Everything you need to know about Halong Bay
14/04/2024Holong Bay located in northeastern Vietnam, is 156 km east of Hanoi, near the Chinese border. It is located in the Gulf of Tonkin in Quang Ninh Province. Halong cover an area of 43,400 ha and has over 1600 islands and islets, most of which are uninhabitated and unaffected by humans. The name “Ha Long” translates to “Descending Dragon,” an apt description of the mythical origin of the bay, believed to have been created by dragons protecting the Vietnamese people from invaders. Sailing through the bay on traditional wooden junks or luxury cruises, visitors are treated to awe-inspiring vistas of limestone pillars, mysterious caves, and lush greenery.
Halong Bay forms a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars and is an ideal model of a mature Karst landscape developed during a warm and wet tropical climate. Renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of limestone karsts and islets rising majestically from the sea, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is a symbol of Vietnam’s natural splendor. Ha Long Bay has become a must-see location while traveling to Vietnam due to its breathtaking natural beauty, rich cultural legacy, and different ecosystems. Everything you need to know about Halong Bay.
When is the best time to visit Halong Bay?
There are 4 seasons in a year but it can be mainly divided into cold dry winter and hot humid summer. It is fine to visit Halong Bay all year around. Even though there are some unexpected cases leading to trip cancellation. Each season will bring you a different feeling that you will never forget.
– The Winter is from November to March which lead to cold weather, getting colder in January and February … not ideal for swimming. The foggy days or strong monsoon are also visible this time. The temperature is from 12ºC to 20ºC. During December, rare light rains may occur alongside festive celebrations for Christmas and New Year, accompanied by increased deals and promotions.
– The Summer is from May to early September. The Bay is sunny and hot for swimming under clear blue sky. There is light rain in some days and even unexpected typhoon that might cancel your trip. Temperature rises from 25ºC. Summer promotion rate can be found during this time.
– The Spring ( March, April) and Fall ( September, October) seems to be the best time to visit Halong bay, the weather is cool and you enjoy the best time of the year.
How to get Halong Bay from Hanoi?
Travelling from the capital city of Hanoi to the UNESCO World Heritage Site Ha Long Bay will open up a world of breathtaking natural beauty and captivating experiences. If you are wondering how to get Halong Bay from Hanoi? Look no further! The Time Journeys will show you the best ways to reach Halong Bay from Hanoi.
From Hanoi City Center to Ha Long Bay is around 165 kilometers. And from Noi Bai International Airport to Ha Long Bay is around 190 kilometers. There are many ways to move from Hanoi’s city center to Hanoi Bay, including by private car, local bus, shuttle bus, limousine, motorbike, and train.
The best way to get there by car, limousine bus or van. It takes around 3,4 hours if the car drive by old way. It takes around 2,5 hours by New high way. Or you can take seaplanes in 45 minutes. By this way, you will have opportunity to admire the magnificent view of Halong Bay’s 1600 islets from above, along with thrilling water take offs/ landing.
*** 1. Travel by private car:
If you are looking for flexibility and having your own space, renting a Hanoi to Ha Long Bay private car is a great idea. This option gives you the freedom to plan your own itinerary, make stops along the way, and travel at your own pace. You can easily set this up through your tour or cruise operator or book through private car services (The price depends on the type of car (4, 7, 16, 29 and 45 seat) and length of excursion (1, 2, or 3-day))
*** 2. Limousine – The best way to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay
For those seeking a touch of comfort, traveling by limousine is an ideal choice. These vehicles come equipped with top-notch amenities, including complimentary Wi-Fi, massage chairs, LCD screens, stereo systems, and automatic doors. The Hanoi to Ha Long Bay limousine service also ensures a time-efficient travel experience, particularly via the new highway.about 2.5 hours via the new highway
*** 3. Travel by motorbike (Not advice)
If you prefer to experience highway by motorbike.You have make sure that you are skillful and have experience driving in Vietnam. If not it is dangerous for you. By this way, you have to rent a good mobobike from Tour Operator in Hanoi Old Quarter.
There are two ways:
– Route 1: Hanoi – Bac Ninh – Ha Long (155 kilometers): Starting from Hanoi, you need to follow Highway 5 for about 10 kilometers to reach Sai Dong Junction. From there, continue on Highway 1 for approximately 23 kilometers to Bac Ninh Province. Take Highway 18, travel about 122 kilometers, and you will arrive at Ha Long City.
– Route 2: Hanoi – Hai Duong – Ha Long (170 kilometers): Although slightly longer, this route offers convenience. Departing from Hanoi, you should head to Nam Sach Town in Hai Duong Province. From there, travel on Highway 183 to reach Ha Long City.
*** 4. Travel by seaplanes: Fantastic Way to Experience
Travelling by a seaplane from Hanoi to Halong Bay, is the most luxurious way. Hai Au Aviation is the only seaplane provider in Vietnam offering a 45-minute scheduled flight from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and an additional 15-minute for sightseeing.
The seaplane departs from Noi Bai Airport in Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina, the gateway to Halong Bay day and overnight cruises. It can reach a height of 3,000 meters, but it gives you the best view of the bay at a height of 300 meters.
Each seaplane has spacious windows, which help you to see the beautiful landscape below including 1,600 islands and islets which are scattered beside the Gulf of Tonkin, along with beaches, lagoon, and towering sea cliffs. It has a capacity of 12 passengers who are each allowed 7 kg of luggage.
Traveling to Halong from Hanoi by seaplane only takes 45-minute instead of 2.5 hours by car. It is excellent for those looking to maximize their time to see the sights rather than spend traveling, and also makes the transfer possible without being exhausting. But this kind of transportation is quite expensive.
Cruise in Halong Bay
Halong Bay has hundreds of scattering islets and grottos. Cruising is the best way to have closer look and convenient to visit the attractions of Bay. Spending night on cruise is a interactive way of experience the World Heritage Site.
There are a lot level of cruise services in Halong Bay. Day cruise from 3 to 5 star. Taking night on cruise will save time to move in between hotel and attractions. You will not worry for food, entrance fee, transportation, activities, ect… because everything is included in your cruise package.
How to choose the right Halong Bay Cruise?
There are thousand of cruise in Halong Bay. It is the most important to choose and order an unforgettable Halong Bay trip.
To avoid the risk of getting food poison, safety, poor facilities, noisy people, rule staff, and so many other horrendous thing while in the middle of the sea and have no way to escape. We have the list the Best Cruise in Halong Bay which have good services, quality food, friendly and helpful staff and of course the crusie have license and allowance to cruise in Halong Bay by the Management Board of Halong Bay. HALONG BAY CRUISE
