Perching above the Northern coastline, Halong is unquestionably a must-visit destination in an excursion to Vietnam. Close to the Gulf of Tonkin, the weather in Halong is more moderate despite having four seasons. However, under the influence of monsoon, there is a typhoon period here, typhoons are concentrated during August until October. Also known as Land of the Descending Dragons, Halong Bay is an island complex with nearly 3000 islands dotted with magnificent grottoes, creating ethereal beauty. An overnight cruise in the Bay not only takes you close to nature but also gives you a chance to witness the daily life of local fishermen living nearby.
Weather
Halong Bay is located in the northern region of Vietnam. The weather in Halong Bay is divided into two distinct and characteristic seasons. During the winter months, the weather cools down from November to March and gets warmer in April. This is also a time of cloudy and frequent drizzle. In summer (from May to October), the temperature is relatively hot. In the late summer, there are usually storms and rain, which can affect sightseeing activities on the Bay. Traveling to Halong each season gives you a different feeling. Because every season, Halong has its beauty that is rare in any place.
How To Get There
After arriving at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi capital, traveling to Halong is quite easy. You can choose many types of vehicles to get here. Public transports like trans provincial buses set off from My Dinh, Nuoc Ngam, Giap Bat bus station, taking around 3 hours to reach Halong. Currently, to serve the needs of tourists, the Halong Express tourist train departing from Gia Lam station has been opened. This train will take you to Halong after about 5 hours. Another option for transportation is to rent a car or book a private transfer on a limousine. This alternative is more convenient as you can be picked up at your hotel in Hanoi and will be dropped off in front of your accommodation in Halong.
Highlights
Bai Tu Long Bay
Bai Tu Long Bay consists of hundreds of large and small islands, many of which are large and inhabited. This is one of the attractive destinations because of diverse and engaging marine eco-tourism, including beaches, caves ... It also features Bai Tu Long National Park containing rare flora and fauna.
Lan Ha Bay
Located in the south of Halong Bay with more than 400 islands, Lan Ha Bay demonstrates a display of exciting and exotic island shapes. With a cool climate all year round, this place is known as a "sleeping paradise" behind Halong Bay
Ti Top Island
Nestled in a prime location in the middle of Halong Bay, Ti Top Mountain has about 400 steps leading from the beach to the top viewing tower. This is the place for visitors to admire the beauty of Halong Bay at different heights. Although there are quite a few boats anchored here, Ti Top Mountain is still a destination that is rated as quiet and refreshing.
Sung Sot Cave
Considered one of the "legendary" tourist destinations, this place is the most famous cave in Halong Bay. One hundred stone steps open the entrance to different spaces with the marvelous color light of geological wonders that overwhelm visitors. The deepest part of the cave is called the "Royal Garden," where you can find a clear lake with vibrant flora and fauna.
Dau Go Cave
Dau Go Cave is famous for being the largest limestone cave in Halong. It is formed nearly 2 million years old with a width of 12m and an entrance of about 17m high. As soon as you step into the cave, you will see the incredible detail that makes many tourists bewildered under the light reflected from the stalactite.
Ba Hang Fishing Village
Ba Hang fishing village is one of the famous fishing villages. Coming to Ba Hang, visitors will enjoy the beauty of the idyllic mountains and rivers and experience the fisherman's life on their own.
Culture
A place famous for rivers, water and mountain ranges, caves, Halong also has small fishing villages of fishermen. Those fishing villages, not only long in terms of establishment but also rich in the beauty of culture. Not only preserving the traditional culture, but Halong is also the historical evidence for the mighty battles of the nation in the past. Currently, the Halong Bay area has many famous historical and cultural relics that tourists can explore. It is unique and traditional cultural features in long-standing songs, dances, and festivals.
Best Time To Visit
Halong Bay is a part of Tonkin Gulf - where the weather has four distinct seasons. The most noticeable are Winter (From November to March next year); the weather is freezing and summer (From April to October) sweltering weather.
Summer (From April to August every year) is the time when most tourists travel to Halong to enjoy the beach. Going into this season, you can indulge yourself in swimming, participating in fun activities on the Bay such as kayaking, windsurfing, skydiving. During Autumn, Halong Bay is also magnificent. From September to November, it is always sunny, transparent; the weather is not very cold; you can still swim. At this time, the storm is also less often; the number of visitors is also much reduced. So traveling during this time helps you avoid crowds.