Ha Long Bay

Why visit Ha Long Bay?

Sure, Ha Long Bay is one of the most heavily visited tourist destinations of anywhere in Vietnam. But the nature of the experience – viewing the limestone formations as part of a boat day trip, or overnight cruise, means there’s always pockets of peace to be found. There’s plenty of bay to go around, after all!

And while many travellers choose to visit on a day trip from Hanoi before returning to the city, we’d recommend sticking around for a while. Then not only can you savour the typical tour of the bay and on to Lan Ha Bay, you’ll have time to visit neighbouring Ca Ba island, tranquil floating villages, plus to add on extra activities like kayaking, swimming and fishing to your trip.

There’s plenty of different ways in which you can soak up the majesty of this incredible natural wonder. But a heads-up: there are lots of Ha Long Bay tour operators out there, and not all of the companies will align with the kind of experience you’d like. So below, we’ve highlighted the main types of tour available, and what to expect.

5 types of Halong Bay tour

Budget

For those seeking a no-frills boat trip, whether that’s part of a day tour from Hanoi or a single night. You can still enjoy some beautiful views as you glide along the bay – but you may not get to witness the more remote parts. If you choose the overnight option, expect to sleep in a bunkbed and shared berth setup.

Party

You can choose a specific party cruise option when choosing your Halong Bay tour…however, be prepared that even if you go with a tour company on the low end of the price range, you’re likely to be sharing your tour with party-loving backpackers, too. Great if you’re looking for a few drinks, karaoke and plenty of chats about your travels – less so if you’d rather experience the natural surroundings in serenity.

Adventure

Many agents will offer a range of activities as part of your boat tour of Ha Lang Bay: from the chance to kayak around the bay, or within the caves, to scrambling and rock climbing on the limestone karsts themselves. Again, chat to our local travel assistants if this would interest you and we can help you build an action-packed trip into your tour of the bay!

Mid-Range

Probably the widest range of overnight cruises, with options to stay for one or two nights. We would recommend going for a longer one, as you’ll get to journey away from the bulk of the tourist boats, into a more forgotten part of this fabulous seascape and visit some floating fishing villages on the way. Accommodation can be very mixed so do your research and book with a reputable company: of course, we can help you with this, too!

Luxury

Want a splash of luxury as you sail through the bay? Well, you won’t be disappointed: a Ha Long overnight cruise can be done in serious, 5-star style. With private rooms featuring king-sized beds and bathtubs, buffet feasts, great cocktails, swimming pools and a range of activities on offer – from sunrise Tai Chi on the deck to game shows and squid fishing in the evening –  just remember to look up and drink in the views now and again!

So, what kind of tour – and cruise – speaks to you? If you’re not sure, Wide Eyed Tours & Travel can help you out with a customised trip. We have decades-long partnerships with a number of reputable, high-quality cruise ship companies in the area, and our accommodation options range from three to five-star cruise ships.

We can remove the guesswork for you – so whether you’re a family on a budget, a couple in search of the perfect honeymoon destination or a solo traveller wanting to pamper yourself, give us a call. Once we get to know you, we can recommend and personalise a Ha Long bay tour that we know you’ll love.

Getting from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay

It’s only a 2.5-hour journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay. That is, if you’re travelling by private transfer. There’s also the option to take a bus, which can take up to 4 hours, depending on which company you choose.

Some journeys include a requisite stop at a handicrafts stop, where you’re encouraged to buy some souvenirs to take home. If this doesn’t sound like your kind of thing, we can bring you directly to the bay without stopping, or include a lunch/coffee break at a more relaxing stop.

Say hello to Ha Long!

Get your Titanic moment on and stand at the bow of your cruise ship, gazing in awe at the towering limestone formations as you glide (slowy, carefully!) past. It’s the kind of landscape you won’t find anywhere else on earth, or on water.

To make the most out of your Ha Long Bay tour, choose one that isn’t jam-packed, that doesn’t rush you around, that allows you to savour all the wonders to be found in and around the bay.

And whether you want an action-packed itinerary, or a five-star luxury cruise ship, our local travel team can create the tour of your dreams, with the kind of memories – and photos! – you’ll treasure, long after you leave.

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