Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
Almost 2,000 limestone islands rise out of the Gulf of Tonkin here. Ha Long Bay has been a UNESCO World Heritage site since 1994; neighbouring Lan Ha Bay, off Cat Ba Island, is quieter and where most of our cruises spend the night.
Highlights
- An overnight cruise: swimming and kayaking between the karsts, a cooking demonstration and sunset on the top deck
- Dark & Bright Cave, reached by local rowing boat through a low arch into a hidden lagoon
- Sunrise over the bay, when mist still sits between the islands
- Fishing villages and floating pearl farms in the quieter corners of Lan Ha Bay
Best time to visit
October to April is the main season, with clear, cool days. Summer brings warm water but also the risk of storms; cruises are occasionally cancelled by the port authority for safety.
Getting there
About 2.5 hours by road from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina on the expressway. Cruises check in around midday and disembark the next morning.
How long to stay
One night on board, or two if you want more time on the water.
Where to stay
Nearly everyone sleeps on the boat: cabins have private bathrooms and most cruises have a sundeck and a small bar. If you prefer land, Cat Ba Island and Ha Long city both have hotels, and a night there lets you start earlier on the bay.
What to eat
Whatever the crew buys that morning: crab, squid, prawns and clams, usually served family style at lunch and dinner on board. Cha muc, grilled squid cake, is the local speciality on Cat Ba and in Ha Long.
Good to know
- Ha Long Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago are listed together by UNESCO, with around 1,600 islands and islets.
- Late January to May and September to November have the mildest weather. Mist often sits over the bay from December to March.
- Boats can be held in port in bad weather; the harbour master makes that call, not the cruise.
Combine with
Tours that visit Ha Long Bay
Questions about Ha Long Bay? Message us on WhatsApp +84 345 827 501 or email booking@hynatravel.com.