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About Halong Bay
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam's Gulf of Tonkin, famous for its emerald-green waters and over 1900 towering limestone islands and islets. Designated in 1994, this ethereal seascape features ancient jungle-clad karsts, sea caves like Sung Sot Cave, and historic floating communities like Cua Van. Visitors can explore the landscape on overnight cruises, by kayaking through lagoons, or via a 25-minute scenic seaplane flight to see the rock formations from above. The region is also known for local specialties like stone crab soup and deep-fried squid cakes, which can be sampled at Bai Chay Beach.
When to go
Halong Bay is at its best in autumn for calm seas, cruises and Hanoi add-ons.
The best time to visit Halong Bay is during September to November or March to May, when travelers can expect pleasant temperatures, clear skies, and calm seas. Spring visitors can enjoy warm weather and the colorful Carnaval Ha Long held at the end of April or early May. The peak domestic tourist season runs from June to mid-August, bringing larger crowds along with high humidity and potential tropical storms. Winter from November to March sees cooler temperatures averaging 15–20°C (59–68°F) alongside misty, fog-shrouded karsts, with day cruises starting around US$60.
Pick a neighbourhood.
Halong City and its surrounding archipelago offer distinct areas to stay ranging from lively entertainment hubs to quiet island resorts and floating bay villages.
Located on the west side of Halong City, Bai Chay features long stretches of beach and numerous entertainment options.
Situated on the east side of Halong City across the Bai Chay Bridge, this hub houses museums, office buildings, and shops.
Opened in summer 2025 in Bai Chay, this luxury resort offers sweeping bay views, six restaurants, four pools, and a hidden lagoon spa.
Home to resort villas with private sand beaches and themed parks, located about a 10-minute taxi ride from Bai Chay Tourist Wharf.
Offers accommodation choices ranging from luxury beach resorts to budget hostels near Lan Ha Bay.
Centered in Cat Ba town, this area features clear waters encircled by green mountain forests.
Located 2km from Cat Ba town center, offering a pristine, quiet alternative ideal for gathering and gatherings.
A popular luxury resort on Cat Ba Island's coast featuring gym facilities, restaurants, pools, and bars.
The things worth planning around.
Discover the top sights, outdoor adventures, and regional flavors of Ha Long Bay with these 10 distinct activities.
A 25-minute scenic seaplane flight provides aerial views of limestone islands and water take-offs and landings.
This massive 10,000 square meter cave features steep paths leading to expansive chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites.
The island covers extensive rainforest hiking trails that shelter the world's most endangered white-headed langur monkeys.
Paddling a kayak offers an intimate way to navigate quiet lagoons, floating villages, and limestone formations.
Two 12-meter-high rock formations leaning toward each other serve as one of the bay's most famous landmarks.
Excursions around islands like Cong Do reveal starfish, sea horses, sea turtles, and more than 140 coral species.
This regional dish features rice vermicelli, tomatoes, herbs, and local stone crab meat served in a fragrant broth.
Crossing between halves of Ha Long City, the cable car features double-decker cabins holding up to 230 passengers.
Come hungry.
Discover the rich culinary scene in Halong Bay and northern Vietnam, spanning fresh bayfront seafood, local night market snacks, and iconic street food specialties.
Located along the streets of Ha Long, this dining option allows you to treat yourself to a full spread of freshly grilled seafood.
These cakes are a local Halong Bay specialty similar to Thai fish cakes and are widely available in town.
This regional fish species is found uniquely around Halong Bay and served at restaurants near the beach.
A bustling local market where you can drop by to sample traditional local snacks and purchase handmade souvenirs.
Many Halong Bay cruises offer guests a chance to catch their own fresh squid dinner using basic bamboo rods on dim nights.
Overnight cruises in Halong Bay host luxurious candle-lit dinners, seafood beach barbecues, and panoramic buffet meals.
Located on Yen Ninh Street, this Michelin-selected Hanoi noodle shop is rated low-cost for budget-friendly dining.
A Bib Gourmand-recognized spot featured by Michelin for authentic Hanoi-style grilled pork vermicelli noodles.
Climate
Climate data: Open-Meteo (CC BY 4.0).
Ready when you are
Your version of Halong Bay, built around you.
Rough idea or exact dates — either works. Go Globie lines up the flights, a place to stay and a day-by-day plan.
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