Ha Long Travel Guide for Overnight Cruise Seekers
Ha Long Bay is not only a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam but also one of the New Seven World Natural Wonders. But few people know that Ha Long Bay Complex (1,969 islands in the 1,553 km2) includes three bays: Ha Long Bay (the main part), Bai Tu Long Bay (an off-the-beaten-track destination) and Lan Ha Bay (kayaking paradise). With many landscapes, diverse and rich flora, and fauna with great archaeological and geological significance, it has landmarks attached to the historical and cultural values. Located close to the international gateways (Noi Bai, Cat Bi, and Van Don Airport), Ha Long Bay is easy to access, and it is considered as one of Vietnam’s most famous travel destinations for both domestic and foreign visitors. We hope this Vietnam Travel’s article offers useful Ha Long Travel Guide information for those looking for a holiday to Ha Long Bay, including overnight cruise seekers, but still wonder about the names of Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay, as well as their differences. >>>>> Expedite Your E-Visa Registration Code <<<<<
1. Ha LongBay (the central main part, 434 km2)
A spectacular seascape of some 775 limestone islands and islets towering from emerald water, Ha Long Bay is also an outstanding example of earth’s history. Ha Long Bay is surrounded by Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, Tuan Chau Island and Ha Long City. Limestone towers, green islands and islets boast karst caves, caverns, and grottoes, many hidden and still waiting to be discovered. Some islands are completely hollow. Framing the islands are gorgeous beaches, the emerald sea lapping gently on the soft, white sand. The Bay was first recorded as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 thanks to its exceptional natural beauty and aesthetic importance. In 2000, it had the honour of being recognised the second time for its significant geomorphic features, as a billion-year-living proof of Earth’s formation. Many visitors are unaware that Ha Long Bay has an immense value to the world because of its rare concentration of biodiversity, culture and history. Hence, this unique is exactly what makes Ha Long Bay a magical destination where visitors have chances to get up close and personal with the beating heart of Vietnam. 2. Bai Tu Long Bay (157.83 km2)
Bai Tu Long Bay is a trough in the Gulf of Tonkin, located in Quang Ninh Province. Bai Tu Long Bay covers a part of Ha Long City, Cam Pha Town, and Van Don Island District. The Southwest side is adjacent to Ha Long Bay, the east by the sea, the west by the mainland with Cam Pha Town and the northeast by Co To Island. Bai Tu Long Bay is an off-the-beaten-track destination that has recently been in high demand among international visitors. Possessing a similar landscape with Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay features clearer water and less-touristy attractions. According to the legend, millions of years ago when Vietnam was attacked by its invaders, Emperor Jade sent Mother Dragon and her children to help the Vietnamese. After the invaders were defeated, the dragons fell in love with the peaceful seascape and decided to make their home in the bay. The place where Mother Dragon descended is now called Ha Long Bay, while Bai Tu Long Bay is where the young dragons descended. As located in further east of Ha Long Bay, a 3-day cruise is a better idea if you want to explore this hidden bay. The longer itineraries toward Bai Tu Long might be a barricade for most people, which leads to why most still prefer Ha Long Bay that requires a briefer time of visit. What makes Bai Tu Long stand out is the beauty of karsts and limestone mountains rising from the water or mystical caves in tranquil mode. A number of attractions that still remain their primitive charm will trigger your curiosity. 3. Lan Ha Bay (70km2)
Lan Ha Bay is located south of Ha Long Bay, just off the coast of Cat Ba Island. Geologically, Lan Ha is an extension of Ha Long Bay but sits in a different province of Vietnam: Hai Phong. The bay itself is home to 400-or-so karst islands, of which Cat Ba is the largest. Travelling on a Lan Ha cruise is a great alternative if you are looking to break out of the dense tourist area of Ha Long Bay, and far fewer people are even aware of this destination. It has remained under-the-radar and is far smaller in size compared to Ha Long Bay proper, but Lan Ha Bay offers a similar experience and view with slightly different excursions. Some of the area’s best snorkelling and rock climbing is to be found in the quiet waters and rugged cliffs of Lan Ha Bay. With over a hundred small beaches, many of them in picturesque locations at the feet of the abrupt limestone cliffs which make up these islands, it is never difficult to find a good spot for swimming or organizing a private beach BBQ or overnight camp here. 4. How to get to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi?
The easiest way to get from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is by car but don’t try to go by public bus and catch the last-minute cruise. It takes about 2.5 hours including 15 minutes stop at the midpoint. You can reserve a seat on cruise’s shuttle bus or book a private car. Pick-up and drop-off points are often at your hotels within Hanoi’s Old Quarter. To ensure a pleasant trip, we recommend a private transfer for your travel: a maximum occupancy of 2 passengers for a 4-seater car, 3 passengers for a 7-seater car, and up to 8 passengers for a minivan. Traveling by seaplane is another option that gives visitors a totally unique experience compared to any other kinds of transportation. The flight time on seaplane from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is just 45 minutes. However, you need to arrive at Noi Bai International Airport 35 minutes prior to departure time, delay for several reasons may occur due to weather condition. Along the way, enjoy fabulous aerial views over the Red River Delta and experience the thrill of a water landing or take off at the Tuan Chau Island Marina. The flight can be extended to offer you an additional 15-minute scenic tour over the bay. This allows you to enjoy thousands of limestone karsts jutting up from the jade green waters from a bird’s eye view and see remote fishing villages before landing on Tuan Chau Island Marina. Note: This option is best suit for all cruises on the main Ha Long Bay and some on Lan Hay Bay. If you take an overnight cruise on Bai Tu Long Bay, you will need an additional transfer from Tuan Chau Marina to Hon Gai Port/ Ha Long International Tourist Cruise Port – just about 20 minutes by car. 5. Why Halong Bay overnight cruises?The best way to explore the entire Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay is to spend your time on an overnight cruise sailing through green islets. This allows you some time to relax and truly enjoy the scenery out in the water, as well as to navigate to remote areas. On a traditional wooden junk or a modern cruise ship, visitors can enjoy enchanting natural scenery from balcony, terrace or sundeck. Admiring sunrise and sunset which cover the bay with an impressive red and orange color, enjoying fresh air that makes your mind absolutely relax. There are mainly two types of overnight cruise tours operating in three bays: 2 days/ 1 night, and 3 days/ 2 nights. 6. What to visit on an overnight cruise?There are three routes for your reference, each route is exploited by many cruises. When you book a cruise, all of excursions are included in the price. Each boat has a planned schedule to follow, but it was made very clear at the beginning you didn’t have to do anything should you wish to just relax on board. Don’t go for the cheapest option you can find. Pay a bit more for your safety and comfort is worth.
6.1. Halong Bay Overnight CruisesHundreds of boats and tourists, especially in the peak season, sailing every day. Most crowded and getting polluted. • Sightseeing in Halong Bay
– Sung Sot Cave
– Cua Van Floating Fishing Village
– Tung Sau Beach
– Ti Top Island – Luon Cave
Luon is a small cave where you can go on a traditional bamboo boat ride – sometimes you’ll also see lots of monkeys!6.2. Bai Tu Long Bay Overnight CruisesLocated in the East of Halong Bay and close to China-Vietnam border. Less visited due to its location which is harder to reach and fewer accessible caves. Still remain unspoiled. 6.2. Bai Tu Long Bay Overnight CruisesLocated in the East of Halong Bay and close to China-Vietnam border. Less visited due to its location which is harder to reach and fewer accessible caves. Still remain unspoiled. • Sightseeing in Bai Tu Long Bay
– Cong Do Area
– Co To Island
– Vung Vieng Fishing Village
– Thay Cave
– Thien Canh Son Cave
6.3. Lan Ha Bay Overnight CruisesLocated at the East of Cat Ba Island and borders Halong Bay to the south. Tranquil and less touristy area because it is located adjacent to the “tourist giant” neighbor. Lan Ha Bay is less touristic, less inhabited, cleaner, and just as beautiful as Halong Bay itself. Lan Ha Bay is also called “Kayaking Paradise”. Visitors can even paddle through a cave! • Sightseeing in Lan Ha Bay
– Dark and Bright Cave
– Tra Bau Area
– Ba Trai Dao Islets
– Trung Trang Cave
– Monkey Island
– Viet Hai Village 7. Tasty food on board
Most meals are included in the cruise package. The quality of the food on your cruise will depend entirely on the quality of the cruise you book – aka the more money you’re willing to spend, the better your food will be – so book wisely. Mostly, cruises use fresh, quality ingredients that have passionately prepared and cooked to perfection by their professional chefs, then served with by friendly staffs. With 2 days 1 night program, visitors are often served a set menu lunch and a buffet dinner on the first day, a light breakfast and a buffet brunch on the second day. The menu varies among different cruises. 8. Popular activities to do8.1. Exploring many caves, grottoes, and islets
The islands, caverns and grottoes of Halong, Lan Ha, Bai Tu Long are treasures waiting to be explored. Discover a myriad of magical worlds formed over millions of years by limestone and water. On the main part of Halong Bay, don’t miss Sung Sot Cave though it is crowded if it is the first time you come to Halong. 8.2. Kayaking
This is an exciting and the most popular activity on Halong Bay. Sitting on a tiny kayak, paddling in the blue water, wriggling into the cave, or touching the stalactites, what’s more amazing! 8.3. Swimming
Floating your body on the water of Halong Bay among the vast number of islets is an amazing experience! 8.4. Taking part in cooking demonstration on cruise
This activity helps you not only to sample fine cuisine but also learn more about Vietnamese culinary culture. Cruise Chef will show and guide you how to make Vietnamese traditional dishes such as fresh or dried springing roll and/ or how to carve different kinds of vegetables and fruits. You may be invited to participate in a fun competition with other passengers to find who is the fastest to make the dish. Finally, you can have your own dish of food, enjoin yourself or share it with your companions. An interesting activity for those who love cooking and cuisine! 8.5. Tai Chi session on sundeck
Tai Chi is combination between deep breathing and relaxation with slow, deliberate movements, meditation, and breathing exercises. 8.6. Cycling in Viet Hai Village (Only in Lan Ha Bay)
The cycling experience along the Viet Hai Village will delight all of your senses: going through rain forests and dark tunnel, admiring stunning scenery of rice fields, visiting ancient house made from straw, mud, bamboo or interacting with local people, etc. 8.7. Night squid fishingNight squid fishing in Halong Bay is one of the most unique and exciting experiences. Does squid fishing need patience and difficulty as fishing? The answer is no, squid fishing is simple, not as hard as you think. 8.8. Photo hunting at dawn and sunset
9. Special activities9.1. Flying over the bay
Even if not flying to Halong Bay from Hanoi, travellers can still take advantage of the scenic flight only for incredible views and a completely different perspective on the islands. Thanks to their small size and ease of manoeuvrability, Hai Au Aviation’s seaplanes and Northern Vietnam Helicopter can fly close to Halong Bay’s gorgeous limestone islands for incredible, sweeping views which are completely different from the views enjoyed aboard a cruise at sea level. 9.2. Honeymoon experience.Congratulations on your marriage! A perfect way to enjoy your honeymoon in Vietnam is to sail along the waters of Halong Bay. The cruise team will help you plan unforgettable experience on your special day.
• A full-of-sunshine lunch date on the beach
• Leisure cocktail night on cruise sundeck If you prefer a totally private area for your honeymoon on cruise, you’d better to charter a cruise. In addition to the normal services offered by the company, you’ll also have a chance to see a water puppet show performed by local artists and also visit Vung Vieng fishing village on a rustic rowboat. Since it’s your special day, your room will be decorated nicely with roses and candles. A beautiful honeymoon cake with a cute gift will be served within the day as well. In case you want to have a super special night, the staff will help you with any custom request, but of course, you’ll have to pay extra money. 10. Cruise seasons and time to visit
• Cruise seasons
– Peak season
• Time to visit 11. Other information
• Don’t Expect the WiFi or 4G to Work
• What to pack for Halong Bay overnight cruise?
• Insurance |