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Halong Bay
Thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald water – cruise, kayak and explore caves in Vietnam's most famous UNESCO World Heritage seascape, from Ha Long to Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Halong Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long) in Quang Ninh province is Vietnam’s most iconic natural wonder: a seascape of limestone islands and islets rising from the Gulf of Tonkin, about 2.5 hours from Hanoi by expressway. UNESCO listed Ha Long Bay as a World Heritage Site in 1994 for its outstanding beauty, and again in 2000 for its geological value. In September 2023 the site was extended to include the Cat Ba Archipelago of Hai Phong, becoming the “Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago” World Heritage Site, with 1,133 islands over 65,650 ha. It is Vietnam’s first World Heritage Site spanning two provinces. Read the official listing on the UNESCO World Heritage Centre website.
Most visitors explore the bay by cruise (see our Halong Bay cruise guide), from 4-hour day trips to 2-night journeys, visiting caves such as Sung Sot and Thien Cung, the viewpoint on Ti Top Island, floating villages and quiet lagoons by kayak. Beyond central Ha Long Bay, the quieter Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer the same scenery with fewer boats.
Why Visit Halong Bay?
- UNESCO World Heritage: one of the most recognisable seascapes on Earth, listed in 1994 and extended in 2023.
- Overnight cruises: sleep on board among the karsts, with sunrise tai chi, cooking classes and seafood dinners.
- Spectacular caves: Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave.
- Kayaking and swimming: hidden lagoons at Luon Cave, Dark and Bright Cave and beaches such as Ba Trai Dao.
- Fishing heritage: floating villages at Cua Van and Vung Vieng.
- Islands to stay on: Cat Ba, Quan Lan and Co To.
Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay?
The region has three main cruising areas. Ha Long Bay is the classic choice, close to the piers, with the biggest caves and the Ti Top viewpoint, but it is the busiest. Lan Ha Bay, south-east of Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, is quieter, with small beaches and excellent kayaking. Bai Tu Long Bay, to the north-east, is the most remote, with the Vung Vieng fishing village and Bai Tu Long National Park. First-time visitors with one day should choose Ha Long Bay; for an overnight cruise with fewer boats, choose Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long.
Official Ha Long Bay Cruise Routes and Fees
The Ha Long Bay Management Board sets official sightseeing routes. Cave visits are included in the route fee (no separate cave tickets). Adult fees per day trip: Route 1 (Thien Cung, Dau Go, famous islets) and Route 2 (Ti Top, Sung Sot, Luon Cave) cost 250,000 VND; Route 3 (Cua Van) and Route 4 (Vung Vieng, Cap La, Cong Do) cost 200,000 VND. Overnight stays cost from 500,000 VND per adult for one night. Children under 1.2 m are free. Port charges are extra, and most cruise prices already include all fees. Lan Ha Bay has its own fee of 120,000 VND per adult per day from 1 January 2026.
Top Things to Do in Halong Bay
- Take an overnight cruise and wake up among the karsts.
- Walk through Sung Sot Cave, the largest show cave in the bay.
- Climb to the viewpoint on Ti Top Island and swim at its beach.
- Kayak or take a bamboo boat into the lagoon at Luon Cave.
- Visit Thien Cung and Dau Go caves on Route 1.
- Row between floating houses at Cua Van or Vung Vieng.
- Kayak through Dark and Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay.
- Hike in Cat Ba National Park and cycle to Viet Hai Village.
- Escape to the beaches of Quan Lan or Co To.
- Ride the record-breaking Queen Cable Car in Ha Long City at sunset.
- Enjoy fresh seafood: squid, clams, oysters and the famous Ha Long squid cakes (chả mực).
Halong Bay Attractions at a Glance: Opening Hours & Ticket Prices 2026
Opening hours and adult ticket prices for the main sights in Halong Bay, checked in October 2026 against official and local sources. Prices are in Vietnamese dong (VND), can change without notice and are usually included in our private tours. Click a name for the full guide.
| Attraction | Opening hours | Ticket (adult) |
|---|---|---|
| Ha Long Bay | Daily, daytime routes; cruises suspended in storms | Routes 1, 2, 5: 250,000 VND; routes 3, 4: 200,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Sung Sot Cave | Daily in daylight when route 2 boats run | Route 2: 250,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Ti Top Island | Daily in daylight when route 2 boats run | Route 2: 250,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Luon Cave | Daily in daylight when route 2 boats run | Route 2: 250,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Thien Cung Cave | Daily in daylight when route 1 or 5 boats run | Route 1: 250,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Dau Go Cave | Daily in daylight when route 1 or 5 boats run | Route 1: 250,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Soi Sim Island | Daily in daylight when route 2 boats run | Route 2: 250,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Cua Van Fishing Village | Daily in daylight when route 3 boats run | Route 3: 200,000 VND (+ port fee) |
| Tung Sau Pearl Farm | Daytime, on cruises that include it | Covered by the route fee (cruise-included) |
| Ha Long city | Open all year | Seafront and Bai Chay Bridge free |
| Lan Ha Bay | Daily daytime boats from Ben Beo | Bay fee 120,000 VND (child 6+ 60,000) |
| Cat Ba Island | Open all year | Cat Ba National Park 160,000 VND |
| Ba Trai Dao Islets | Daytime on Lan Ha boats | Lan Ha fee 120,000 VND / 60,000 child 6+, usually included |
| Dark and Bright Cave | Daytime, tide dependent | Lan Ha fee 120,000 VND / 60,000 child 6+, usually included |
| Trung Trang Cave | Daily, about 7:00–17:00 | 120,000 VND (national park central route) |
| Viet Hai Village | Open daily | No village ticket |
| Ao Ech Area | Daytime | Lan Ha fee 120,000 VND (boat) |
| Bai Tu Long Bay | Year-round cruises, weather permitting | Route 4: 200,000 VND per day |
| Vung Vieng Fishing Village | Daytime on route 4 cruises | Route 4: 200,000 VND per day |
| Thien Canh Son Cave | Daytime on route 4 cruises | Route 4: 200,000 VND per day |
| Cap La Island | Daytime on route 4 cruises | Route 4: 200,000 VND per day |
| Cong Dam Area | Daytime stop on multi-day Bai Tu Long cruises | Included in cruise price |
| Quan Lan Island | Open year-round | No entrance fee |
| Co To Island | Year-round (boats stop in storms) | No entry fee; speedboat from Ao Tien (Van Don) |
Best Time to Visit Halong Bay
The most pleasant months are March–May and September–November, with mild temperatures and generally calm seas. Summer (June–August) is hot and the best for swimming, but it is also the typhoon season (roughly June–September), when cruises can be cancelled at short notice for safety. Winter (December–February) is cool and often misty, which gives the bay a mysterious atmosphere but limits swimming and views.
How to Get to Halong Bay from Hanoi
The journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay is simple. Ha Long is about 150–170 km from Hanoi, around 2.5 hours on the Hanoi–Hai Phong–Ha Long expressway. Most cruises include a shuttle bus from the Old Quarter; limousine buses and private cars are also available. The main piers are Tuan Chau and the Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay; Lan Ha Bay cruises usually leave from Got Pier in Hai Phong (about 2–2.5 hours from Hanoi). There is currently no passenger train, and the seaplane service ended in April 2026. See our Hanoi to Halong Bay transportation guide.
How Many Days in Halong Bay?
A day trip from Hanoi is possible but involves about 5 hours on the road. A 2-day, 1-night cruise is the most popular and recommended option. A 3-day, 2-night cruise or a stay on Cat Ba Island allows you to explore Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay in depth. Many travellers combine Halong Bay with Hanoi and Ninh Binh on a North Vietnam itinerary.
Plan Your Halong Bay Trip with Local Experts
We hope this Halong Bay travel guide helps you plan. Vietnam Tour Expert selects trusted cruises for every budget, from day trips to luxury overnight cruises in Ha Long, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long Bay, and builds them into private North Vietnam itineraries. Browse our Halong Bay tours, or Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
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Popular Attractions
Halong Bay: UNESCO Islands, Legend & Geology of Vietnam’s Iconic Bay
Ha Long City Guide 2026: Top Things to Do Beyond the Bay
Sung Sot Cave: Halong Bay’s Largest & Most Stunning Cave
Ti Top Island: Best Viewpoint & Beach in Halong Bay
Thien Cung Cave: Halong Bay’s Heavenly Palace Grotto
Dau Go Cave: Halong Bay’s Historic Wooden Stakes Cave
Luon Cave Halong Bay: Kayak into a Hidden Lagoon
Lan Ha Bay 2026: Quieter Alternative to Halong Bay Guide
Cat Ba Island Travel Guide 2026: Things to Do & How to Get There
Bai Tu Long Bay: Halong Bay Without the Crowds (2026 Guide)
Cua Van Fishing Village: Halong Bay’s Floating Village Guide
Vung Vieng Fishing Village: Bai Tu Long’s Hidden Floating Village
Dark and Bright Cave: Kayaking Lan Ha Bay’s Sea Tunnel
Ba Trai Dao Islets: Lan Ha Bay’s Three Peaches Beach
Viet Hai Village: Cycling to Cat Ba’s Hidden Valley
Trung Trang Cave: Easy Walk-Through Cave on Cat Ba Island
Thien Canh Son Cave: Quiet Cave & Beach near Bai Tu Long Bay
Cap La Island: Remote Kayaking in Halong & Bai Tu Long Bay
Quan Lan Island: Quiet Beaches of Bai Tu Long Bay
Co To Island Guide: Clear Water & Remote Beaches of Quang Ninh
Soi Sim Island: Quiet Beach & Viewpoint in Halong Bay
Tung Sau Pearl Farm: Discover Pearl Culturing in Halong Bay
Cong Dam Area: Remote Kayaking Lagoons of Bai Tu Long Bay
Ao Ech Area: Lan Ha Bay Lagoon & Cat Ba Frog Lake
Halong Bay Travel Guide
Frequently asked questions
1. Is Halong Bay worth visiting?
Yes. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most spectacular seascapes in the world. To enjoy it fully, choose an overnight cruise or a quieter area such as Lan Ha Bay. See the top attractions in Halong Bay.
2. How far is Halong Bay from Hanoi?
About 150–170 km, or around 2.5 hours by expressway. Most cruises include a shuttle from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Our Hanoi to Halong Bay guide compares all options.
3. Can I visit Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi?
Yes, but you will spend about 5 hours on the road for 4–6 hours on the water. A day trip usually covers Route 1 (Thien Cung Cave) or Route 2 (Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top and Luon Cave).
4. How many days do you need in Halong Bay?
A 2-day, 1-night cruise is ideal for most travellers. Choose 3 days and 2 nights to explore Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Cat Ba Island in depth.
5. What is the best time to visit Halong Bay?
March–May and September–November, when the weather is mild and seas are calm. June–September is the typhoon season, and December–February is cool and misty.
6. Are Halong Bay cruises cancelled in bad weather?
Yes. When storms or strong winds are forecast, the authorities suspend cruises for safety, most often between June and September. Reputable operators offer a refund or a new date; consider flexible plans and travel insurance. See our {L(‘halong-travel-tips/’,’Halong Bay travel tips’)}.
7. How much is the Halong Bay entrance fee?
Ha Long Bay’s official route fees are 250,000 VND per adult for Routes 1 and 2 and 200,000 VND for Routes 3 and 4 (day trips), with higher overnight fees. Lan Ha Bay costs 120,000 VND from 2026. Most cruise prices include the fees.
8. Which Halong Bay route is best?
Route 2 is the most popular, with Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and kayaking at Luon Cave. Route 1 is shorter and cave-focused, Route 3 visits Cua Van, and Route 4 goes to Vung Vieng.
9. Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay: which should I choose?
Ha Long Bay for the famous caves and day trips; Lan Ha Bay for beaches, kayaking and fewer boats; Bai Tu Long Bay for remote scenery and a quiet overnight cruise.
10. Is Lan Ha Bay part of Halong Bay?
Geographically it is the southern continuation of the same karst seascape, but it belongs to Hai Phong. Since 2023 it has been part of the extended “Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago” World Heritage Site. Read our Lan Ha Bay guide.
11. What is the biggest cave in Halong Bay?
Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) on Bo Hon Island is the largest show cave, with two huge chambers along a path of about 500 m.
12. Can you kayak in Halong Bay?
Yes. Popular spots include Luon Cave on Route 2, Cap La in the north-east and Dark and Bright Cave in Lan Ha Bay. Kayaking is often included in cruises.
13. Can you swim in Halong Bay?
Yes, from about April to October, at beaches such as Ti Top Island and Ba Trai Dao, and from cruise boats in designated areas.
14. Is there a floating village in Halong Bay?
Yes. Cua Van (Route 3) and Vung Vieng (Route 4) are the best known. Most families moved to the mainland in 2014–2015, but floating houses and fish farms are preserved and can be visited by bamboo boat.
15. Why is Ti Top Island famous?
For the most famous panoramic view of Halong Bay and its beach. It was named after Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov, who visited with Ho Chi Minh in 1962. See our Ti Top Island guide.
16. Is Cat Ba Island worth visiting?
Yes, for 2–3 days of hiking in Cat Ba National Park, beaches and boat trips into Lan Ha Bay. See our Cat Ba Island guide.
17. How do I get from Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island?
By the Tuan Chau – Gia Luan ferry (about 45–50 minutes, few sailings a day) or on a cruise. From Hanoi, combined bus and boat tickets reach Cat Ba in about 3–4 hours.
18. What are the best islands to stay on near Halong Bay?
19. Where do Halong Bay cruises depart from?
Most leave from Tuan Chau Pier or the Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay. Lan Ha Bay cruises usually depart from Got Pier (Hai Phong), and Bai Tu Long island boats from Ao Tien Port (Van Don).
20. How much does a Halong Bay overnight cruise cost?
Prices vary widely by boat, season and cabin: from budget boats to luxury cruises. Fees, meals and activities are usually included. Our Halong Bay cruise guide explains typical prices and how to choose.
21. Is Halong Bay crowded?
Routes 1 and 2 are busy, especially late morning and on weekends. To avoid crowds, choose an overnight cruise that visits caves early, or cruise in Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay.
22. Is Halong Bay good for families with children?
23. What should I pack for a Halong Bay cruise?
Light clothes, swimwear (April–October), a warm layer for evenings in winter, shoes with grip for caves, sunscreen, a hat and a waterproof phone bag. More in our Halong Bay travel tips.
24. What food should I try in Halong Bay?
Fresh seafood and the famous hand-pounded Ha Long squid cake (chả mực), plus rice rolls with squid cake and mantis shrimp noodles. See our Halong food guide.
25. Can I combine Halong Bay with Ninh Binh and Hanoi?
Yes. A classic North Vietnam itinerary combines Hanoi, Ninh Binh and an overnight cruise in Halong Bay in 4–6 days. Contact Vietnam Tour Expert Team for a free custom itinerary.
