Visit Halong Bay: Bookings & Rates

Are you planning a trip to Vietnam and want to visit Halong Bay? We give you all the necessary information during this article.

Halong Bay is probably the most majestic and known place in Vietnam. It is located in the South China Sea, 170 kilometres from Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. Covering an area of 1500 km2, this natural bay is the largest karst formation in the world.

Do you want to visit Halong Bay, a mythical and mystical place? This article will give you all the information necessary to discover it in the best conditions. History, prices, schedules, transport and advice, we gather the essentials to prepare you to visit Halong Bay!

History of Halong Bay

According to Vietnamese legend, a dragon lived in the bay. The sea was then less high and the mountainous region. A battle between the marine currents and the dragon would be at the origin of the present bay. Indeed, the movements of the tail of the dragon would have cut the mountains. The fantastic animal would then have plunged eternally into the sea, which would have caused the water to rise. Only the highest peaks then remained emerrated. The bay holds its name from this legend, "Ha Long" meaning "dragon descent".

The bay islands have been inhabited for a long time. Traces dating from the prehistory were found in troglodyte caves. From the thirteenth century, a few naval battles against the Chinese Empire or the Mongolian Empire took place in the bay. Each time, this marine maze allowed the Vietnamese army to protect the territory. The current map of the bay was carried out by the French during the colonization of Indochina. Today, of the 1969 islands surveyed, only 40 remain inhabited. You can also see them while you are visiting Halong Bay.

Our tips to visit Halong Bay

You want to visit Halong Bay at any cost and would like to know more? So we have prepared a series of tips that could be used to organize the best possible visit.

Best times

Halong Bay is in a wet and tropical area and can be visited throughout the year. It will be noted a fresh season from December to February and a period of heavy rains from May to September. The best time to visit Halong Bay will therefore be between September and November or between March and April .

In addition, Halong Bay is very touristic. Therefore, consider checking Vietnamese and Chinese holiday moments, including New Year. Festivities take place everywhere during these periods.

Duration of visits via an agency

Many agencies Hanoi and Ha Long offer more or less long excursions in the bay. These one day will allow you to have a quick overview of karst formations, caves and coves. As for those of 2 or 3 days, they include meals and overnight on the boat. They will therefore have a quieter rhythm and will allow you to visit Halong Bay at your ease.

Warnings

It should be noted that some scams on excursions can take place. It is therefore prudent to inform you about the reliability of the agencies before booking. Also avoid buying your excursion in a simple café or bar in Hanoi as some travellers could. Bad surprise guaranteed.

What to see and what to do in Halong Bay?

During your trip, you will be able to do many activities and visits depending on the chosen cruise duration. Indeed, between the islands, the floating villages or the caves, you will have to do what. To help you plan your visit, here are the activities to do while you visit Halong Bay.

Walk on the island of Cat Ba

For those who will stop on the island of Cat Ba, don’t hesitate to visit the places! It is the largest island in the bay, but also one of the most beautiful. Between limestone hills, lakes, hidden waterfalls and caves, go on adventure to discover this wonder of Vietnam.

Visit of the caves of the bay

During your visit to Halong Bay, you can find many hidden caves. If you pass through an agency, then the visit to the cave of Sung Sot will almost always be programmed. In addition, Thien Cung and Dau Go can also be scheduled.

If you go alone on the adventure to visit Halong Bay, then don’t hesitate to rent a kayak or paddle. This will allow you to access the most beautiful caves easily.

Visit of floating villages

Many fishermen present in Halong Bay, you will have the opportunity to visit their floating villages during your trip. These are a very interesting part of the life and culture of the bay. This exciting experience will give you an idea of life on the spot. In addition, the photos you can make will be beautiful.

Sleep on boats

croisières

In addition to the planned tours, you can admire sunset and sunrise from the water. These two moments are magical, but also very photogenic. It would be a shame to miss them.

Scuba diving

If you want to visit Halong Bay, then you will not be able to pass next to the dive! This sporting activity will allow you to see another face of the majestic bay and discover its fauna and flora. Note that the best period is between April and December, when temperatures are between 26 and 29 degrees.

How much does a ticket cost to Halong Bay?

If you want to visit Halong Bay with an agency, then know that prices vary greatly. Indeed, it depends on the duration, but also on the type of boat. Generally, the rate is between 40€ and 150€ for one to three days. The ticket price for the entrance to Halong Bay is often included in the price of the trip.

The park is open all year round, 7 days a week and 24 hours a day . However, depending on the seasons, some parts of the site may become difficult to access. Guided tours can also stop while the weather prevents visiting the Halong Bay in good conditions, such as during the Monsoon for example.

How to book an online ticket for Halong Bay?

If you want to book your trip in advance, you can easily do it online. Indeed, many travel agencies offer this type of excursion on Halong Bay.

Therefore, you will have no concern in finding a formula that suits you, regardless of your criteria. This will also allow you to compare prices before you go to Halong Bay.

Are there guided tours of Halong Bay?

You will find many specialized agencies in tours & guided tours offer specific courses. It is a good way to visit Halong Bay and not miss anything. It should be noted that guided tours often take place from Hanoi. A single port then starts the cruise on the bay: the port of Tuan Chau.

How do I access Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is obviously only accessible in boat . The departure for the ferry to visit Halong Bay is mainly in Ha Long.

If you have not yet booked via an agency, you will be taken to the port of Ong Hai. However, be careful, this is the starting point for Bái Long Bay. To visit Halong Bay, you will have to reach the right port, Tuan Chau, by taxi.

However, you can go to the port:

• By train, with seven hours of travel for only one hundred-fifty kilometers to travel, it is really not the fastest. In addition, Ha Long train station is not close to the port. Therefore, travellers arriving from Hanoi often favour the bus, with just over three hours of travel.
• By careither by car or by taxi. Count 2:30.
• With a bus, for 220 000 Vnd (9€ approx.) and 3h30 ride.

Where to stay near Halong Bay?

Do you have to spend a night near Halong Bay before or after your visit? So you can find many hotels that will welcome you with pleasure. Note that these are the cities of Ha Long and Cat Ba who will have the most choice. Indeed, whatever your budget, you will easily find a room in one of these two cities.