HaLong BAY
Quang Ninh Province
Halong Bay is located on the western side of the Gulf of Tonkin in northeast Vietnam. The bay is located about 35 km northeast of the port city of Haiphong, and about 170 km by car from the capital, Hanoi.
Halong Bay is one of Mother Nature’s most incredible natural wonders, and one of Vietnam’s most prized treasures. Elegant lace knitted by wind and water, Halong Bay is an exceptional natural site, one of the most grandiose in Southeast Asia.
It is known for its turquoise waters and thousands of towering limestone islands covered in tropical forests. The bay is overlooked by more than 1,900 karsts and islets, spread over 120 km of coastline, which emerge from waters sometimes reaching 100 meters high, and sheltering numerous caves. Its beauty is such that in 1994 UNESCO recognized the heart of Halong Bay as part of the natural world heritage.
The best time to visit Halong Bay
The most pleasant weather conditions to visit Halong Bay are therefore in spring (March-April) and autumn (September-October). Especially prefer the cruise in April and May.
The temperature fluctuates from 13°C to 35°C throughout the year. The average annual temperature is 26°C (20°C in January to 32°C in June). June is the hottest month of the year, while January is the coldest month.
The best months for swimming are March to October. The water temperature fluctuates between 26°C and 30°C from March to November.
What to see, what to do…?
Both mysterious and fascinating, Halong Bay and its thousands of karst islands emerging from the sea, is one of Vietnam’s must-see sites.
Junk cruises and kayak excursions allow you to sail between the islands famous for their shape, including the islets of the Stone Dog and the Teapot. The area is ideal for scuba diving, rock climbing and hiking, especially in the mountainous Cát Bà National Park.
It is an enigmatic landscape where sea, sky and mountains merge harmoniously to transport you to a legendary world…which will not leave you indifferent.
Top 10 activities to do in Ha Long Bay:
- Take a cruise on a luxury boat or on a junk (1 or 2 nights).
- Explore the natural caves (real geological museums).
- Kayaking between limestone karts.
- Go scuba diving or snorkeling.
- Enjoy sunrise and sunset.
- Introduce you to Tai-Chi at sunrise.
- Participate in night fishing.
- Fly over Halong Bay (and its 2 little sisters: Lan Ha Bay and Bai Thu Long Bay) by seaplane.
- Savor a delicious seafood meal in an extraordinary setting.
- Climb Titov Island for a magnificent view of the bay.
The visit of a fishing village will be proposed for the visit of Lan Ha Bay (the little sister of Halong Bay) rather than here.