Exploring Ha Long Bay by Boat: Tips and What to Expect

Last Updated: January 21, 2024

Ha Long Bay is a stunning natural wonder located in northeastern Vietnam, in Quảng Ninh Province. It is located approximately 3.5 hours east of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. It is known for its thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets that rise out of the emerald-green waters of the bay.

Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular destinations for tourists who come to experience the beauty and serenity of the area, as well as to enjoy the various activities available, such as kayaking, rock climbing, and cave exploration. The bay is also home to many small fishing villages, where visitors can learn about the local way of life and try fresh seafood. Ha Long Bay has declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and is considered one of Vietnam’s top natural attractions. If you’re planning on visiting this unique part of Vietnam, you’ll find our Ha Long Bay tips very useful.

Continue reading to learn everything you need about Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

EXPLORING HA LONG BAY BY BOAT: TIPS AND WHAT TO EXPECT

What is the best way to visit Ha Long Bay?

Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular tourist destinations in northern Vietnam, and there are many ways to get there. Below you’ll find the best way to visit Ha Long Bay:

To get to Ha Long Bay, you can:

Fly to Hanoi and take a bus or taxi to Ha Long City: From Hanoi, you can take a bus or taxi to Ha Long City, which is the closest city to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes around 3-4 hours by bus or 2-3 hours by taxi.
Take a train to Ha Long City: You can also take a train from Hanoi to Ha Long City, which takes around 5 hours. As much as love journeys with trains, we wouldn’t recommend this option because it’ll eat up much of your time.
Take a day tour from Hanoi: Many tour companies in Hanoi offer day tours to Ha Long Bay, which include transportation from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and back. We’d highly recommend booking a tour that includes pick up from your hotel as it’s hassle-free. Keep in mind that if it’s not a private tour, they will make a few stops at other locations across Hanoi before you depart to Ha Long Bay to collect other people. That will extend the length of your journey by a few minutes.
Drive from Hanoi: If you have your own transportation, you can drive from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. The journey takes around 3-4 hours by car. If you choose this option to get to Ha Long Bay, be aware of the traffic in Hanoi and drive extra cautiously.

What is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?

The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is from September to November or from March to May. During these months, the weather is lovely with pleasant temperatures. You’ll also benefit from minimal rainfall, and clear skies, which allows for exploring Ha Long Bay with the best weather conditions possible! The worst time to visit Ha Long Bay is during the summer season, especially in July and August. During that time of the year, the chances for frequent rainfall are very high.

Can you Swim at Ha Long Bay?

Yes, you can swim at Ha Long Bay. However, it is important to be cautious and aware of your surroundings as the water may have strong currents and there may be rocks and other obstacles in the water. Be sure to only swim in designated areas and to follow any safety instructions provided by local authorities or tour guides. We enjoyed a couple of hours of swimming in the crystal clear waters of Ti Top island and we can’t recommend it enough!

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10 Ha Long Bay Tips you Must Know:

Book your Ha Long Bay tour in advance to secure your spot and avoid disappointment.
Wear comfortable shoes and clothing as you may be doing a lot of walking and climbing on the boat.
Bring sunscreen, a hat, and sunglasses to protect yourself from the sun.
Pack light, as there may be limited storage space on the boat. Also, there’s usually limited space in most of the minivans that the tour guides use for the pick-up.
Consider bringing along some snacks and water, as the boat’s food options may be limited.
Don’t forget to bring a camera to capture the beautiful views of Ha Long Bay.
Make sure to respect the environment and follow any rules or guidelines set by the tour operator to protect the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay.
Consider booking a homestay or hotel in the nearby town of Halong instead of staying overnight on the boat to have more flexibility and comfort.
Cash is king in Vietnam! Don’t forget to bring cash in Vietnamese Dong, as most places don’t accept credit cards.
Consider booking a private boat tour for a more personalized and luxurious experience.

Is Ha Long Bay worth visiting?

Yes, Ha Long Bay is worth visiting! It is a beautiful and unique natural wonder located in northern Vietnam, with over 2,000 limestone karsts rising out of the sea. This stunning part of Vietnam is a UNESCO World Heritage site and offers a variety of activities such as boat tours, kayaking, cave exploration, and rock climbing. The striking scenery and peaceful atmosphere make it a must-see destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam. We had the absolute best time exploring the north of Vietnam and we honestly can’t recommend it enough! Be sure to save all our Ha Long Bay tips, to help you plan an unforgettable trip to Vietnam.

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Top 5 things to do in Ha Long Bay

Take a boat tour of Ha Long Bay: This is the most popular activity in Ha Long Bay and offers a chance to see the stunning limestone karsts up close. You can choose from day trips, overnight cruises, or multi-day trips to explore the bay.
Visit the Sung Sot Cave: Located on Bo Hon Island, this massive cave features stalactites and stalagmites, as well as a variety of rock formations. You can take a guided tour of the cave to learn about its history and geology.

Go kayaking: Ha Long Bay is a great place to go kayaking, with calm waters and plenty of coves and inlets to explore. You can rent a kayak from a local operator or join a guided tour.
Visit Cat Ba Island: This large island in Ha Long Bay is home to a national park, beaches, and various outdoor activities. You can hike, rock climb, or go scuba diving in the clear waters surrounding the island.
Go rock climbing: The limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay offer some great rock climbing opportunities, with routes for all levels of experience. You can join a guided tour or rent equipment and go climbing on your own.