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Best time: Sep - Nov
Ha Long Bay
UNESCO seascape of limestone islands. Cruise overnight, kayak lagoons and reach it in 2.5 – 3.5 hours from Hanoi by expressway.
Last updated: September 2026
Ideal Stay
2 days 1 night
Average Cost
$70 - $140/day
Distance
150km from Hanoi
An overview
Reading time: 1 min
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage seascape of limestone islands, caves and floating fishing villages. It suits first-time visitors, couples and small groups who want a cruise with kayaking and swimming.
Highlights of Ha Long Bay:
- Overnight cruise: One night on the water gives time to see quieter bays. Day trips leave little time to swim or kayak.
- Caves and islands: Standard stops include Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island. Go early, as crowds build by 10:00.
- Quieter routes: Choose routes toward Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long for fewer boats.
- Transfers: Many cruises bundle a bus pickup from Hanoi. Check what is included.
Best Time to Visit: Sep – Nov brings clear skies, calm seas and mild temperatures. Jun – Aug is hot with typhoon risk; Dec – Feb is cool and hazy. Weekends and holidays are crowded.
Book cruises ahead for autumn and weekends, and check the typhoon cancellation policy.
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When to go
Best season for your trip
January
17°C
~ 63°F
8 days of rain
February
17.8°C
~ 64°F
7 days of rain
March
20.9°C
~ 70°F
11 days of rain
April
24°C
~ 75°F
12 days of rain
May
27°C
~ 81°F
19 days of rain
June
28.9°C
~ 84°F
22 days of rain
July
28.7°C
~ 84°F
24 days of rain
August
28.2°C
~ 83°F
26 days of rain
September
27.5°C
~ 82°F
22 days of rain
October
25°C
~ 77°F
11 days of rain
November
22.3°C
~ 72°F
9 days of rain
December
18.1°C
~ 65°F
5 days of rain
Advice: Pick the perfect time
Where to stay
Select a location that fits your travel style.
1
Bai Chay
Most popular
Best for first-timers: hotels, restaurants and the cruise port area. Loud on weekends.
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2
Tuan Chau Island
Marina base for cruise departures. Quiet, but few local restaurants.
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3
Hon Gai
Local harbor side with cheaper food and markets. Less resort feel.
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What to do
Discover Ha Long Bay for every travel style.
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How to get there
Step off the plane and straight into your adventure
1
Step 1: Fly to Hanoi (HAN)
Land here, then head into central Hanoi
40 - 90 min ·
$1 – $16
Noi Bai Airport is about 35km north of central Hanoi. Off-peak the drive takes about 40 min; at rush hour allow up to 1.5 hrs. There is no metro to the airport.
- Best option: GrabCar or Xanh SM: fixed in-app fares of about 200,000 – 350,000 VND ($8 – $14) to the Old Quarter. A metered Mai Linh taxi costs about 300,000 – 400,000 VND ($12 – $16).
- Bus: Express bus 86 costs about 45,000 VND ($1.80) and takes 45 – 60 min to the Hanoi Railway Station area. Bus 7 costs about 8,000 VND but takes 60 – 90 min.
- Scam tip: Use the app or a branded metered taxi. Avoid unbranded cars and touts, and keep your address saved in Vietnamese.
Step 2: Bus to Ha Long Bay
Expressway buses and vans, 2.5 - 3.5 hrs
2.5 - 3.5 hrs ·
$5 – $18
The expressway from Hanoi opened in 2018. Many cruise packages include the transfer.
- Express bus: About 3 – 3.5 hrs and $10 – $12 (250,000 – 300,000 VND), or from about $5 on budget services.
- Limousine van: About 2.5 – 3 hrs and $14 – $18 with hotel pickup.
- Private car: About 2 – 3 hrs and $45 – $170 per car.
- Drop-off: Buses usually stop at Bai Chay bus station or your hotel.
Step 3: Explore by Boat
Kayaks, cruise boats and short local rides
Daily ·
$2 – $12
Most sights are on the water, so your boat or cruise is the main transport.
- Cruise boats: Book the itinerary carefully; prices vary widely by class.
- Kayak: Often included on cruises; wear a life jacket.
- Local taxis: Useful for Bai Chay, the port and Hon Gai.
- Weather tip: Boats can be cancelled in typhoon warnings. Keep flexible dates.
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