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Plan Your Trip to Halong Bay: Best of Halong Bay Tourism

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Halong Bay, Vietnam

Travelers visit Halong Bay for an up-close look at its amazing limestone islands, rock formations and caves. Whittled away over centuries by wind and water, they’re breathtaking. Rent a kayak or a junk boat, or take a tour to explore.

Essential Halong Bay

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Halong Bay Is Great For

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Halong Bay travel advice

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These questions and answers were created by AI, using the most common questions travelers ask in the forums.

Shared and Private Transfers

According to forum posts, from Hanoi to Halong Bay, travelers can choose between shared bus services, private car hires, or limousines. A shared limousine service costs about $30 USD for a round trip per person, while a private transfer by car can cost around $90 USD one way.

Bus Services

Some travelers mentioned that cruise packages often include the transfer via an air-conditioned shuttle bus, taking about 3 to 4 hours each way. Additionally, there are limousine bus services to Halong Bay that cost around $15 per person one way.

Alternative Transport Options

For those looking for a unique experience, a seaplane service offers aerial views of Halong Bay, though it's more costly and doesn't provide a direct route to Hanoi. For a comprehensive experience, some cruises also provide round-trip transport services as part of their package.

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Popular Cruise Options

According to forum posts, popular cruise options in Ha Long Bay include Paradise Grand, Indochina Junk, and Bhaya cruises. These cruises are recommended for their quality services and scenic routes, covering iconic spots such as Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.

Less Touristy Alternatives

For travelers seeking less crowded experiences, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are frequently suggested. The Indochina Junk offers a 3D2N cruise in these areas, providing a more secluded and intimate setting. Additionally, the Dragon Legend and Swan Cruise are noted for their enjoyable itineraries in Bai Tu Long Bay.

Luxury and Budget Options

For luxury experiences, the Paradise cruise and Indochina Sails cruise are highly recommended. Budget-conscious travelers have enjoyed the Swan Cruise and Indochina Junk, which offer more affordable rates without compromising safety and comfort.

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Popularity and Crowds

According to forum posts, Halong Bay is more popular and well-known, leading to higher levels of crowd congestion. Bai Tu Long Bay, on the other hand, is described by some travelers as quieter and less crowded, making it a preferable option for those seeking a more serene experience.

Environmental Concerns

Some users have noted that Bai Tu Long Bay is cleaner compared to Halong Bay, which has been reported to have issues with garbage and pollution. This has made Bai Tu Long Bay more appealing to environmentally conscious travelers.

Scenic and Tourist Experience

While Halong Bay is famous for its iconic rock formations and caves, Bai Tu Long Bay offers a more untouched and natural environment. However, both bays are part of the larger Halong Bay region, and the differences in scenery between them may not be drastically different, as noted by some travelers.

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Recommendations from Travelers

According to forum posts, the Au Co Cruise is highlighted for its luxury and comfort, offering a 3-day experience where guests stay on the same cruise without needing to switch boats. Another recommended option is the Indochina Junk’s Dragon Legend Cruise, which is favored for touring the less crowded Bai Tu Long Bay.

Additional Luxury Options

Some travelers also recommend the Perla Dawn Sails, which features unique dining experiences such as a dinner on a floating farm. The Stellar of the Seas, which sails to the less frequented Lan Ha Bay, is praised for providing a quieter and higher-quality experience.

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Tripadvisor is not responsible for these answers or any opinions in them. Please read full forum posts for more details and information.
Frequently Asked Questions about Halong Bay

We recommend staying at one of the most popular hotels in Halong Bay, which include:


Halong Bay is known for some of its popular attractions, which include:


If you're a more budget-conscious traveler, then you may want to consider traveling to Halong Bay between March and May, when hotel prices are generally the lowest. Peak hotel prices generally start between June and August.