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Plan Vietnam Tour & Things to do in Halong Bay

Vietnam is a country in Southeast Asia known for its stunning natural landscapes, rich history, and vibrant culture. Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are two famous bays in Vietnam. And Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. Halong Bay is a sight to behold with its towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hundreds of islands and islets. 

If you plan to visit Vietnam, a visit to Halong Bay should be on your itinerary. In this essay, we will discuss the weather in Halong Bay, how to get there, and the best things to do in Halong Bay. And introduce you to tourist attractions and things to consider for the Halong Bay tour.

The Best Time To Visit Halong Bay

From October to April

Halong Bay has a humid subtropical climate, which means it this warm and humid all year round. The best time to visit Halong Bay is from October to April when the weather is cool and dry. This time, the temperature ranges from 15°C to 25°C, making it perfect for outdoor activities such as boat cruises, hiking, and exploring the limestone caves.

However, it is essential to note that Halong Bay can experience sudden weather changes, so it is always a good idea to check the forecast before your trip.

How To Go To Halong Bay Vietnam

Halong Bay is located in the northeastern region of Vietnam, about 170 kilometers from Hanoi, the capital city. The most common way to get to Halong Bay is by taking a bus or a private car from Hanoi. The journey takes around 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic.

Or you can take a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay. It takes around 45 minutes and offers a stunning aerial view of the bay. Once you arrive in Halong Bay, you can take a boat tour to explore the different islands and attractions.

Best Things To do In Halong Bay

There are many fun things to do in Halong Bay-cruising, diving, swimming, and eating delicacies.

Have a relaxing boat cruise

One of the top things to do in Halong Bay is by taking a boat cruise. Many cruises are available, ranging from luxury to budget options. A boat cruise lets you see the stunning limestone cliffs up close and explore smaller islands and islets.

Many cruises also offer activities such as kayaking, swimming, and fishing. Some of the best Halong Bay cruises include Paradise Luxury Cruise, Bhaya Classic Cruise, and Signature Cruise.

Recommended Halong Bay Cruise:
Indochina Sails
Paradise Luxury Cruise
Signature Halong Cruise

Enjoy beach time in Halong Bay

Halong Bay has hundreds of islands and islets with unique beaches and attractions. Halong Bay has many beautiful beaches to relax and soak up the sun.

Ti tov Beach is one of the most popular beaches on the same island. This white sandy beach offers stunning views of the bay and is excellent for swimming and sunbathing. Other beaches include Soi Sim Beach, Ngoc Vung Beach, and Minh Chau Beach.

Soi-Sim-Beach

Soi Sim Beach

The islands in Halong Bay:

Cat Ba Island, Tuan Chau Island, Ti Top Island, Bo Hon Island

Tuan-Chau-Island

Tuan Chau Island

Try the local dishes in Halong Bay

No visit to Halong Bay is complete without trying the local cuisine and street foods. Halong Bay is known for its fresh seafood caught daily by local fishermen. Some of the must-try dishes include grilled squid, seafood hotpot, and banh cuon (steamed rice rolls).

If you are on a cruise, many of the meals will be included so that you can sample various Vietnamese dishes. Some recommended cruises that offer delicious food include Indochina Sails and Jasmine Cruise.

Recommended dishes:

Ha Long squid sausage (Cha muc Ha Long): This is a popular local delicacy made from fresh squid, minced pork, and various spices. It is then grilled or fried and served with rice noodles, fresh herbs, and dipping sauce.

Cha-muc-Ha-Long

Cha muc Ha Long

Seafood hotpot (Lau Hai San): As the sea surrounds Halong Bay, seafood is a must-try dish. A seafood hotpot is a perfect choice for seafood lovers. It mixes fresh seafood such as shrimp, squid, fish, and clams cooked in a flavorful broth.

cach-nau-lau-hai-san

Seafood of Lau Hai San

Grilled seafood (Hai San Nuong): grilled seafood is cooked on a charcoal grill and is served with a variety of dipping sauces

Hai-San-Nuong

Hai San Nuong

Visit the limestone caves in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is also home to many limestone caves known for their stunning karst formations and unique features. Sung Sot Cave is one of the most famous caves known as Surprise Cave. This cave is the largest and most famous in Halong Bay and is known for its impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Other caves include Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, and Bo Nau Cave.

Limestone-cave-in-halong-bay

The water dripping in the limestone cave

Halong Bay Tourist Attractions

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park is a must-visit attraction for nature lovers. Cat Ba National Park is a protected area on Cat Ba Island, the largest island in the Cat Ba Island, in Vietnam's Ha Long Bay area. The park covered an area of over 15,200 hectares and was established in 1986 to protect the diverse ecosystems found on the island.

The park is home to a wide range of flora and fauna, including several rare and endangered species, such as the white-headed langur, a leaf monkey found only in the area. The park has several endangered species, including the golden-headed langur and the pygmy slow loris.

And Cat Ba National Park is known for its Limestone Mountains, tropical forests, and scenic coastline. Visitors to the park can enjoy various outdoor activities, such as hiking, camping, and kayaking. The park is also a popular destination for birdwatching, as it is home to over 70 species of birds. The park has several historical and cultural sites, including a traditional fishing village and a wartime hospital cave used during the Vietnam War.

Overall, Cat Ba National Park offers a unique and fascinating experience for nature lovers and adventurers alike.

Visitors can take guided hikes through the park. They can enjoy stunning bay views, visit the village—and travel to the surrounding islands. 

Cat-Ba-national-park

Cat Ba national park

Cua Van Floating Village

Cua Van Floating (fishing) Village is a unique and fascinating attraction in Halong Bay. It is a picturesque fishing village in the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Ha Long Bay in northern Vietnam. The village is home to around 700 people who live in floating houses on the water. 

The village is surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and is known for its tranquil beauty and unique way of life. Fishing is the main occupation of the villagers. People catch fish and seafood using traditional nets and bamboo traps.

Visitors can take a boat tour of the village and learn about the villagers' daily lives. They can also take part in activities such as fishing, kayaking, and cooking classes. The village also has a small museum that showcases the history and culture of the local fishing communities.

Cua-Van-Floating-village

Cua Van Floating Village

Sung Sot Cave

As mentioned earlier, Sung Sot Cave is one of the most popular tourist attractions in Halong Bay. The cave is located on Bo Hon Island and is known for its impressive size and stunning natural formations. Visitors can take a guided tour of the cave. They can walk through several chambers and climb to a viewpoint that offers panoramic views of the bay.

Sung-Sot-Cave

Sung Sot Cave

Recommended Vietnam Itinerary:
4 Days Hanoi Tour with Halong Bay Cruise
5 Days A Glimpse of North Vietnam Tour
9 Days Vietnam Highlights Tour to Discover Halong Bay

Things To Consider For Halong Bay Tour

1.    Plan your Vietnam itinerary and book your tours/cruises early to avoid disappointment.

2.    Bring a camera or smartphone with plenty of storage space to capture the stunning scenery.

3.    Bring cash in Vietnamese dong for small purchases and tips, and get a Vietnam sim card to make your tour more convenient.

4.    Be aware of scams and avoid booking tours or buying souvenirs from unauthorized vendors.

5.    Respect the local culture and customs, and dress modestly when visiting temples or other religious sites.

6.    Be mindful of your impact on the environment and practice responsible tourism by avoiding littering and using eco-friendly products.

Conclusion

Halong Bay is truly one of the most stunning natural wonders in the world. It has towering limestone cliffs, turquoise waters, and hundreds of islands and islets. And it is a must-visit destination for anyone traveling to Vietnam. Whether relaxing on a beach, exploring the caves, or learning about the local culture, Halong Bay has something for everyone.

When planning your trip, consider the best time to visit. And you should choose the right cruise for your budget and interests and pack suitably for your planned activities.

Contact us at Indochina Tour, and we will tailor your Halong Bay Tour. You can have a gorgeous Halong Bay experience and create memories that will last a lifetime.

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