Bestbuy Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package 2023
Essential Travel Guide for Halong Bay Tour Hanoi 2023 & 2024

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Why Book Your Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package With Us?

Don't promote for any Halong bay cruise. Just focus on our clients' satisfaction. Your Satisfaction, Our Passion - Our Breath - We have been working for the next clients recommended by you.

Look for affordable luxury Halong bay tour from Hanoi to highlight your lifetime travel or mark important evens of your life such as weddings, engagements, family-reunions... However, to choose the right one of 200 overnight cruises for your Hanoi Halong bay tour package is a big question for all visitors on Vietnam tour Hanoi to Saigon.

Our recommended Hanoi Halong bay tour package from luxury to adventure style will be changed every three month depending on our customers' feedback and our staff's inspection. We do not represent any cruise line and just suggest the best cruise tour to make your Hanoi Vietnam tours unforgettable.

Do not say much about ourselves. Just click the videos to see what our clients are talking about their Vietnam Halong bay tour from Hanoi with Deluxe Vietnam Tours Co.,Ltd - A trusted Hanoi Travel Agency.

• Why book Hanoi Halong Bay tours with us?
• Why join Halong Bay tours?
• Collection of Halong Bay tours reviews
• Hanoi to Halong Bay Transfer Guide
• Travel tips before cruising Halong Bay
• Food on Halong Bay Tour

Contact Micheal and Margaret to see how they & the group enjoyed their tours Halong bay from Hanoi to Saigon and Siemreap with Deluxe Vietnam Tour Company:
Add: 62A Alexandra Ave, Rose Park, South Australia
Phone: +61 418 816 638
Email: m.mpinyon@bigpond.com

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Luxury Vietnam transfer with Limousine vans and buses for your Vietnam tour Hanoi to Saigon including airport transfer to different cities. Please feel free to WhatsApp: +84984819645 for these luxury transfers on your Vietnam Halong bay tour from Hanoi.

Essential Travel Guide for Halong Bay Tour Hanoi 2023 & 2024

What is special about Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site that covers some 1553 square KM. It is located on the Gulf of Tonkin in the north eastern province of Quang Ninh. Aside from its size, the most impressive thing about the bay is the 1,969 islands and islets that rise up out of the water. The karst limestone islands are naturally shaped which 100% suprises you.

How much is a tour to Halong Bay?
The Halong Bay entry fee is US$13 per person for a day cruise and US$25 for an overnight cruise. This is generally included in your ticket, though it's worth double-checking for the cheapest cruises. Activities like kayaking and island bike rides may cost extra.

What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?
October to December (Fall) is the best time to visit Halong Bay thanks to the pleasant weather and low chance of rain, though you can expect double of the crowds. However, with some planning, you can have an amazing Ha Long tour with half of the normal price.

How many days are enough for Halong Bay?
Normally, people will need to stay in Halong Bay for 2 days to 3 days either on cruise or a hotel on land.

Can you do Halong Bay in one day?
How many days are enough for Halong Bay? To Halong Bay, it is usually recommended to spend at least 2 days to discover and feel the beauty of this destination. However, if there is not enough time, one day also makes a great trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site with Vietnam Discovery Travel.

How to go from Hanoi to Halong?
Seaplane is the only option if you want to fly from Hanoi to Halong Bay. This is also the fastest way to travel from Halong and also the most expensive way. it takes only 45 minutes to travel from Hanoi to Halong by seaplane.

How much is a taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The estimated price for a grab taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay is around VND1. 800.000/4-seater car/one way (USD$75) and VND2. 000.000/7-seater car/one way (USD$84).

How long is the train from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
Time and where to catch the train. The train leaves once a day from Yen Vien station in Hanoi at 4:55 am. and arrives at Halong station at 11:41 am, a total travel time of 6 hours and 45 minutes. Once the train arrives in Halong City, you have to arrange additional transportation to reach your hotel or the cruise port.

How Long from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The distance from Hanoi to Halong Bay is around 175 km. Traveling by shuttle bus will takes around 4 hours and by private car it is 3.5 hours one way.

Is Halong Bay too touristy?
A Ha Long Bay cruise might just be Vietnam's most cliched activity. It's one of the most visited destinations in the country, attracting an astounding 6 million tourists each year. As you would expect from such a unique natural wonder, there is a well-worn path that leads straight to the bay from the hostels of Hanoi.

Is it worth to stay overnight at Halong Bay?
Halong offers quite a lot to see especially in some islands so an overnight trip will give you a chance to see a wider part of it. But, if you have already visited the bay and this time you just want to see a certain island or cave, a day trip will be enough. You will have more time for other activities.

Is it worth staying in Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is definitely a go-to destination if you are a nature lover. From untouched beaches to ancient floating villages, secluded islands, and an amazing system of natural caves and grottoes, natural beauty is what the bay draws your attention to.

Where can I book Halong Bay tour?
Our staff is reachable by email: info@deluxevietnamtours.com or by phone/WhatsApp: +84984819645 - Contact Us Today! Special Promotions and Deals: Special promotions and deals are available at any time of the year.

Should you book Halong Bay cruise online?
Best of all, it is recommended to book online with a Halong Bay travel agent who saves you both money and time struggling for the best cruise deals. All you need to do is provide essential information about your trip; travel consultants will offer you the best fits.

How much is a taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay?
The estimated price for a grab taxi from Hanoi to Halong Bay is around VND1. 800.000/4-seater car/one way (USD$75) and VND2. 000.000/7-seater car/one way (USD$84).

Is Halong Bay in danger?
IUCN noted many threats to the site, including increase in tourism; the infrastructure developed may have potential to impact adversely on the site; the coal loading operations through the inshore waters of the Bay; large fishing presence in the Bay, and urban and industrial development.

Are there sharks in Halong Bay?
You don't have to worry about sharks when swimming in Halong Bay. Don't be afraid to jump in and indulge yourself in the cool water and calm waves of Halong Bay.

Does Halong Bay have crocodiles?
Other attractions during your stay in Ha Long, beside exploring Ha Long Bay itself, if to visit the Royal Park in Halong City, Water Music, a circus performance by dolphins, sea lions, crocodiles, and much more.

Why have movies been filmed at Halong Bay?
In recent years, well-known producers in Hollywood have discovered Halong Bay as an ideal place for filming movies. In the past, the Vietnam War was the main topic that brought producers to Vietnam. “The Quiet American”, “Indochine” and “The Lover” are the most famous movies working well from this topic.

Was James Bond filmed in Halong Bay?
James Bond: Tomorrow never dies is the eighth spy movie in the famous James Bond series. Filmed in 1997, the production crew had chosen Halong Bay and Ho Chi Minh city as the shooting scenes.

What is the cheapest month to book a cruise?
The best time of year to book a cruise is often January through March. During this period — also known as wave season — industry-wide sales occur and the price of that cruise you've been dreaming of may drop significantly.

How many islands are in Halong Bay?
Ha Long Bay, in the Gulf of Tonkin, includes some 1,600 islands and islets, forming a spectacular seascape of limestone pillars. Because of their precipitous nature, most of the islands are uninhabited and unaffected by a human presence.

Is Halong Bay salt water?
Some of the most remarkable geological events in Hạ Long Bay's history have occurred in the last 1,000 years, include the advance of the sea, the raising of the bay area, strong erosion that has formed coral, and, pure blue and heavily salted water.

Can I swim in Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is said to be one of the best places to swim in Vietnam with numerous beaches. The bay is not only an ideal place for sunbathing with dazzling sunlight, but also a beautiful beach with calm tides, clean, and green water.

How much do you tip on Halong Bay cruise?
We recommend tipping for staff that you would like to thank. To thank the crew in general, we recommend tipping around 5USD per cabin for a 2 day 1 night cruise

Where can I go instead of Halong Bay?
Lan Ha Bay is great for adventurous travellers and offers more variety with Cat Ba Island and National Park right on its doorstep. Lan Ha is a great Halong Bay alternative for backpackers and budget-conscious travellers as it offers plenty of single-day cruises at low prices

Other Level Halong Bay Tours Reviews

• Best Halong bay tours reviews
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• Tight Budget Halong bay tours review
• Halong bay tours review for Family holidays
• Halong tours reviews for honeymoon holidays
• Private Halong bay tours reviews

Halong bay tours reviews by our clients

Contact Mr. Lyford to learn how they enjoyed their Hanoi Halong bay tour package with Huong Hai Sealife cruise

Mr. Antiquiera Reviewed 3day Halong Bay Tour with Indochina Sails

from: loupel_antixxxx@yahoo.com
to: info@deluxevietnamtours.com

Tom

Thanks for arranging our Vietnam tours Hanoi to Halong bay. It was great. Mr. Thai and the driver were very kind and know there job well. They were very patient and made sure we will not be taking advantaged by vendors etc. Our Indochina Sails cruise is wonderful. 3day tour in Halong bay as you said is the highlight of all Vietnam travel Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh. We will surely use your company again in our next trip to Vietnam.

Best regard,
Loupel Antiquiera.
Hoquiam, Washington
Cell Phone: +63919806xxxx
Facebook/loupel.antiquiera

See how our client booked Hanoi Halong bay tour package with us

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package by Heiko from USA
From: hbailxxx@gmail.com
To: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com
Subject: Luxury Halong Bay Tour From Hanoi

Hello tony,
we have spoken earlier. We are staying around Hanoi during the period 20.12 through 28.12. We are 2 adults and 2 kids (9,11) and like to share a larger cabin if you have.

My wife would prefer a more luxury cruise style. If the cruises over 24.12. 2 days 1 night are full, we can be flexible, but we would prefer on the 24.12.

Please let me know what you recommend.
Many thanks and regards, Heiko

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package by Heiko from USA
From: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com
To: hbailxxx@gmail.com
Subject: Best Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

Dear Dr. Heiko Bailer,
Warmest welcome from Deluxe Vietnam Tours Company located in Hanoi! Thank you so much for giving us a chance to serve you and send you the trusted information for your Halong bay tour package. Based on your request, I recommend you the 2 day Halong bay tour packages with 5 star cruise Royal Wings Cruise and 3 star V'spirit cruise. If you take 2 rooms, we have other options for you like Huong Hai Sealife cruise.

5 Star Royal Wings Cruise: Triple Cabin for your family of 4 Persons: one adult stay in a single bed and 1 adult with 2 kids on double bed. However, I highly recommend you to take connecting cabin so you will feel more comfortable.

Executive cabin:
- Join in Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi - Check-in 24th Dec: usd + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total = USD. If not on Dec 24th Total price: USD.

- Private 16 seat van: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. If not on Dec 24th , Total price USD

Royal Executive cabin:
- Join in Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi - Check-in 24th Dec: usd + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is If not on Dec 24th , Total price is USD.

- Private 16 seat van: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD. If not on Dec 24th - USD Connecting cabins is the best advice as the kids have their own beds:
- Join in Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi - Check-in 24th Dec: usd + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD If not on Dec 24th , Total price is USD.

- Private 16 seat van: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD. If not on Dec 24th - USD

- Join-in Bus - Family connecting door cabin: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is 600 USD. If not on Dec 24th - USD
- Private van - Family connecting door cabin: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is 681 USD. If not on Dec 24th - USD

Halong bay tour package included
Welcome Drink, hot/cold Towels
Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi (within Hanoi Old Quarter)
01 bottle of water on bus/ way/ person (If using shuttle bus)
01 bottles of water/pax/night onboard
Cooking Class, Fruit Carving Flower
Taichi exercise
Entrance Fees
English-speaking Tour Guide
Spacious air-con Cabins and en-suite Bathrooms
01 Breakfast, 02 Lunches and 01 Dinner on board
Insurances
Kayaking
WIFI (depends on the cruising area)

Tours Halong bay excluded
Tips and Beverages
Personal Expenses
All other services not clearly mentioned as included
V’Spirit Classic – 2 Days/1 Night

Kindly Noted:
Times of activities may vary slightly. Hanoi Halong bay Itinerary and Program subject to change when necessary or bad weather condition. Advanced reservation is required with full passenger details, including Full Name, Date of Birth, Nationality, Passport Number, Visa Expiry Date etc. A valid passport is required upon check-in onboard..

What to bring: Swimming suites, sun glasses, insect repellent Special requests on food (diet or vegetarian) please inform us before departure.

I look forward to hearing from you soonest

Best regards,
Tony - Trip Advisor for Best Vietnam Tours Hanoi to Saigon

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package by Heiko from USA
From: hbailxxx@gmail.com
To: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com
Subject: Best Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

Dear Tony,
Thank you very much for the two offers on our Vietnam travel Hanoi to Halong bay. I will call you tomorrow to finalize.

In the meantime, if you could let me know
- what the difference is between V'Spirit and Royal Wings?
- what is the difference between the Royal Exe and Exe Cabin?
- what kind of Cabins would the two adjecent cabins be?

Unfortunately ;-) our kids tend to sleep in our bed. Many times I had booked additional beds that stayed empty. So I would rather book a nicer cabin than an additional cabin that will stay empty ;-)

Kind regards, Heiko

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package by Heiko from USA
From: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com
To: hbailxxx@gmail.com
Subject: Best Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

Dear Dr. Heiko Bailer,
Thank you for the mail about your Vietnam tours Hanoi to Halong bay. I would like to give you some more information on the two cruises:

A/ Royal Wings cruise is 5 star cruise
Executive 26m2 - Main deck (extra bed)
Royal Executive 26m2 Upper deck (extra bed)
Royal Suite 35m2 Upper deck/forward (extra bed)
Family connecting 56m2 Main deck ( 2room in one cabin with 01 Double & 01 Twin)

Executive cabin - 26m2 on main desk:
- Join in Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi - Check-in 24th Dec: usd + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total = USD. If not on Dec 24th Total price: USD.

- Private 16 seat van: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. If not on Dec 24th, Total price USD

Royal Executive cabin - 26m2 on upper desk:
- Join in Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi - Check-in 24th Dec: usd + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is If not on Dec 24th , Total price is USD.

- Private 16 seat van: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and 25 USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD. If not on Dec 24th - USD

Connecting cabins is the best advice(1 double bed and 2 twin beds in one cabin) - 56m2 on main desk:
- Join in Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi - Check-in 24th Dec: usd + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD If not on Dec 24th , Total price is USD.

- Private 16 seat van: USD + 35 USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD. If not on Dec 24th - USD

Royal Suite - 35m2 on upper desk: - Join in Shuttle bus Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi - Check-in 24th Dec: usd + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD If not on Dec 24th , Total price is USD.

- Private 16 seat van: USD + USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD. If not on Dec 24th - USD

B/ V'spirit cruise is 3 star cruise. the cabin is 16m2 and can not fit 4 persons for your family and so option is connecting family cabins

Please see the photos of the cruises in the attached files.
Should you have any further questions, please do not hesitate to contact us.
I look forward to hearing from you soon.
Best regards,
Tony - Trip Advisor for Best Vietnam Tours Hanoi to Saigon

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package by Heiko from USA
From: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com
To: hbailxxx@gmail.com
Subject: Best Halong Bay Tour from Hanoi

Dear Dr. Heiko Bailer,
I am pleased to confirm your Hanoi Halong bay tour package on the 24th Dec, there is one Royal Suite available for your family. As I told you, please inform us if you like to take the private 16 seat van for your family or join-in bus with group from Hanoi - Halong Bay - Hanoi.

Best regards,
Tony - Trip Advisor for Best Vietnam Tours Hanoi to Saigon

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package by Heiko from USA
From: hbailxxx@gmail.com
To: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com
Subject: Best Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

Dear Tony,
That is great. Regarding the transport we are actually not sure yet if we are going to be in Hanoi before. Could you please quote me without the shuttle and we can add later or as soon as we know that we need it?

Thanks so much! Heiko
Dr. Heiko Bailer, Ph.D.
Whatsapp: +3463727xxxx
Skype: hbailxxx

Hanoi Halong Bay Tour Package by Heiko from USA
From: deluxevietnamtours@gmail.com
To: hbailxxx@gmail.com
Subject: Best Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

Dear Dr. Heiko Bailer,
The price without transportation:
Royal Suite - 35m2 on upper desk:
- Check-in 24th Dec: usd + 35 USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and 25 USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD If not on Dec 24th , Total price is USD.

As I talked with my manager, he gives you the big promotion for family connecting rooms as follow:
Connecting cabins is the best advice(1 double bed and 2 twin beds in one cabin) - 56m2 on main desk without bus:
- Check-in 24th Dec: 535 usd + 35 USD surcharge/adult * 3 persons = USD and 25 USD/9 year old child Christmas and New Year EVE. Total price is USD If not on Dec 24th , Total price is USD.

Please give me your decision and I can block the cabin and then send you the confirmation.

Best regards,
Tony - Sales manager of Deluxe Vietnam Tours in Hanoi

Halong bay travel guide

Welcome to Halong bay - The legend of Asia
Ha Long are 2 separated words: Ha means descending and Long means dragon. Halong can be translated as " Where the Dragon descends into the sea".

Halong bay, located in the gulf of Tonkin - Northest of Vietnam, has an area of 1553 sqkm with 1960 karst limstone islands. They have been naturally formed for over 240 millions years. With vivid imagination, Vietnamese people gave them dear names such as Cho Da(stone dog), Trong Mai( a couple of chicken), Hon Ngon Tay( finger islet), Ong Su( buddhist scuptured islet)... Those islands and islets are rising up from blue sea in the way of nature like no one. This gives the visitors the feeling: Get lost in "Paradise on Earth".

Halong bay was twice recognized as World Natural Heritage Site in 1994, 2000 and one of 7 new Natural Wonders with an area of 430 sqkm. The area contains 775 islets in the form of triangle: To the West - Do Go island, To the East - Cong Tay islet and to the South - Ba Ham lake. Underneath these island exist a system of caves and grottos. The caves look like mysterious castles: Sung Sot cave, Thien Cung cave, Do Go grotto, Sang and Toi caves, Trinh Nu cave, Do Tien(fairy cave)....

Halong bay at glance
Area: 1553 sqkm
Located: Quang Ninh province - Northeast of Vietnam
Fame: 1969 naturally shaped limestone islands
From Hanoi: 170km( 3.5 hour drive one way)
From Noibai airport: 170km( 3.5 hour drive/way)

Top things to do on Halong bay tour

• 2nights overnight onboard
• 1night overnight onboard
• At least 4hour sailing around many of stunning islets
• Explore Thien Cung cave
• Explore Sungsot cave
• Explore Cuavan fishing village
• Explore Vung Vieng fishing village
• Kayaking
• Swimming
• Climp to the top of Titop island
• Join bamboo boat to discover Bahang cave or Luon cave

Other bays accessible to Halong bay

• Bai Tu Long bay
• Lan Ha bay
• Bach Long Vi bay
• Catba island & national park

Eating & Drinking
Overnight on boat: Everything has to be prepared on land before sailing and there is no shop or market in the bay. Your menu on junks are most related with seafood. If you are vegetarian or can not eat some kinds of seafood, you should inform on your Halong tour booking. You will have perfect holiday in Hanlong bay. You can have all kinds of drinks from bottled water to wine. The cost varies from one cruise to another depending on starndard or 5star levels. Normally, Bottle of water cost 1$. Soft drink costs about 2USD.... Please remmember that you are not allowed to bring wine on boat. Some junks will take 10 to 20 USD service charge for a bottle of wine if you bring it on boat.

Overnight in Hotel: There are some local seafood restaurants along Baichay beach. You can choose alive fish, prawn... and they will cook for you. The top dinning restaurant in Halong city is Cua Vang - Address: To 9 Khu 9 - Bãi Cháy - HaLong city. The second restaurant is Co Ngu - Block C2, Luxury Villa Zone, Halong Road, Bai Chay.

What kinds of food on Halong bay cruises Thousand times, this questions has been asked by our clients when they were going to book their Halong bay trips with us. some of them have small kids and worried what kind of food for their kids during Halong bay tour. Some of them are vegetarian and how they can live on their trip to Halong bay. I have to say it does not matter where you can not eat this food, that food... The most important thing is you have to inform us on your Halong bay tour booking. More information on what kinds of food you will enjoy on Halong holiday in the following link:

• Food on Halong bay cruises

What to bring for Halong bay trip
Just overnight on boat for 1 or 2 nights, you do not need to carry all your luggage from Hanoi. All most hotels in Hanoi have stores for luggage. Check with them the night before your Halong bay excursions. Do remmember sun cream, sun glasses, cameras for wonderful photos. One of the most important things that should be always with you is your pastport. On booking your Halong bay tour, we will ask for the details of your passport and visa to Vietnam. We do check-in for you before you arrive in Halong bay. However, sometimes policemen administratively check the clients' passports onboard.

Best hotels in Halong city
There are many hotels in Halong city from standard to 4star levels. However, we advise you to stay in 3, 4star hotel here because standard to 2star hotel are empty most of the time except Summer. The service and rooms will satisfy your demanding.

• Novotel Halong - 4star
• Halong Plaza- 4star
• Saigon Halong - 4star
• Royal Halong - 4star
• Mithrin Halong - 4star
• Halong Heritage- 4star
• Suoi Mo hotel - 4star

How to travel to Halong bay
From Hanoi: There are 3 different ways. By shuttle van, we arrange daily shuttle van and bus from Hanoi to Halong bay. If you are the first person on the van, you will go around to pick up 8 more clients. If you are the first one on the shuttle bus, you will go around to pick up 23 more clients. It is still very good because you will be picked up and dropped off at your hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter. The most important is that our driver drive safely on the road. It must better than going by public bus.

By public bus, you have to take taxi from your hotel to Gialam station or Luong Yen station. On arrival in Halong city, you will have to take a motobike to the pier. There are 4 different piers for different boats and motobike drivers do not know. If you decide to go by public bus, you should go from Hanoi at 6:00am. Remmeber most of the cruises depart at 12:15. The public transportation is not good at all. The drivers drive so fast and stop suddenly to pick up clients on the roadside wherever they see. They can make more money, but this cause a lot of accidents. One year in Vietnam, there are about 11.000 people killed by most public buses.

The 3rd way is by private transfer - car, van, bus. This is the most convenient way. You will be taken care by a professional driver. You will be picked up and dropped at your hotel. See our Private Hanoi - Halong bay transfer here

Bet time to tour Halong bay
From April to October, it is the best time to tour Halong bay with the blue sky. From April to beginning of June, Halong bay is at its best like a girl at the age of 16 years old. The water is clear and evergreen. The sunrise and sunset is the best of the whole year. From the middle of June to the beginnning of September, it is as so nice as in the April, but sometimes storm happens and the cruises are not allowed to going on sailing. Why it is best time?

Banking & money
There are ATMS at most big hotels in Halong city. However, when you join Halong bay excursions with overnight onboard, you had better prepare some dollar and Vietnam Dong from Hanoi. The reason is that some boat in Halong bay do not accept credit card. You need to buy drinks onboard because you are not allowed to carry drinks onboard.

How can we choose the best cruise boat in Halong bay
It depends on your travel style: Luxury, adventure or combination of both. More advices how to choose your cruise in Halong bay

Safety in Halong bay
The local goverment decides each day whether the junks in Halong bay can sail out ornot. It depends on the weather. However, the causes for most of the accidents happening in Halong bay were the cruise quality. Every junks show their beautiful photos and try to prove their boats to be the best at its level. After the accident, the owner of the junk will change its name. Therefore, it is useless to mention the sank cruise boats here. This is the reason every 3 month, we check the cruises in person. The list of the cruise boats here may change as well.

BBC made a safety report in Halong bay when it was chosen among the new Seven Natural Wonders of the World. The safety in Halong bay ranks very good. Talk with our cruise advisors before your Halong tours booking for the best cruise at its level.

Accidents in Halong bay
+ 17 Feb 2011: Truong Hai 06 junk sank at 5:00am killing 12tourists and 1 guide. 9 other tourists were rescued. The cause came from the camptain and machinist who did not lock pumping machine system. The crew was not on duty at night(according to the law, the junk is kept an eye by someone 24/7). The camptain and machinist were put in prison. This boat is a low quality cruise for backpackers.
+ 8 May 2011: Junk named QN 2070 was sunk. 28 tourists was recused. No one died.
+ 3 Oct 2012: The accident between Dong Phong 02 and tender from Paradise cruise happened near Sung Sot cave, killing 5 tourists. Both of camptains were arrested and in prison.
+ 18 Feb 2014: The junk - QN 3736 was on fire. No one died
+ 28 August 2014: Tung Trang junk - BKS QN 2447 was sunk near Ba Hang cave. 13 Tourists were recused. No one died.

What to do while boarding the junk
Listen to the safety briefing from the cruise manager( not being done on many junks). Do not worry. Take our advices:

• Wear lifejackets when sitting on the tender for the transfer from the pier to the junks
• Check the lifejackets in your cabin ornot. If not, ask for them
• Check your cabin have glass window ornot. If not, do not stay
• Check where the hammer in the cabin is( to break the glass in case)
• Check the entrance and the exit to your junks
• Wear lifejackets on touring fishing villages or kayaking
• Make sure to know how to open the door easily
• Do not take the key out of the lock from inside( you can open the door in the dark)

Hang Sung Sot - Surprising cave
The name of the cave informs us how beautiful the cave is. The name was given by the French in 1901 with the meaning: The more you come further inside the cave, the more surprised you will get. After 40 paved steps, you will get to the entrance. Do miss the photos at the first open space from the trees on your right side. The photos from here have shoted many people with the decision to visit Ha Long bay. The cave is divided into 3 large and amazing chambers. The 1st chamber is smallest. Here, you can see so beautiful staletites and stalagemites naturally carved with a small fresh water pond. From here, our tour guide will take you to the 2nd chamber through a small limestone gate. Just putting your feet in the second part, you will see an astonishing pink-lit 'penis rock'(really it is the only way to describle it). It is regarded as the symbol of fertility. Our tour guide will also show you where the Buddha is sitting. In this part, you can see the appalling ceiling of the cave. Continue your walk to the last chamber. It is the largest chamber which looks like an enchanting opera hall. Our guide will show you many different rock formations like melon ball, tiger, dragon, couple in love, lady Buddha, turttle...formations.

Cua Van Floating village - One of 16 most beautiful and ancient villages in the world
In 2012, Cua van floating village was selected by www.journeyetc.com as one of 16 most beautiful and ancient villages in the world. This selection is based on 3 indexes: Ancient, Charming and special culture. Cua Van village serves all of them. This peaceful village has 300 families who live on fishing from Ha Long bay. Their houses are floating and tied under beautiful limestone cliffs. Coming to the village, you are not disturbed by the noise, smoke of traffic but enjoy the peace and sometimes you hear the sound from the fishing boats. You will also see some kids at the age of 4 or 5 year old rowing boats from one house to another to see friends. Like their parents, the kids regard the boats as their house and the bay as their homeland. They mix their souls and spirits with Halong bay.