FREE EBOOK
Vietnam Travel Guide
Halong Bay Tours
Halong Bay tours include overnight cruises through limestone islands, kayaking in quiet lagoons, and exploring caves. Most tours start from Hanoi, making it an easy escape into Vietnam’s iconic seascape.
View tours >>The Best Halong Bay Tours & Local Experiences
Not sure what Halong Bay tour to choose?
Whether you’re looking for the best group tour, private experience, a custom made tour or just a private driver to bring you around, we’re here to help. Our local team knows Halong Bay inside out and can give you honest, expert advice—no pressure, just good suggestions.
About Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most famous natural destinations, known for its thousands of limestone islands rising from calm, green waters. It’s a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular spot for scenic cruises. Most travelers visit by joining a day cruise or overnight boat tour from Hanoi, which usually includes meals, kayaking, swimming, and stops at caves or floating villages. The bay is best explored slowly by boat, with options ranging from budget to luxury. While it can get busy in some areas, there are still quieter parts depending on your cruise route. Halong Bay is a good choice if you want a relaxing, scenic experience with a mix of light activity and impressive natural beauty.
Frequently Asked Questions About Sapa tours
Is a Halong Bay day trip worth it?
Yes, a Halong Bay day trip is worth it if you’re short on time. You’ll see the limestone islands, visit a cave, and maybe kayak—but expect a long day with 3 hours of driving each way from Hanoi. For a more relaxed experience, an overnight cruise is better.
Should I book a 2-day or 3-day Halong Bay cruise?
A 2-day cruise is enough for most travelers and includes kayaking, a cave visit, and one night on the bay. A 3-day cruise gives you more time to explore quieter areas and relax onboard. Choose 3 days if you want to slow down or see less-visited corners of the bay.
When is the best time to take a Halong Bay cruise?
The best time to cruise Halong Bay is from October to April, when the weather is cooler and skies are clearer. March to May is also nice, with warm temperatures and less humidity. Summer (June–August) can be hot and rainy, but the bay is still beautiful.
Are Halong Bay cruises available year-round?
Yes, cruises run all year. However, summer (June to August) is the storm season, and trips can occasionally be canceled due to weather. Winter (December–February) can be chilly and foggy, but still peaceful. Always check the weather if you’re traveling in the rainy months.
Are there alternatives to Halong Bay?
Yes. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are quieter alternatives with similar scenery and fewer tourist boats. Many overnight cruises now focus on these areas to avoid crowds. They’re still part of the greater Halong Bay area and offer kayaking, swimming, and cave visits too.
How do I get to Halong Bay from Hanoi?
Most tours include round-trip transport from Hanoi, usually by shuttle bus or limousine van. The drive takes around 2.5 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic and your cruise port. Some cruises leave from Tuan Chau (Halong City), while others depart from Hai Phong for Lan Ha Bay.
10 Highlights in Halong Bay Tours
1. Cruise Through the Bay
Sail past limestone islands, join onboard activities, and relax on deck. Halong Bay cruises range from day trips to luxury overnights with meals, kayaking, and cave visits.
2. Take a Scenic Flight
Hop on a seaplane from Halong City and enjoy a 25-minute aerial view over the islands. It’s the most impressive way to see the scale of the bay.
3. Go Kayaking
Paddle through sea caves and hidden lagoons. Kayaking is peaceful and lets you reach quiet spots that larger boats can’t access—usually included in most cruises.
4. Visit Floating Villages
See how locals live and work on the water in Halong’s floating fishing villages. Some cruises stop here to show fish farms and daily life on the bay.
5. Relax on a Beach
Many small islands have hidden beaches only accessible by boat. Some cruises include beach stops, or you can stay on Cat Ba Island for more beach time.
6. Explore Cat Ba Island
Trek in Cat Ba National Park, cycle through the countryside, or relax by the sea. This large island is a great base for tours around Lan Ha Bay.
7. Visit Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay
Quieter than Halong Bay but just as scenic, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long offer the same limestone landscapes with fewer tourist boats and more peaceful surroundings.
8. Discover the Caves
Explore caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) or Thien Cung, known for colorful lighting and dramatic formations. Some cruises even offer special cave dining experiences.
9. Climb to a Viewpoint
Get a panoramic view from Ti Top Island, Bai Tho Mountain, or Cat Ba’s peaks. These viewpoints give you the best photo spots above the bay’s islands.
10. Try Rock Climbing
Climb limestone cliffs for adventure and epic views. Halong Bay offers both guided climbing routes and deep-water soloing for experienced climbers looking for a challenge.