Ha Long Bay
Plan Ha Long Bay with Haqqi Tours: day tours, private airport transfers, attraction tickets and packages, run by our own team and confirmed on WhatsApp in Arabic or English.
Step onto the deck as the boat leaves the harbour and the bay opens in front of you: limestone towers rising straight out of jade-green water, one behind another until they fade into the haze. Fishing boats with patched sails glide between the islands, kayaks slip under low rock arches, and the only sounds are the engine's hum and birds wheeling around the cliffs. As the light softens in the late afternoon, the karsts turn blue and silver and the water goes perfectly still.
Nothing matches those filters yet. Widen your search or message us on WhatsApp.
Ha Long Bay Day Tours
View all
Ha Long Bay Airport Transfers
View all
Ha Long Bay Flight Tickets
View allHa Long Bay Ferry Tickets
View allHa Long Bay at first sight
Ha Long Bay, in north-east Vietnam on the Gulf of Tonkin, is one of Asia's great natural wonders and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, now listed together with the Cat Ba archipelago. Nearly two thousand limestone islands and islets hide caves, lagoons and small beaches, and the neighbouring Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha bays offer quieter waters with the same dramatic scenery, all within a few hours of Hanoi.
Why include Ha Long Bay in your itinerary?
- A seascape like no other. Thousands of limestone towers, sea arches and hidden lagoons make Ha Long Bay one of the most striking landscapes on earth, beautiful at sunrise, in the midday light and under the soft mists of winter.
- Caves, kayaks and island viewpoints. Walk through the great chambers of Sung Sot and Thien Cung caves, paddle a kayak into enclosed lagoons, and climb to the summit of Ti Top island for a sweeping view over the bay.
- Easy to reach and easy to enjoy. Ha Long is about two and a half hours from Hanoi by expressway and close to Van Don International Airport, with day cruises and overnight cruises in cabins that let you sleep among the islands.
Signature experiences in Ha Long Bay
Overnight Cruise among the Karsts
The classic way to see Ha Long Bay is a two-day, one-night cruise on a comfortable ship with private cabins. You board around midday, sail deep into the bay, swim or kayak in the afternoon and watch the sunset from the sundeck, then wake to calm water and early light on the islands. We book cruises at several comfort levels, including 5-star ships with balcony cabins.
Sung Sot and Thien Cung Caves
Sung Sot, the Surprise Cave, is one of the largest in the bay, with vast chambers of stalactites reached by a stone staircase on Bo Hon island. Thien Cung, the Heavenly Palace Cave, is closer to the mainland and famous for its rich rock formations and soft lighting. Paths are paved but include steps, and our cruises and day trips include at least one cave visit.
Kayaking in Hidden Lagoons
Many of the bay's most beautiful corners can only be reached by small boat. Kayaks and bamboo rowing boats slip through low rock tunnels into enclosed lagoons such as Luon Cave and the waters of Lan Ha Bay, where monkeys sometimes appear on the cliffs. Life jackets are provided, and calm water makes it suitable for beginners and families.
Ti Top Island and Its Viewpoint
Ti Top island has a small crescent beach and a steep path of a few hundred steps to a summit pavilion, with one of the finest panoramas over the bay and its anchored boats. Many cruises stop here in the afternoon for a climb and a swim. Go early or late to avoid the busiest hour, and bring water and comfortable shoes for the climb.
Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island
South of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island offer the same limestone scenery with fewer boats, white-sand coves and floating fish farms. Cat Ba National Park covers much of the island with forest and caves. Day cruises with kayaking and lunch and overnight cruises explore these quieter waters, and we can arrange the transfer from Hanoi.
Neighbourhoods and quarters to know in Ha Long Bay
Bai Chay
Bai Chay is the main tourist side of Ha Long city, with a seafront promenade, an artificial beach, hotels of every level and the cable car to the hilltop park. It is the most practical base for first-time visitors, close to cruise piers, restaurants and night-time attractions. Evenings are lively along the waterfront, and the bay views from higher floors are beautiful.
Tuan Chau Island
Tuan Chau is a small island linked to the mainland by a causeway, with the international marina where many overnight cruises begin and end. It has resort hotels, a beach and the ferry to Cat Ba. Staying here suits travellers who want an easy early boarding, though restaurants and shops are fewer than in Bai Chay.
Hon Gai
Across the bridge from Bai Chay, Hon Gai is the older town centre of Ha Long, with local markets, Poem Mountain and the harbour that faces the bay's nearest islands. Hotels here are quieter and more local in feel, and the area gives a more everyday picture of city life. It is a short drive from the cruise piers.
Cat Ba Town
On Cat Ba Island, the small harbour town of Cat Ba sits between green hills and a bay full of fishing boats, with simple hotels, seafood restaurants and three small beaches nearby. It is the best base for Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba National Park and quieter boat trips. Getting there takes longer, by car and ferry from Ha Long or Hai Phong.
How long to stay in Ha Long Bay and how to pair it
Recommended stay
We recommend two nights in the Ha Long area. Spend one night on board a cruise among the islands, and one night in Bai Chay or on Tuan Chau before or after, to visit Sun World Ha Long or take a scenic flight. With three nights, add Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island for a quieter side of the bay.
How to pair it
Ha Long Bay pairs naturally with Hanoi, about two and a half hours away by expressway, and with Ninh Binh, known as Ha Long Bay on land. A seven-day trip combines Hanoi, Ha Long Bay and Ninh Binh. In ten days, add Sapa or Hoi An. A fourteen-day journey can link Hanoi, Ha Long, Ninh Binh, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City.
Best time to visit Ha Long Bay and the rhythm of the day
Best months
The best months for Ha Long Bay are March to May and October to November, with mild temperatures and calmer seas. Summer is hot and humid, and from June to October storms can stop all cruises at short notice by order of the authorities. December to February is cool and often misty, with a quiet, atmospheric beauty.
The daily rhythm
Days on the bay follow the cruise schedule. Most boats board between eleven and one, with lunch as you sail into the islands. Afternoons are for caves, kayaking and swimming, and sunset is enjoyed on the sundeck. Mornings start early with calm water and light exercise on deck, before brunch and the return to the pier.
On-the-ground logistics in Ha Long Bay
Arrival
Most visitors arrive from Hanoi, about two and a half to three hours by expressway, or fly into Van Don International Airport, about fifty minutes from Bai Chay. Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi is also about two and a half hours away. We arrange private transfers from Hanoi or either airport straight to your cruise pier or hotel.
Getting around
Bai Chay and Hon Gai are linked by a bridge, and taxis are easy to find in town. Cruises leave from several piers, mainly Tuan Chau marina and the international cruise port in Bai Chay, so check your boarding point in advance. A private car with driver arranged by our team is the most comfortable way to move between Hanoi, the piers and your hotel.
Local etiquette tip
Ha Long is relaxed and welcoming. Cover shoulders and knees when visiting pagodas and temples, and remove shoes where you see others doing so. On board, follow the crew's safety instructions and wear a life jacket when kayaking. Keep the bay clean by taking all rubbish back to the boat. Tipping cruise staff is appreciated but not obligatory.
Must-do things in Ha Long Bay
- Sleep on board an overnight cruise among the islands
- Walk through the great chambers of Sung Sot Cave
- Kayak into a hidden lagoon
- Climb to the viewpoint on Ti Top island
- Watch sunrise over the karsts from the sundeck
- Explore the quieter waters of Lan Ha Bay
- Visit Thien Cung Cave and its rock formations
- Ride the cable car at Sun World Ha Long
- Take a scenic seaplane flight over the bay
- Sail through Bai Tu Long Bay for fewer boats
Do’s and don’ts in Ha Long Bay
Do
- Do check your cruise pier and boarding time in advance
- Do pack light, soft luggage for the cruise
- Do bring comfortable shoes for caves and island steps
- Do carry your passport for cruise registration
- Do keep flexible plans in the storm season
Don’t
- Don't throw anything into the water
- Don't touch stalactites inside the caves
- Don't kayak without a life jacket
- Don't expect cruises to sail in storm warnings
- Don't rush Ha Long Bay as a short stop only
Ha Long Bay at a glance
Plan Ha Long Bay with Haqqi Tours
Every option is confirmed by our team on WhatsApp before you pay, and delivered by our own people or by trusted local partners we work with in every city. Because we send travellers from all over the world, our partners give us special rates and priority, so you always receive the best. Prices are per person unless marked per vehicle.
About Haqqi Tours: About us Contact us Legal NoticePrivacy PolicyCookies & Marketing PreferencesTerms & ConditionsBooking, Payment & Refunds
More services in Ha Long Bay
Good to know
Frequently Asked Questions
Straight answers to what travellers ask most about Ha Long Bay.
Where should first-time visitors stay in Ha Long Bay?
First-time visitors usually stay in Bai Chay, close to cruise piers, restaurants and the cable car, or on Tuan Chau island near the main cruise marina. For the full experience, spend at least one night on board a cruise among the islands. Our team can suggest a hotel or cruise level and arrange your private transfer.
Can Ha Long Bay be done as a day trip from Hanoi, or does it need an overnight stay?
A day trip from Hanoi is possible and popular, with about five hours on the road in total and four to five hours on the water. An overnight cruise is far more relaxing, letting you reach quieter parts of the bay, enjoy sunset and sunrise and visit more caves. We arrange both, with private transfers from Hanoi.
What is the dress code and etiquette in Ha Long Bay?
On cruises, casual clothes and swimwear for swimming are fine, with light layers for the evening. In pagodas and temples, cover shoulders and knees. Follow the crew's safety instructions, wear a life jacket on kayaks and small boats, and keep the bay clean. Our guides explain local customs along the way.
Is Ha Long Bay tourist friendly, and is halal food available?
Yes. Ha Long welcomes visitors from all over the world, and cruises are used to many nationalities. Halal-certified food is limited in Ha Long, but seafood, fish, rice and vegetable dishes are easy to find, and most cruises can prepare vegetarian or no-pork meals on request. The nearest mosques are in Hanoi. We can advise you.
Is it safe to travel to Ha Long Bay now?
Ha Long Bay is generally considered safe for visitors. The main risk is weather: from June to October, the authorities can suspend all cruises when a storm approaches, so keep your plans flexible. Wear life jackets on small boats and take care on cave steps. Before departure, check your own government's official travel advice and keep our WhatsApp line handy.
What are the must-do things in Ha Long Bay?
The must-do things in Ha Long Bay include an overnight cruise among the islands, Sung Sot and Thien Cung caves, kayaking into a hidden lagoon, the viewpoint on Ti Top island, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, and the cable car at Sun World Ha Long. Our cruises and private tours combine these at a relaxed pace.
How many days do you need in Ha Long Bay?
Two days is ideal for Ha Long Bay: one night on an overnight cruise and a second day for Sun World or a scenic flight. A day trip from Hanoi covers the highlights at a quicker rhythm, while three days allow Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island as well.
What can I book in Ha Long Bay with Haqqi Tours?
Day tours, private airport transfers, flight tickets and ferry tickets, including Lan Ha Bay Full-Day Boat Trip with Kayaking from Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay Luxury Day Cruise from Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay Bioluminescent Plankton Sunset Boat Trip, Cat Ba. Each has its own page, and the WhatsApp desk combines any of them into one plan with one written price.
How do I get from the airport to my hotel in Ha Long Bay?
Van Don International Airport (VDO) is in Van Don district north-east of Ha Long Bay, about 50 to 60 km from Bai Chay and Tuan Chau, around 50 minutes to an hour by car on the coastal expressway. Our private transfer meets you at arrivals with a name board, tracks your flight and takes you door to door at a fixed price for the whole vehicle; the transfer pages list every route.
Is there public transport from the airport to Ha Long Bay?
The expressway from Hanoi reaches Ha Long in about two and a half hours, and Van Don International Airport has flights from Ho Chi Minh City. Cruises leave from Tuan Chau marina and the international cruise port in Bai Chay, and a car ferry links Tuan Chau with Cat Ba. A private car is the easiest way to reach the right pier on time. With luggage, a family or a late flight, the private car is the simpler choice.
Which tours are available in Ha Long Bay?
Among them: Lan Ha Bay Full-Day Boat Trip with Kayaking from Cat Ba, Lan Ha Bay Luxury Day Cruise from Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay Bioluminescent Plankton Sunset Boat Trip, Cat Ba, Cat Ba National Park Half-Day Hike and Trung Trang Cave and Cat Ba National Park Full-Day Hike with Kayaking and Swimming. Each page says whether the day is private or small-group, what it includes and how long it lasts.
Are the tours private or in a group?
Both exist, and each tour page says which. A private tour has a vehicle and guide for your party alone; the desk can make most group tours private on request.
How do I book?
Fill in the form on any page or message us on WhatsApp with the date, the number of travellers and the hotel. A member of our team confirms the price and the details in writing within minutes.
Are the prices fixed?
Yes - every price is agreed in writing on WhatsApp before you travel and does not change on the day.
Do the drivers and guides speak Arabic or English?
It depends on the city and the day, so we do not promise a particular language; tell us your preference and we do our best. The WhatsApp desk always works in Arabic and English.
Can I change or cancel a booking in Ha Long Bay?
Yes, in the same WhatsApp conversation. The terms depend on the product and on how close to the date the change comes; the desk states them before you pay.