Ha Long Bay is undoubtedly one of the most fascinating and beautiful natural wonders Vietnam has to offer. Having been crowned a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, it is clear to see why it is such a longstanding popular spot for curious visitors and locals alike once you step into the realm of its mystical beauty. With hundreds of limestone islands and islets rising up from sparkling emerald waters, it really is a sight like no other. Its mysterious and enigmatic atmosphere gives it almost a magical feel, one which we certainly felt, and is hard to forget.
Ha Long Bay is approximately a 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi located along the North West coast of Vietnam, so if you find yourself in the bustling Capital with a few days to spare, then making the trip over to the bay is so worth it. However, there are definitely some things we wished we had known before our first visit. Having had the opportunity to explore this fascinating place twice, we now know the best ways to really make the most out of your experience here.
When to visit Ha Long
Generally speaking, visiting Ha Long between September to April will mean that you can likely avoid the monsoon season, which as you can imagine can make the weather conditions a bit unpredictable. The weather around the bay can often feel quite cool – visiting in the later part of the season can frequently bring with it slightly mistier conditions, which really accentuates the magical atmosphere around the Bay. Alternatively, the earlier part of the season although still cool, may offer you clearer skies. Having experienced both, we can safely say that no matter the weather, Ha Long’s beauty still shines through.
Mainland Vs Cruise Stay
If you’re heading to Ha Long Bay, treat yourself to an overnight cruise — it’s the best way to truly feel its magic. Waking up to misty karsts, eating fresh local food on deck, and watching the sunset from the water is an experience we’ll never forget.
One of the main differences between our two trips was where we decided to make base. Our first visit found us staying on the mainland of Ha Long, an experience which was interesting to say the least. Although our hotel was marvelous, had great rooms, facilities and food options, we found the decision to stay on the mainland as oppose to an overnight cruise probably the wrong one.
The town of Ha Long appears to have maybe once been quite a vibrant and bustling place, however it became quickly apparent that in recent years it seems to have lost its charm, the reasons for which we’re unsure. There didn’t appear to be a lot of people around, restaurants and cafes were closed up during the daytime and several buildings appeared to just be empty. In a nutshell, it seemed a lot like a ghost town, which we weren’t expecting!
Luckily, we had booked a day cruise out onto the bay, which is where we really fell in love with Ha Long and first experienced its wonderful beauty.
Overnight Cruise
Having learnt from our first experience, and desperately wanting to go back and see more, we decided to visit again, but this time we booked an overnight cruise stay, which we can safely say was – unreal.
TIP 💡You probably don’t need longer than a 1-to-2-night stay on a cruise, you can see plenty in this time especially if you book with a reputable company who include lots of sights and activities around the Bay. We booked this cruise through Get Your Guide.
You’re able to pick 2 incredible activities to partake in, one of which takes you through Lan Ha Bay, either by bamboo boat or kayak. To say this was a once in a lifetime experience is an understatement. From the incredibly friendly boat drivers, to the breath-taking views, you can’t help but feel an overwhelming sense of gratitude.
General cruise life is very relaxed, with everything optional, so if you just fancy chilling on the boat on your open-water balcony – feel free to do so! Food and entertainment is plentiful, with the staff going above and beyond for any special occasion you request. It really portrays the kind and inclusive nature of the Vietnamese people.
In terms of which cruise to book, I believe all listed on Get Your Guide are very similar. However, tips on selecting the best one is checking the reviews. We ended up booking this cruise due to the amount of positive reviews it has received. Every aspect of the trip was as expected. Be sure to check the itinerary before you book, and do not hesitate in contacting the company if you wish, as they will go above and beyond to meet your needs.
Top sights & activities
Sailing along the bay surrounded by lush green islands and emerald waters really is an experience in itself. If you’re booked in with a cruise, then you’ll see plenty of this picturesque landscape. Here are some popular stops which you’ll likely come across on your journey, and although very popular tourist attractions which may give a slightly less authentic feel, in our opinion are still overall good experiences.
Hang Suong sot cave – Take a walk inside this popular cave and explore the stunning natural wonders within.
Hang luom (tuan chau) – Take a kayak out to really immerse in the surroundings of this little water inlet between the islands.
Ti top islet – Our personal favourite, hike to a view point at the top where you will have the best views over the Bay.
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