8 questions before Halong Bay cruise trip

Halong Bay stands as a must-visit destination during your trip to Vietnam. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the Seven Wonders of the World, it holds immense significance for the Vietnamese people. If you're considering exploring this marvel,  Ama Journey  has crafted this article just for you! Join us as we unveil fascinating facts and provide all the essential information for an unforgettable visit to this iconic site!

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1. What does Halong Bay mean?

Halong Bay, known as "Descending Dragon Bay" in both Vietnamese and English, holds a captivating legend steeped in mythology.

Legend has it that during a time of peril, when northern invaders threatened Vietnam, the Jade Emperor dispatched the Mother Dragon and her offspring to aid the Vietnamese. As the enemy ships approached the shore, the dragons descended from the heavens, breathing fire and showering pearls that transformed into a solid stone barrier, shattering the invaders' vessels.

The karst mountains look like dragon shapes

Having vanquished the foes and secured victory for the Vietnamese, the dragons lingered to admire the picturesque landscape. The Mother Dragon, captivated by the beauty of the bay, chose to remain there with her offspring. Thus, Halong Bay became the resting place of the Mother Dragon, while Bai Tu Long Bay emerged as the domain of the Baby Dragons.

2. Where is Halong Bay?

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin in northeast Vietnam, Halong Bay stands as a UNESCO-recognized natural wonder. Just a 3-hour drive from Hanoi, the capital city, it spans 434 square kilometers and showcases nearly 2000 majestic karst mountains, some towering hundreds of meters above the water's surface. Explorers are treated to a plethora of caves and grottos dispersed across the bay, enhancing its already breathtaking natural allure.

3. Why Halong Bay is on your list?

Halong Bay is on countless travel lists for its unparalleled natural beauty and cultural significance. Its iconic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters create a mesmerizing landscape that's like no other. Visitors are drawn to its mystical allure, where they can cruise among thousands of islands, explore hidden caves, and immerse themselves in local culture.

The beauty of Halong Bay as the World Heritage Site

Additionally, being a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World adds to its appeal, making it a must-visit destination for travelers seeking unforgettable experiences.

4. Best time to visit Halong Bay?

Halong Bay welcomes visitors year-round, but the optimal times to explore are from March to June and from September to November. These months offer ideal temperatures, ranging from 25 to 30°C, along with sunny weather and manageable humidity levels. It's the prime opportunity to engage in outdoor adventures and immerse yourself in the Bay's stunning landscapes.

5. How to get to Halong Bay?

From Hanoi, travelers embark on a scenic journey along the new Highway No. 5 to Hai Phong City, traversing the Bach Dang Bridge to reach Quang Ninh Province. Upon arrival, they'll veer right onto National Road No. 18. After a few additional kilometers, the distinctive gateway of Tuan Chau Island will come into view on the right-hand side.

Alternatively, starting from Hanoi, travelers can take National Road No. 1 to Bac Ninh City. From there, they'll turn right onto National Road 18 and continue straight ahead toward Quang Ninh Province until reaching the unmistakable entrance to Tuan Chau Island on the right-hand side.

The map from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Following this, they'll make another right turn onto the road leading to Tuan Chau Island, ultimately arriving at Tuan Chau Pier, where they will be warmly welcomed aboard for their Halong Bay Tour.

For cruises docking at Bai Chay Pier (Sunworld Pier), travelers should bypass the turn off for Tuan Chau Island and proceed along Hoang Quoc Viet Street, then Halong Street, navigating through Bai Chay City. Upon reaching Thuong Cang Street, they'll make a right turn, following it to the pier.

6. What to see and do in Halong Bay?
 

6.1 Overnight on a cruise

Choose an overnight cruise to uncover the splendor of Halong Bay and seize the opportunity to immerse yourself in its extraordinary panoramas. Bask in the serene ambiance while reclining on the upper deck of the cruise, indulging in the captivating vistas—a favored pursuit among travelers seeking tranquility and beauty.

A cabin on a Halong Bay cruise

6.2 Explore the breathtaking caves

Ha Long Bay has earned prestigious recognition from UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage Site, celebrated for its profound geological and geomorphological significance. It stands as an exemplary showcase of mature karst formations in the region, sculpted over time by the relentless forces of the sea within its humid tropical climate. The result is a mesmerizing landscape adorned with rocky islands adorned with caves of unparalleled beauty.

Suprise cave in Halong Bay

Within these caves lie a treasure trove of stalactites, boasting an astonishing diversity in shape, size, color, composition, and purity. Among the renowned caves are, Sung Sot or Surprise cave, Thien Cung cave, Dau Go cave, Bo Nong cave and Me Cung Cave.

6.3 Beach break in Halong Bay

It would be remiss of us not to mention beach breaks as one of the favorite activities in Halong Bay.
Tourists could enjoy Tuan Chau beach, Bai Chai Beach or Titov island beach.

Titov beach in Halong Bay

6.4 Enjoy the beauties of Halong Bay from above

Explore Halong bay from a seaplane, that will offer an unique experience in your activities in Halong Bay. The flight is special; it offers visitors a one-of-a-kind experience of taking off from the water, all while indulging in intimate and luxurious onboard service.

The Halong Bay sightseeing from the seaplane is around 25 minutes, but it leaves tourists with cherished and unforgettable memories to treasure.

25 minute flight in seaplane for panoramic view of Halong Bay

7. How does a Halong Bay cruise work?

Cruise schedules:
Typically It starts at pier around noon 12.00 the first day and end before noon the next day around 11.00. This grants you approximately 23-24 hours aboard to immerse yourself fully in the bay's stunning vistas.

For those seeking extended serenity, there's the option of indulging in a 3-day, 2-night cruise, providing ample onboard leisure time and more activities in Halong Bay.

An overnight stay on the cruises promises magical moments: from the awe-inspiring hues of sunset to the captivating allure of sunrise. Delight in a romantic candlelit dinner or engage in a traditional cooking class.

Most importantly, savor abundant moments to admire this natural marvel in all its resplendent glory.

This is the list of main activities on the Halong Bay cruise:

Enjoy the panoramic view from the cruise:
Amidst the cruise, unwinding on the upper deck of the junk, while beholding the awe-inspiring panorama of thousands of limestone islands and islets emerging from the emerald waters of the bay, remains a favored pursuit for travelers.

The cruise will stop for other acitivities such as: visiting pearl farm, rowing boat, kayaking or simply order a drinking from the bar and enjoy the sunset on the sundesk.

Tourists enjoy kayaking in Halong Bay

Services on the Halong Bay cruise:
For 2 day cruise, you will have 1 breakfast, 2 lunches and 1 dinner.
For 3 day cruise, meals are 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches and 2 dinners.

Furthermore, the cruise boasts an engaging itinerary, featuring entertaining programs, delectable cuisine crafted by skilled chefs, invigorating morning Tai Chi sessions, workshops for mastering the art of spring roll preparation, and captivating night fishing or squid fishing excursions, all tailored to enhance your experience.

>>> Recommended top 10 Halong Bay luxury cruises

8. Travel tips for a great cruise trip in Halong Bay ?

Check carefully the cruise that you would like to stay overnight for a desire trip in Halong Bay

8.1 The Halong Bay overnight cruise route:

There will be 3 routes for the overnight cruise:

• Halong Bay route
• Bai Tu Long bay route
• Lan Ha Bay route

In terms of scenery, there's little to distinguish between these areas, each comprising thousands of islands and islets. Similarly, the activities offered by cruises in these three bays are quite similar: enjoying the breathtaking landscapes, kayaking, exploring caves, or visiting floating villages.

8.2 Type of cruise:

You have a plethora of options to choose from, ranging from cozy collective cruise with 10 to 12 cabins catering to around 20 guests, to the option of booking a private cruise aboard a small junk with one or a few cabins, promising unforgettable moments.

8.3 Service quality:

Check some travel forums on Facebook or a prestigious web Tripadvior for sure that you are sellecting the right one.

Check what people say about travel agent or cruise company on tripadvisor

8.4 Transportation:

Included or excluded? shuttle bus or private car? Some cruises or Vietnam Travel agencies will offer the transfers Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi included, some will quote seperately. You will have to pay for the transfer and the cruise trip.

Halong Bay stands as a magnificent, all-encompassing natural wonder, beckoning with a plethora of excursions and activities awaiting your exploration. Regardless of the season, Halong Bay guarantees unforgettable experiences and awe-inspiring scenery.

Contact Ama Journey for an unforgettable Halong Bay cruise trip with great quality and reasonable price!

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