Explore HALONG with Our Travel Guide and Tour Packages

For travelers planning a Vietnam trip package, Halong Bay stands out as a surreal seascape and a true natural wonder. “Hạ Long” means “Descending Dragon,” tied to a legend where dragons were sent by the Jade Emperor to protect Vietnam. Their descent created valleys and limestone formations that now define the bay’s ethereal landscape.
Recognized by UNESCO in 1994, Halong Bay is a geological marvel of over 1,600 limestone karsts spread across nearly 1,500 km². These formations have developed over 500 million years, forming dramatic caves, arches, and grottoes. As one of the most photographed spots in Southeast Asia, it continues to be a core highlight of many best Vietnam tours. With its quiet waters and striking scenery, Halong Bay is a peaceful yet powerful destination within any well-curated Ha Long Bay Vietnam tour.
Threeland Travel, one of the best Vietnam travel agencies, offers customized tours of Halong Bay that balance scenic cruising with cultural discovery, making every moment memorable.
While Hạ Long may not be known for bustling food streets, it offers a different kind of culinary adventure, one that takes place aboard scenic cruises and floating platforms. A Ha Long Bay Vietnam tour package is never complete without savoring freshly caught seafood served against the backdrop of towering limestone cliffs and tranquil waters. With a focus on freshness and simplicity, the food here reflects the bay’s maritime charm.
Onboard meals are thoughtfully prepared, often featuring the morning’s catch cooked with fragrant herbs and minimal seasoning to let the natural flavors shine. Whether you're enjoying a sunset dinner or a light lunch after kayaking, the cuisine in Hạ Long provides a sensory journey that enhances every moment of your tour. For a safe, satisfying experience, trust a top Vietnam travel agency like Threeland Travel to book tours of HaLong Bay that include well-reviewed dining options.
Local Specialties & On-Board Eats
- Fresh Seafood Feast: Grilled squid, prawns, clams, and fish—often caught that morning.
- Hai San Hap Xa (Lemongrass-Steamed Shellfish): Aromatic and tender shellfish infused with lemongrass.
- Canh Chua Ca (Sweet & Sour Fish Soup): A tangy broth with tamarind, pineapple, and tomatoes.
- On-Board Fruit Platters: Seasonal tropical fruits like dragon fruit, watermelon, and pineapple.
Drinks & Onboard Refreshments
- Ca Phe Sua Da (Milked Coffee): Bold Vietnamese coffee served iced with sweetened condensed milk.
- Bia Hoi or Hanoi Beer: Light and refreshing local beers—perfect with seafood.
- Fresh Coconut Water: Naturally sweet and hydrating, often served straight from the shell.
Hạ Long Bay is more than just a postcard-perfect seascape—it's a destination full of natural wonders, cultural encounters, and unforgettable activities. A well-designed Ha Long vacation or Vietnam trip package will include scenic stops and immersive experiences that reveal the beauty and depth of the bay. Whether you're kayaking through hidden lagoons, climbing limestone peaks, or dining under the stars, every moment offers something memorable.
Choose from day cruises or overnight tours of Hạ Long Bay to explore at your pace. For those looking to escape the crowds, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago provide a more tranquil alternative with rich biodiversity. Travel with a trusted Vietnam travel agency like Threeland Travel to ensure safe, seamless access to the bay’s must-see highlights and hidden gems. The right itinerary turns a visit into a once-in-a-lifetime journey.
Ti Tốp Island
A favorite stop in many tours of Halong Bay, featuring a soft sandy beach and a short hike to a lookout with sweeping views of the bay’s karsts.
Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
One of the largest and most impressive caves in the region, with dramatic stalactites and chambers featured in most Ha Long Bay Vietnam tours.
Luồn Cave (Rowing Cave)
A peaceful lagoon reached by rowboat through a natural limestone arch perfect for nature lovers on a Vietnam trip package.
Bai Chay Beach
A popular spot near Ha Long City with clean sand, water sports, and open-air restaurants ideal for a laid-back break during your cruise.
Cát Bà Archipelago
Part of many eco-focused best Vietnam tours, offering hiking trails, native wildlife, and visits to traditional hill-tribe villages.
Floating Fishing Villages
A cultural highlight on many tours of Halong Bay, these villages feature local life on wooden rafts, with oyster and squid farms.
Hòn Trống Mái (Islet)
An iconic limestone formation shaped like a rooster and hen, symbolizing harmony often seen on postcards and Ha Long tour brochures.
Vịnh Lan Hạ (Lan Ha Bay)
A quieter alternative to Hạ Long Bay, with emerald waters and coral reefs ideal for snorkeling in premium Vietnam trip packages.
Sunset & Sunrise Cruises
A highlight of any Ha Long vacation, offering golden light over karsts perfect for photography and peaceful moments at sea.
The best time to visit HaLong Bay is between October and April, when the weather is cooler, the skies are clearer, and the sea is calm, ideal conditions for cruising, sightseeing, and outdoor activities. This is also the dry season, reducing the chance of storms or trip cancellations.
If you’re prone to seasickness, it’s wise to bring anti-nausea medication, especially for overnight cruises. Follow all safety instructions from the crew, and always wear a life jacket when kayaking or boarding smaller boats. Keep hydrated and apply sunscreen regularly.
Ha Long Bay is a popular destination, especially from December to February. For a smooth experience, book your cruise 2–4 weeks in advance, particularly for premium or overnight tours. Choose reputable operators with clear cancellation policies and reviews.
Help preserve the beauty of Ha Long Bay by choosing tour providers that emphasize eco-friendly practices like minimizing single-use plastics, managing waste properly, and respecting local marine life. Avoid touching coral or feeding wildlife, and always dispose of trash responsibly.
Activities
Our pick: Spend 2 or 3 days on a deluxe cruise around Halong Bay for sunbath, swimming, sightseeing and other water activities.
Kong’s view: Seaplane from Hanoi to Halong with panorama view of the bay before landing for a cruising in hours.
2 or 3 days luxury cruising in Halong bay with water activities, seafoods and cave visiting.
MICE activities, team building on beach and games at theme park in Halong city.
Kayaking, hiking, rural cycling, detour to high viewpoint with great panorama in close-by Cat Ba islands.












