halong bay
Halong Bay
Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most stunning attrations – there is no way to describe Halong Bay other than as purely breathtaking. As a UNESCO World Heritage Site and natural wonder of the world, the bay features thousands of limestone islands and cliffs emerging from the turquoise sea.
Halong Bay sits off Vietnam’s northeastern coast, 165km from the capital, Hanoi, and it has incredibly serene emerald waters that are home to multiple small limestone islands covered by rainforest. It is a popular spot for boat tours, both day trips and overnight cruises, cave exploration, booze cruises, and kayaking and no trip to Vietnam would be complete without visiting it.
The name translates into “where the dragon descends”, and according to the local legend, the bay’s islands were formed when a dragon charged from the mountains towards to the coast, its tail carving out valleys and crevasses, until the dragon hit the water, flooding the area and leaving nothing but the peaks visible.
Halong Bay is understandably popular, but if you want to come here alone without other tourists, be sure to book our private charter boat to sail where you want, cruising on your own itinerary deep into the bay, exploring the caves and grottoes, heading over to Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, trekking in Cat Ba National Park, rock climbing, kayaking, and watching some of the most amazing sunsets that you’ll ever set eyes on.
Travel Guide To Halong
When Is The Best Time to Visit?
Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay can be visited all year round. The best time to visit is September to April. Expect hot weather and some tropical rain in the summer from May to August, but the sun and blue skies reappear after the rain before a magical sunset and the moon rising high into the night sky. Be a King for a night with us on board Emperor Cruises where our team ensures you enjoy every experience whatever the weather conditions.
How to Get There?
Self-drive car hire is not available for short-term visitors to Vietnam so most travelers to Halong Bay usually book a cruise package, which includes a private car with chauffeur driver or shuttle bus (3,5 hours). Helicopter or seaplane transfers are also available to the bay from Hanoi (1hour).
To ensure total comfort on your journey from Hanoi, we offer a daily limousine transfer service for pick-up and drop-off services from your hotel in Hanoi or Cat Bi Airport in Hai Phong City (upon request).
Where is it?
The best way to appreciate this magical scenery is from our Emperor Cruises, cruising between karst cliffs which loom up like fairytale castles, complete with rocky spires and hidden caves.
Our cruises operate in Bai Tu Long Bay on a daily basis and Halong Bay on a 2- night program and, whether you choose the day trip or overnight option, we ensure your experiences are exclusive, all inclusive, intimate, memorable and safe.
What are the cruising options?
In Bai Tu Long Bay we operate one-day cruises, two-day cruises and the option of cruising both Bai Tu Long Bay and Halong Bay in a three-day program. Party cruises and private charters are available upon request.
Halong Bay Map
Our Experiences
Indulge yourself with a once-in-a-lifetime experience in Vietnam by embarking on our Emperor Cruises and cruising in Ha Long Bay. Venture off-the-beaten-track, go kayaking and visit floating fish farms and villages to experience the daily life of the locals.
