Ha Long Travel Guide

  Bai Tu Long Bay
by SurfaceTravel
 
  • Bai Tu Long Bay
      Bai Tu Long Bay
    by SurfaceTravel
  • Halong Bay
      Halong Bay
    by SurfaceTravel
  • Fishing village, kayaking at Halong Bay
      Fishing village, kayaking at Halong Bay
    by SurfaceTravel
  • A boat at Halong Bay
      A boat at Halong Bay
    by SurfaceTravel
  • Fishing village at Halong Bay
      Fishing village at Halong Bay
    by SurfaceTravel
 

Pro

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  Awesome Limestone Structures and Jade Green Waters 


Con

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  Touristy and crowded, bumpy land ride from Hanoi to Halong City 


In a nutshell

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  Heaven!! 

 

Explore Ha Long

Things to Do  

Take a boat out to the bay

Take a boat out to the bay, Ha Long

 deeper_blue Says:  You MUST take a boat on Ha Long Bay, Hanoi travel agents can arrange this and help you stay for one or two nights (second day Cat Ba island). The atmosphere is nice and laid back and the scenery is eerily beautiful and unique. 

Red Dragon Boat Cruise in the Islands

Red Dragon Boat Cruise in the Islands, Ha Long

 SurfaceTravel Says:  The boat was pre-booked from London, complete with shuttle bus from and to Hanoi. After much painful research, we deemed the best and most luxurious boat company to be the Red Dragon Boats, run by Indochina Junk (beware the many companies and web sites with copycat names).... 

Halong bay-Poseidon cruise:3d 2 n

Halong bay-Poseidon cruise:3d 2 n, Ha Long

 dganitbz Says:  I have been to Halong bay at the end of March, 2011 I booked the Poseidon cruise by Little Hanoi hotel at 48 Hang ga' st.They provide a great service.The Halong bay cruise was great:We were 10 guestsWe - for 2 nights 3 days cruise: 1 night on the boat and 1 night in Cat ba... 

Explore Surprise Cave

Explore Surprise Cave, Ha Long

 sieffron Says:  Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave is one of the largest grottoes in Ha Long Bay. The 10,000 square-meters space features large stalagtites and stalagmites. The cave is divided into three chambers, the first resembling an amphitheatre and the second is a large room decorated with... 

2 day, 1 night boat trip on Halong Bay

2 day, 1 night boat trip on Halong Bay, Ha Long

 betska Says:  There are many wonderful pages & photos describing trips on Halong Bay. Here is our description of a typical budget option. This cost us US$35 each. The price included return mini-bus from Hanoi, lunch & dinner on the first day, and breakfast & lunch on the 2nd day. Drinks... 

Titop Island

Titop Island, Ha Long

 Tijavi Says:  This is a personal favorite of mine. The hike up the island's summit is good way to burn those calories from over indulgence from overeating and overdrinking (that comes with the tour); the summit provides the best vantage point to soak in the bay's enchanting beauty -... 

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave, Ha Long

 Tijavi Says:  Sung Sot cave is one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay. Consisting of three vast chambers, the cave is characterized by interesting rock formation including the very popular "*** rock" which is some sort of a local fertility symbol. Obviously, this is one of the cave's main... 

Cat Ba Trek

Cat Ba Trek, Ha Long

 Willettsworld Says:  We came to Cat Ba Island on our second day to do some trekking and canoeing and to stay on the island overnight. We reached the island and walked to a village called Viet Hai which featured old wooden houses alongside piles of modern bricks that were ready to build new... 

Hotels  

Mithrin Hotel Halong Bay

 16 Opinions

Restaurants  

Resaurant Green Mango: Cat Ba's best restaurant

Resaurant Green Mango: Cat Ba's best restaurant, Ha Long

 Designerartgirl Says:  We went to the opening, and were just treated like on of the family. The food served at the opening was fantastc and all the staff there were really friendly and helpful. Even giving suggestions on how to eat and with what... (the free alcohol whch we got was also good :) ) 

Food on board: Really posh!

Food on board: Really posh!, Ha Long

 Willettsworld Says:  I took my 3 day/2 night Halong Bay tour with ODC Travel who are based in the Old Quarter in Hanoi. The junk that I spent an overnight stay on was called the Sun Cruise (see my accommodation tip). When we set off to Halong Bay, we first had lunch which was very luxurious of... 

Transportation  

Columbus Travel Company

Columbus Travel Company, Ha Long

 stamporama Says:  When you wish to book a Halong Bay cruise online, you need to be discreet as to what tour company to choose as practically all of them would require your credit card details should you want to pay by that mode. What will make you apprehensive even more is that they require... 

Halong Emotion Cruises

Halong Emotion Cruises, Ha Long

 Tattugran Says:  Halong Emotion combines charm and great comfort. Launched in July 2008 ,their boats feature 28 air conditioned cabins, with private bathrooms and facilities similar to a boutique style hotel.Founded in 2007, Halong Emotion ., Ltd mainly operates from its headquarter in Bai... 

Shopping  

Floating shops: Only chance for snacks

Floating shops: Only chance for snacks, Ha Long

 Willettsworld Says:  When you visit the Amazing Caves (Hang Sung Sot), as it's a very busy bay full of other tourist junks, you'll see a few boats that act as floating shops. They sell snacks, biscuits, drinks, cigarettes and even fruit and vegetables. You name it, they'll probably have it but... 

Local Customs  

Floating Fishing Villages

Floating Fishing Villages, Ha Long

 Willettsworld Says:  Halong Bay has many floating fishing communities and if you travel to Cat Ba Island you'll see them up close. We paddled past them complete with barking dogs when we went canoeing. I have heard that some of the people living on them were born here and never set foot on dry... 

Warnings Or Dangers  

Before you jump...

Before you jump..., Ha Long

 stamporama Says:  For overnight cruises, Halong Bay boats would normally drop anchor at a place where it's suitable for guests to swim. The water's great but the main thing to watch out for are jellyfishes which could pack a sting. Other than that, no need to worry about sharks or other... 

Snake wine

Snake wine, Ha Long

 betska Says:  This particular one was photographed at our lunch venue when we returned from our Halong Bay trip, in Halong City. It was a huge glass container and in it were snakes, lizards and even birds.Try it if you dare - but be warned. It could cause severe stomach upset. I wasn't... 

What to Pack  

Must-brings on a cruise

Must-brings on a cruise, Ha Long

 stamporama Says:   It can be quite hot and humid out at sea so better bring sunblock (it's difficult to find or buy any from Hanoi's pharmacies), mosquito repellant and a wide-brimmed hat. The sunblock will come in handy should you swim or ride a kayak. If you'll take an overnight cruise,... 

Don't pack too many woolies

Don't pack too many woolies, Ha Long

 betska Says:   We travelled from HCMC up to Hanoi in March and the only time we needed to wear a jumper was in Dalat at night, and when we were out on Halong Bay. So I would suggest that you bring a jacket or jumper that you are not terribly fond of. Then you can dispose of it by giving... 

Favorites  

Ti Top Island / Titov Island / Dao Ti Top

Ti Top Island / Titov Island / Dao Ti Top, Ha Long

 wannabeglobetrotter Says:  The view from the top is very nice. When deciding which tour/junk for your daylong/overnight cruise of the Ha Long Bay, please make sure they have a stop over at Ti Top Island (also referred to as Dao Ti Top, or Titov Island).We were there in August 2011. Our junk (Bai Tho)... 

Some practical matters

Some practical matters, Ha Long

 Tijavi Says:  Here are a few practical tips in getting the most of your Halong Bay holiday:1) Day tours are a no-no: don't even consider taking a day tour of Halong Bay. This enchanting place is best enjoyed at sunset and at sunrise when a thick misty fog envelopes the karsts. Better even... 

The Place

Plan a Ha Long vacation with reviews, tips and photos posted by real travelers and Ha Long locals

Experience Ha Long
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  •  1 Videos
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The People

 
Our Members Say
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 While sailing around Ha Long Bay, you will come across lots of local people going about their daily business. They are a very friendly bunch and are quick to... 

 

Questions and Answers

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Q:  Hi, I would like to know which is the fastest way, and not to much expensive, to reach Ha Long Bay from Hanoi? thanks. 

SirRichard profile photo

A: Take a look here: http://www.halongbay-vietnam.com/transportation.htm But if you plan to do a boat tour around the bay you will have to joina group sooner or later.... 

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Top Ha Long Writers

1

From a Dragon's mouth

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 Recent Update : Frommers recently listed kayaking in Halong Bay as the one of the best adventures in Asia. So, if you're here, don't cheat yourself of this fantastic experience. Go kayaking ! Here's... 

2

Ha Long - Bay of Beauty and Legend

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 Firstly, I would like to thank the VT members for giving very good advice on Halong Bay before my visit, especially those who urge me and my wife to stay overnight instead of spending a day trip... 

3

Land of Descending Dragons

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 This is not the nicest sunset picture taken at Ha Long. But i post it especially for @rie. 

4

Amazing Halong Bay

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 If you visit Hanoi, dont miss a trip to Halong Bay! Spend at least a night on the Junk and enjoy kayaking or swimming around Halong Bay. Go in search of the hidden lagoon. All the tours will have...... 

5

Dreaming of Ha Long Bay

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 Born of a dragon descending As I write this, I can still feel the breeze on my face and taste the white mists on my tongue. I hear the sound of silence and the craigy ancient islands whisper their...... 

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