Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: The Ultimate Travel Guide 2026

Halong Bay, Vietnam
Halong Bay, Vietnam

For many, the seascape of Ha Long Bay epitomizes Vietnam. Cruises navigate the emerald green waters amidst thousands of rugged islands and islets, pausing at spectacular caves where visitors can explore impressive, centuries-old formations. Ha Long Bay’s enchanting beauty has made it a must-visit destination in the country, yet it’s still possible to discover secluded corners to enjoy in peace.

History of Ha Long Bay

Early History of Ha Long

Ha Long’s history dates back thousands of years, with early human settlements found in the region. Archaeological discoveries have revealed stone tools and pottery from ancient civilizations, indicating a rich cultural heritage.

Ha Long During the Feudal Period

During the feudal period, Ha Long was strategically important due to its location along the coast. It served as a crucial defense point against invasions, with various Vietnamese dynasties building fortifications and naval bases in the area.

Ha Long Under French Colonial Rule

In the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Ha Long came under French colonial rule. The French were instrumental in developing the area, establishing coal mines and ports. They also recognized the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay, promoting it as a tourist destination.

Ha Long in the 20th Century

The 20th century saw significant changes in Ha Long. During the Vietnam War, the bay was heavily bombed, impacting both its natural environment and local communities. Following the war, efforts were made to rebuild and promote Ha Long as a major tourist destination.

Modern Ha Long

Today, Ha Long is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its stunning landscapes and rich biodiversity. The bay attracts millions of visitors each year, drawn to its emerald waters, dramatic limestone formations, and vibrant cultural experiences. The city of Ha Long has also grown, becoming an important economic and tourism hub in northern Vietnam.

Moira & Andy
Moira & Andy

Hey! We're Moira & Andy. From hiking the Camino to trips around Europe in Bert our campervan — we've been traveling together since retirement in 2020!

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Visiting Ha Long Bay for the first time and wondering what are the top places to see in the city? In this complete guide, I share the best things to do in Ha Long Bay on the first visit. To help you plan your trip, I have also included an interactive map and practical tips for visiting!

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2 Best places to See in Ha Long Bay

This complete guide to Ha Long Bay not only tells you about the very best sights and tourist attractions for first-time visitors to the city but also provide insights into a few of our personal favorite things to do.

This is a practical guide to visiting the best places to see in Ha Long Bay and is filled with tips and info that should answer all your questions!

Me Cung Cave

Me Cung Cave
Me Cung Cave
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Ji-Elle
Me Cung Cave is one of the top attractions in Ha Long Bay and often visited on walking tours of Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands, though boats are the only way to reach it. Perched on Lom Bo Island and dating back 7,000–10,000 years, it is one of the must-see places in Ha Long for travellers fascinated by geology, archaeology,…
Location: Mê Cung, Hà Khánh, Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam | Distance: 137.2km
Visiting Me Cung Cave

Here is a complete selection of hotel options in Ha Long Bay. Feel free to review each one and choose the stay that best suits your needs.

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Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum and Quang Ninh Library facades
Quang Ninh Museum and Quang Ninh Library facades
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Hoangkid
Quang Ninh Museum is one of the top attractions in Ha Long City and often visited on walking tours of Ha Long’s coastal promenade. With its bold black-mirror façade designed to resemble a lump of coal, it is one of the must-see places in Ha Long for travellers interested in architecture, culture, and the story of Halong Bay. The museum…
Location: Bảo tàng Quảng Ninh, Trần Quốc Nghiễn, Bạch Đằng, Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam | Distance: 137.2km
Visiting Quang Ninh Museum

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Best Day Trips from Ha Long Bay

A day trip from Ha Long Bay offers the perfect opportunity to escape the urban rhythm and discover the surrounding region's charm. Whether you're drawn to scenic countryside, historic villages, or cultural landmarks, the area around Ha Long Bay provides a variety of easy-to-reach destinations ideal for a one-day itinerary.

Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave
Thien Cung Cave
CC BY-SA 2.0 / xiquinhosilva
Thien Cung Cave is one of the best places to visit in Ha Long Bay and is often included on sightseeing cruises around the bay’s limestone islands. Featuring dramatic stalactites, elaborate formations, and vivid myths tied to the Dragon King, it offers one of the most immersive cave experiences in Ha Long Bay. With its vast chambers and atmospheric lighting,…
Location: Hạ Long, Cao Xanh, Đầu Gỗ Động Thiên Cung | Distance: 7.1km
Visiting Thien Cung Cave

Click here to read our blog about Choosing a Ha Long Bay Cruise in 2026: Find the Perfect Trip

Trong Mai Islet

Ha Long bay The Kissing Rocks
Ha Long bay The Kissing Rocks
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Nguyễn Thanh Quang
Trong Mai Islet is one of the top sights in Ha Long Bay, known for its dramatic silhouette of two rocks leaning toward each other like a rooster and hen. Its poetic beauty, combined with a touching legend of eternal love, has made it a highlight of any walking tour of Ha Long’s famous islets as visitors sail past this…
Location: Hòn Trống Mái Hạ Long, Hòn Trống Mái | Distance: 9.2km
Visiting Trong Mai Islet

Ti Top Island

Ti Top Island
Ti Top Island
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Greg Willis
Ti Top Island is one of the top attractions in Ha Long Bay and often visited on walking tours of Ha Long Bay’s island viewpoints, although most visitors arrive by boat. Small yet spectacular, it is one of the must-see places in Ha Long thanks to its crescent-shaped beach, turquoise waters, and sweeping views from its summit. Situated just 8…
Location: Ti Top Island | Distance: 13.0km
Visiting Ti Top Island
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Luon Cave

Hang Luon Cave Ha Long Bay Vietnam
Hang Luon Cave Ha Long Bay Vietnam
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jakub Hałun
Luon Cave is one of the top attractions in Ha Long Bay and often visited on walking tours of Ha Long Bay’s kayaking sites, though most exploration is done by boat. Located on Bo Hon Island, this natural archway tunnel opens into a quiet, enclosed lake surrounded by towering cliffs, making it one of the must-see places in Ha Long…
Location: Hang Luồn Cát Hải | Distance: 14.0km
Visiting Luon Cave

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave Ha Long Bay northern Vietnam
Sung Sot Cave Ha Long Bay northern Vietnam
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Richard Mortel
Sung Sot Cave or Surprise Cave is one of the top attractions in Halong Bay and often visited on walking tours of Halong Bay’s island viewpoints, though most travellers access it by boat. Situated on Bo Hon Island, this immense cavern is one of the must-see places in Halong Bay thanks to its dramatic size, ancient geology, and legendary stalactite…
Location: Sung Sot Cave Ha Long Bay, Halong City Quảng Ninh | Price: Entrance ticket: $13 – $33/pax (290.000 – 790.000VND/pax); Boat ticket: $8/pax (200.000 VND/pax). | Distance: 15.0km
Visiting Sung Sot Cave

Cat Ba Island

View of the sea from Cannon Fort Park on Cat Ba Island Vietnam
View of the sea from Cannon Fort Park on Cat Ba Island Vietnam
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Jakub Hałun
Cat Ba Island is one of the top attractions in Hai Phong and often visited on walking tours of Cat Ba Town and its surrounding hills, though most exploration happens by boat or motorbike. As the largest island in the 367-island Cat Ba Archipelago, it is one of the must-see places in northern Vietnam for travellers seeking a blend of…
Location: Cát Bà Island, Trân Châu, Cát Hải, Hai Phong, Vietnam | Distance: 19.6km
Visiting Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba National Park

Cat Ba National Park
Cat Ba National Park
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Cat Ba National Park is one of the top attractions in Cat Ba Island and often visited on walking tours of Cat Ba Island’s jungle trails. Covering most of the island’s landmass and part of its coastal waters, the park is one of the must-see places in Cat Ba for nature lovers, trekkers, and wildlife enthusiasts. Its dramatic limestone peaks,…
Location: Cát Bà, Cat Ba National Park, Trân Châu, Cát Hải, Hai Phong, Vietnam | Distance: 19.6km
Visiting Cat Ba National Park
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Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay Quang Ninh Vietnam
Bai Tu Long Bay Quang Ninh Vietnam
Public Domain / AnhTuan Le
Bai Tu Long Bay is one of the best places to visit in Ha Long’s greater region if you're seeking tranquillity and unspoiled scenery. With towering limestone formations, scattered islands, and peaceful fishing communities, it feels like a calmer, more intimate extension of its famous neighbor and is often visited on walking tours of Ha Long Bay’s quieter enclaves. History…
Visiting Bai Tu Long Bay

Hospital Cave

Hospital Cave
Hospital Cave
CC BY-SA 2.0 / Sitoo
Hospital Cave is one of the most unusual places to visit on Cat Ba Island, blending history, mystery, and an eerie sense of isolation deep within the island’s limestone heart. Once a secret medical facility during the American War, it is often visited on walking tours of Cat Ba’s historical sites and provides a striking contrast to the island’s beaches…
Location: Hospital Cave, Trân Châu, Cát Hải, Hai Phong, Vietnam | Distance: 22.5km
Visiting Hospital Cave

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay
Lan Ha Bay
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Lan Ha Bay is one of the top attractions in Cat Ba Island and often visited on walking tours of Cat Ba’s viewpoints, although most exploration happens by boat. As Halong Bay’s quieter sibling, it is one of the must-see places in Cat Ba for travellers seeking tranquility, natural beauty, and a more intimate experience on the water. With nearly…
Location: Lan Ha Bay, Vietnam | Distance: 24.1km
Visiting Lan Ha Bay

Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village

Cai Beo floating village
Cai Beo floating village
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Superbass
Cai Beo Fishing Village is one of the must-see places in Cat Ba, blending archaeological significance with timeless local traditions. Known for its floating homes, serene waters, and centuries-old fishing heritage, it remains a great place to visit on a walking tour of Cat Ba’s coastal settlements, offering a calmer, more traditional counterpoint to the island’s busier tourist beaches. History…
Location: Cai Beo Floating Village, Cái Bèo, Cat Ba, Cát Hải, Hai Phong, Vietnam | Distance: 27.3km
Visiting Cai Beo Floating Fishing Village

Cannon Fort

Cannon Fort
Cannon Fort
CC BY-SA 4.0 / Christophe95
Cannon Fort is one of the top attractions in Cat Ba Island and often visited on walking tours of Cat Ba Town and its surrounding hills. Sitting high above the harbour, it is one of the must-see places in Cat Ba for travellers who want a blend of history, scenery, and adventure. The climb is rewarding, the viewpoints unforgettable, and…
Location: Cannon Fort, Cat Ba, Cát Hải, Hai Phong, Vietnam | Distance: 27.8km
Visiting Cannon Fort

Hanoi

Hanoi
Hanoi
Founded over 1000 years ago, Vietnam’s capital city, Hanoi, is steeped in history, with the streets of its winding Old Quarter dating back to the 14th century. Strolling through these tree-lined lanes and past weathered colonial facades feels like stepping back in time. Yet, modern-day Hanoi is far more than its historical roots. The ancient city is alive with modern…
Visiting Hanoi
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Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)

ninh binh
ninh binh
Visiting Ninh Binh in Vietnam offers travelers a unique blend of natural beauty, cultural richness, and historical significance. Often referred to as the "Ha Long Bay on land," Ninh Binh features stunning limestone karsts rising dramatically from emerald-green rice paddies and winding rivers. One of the highlights is a boat trip through the Tam Coc or Trang An landscapes, where…
Visiting Ninh Binh (Tam Coc)
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Where to Stay in Ha Long Bay

Staying on a cruise boat is the most popular option, providing an unforgettable experience of limestone karsts and emerald waters. For a land-based stay, hotels in Bai Chay offer easy access to the bay and nightlife, while Cat Ba Island provides a more relaxed, nature-focused alternative.

A 2-day stay is enough for a classic Ha Long Bay cruise, visiting caves and kayaking in the bay. A 3 to 4-day stay is recommended for those who want to explore Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Cat Ba National Park.

Using the our Hotel and Accomodation map, you can compare hotels and short-term rental accommodations in Ha Long Bay. Simply insert your travel dates and group size, and you’ll see the best deals for your stay.

Ha Long Bay Accommodation Map

Best Time to Visit Ha Long Bay

Visiting Ha Long in Spring

Spring, from March to May, is a great time to visit Ha Long. The weather is mild and pleasant, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 25°C (64°F to 77°F). This season is perfect for sightseeing and enjoying outdoor activities as the bay is lush and vibrant.

Visiting Ha Long in Summer

Summer, from June to August, brings warm temperatures and high humidity to Ha Long. While the weather can be hot, with temperatures often reaching 30°C (86°F), it’s a popular time for water activities like swimming and kayaking. Be prepared for occasional rain showers.

Visiting Ha Long in Autumn

Autumn, from September to November, is arguably the best time to visit Ha Long. The weather is cooler and more comfortable, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 25°C (68°F to 77°F). The skies are usually clear, providing excellent conditions for cruising and exploring the bay’s stunning scenery.

Visiting Ha Long in Winter

Winter, from December to February, is the coolest season in Ha Long, with temperatures ranging from 15°C to 20°C (59°F to 68°F). While it can be chilly, this season offers a peaceful atmosphere with fewer tourists. It’s a good time to enjoy the serene beauty of the bay and explore the area without the crowds.

Annual Weather Overview

  • January 20°C
  • February 23°C
  • March 24°C
  • April 28°C
  • May 30°C
  • June 30°C
  • July 31°C
  • August 30°C
  • September 30°C
  • October 28°C
  • November 26°C
  • December 21°C

How to get to Ha Long Bay

Traveling to Ha Long by Bus

You can travel to Ha Long by taking a bus from Hanoi. Several bus companies operate regular services from Hanoi's bus stations, with journey times ranging from three to four hours. The buses are comfortable and provide an affordable option for travelers.

Traveling to Ha Long by Car

Driving to Ha Long is a convenient option for those who prefer flexibility. The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long takes approximately three hours via the Hanoi-Haiphong Expressway. Renting a car allows you to explore the area at your own pace.

Traveling to Ha Long by Train

Traveling to Ha Long by train is another option, although it is less common. The train journey offers scenic views of the countryside and takes about five to six hours. The Ha Long train station is located close to the city center, making it easy to access local attractions.

Traveling to Ha Long by Boat

You can also travel to Ha Long by boat, especially if you are coming from nearby coastal cities. Various cruise companies offer transfers to Ha Long Bay, providing a unique and scenic route to this stunning destination.

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