Is Halong Bay Worth the Hype?

One of Vietnam's most popular travel locations, Halong Bay, is a remarkable UNESCO World Heritage site.

Halong Bay is nearly always open for visits, and there are many seasonal food alternatives. Furthermore, being a major tourism destination, it has created a number of reasonably priced, top-notch services, including the best Halong Bay cruise, snorkeling, seaplane rides, and scuba diving.

Unquestionably, Halong Bay is well-known, but its fame also brings a lot of tourists, which may lead some to question if it is truly worthwhile to visit. Or is it overcrowded and overly touristy?

A brief about Halong Bay

With over 1600 tiny islands and islets, Halong Bay is a unique location. Its many limestone pillars and exquisite emerald sea are what truly make it stunning.

The most well-liked ways to see this picturesque area are through day tours or overnight cruises to Halong Bay. Also, other travelers choose lengthier excursions, such as a 3- or 4-day cruise to Halong Bay.

Is Halong Bay worth the visit?

Halong Bay attracts around 6 million visitors every year. A considerably huge number. There were only a few sleepy fishing villages in the past, but now it is home to many tourist boats. 

Has it been loved to death? Not yet!

You might think it is a worn-out place, not worth your attention. But, you wake up to pink skies in the dawn and towering karst mountains. The daylight reveals frosted islets upon emerald waters and nature at its best. Yes, Halong Bay is still a must-see destination.

Nevertheless, booking your tours with the best travel agency in Vietnam is necessary to make your trip memorable.

What makes Halong Bay a fascinating destination?

The scenery

In 1994, Halong Bay was listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then, in 2000, it was recognized by the World Heritage Committee for its outstanding geomorphological and geological value.

Needless to say, it has been given World Heritage status for a reason: it is perfectly picturesque, with 3000 islets and emerald green water. Sometimes, you actually need to believe the hype.

The food

Undoubtedly, the speciality of Halong Bay is fresh seafood. Lobster, crab, shrimps, scallops, clams, etc., are all freshly sourced from the sea and sold. Apart from seafood, you can also try traditional Vietnamese dishes, including bánh mì, phở, and others. 

If you are worried you will like Vietnamese taste, you can try Vietnamese fusion dishes. Also, western dishes are also available, including BBQ, pasta, steak, etc.

The beaches

What can be more calming than spending some time in blue water under the sun? You can swim easily and safely on Halong Bay beaches as the water is calm, and you will be provided with life jackets. Also, professional sailors and staff will be present to alert you about dangers.

The caves

If you are a geology lover, get ready for a treat at Halong Bay Caves. There are millennia-old limestone caves open to the public all around Halong Bay. The famous among them are Surprise or Sung Sot Cave, Tien Ong Cave, Heaven Cave, Wooden Stakes Cave, Luon Cave, Dark and Light Cave, and Bright Cave.

Tips for making your Halong Bay visit worth it

Many aspects can ruin your Halong Bay experience and make you question your decision. But if you book your tours with the best travel agency in Vietnam, your experience will be different. Also, here are some tips to make your experience feel worth it:

Visit when the weather is good

The weather plays a critical role in deciding whether your Halong Bay experience will be good enough or not. For example, if you visit Halong Bay when the weather is terribly cloudy and pouring badly, you will end up not liking Halong Bay at all. Moreover, limestone pillars will not be visible, you will not be able to see sunset or sunrise properly, and your activities, live kayaking and cave visits might also get canceled. The rainy season in Halong bay is between June and September, which also has a higher chance of typhoons and storms.

The best time to visit this place is between November and February, when the atmosphere is dry and pleasant. March to May is also dry but considerably more hot and humid.

Keep your itinerary diverse and engaging

Your Halong Bay itinerary should be a mixture of fun activities, sightseeing, and the best Halong Bay cruise time. To make your itinerary enjoyable, make sure you explore Vietnam travel packages that include the following things:

• A visit to Cat Ba Island and National Park
• A tour of one of the caves from Surprise Cave, Luon Cave, Dark and Light Cave, Bright Cave
• One of the many Halong Bay beaches
• A trip to the pearl farm or fishing village
• Spend time on the cruise and include activities like tai chi lessons, cooking class, squid fishing

Apart from these activities and visits, make sure to interact with locals to make your tour more interesting.

Select the right cruise

Apart from weather, this is another critical factor that will define your overall experience. It is essential to note that itineraries of almost all cruises are similar. The real differentiator is the quality of the cruise, rooms, amenities, and services.

So, if you do not plan to spend a lot of time on the cruise, you can consider a bit cheaper yet the best Halong Bay cruise options instead of a  fancy suite.

Halong Bay FAQs

• Where can you visit Halong Bay from?

The closest airport to Halong Bay is Hanoi. So, if you are traveling from overseas, choose Hanoi airport for more convenience.

• How much time do you need in Halong Bay?

You can take a day tour or a night tour. You can also make it a long journey of 3 to 4 days.

• Can I swim in Halong Bay?

Yes, you can swim in Halong Bay. However, swimming in some areas is banned due to strong currents and dangers.

• What is the ideal time to visit Halong Bay?

November to February, when the atmosphere is pleasant and temperature is around 15°C to 25°C. 

• Is Halong Bay safe?

Halong Bay is safe and friendly; you need not worry about major crimes. However, you should be cautious when strolling out late at night.

• What are the alternatives to Halong Bay?

Apart from Halong Bay, you can also include Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Ninh Binh in your Vietnam travel packages.

• How to book a tour on Threeland Travel?

Visit our website and click 'Plan a Trip' to complete the reservation form. Add details, and make sure to add your email and phone number. After receiving your package request, we will confirm the reservations.