Bay

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous landscapes — thousands of limestone karsts rising from calm water. Most travellers experience it on a cruise, where the pace is slower and the views are constant.

Iconic UNESCO seascape

Dramatic karst formations, caves and island viewpoints spread across a wide protected bay.

Cruise-based experience

Overnight boats act as your floating hotel, with cabins, meals and guided activities included.

Easy to combine with Hanoi

Most routes start from Hanoi, making it a straightforward add-on to northern Vietnam itineraries.

Who Is Halong Bay Perfect For?

Halong Bay suits travellers who enjoy scenery, a slower pace and the idea of unpacking once on a comfortable boat.

Couples

Sunset decks, private cabins and a naturally romantic setting — popular for special trips and anniversaries.

Nature lovers

Karst cliffs, caves, bays and quiet coves, with chances to kayak, swim and explore island viewpoints.

Families & small groups

Easy-going activities, short walks and memorable scenery that works well for a mix of ages.

Top Things to Do in Halong Bay

Most activities are built into cruise itineraries — the key choice is route and pace.

Overnight cruising

Staying overnight lets you see Halong Bay in quieter moments, with softer light and fewer day boats.

Common options: 2D/1N or 3D/2N
Private cabin accommodation
Meals served onboard
Guided stops and excursions

Explore limestone caves

Walk through large caverns with intricate rock formations and viewpoints over the bay.

Spacious show caves
Short, manageable walks
Viewing platforms
Good photography angles

Kayak in quiet lagoons

Gentle paddling between karsts and into more sheltered areas gives a different perspective on the bay.

Calm kayaking routes
Guided options available
Hidden coves & lagoons
Suitable for beginners

Visit floating communities

Some routes include visits to floating villages to see local life on the water.

Rowing boat experiences
Insights into fishing culture
Floating houses & schools
Short, guided visits

Island viewpoints & beaches

Climb to simple viewpoints for panoramic bay views, then relax on small beaches.

Panoramic lookouts
Short uphill walks
Swimming stops
Good photo stops

Sunrise & sunset on deck

Some of the most memorable moments are simply watching the light change across the water.

Sunset views from the deck
Early-morning calm
Optional Tai Chi (on some boats)
Best conditions for photography

Where to Stay for Halong Bay

For most visitors, the ‘accommodation’ is the cruise itself. You can also stay on land nearby if you prefer hotel-style stays.

Higher-comfort cruises

Boats with more spacious cabins, strong food, and often quieter or more curated routes.

Larger or balcony cabins
More refined dining
Additional onboard facilities (varies)
Thoughtfully paced itineraries

Standard mid-range cruises

A good balance of comfort and inclusions — the most common choice for many travellers.

Comfortable private cabins
Meals included
Core excursions covered
Reliable overall experience

Simpler, budget-friendly cruises

Essential comfort with the same core scenery, ideal if you’re prioritising budget.

Basic but clean cabins
Set menus included
Key activities still included
Good for cost-conscious trips

Land-based stays around the bay

Staying on land (such as Cat Ba Island) works if you prefer hotels and day cruises instead of sleeping onboard.

Hotel or resort stays
Day cruise options
More flexibility in plans
Suitable for longer stays

Best Time to Visit Halong Bay

Halong Bay can be visited year-round, but some months are clearer and more comfortable for cruising.

Quick seasonal guide

March–May: Often the best mix of clear skies, comfortable temperatures and calm conditions
October–November: Generally good visibility and pleasant cruising weather
June–September: Hotter, more humid, with a higher chance of rain — still workable for most travellers
December–February: Cooler and drier — nice for being out on deck, but bring layers

For the clearest photos and typically calmer water, many travellers aim for spring (March–May) or autumn (October–November).

Explore Vietnam Travel Types

See how Halong Bay fits into wider Vietnam trips and different ways of travelling.