Halong Long Bay islets

Travel Experience in Ha Long Bay 2024

If Sapa evokes nostalgia with its pristine, majestic emerald green mountain ranges, then Ha Long Bay’s nature is enchanting with its mysterious and poetic beauty. This is definitely a travel destination you must visit when coming to Vietnam!

1. Ha Long - A Natural Wonder Recognized by UNESCO

Ha Long City, located in Quang Ninh Province about 180 km from Hanoi, is known as the tourism paradise of Northern Vietnam. With its favorable location, modern infrastructure, and developed transportation system, Ha Long City attracts tens of millions of domestic and international tourists each year.

Ha Long Bay covers an area of 1,553 square kilometers and includes 1,900 large and small limestone islands with various shapes. The bay has been repeatedly honored by UNESCO as a World Natural Wonder and is a must-visit tourist destination.

2. The Ideal Time to Visit Ha Long Bay

The weather in Ha Long is divided into two distinct seasons: summer - from May to October, and winter - from November to the end of April. The average annual temperature is 25ºC, which is quite ideal for outdoor tours.

With its diverse vegetation and favorable climate, you can visit Ha Long Bay at any time of the year. However, based on travel experience, you should avoid the rainy and stormy period in July and August to ensure the best possible trip.

3. Ha Long Bay Travel Tips - Average Costs

For the cost of traveling from Hanoi to Ha Long City or from Ho Chi Minh City to Ha Long, you can refer to the table below:

No.  TransportHo Chi Minh City - Ha LongHanoi - Ha Long
1Airplane$44/person/one way 
2Train$30 - $40/person/one way$3 - $4/person/one way
3Bus$32 - $36/person/one way$4 - $5/person/one way
4Rental Car$560 - $1,440$8/person/one way
5Limousine$28 - $40/seat $9 - $10/one way
6Personal Vehicle$20 - $60$4/person

For accommodation, prices vary depending on the area you choose. Rooms in Ha Long typically range from $8/night to $80/night.

Food costs also depend on the number of dishes ordered and the number of people dining. Generally, meal costs are not too high. If you eat seafood at a restaurant, the cost is around $6 - $20/person.

Sightseeing costs in Ha Long Bay range from $10 - $80 depending on the type of tour you choose. Typically, experienced travelers opt for boat tours of the bay at around $10/person.

4. The Most Convenient Ways to Get Around Ha Long City

According to Ha Long Bay travel experience, there are several convenient transportation options to explore every corner of Ha Long City:

Motorbike: You can easily rent a motorbike to explore Ha Long City at reasonable prices. However, many travelers recommend checking the rental price in advance and noting the return time to avoid unexpected costs. Rental prices typically range around $8 - $15 per day.

Bus: Ha Long has a bus system connecting various popular tourist spots. The average bus fare in Ha Long City is approximately $0.30 - $0.40 per trip.

Electric Car: Electric cars are a fairly popular mode of transportation, especially in the city center and tourist spots. Based on Ha Long Bay travel experience, the fare for an electric car is around $20 - $36 per trip. You can use this service from 7 AM to 10 PM daily.

Taxi: This is a convenient mode of transport suitable for most tourists. Since tourist sites in Ha Long Bay are not far apart, taxi fares are generally not a major issue. Taxi fares in Ha Long Bay range from $0.20 - $0.44 per kilometer, depending on the taxi company and distance traveled.

5. Where to Stay in Ha Long Bay?

Being a famous tourist destination, Ha Long also offers a wide range of hotels, from budget to luxury, with various price points.
If you prefer staying at comfortable and budget-friendly homestays, you can check out The Bay, Deja Vu House, Halong Ginger, Orestay, and others. For a more luxurious experience, you might consider booking a room at hotels like FLC Grand, Mường Thanh, Royal Lotus, Novotel, and so on.

6. What to Do in Ha Long?

6.1. Cruise Around Ha Long Bay

Overnight cruise in Halong

Ha Long Bay boasts magnificent, poetic natural beauty with thousands of large and small islands and many unique caves. The bay is also recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Wonder and attracts a large number of tourists each year.

On a Ha Long Bay cruise, you can enjoy stunning natural landscapes and visit beautiful destinations such as Sung Sot Cave, Con Coc Island, Dragon Eye Island, Ti Top Island, and Ngoc Vung Island, among others.

6.2. Swimming at Bai Chay Beach

Bai Chay Beach is an artificial beach located next to Ha Long Bay. It is the most beautiful beach in the city, with clear blue water and nearly 1,000 meters of fine white sand. According to Ha Long Bay travel experience, you can enjoy swimming, take photos, and experience various water activities here.

6.3. Visit Tuan Chau Island

Located on Tuan Chau Island, the Tuan Chau tourist area attracts visitors with its beautifully decorated and picturesque setting. When you visit Tuan Chau, you should attend the water music show and enjoy the outdoor amusement park or the newly opened dinosaur park.

6.4. Kayaking at Ti Top Island and Luong Cave

kayaking in halong vietnam

Leisurely kayaking on the cool waters, nestled behind the Luong Cave mountain range, will make you feel incredibly serene. After exploring Luong Cave, you can walk to Ti Top Island and enjoy the sunset with friends on a cruise.

6.5. Check-in at Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum is considered a miniature model of Quang Ninh Province, showcasing the culture and peaceful life of the people of Ha Long. Young travelers visiting Quang Ninh often capture memorable photos at this attraction.

6.6. Explore the Culture at Cua Van Fishing Village

According to the travel experience of many visitors to Ha Long, if you haven't been to Cua Van Fishing Village, you haven't fully enjoyed the beauty of the area. Cua Van is an old fishing village on the bay with the unique lifestyle of coastal fishermen.

Here, you can engage in interesting activities such as fishing, squid fishing, kayaking, and enjoy fresh seafood right on the boat.

Ha Long Bay is a popular tourist destination that attracts millions of visitors each year. To prepare well for your summer trip, you can refer to the Ha Long Bay travel tips shared by Scarlet Pearl Halong Cruises above. Don’t forget to book your room quickly on our website today to take advantage of our promotions!