Halong Bay Travel Guide 2026 Everything You Need to Know

About Halong Bay

Located 180 kilometers from Hanoi, Halong Bay is Vietnam's most iconic natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. With 1,960 limestone islands rising dramatically from emerald waters across 1,553 square kilometers, this breathtaking destination attracts millions of visitors each year.
At Vietnam Easy Holiday, we've been organizing Halong Bay cruises since 2022. Our team personally inspects every cruise partner to ensure you experience this magnificent bay in comfort and safety. With our local expertise and carefully selected cruise operators, we guarantee an unforgettable journey.

Best Time to Visit Halong Bay

Ideal Months: March to May & September to November
Spring (March - May):
•    Temperature: 20-28°C
•    Weather: Warm, sunny, comfortable
•    Sea: Calm and clear
•    Perfect for: Photography, outdoor activities, cruising
Autumn (September - November):
•    Temperature: 20-28°C
•    Weather: Cool, pleasant, less humid
•    Sea: Calm waters
•    Perfect for: Sightseeing, kayaking, swimming
Other Seasons
Summer (June - August):
•    Hot and humid (30-35°C)
•    Occasional afternoon showers
•    Good for swimming
•    Peak tourist season - book early
Winter (December - February):
•    Cool temperatures (15-20°C)
•    Occasional fog and drizzle
•    Fewer tourists, lower prices
•    Bring warm clothing
Our recommendation: For the best weather and experience, plan your visit during March-May or September-November. These months offer perfect conditions with comfortable temperatures and calm seas.

How to Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi

Distance & Travel Time
•    Distance: 180 km
•    Travel time: 2.5 - 3.5 hours
Transportation Options
1. By Private Car (Recommended)
•    Most comfortable and convenient
•    Direct hotel pick-up in Hanoi
•    Travel time: 2.5 - 3 hours
•    Included in all our cruise packages
2. By Coach/Shuttle Bus
•    Budget-friendly option
•    Departure from Hanoi's My Dinh or Luong Yen stations
•    Travel time: 3.5 - 4 hours
•    Tickets: Available online or at stations
3. By Motorbike
•    For adventure seekers
•    Follow Highway 18 via Hai Duong Province
•    Travel time: 4 - 5 hours
•    Note: Requires good driving skills and proper safety gear
Vietnam Easy Holiday Service: All our Halong Bay cruise packages include round-trip transportation from your Hanoi hotel in modern, air-conditioned vehicles with professional drivers. No need to worry about navigation or timing!

Top Halong Bay Cruise Options

Based on 10+ years of experience, here are our recommended cruise categories:



1. Day Cruises (6-8 hours)
Best for: Limited time travelers
Highlights:
•    Lunch while cruising
•    Visit Sung Sot Cave
•    Kayaking or swimming
•    Round-trip transfer from Hanoi included
Our insight: Perfect for a quick taste, but you'll miss the magical sunset and sunrise on the water.

2. Two Days One Night Cruises (Most Popular)
Best for: First-time visitors, couples, families
Day 1: Board at noon → Lunch → Cave visit → Kayaking → Sunset party → Seafood dinner → Evening activities
Day 2: Sunrise Tai Chi → Light breakfast → Floating village visit → Brunch → Return to Hanoi
Includes: Transportation, 1 night cabin, 4 meals, all activities, English-speaking guide
Our recommendation: The perfect balance - you experience everything Halong Bay offers without rushing.

3. Three Days Two Nights Cruises
Best for: Relaxation seekers, deeper exploration
Special features:
•    Reach remote, less crowded areas (Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay)
•    More activities: cooking classes, village visits, extended kayaking
•    Plenty of relaxation time
•    Most authentic experience
Our insight: Perfect for truly disconnecting. You'll explore pristine areas most tourists never see.

Cruise Categories: What to Expect

Budget Cruises
•    Simple but clean cabins
•    Basic amenities, shared or private bathroom
•    Standard meals and group activities
•    Good for: Backpackers, budget travelers
Mid-Range Cruises (We Recommend)
•    Comfortable cabins with windows/balconies
•    Private bathroom, quality AC
•    Varied Vietnamese & international menu
•    Professional crew and guides
•    Good for: Most travelers
Vietnam Easy Holiday Promise: All our mid-range partners meet strict quality standards with regular inspections.
Luxury Cruises
•    Spacious suites with panoramic windows
•    Premium bathrooms with bathtubs, private balconies
•    Gourmet dining, spa services
•    Personalized service, small groups (20-30 max)
•    Good for: Honeymooners, special occasions
Our Selection: We partner exclusively with 5-star operators who consistently deliver exceptional experiences.

Must-Do Activities in Halong Bay

1. Kayaking Through Limestone Karsts
Paddle through narrow passages into hidden lagoons. Best way to explore secret corners larger boats can't access.
•    Duration: 1-1.5 hours | Difficulty: Easy to moderate
2. Cave Exploration
Sung Sot Cave: Largest cave with magnificent stalactites and stalagmites Thien Cung Cave: Stunning formations and legendary stories Luon Cave: Kayak-only access through natural tunnel to emerald lagoon
3. Swimming & Beach Time
Crystal-clear waters at Titop Island Beach and Ba Trai Dao. Cooler in winter, perfect in summer.
4. Sunrise Tai Chi
Traditional exercises on sundeck at dawn. Peaceful and memorable.
•    Time: 06:30 daily | Duration: 30 minutes
5. Floating Village Visits
Experience traditional fishing life at Cua Van or Vung Vieng villages. Meet local families living on water.
6. Cooking Demonstrations
Learn Vietnamese spring rolls or pancakes from cruise chef. Fun and interactive!
7. Night Squid Fishing
Try traditional fishing from boat deck. Chef will cook your catch!

What to Eat in Halong Bay

Your cruise includes delicious meals, but don't miss these local specialties if exploring the city:
1. Grilled Chopped Squid (Chả Mực) - Halong's signature dish, crispy and tender 2. Stir-Fried Snails with Soy Sauce - Crispy, savory, slightly spicy 3. Grilled Oysters - Fresh with scallion oil and peanuts 4. Seafood Vermicelli - Rich broth with fresh local seafood 5. Sam (Horseshoe Crab) - Unique delicacy, steamed or grilled
On Your Cruise: All meals included with fresh seafood. Vegetarian options available - inform us when booking.

What to Pack for Your Halong Bay Cruise

Essentials
✅ Sun protection: SPF 50+ sunscreen, hat, sunglasses ✅ Swimwear for water activities ✅ Light, breathable clothing ✅ Light jacket (evenings can be cool) ✅ Comfortable boat shoes or sandals with straps ✅ Camera with waterproof protection ✅ Motion sickness medication (if needed)
What NOT to Bring
❌ Plastic bags or single-use plastics (prohibited) ❌ Excessive luggage (limited cabin space)
Tip: Pack light! Most cruises provide towels and basic toiletries.

Top Halong Bay Highlights

Sung Sot Cave - Largest cave (10,000 sqm) with spectacular formations Titop Island - Climb 400 steps for panoramic views, beach below Cua Van Floating Village - Oldest fishing village, authentic local life Luon Cave - Kayak-only access to hidden lagoon Dau Be Island - Three beautiful beaches, excellent snorkeling

Travel Tips from Our Team

Before Booking
💡 Book 2-3 weeks ahead during peak season 💡 Choose 2D1N for most visitors, 3D2N for deeper exploration 💡 Verify meals, activities, and transfers are included
During Your Cruise
💡 Wake early for magical sunrise (06:00) 💡 Participate in all activities - they're highlights! 💡 Try the fresh local seafood 💡 Respect the environment - no plastics, don't touch coral 💡 Listen to safety briefings
Photography
💡 Best lighting: sunrise (06:00-07:00) and sunset (17:00-18:00) 💡 Bring extra batteries and memory cards 💡 Use waterproof protection for equipment

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: Will I get seasick? Halong Bay is very calm. Seasickness is rare, but take medication if prone and choose mid-boat cabins.
Q: Is the food good? Yes! We partner only with quality cruises. Fresh seafood, Vietnamese specialties, international options. Vegetarian available.
Q: Can I swim? Absolutely! Clean, refreshing water at designated stops. Cooler in winter (15-20°C), perfect in summer.
Q: What about WiFi? Limited or none on most cruises. We recommend disconnecting and enjoying nature!
Q: Suitable for elderly or families? Yes! Family-friendly with safety measures. Contact us for specific recommendations.
Q: What if weather is bad? Cruises may be rescheduled in extreme weather for safety. We monitor closely and inform in advance.

Ready to Experience Halong Bay?

Let our experienced team help you choose the perfect Halong Bay cruise tailored to your preferences, schedule, and budget.
Contact Vietnam Easy Holiday:
📧 Email: info@vietnameasygolf.com | sales@vietnameasygolf.com 
📱 Hotline: +84 988 281 134 | +84 986 833 811 
🏢 Head Office: No 2 - 164/72 Y La Street, Ha Dong District, Hanoi, Vietnam 
💬 We also have representatives in: Da Nang, Hoi An, Ho Chi Minh City, Nha Trang