Halong Bay is a magnificent natural world heritage located in Quang Ninh, Vietnam. Over the past few years, it has become more and more popular among global traveling lover community. Halong Bay is famous for its gorgeous beauty and the diversity of activities.

The inclusion of Halong Bay on your traveling map must be the reason why you’re here. You’re having no idea of worth visiting places or get tired of the fragmented information? If so, you’re at the right place.

This article will provide you with the details of all available Halong Bay tours and interesting activities. Let’s get started and make your own plan with us!

Halong Bay boat tour: Getting surrounded by the beauty

Halong Bay is the perfect combination of ocean, limestone pillars, and islands. There’s no wonder why the most popular way to explore Halong Bay is getting a boat tour. A small boat can sail in between and give you the close look at the huge, interesting shaped pillars which have stood there for thousands of years.

Being surrounded by the majestic natural beauty will make you realize how small and short-lived human beings are. Especially for anyone fancying immersing in the deep blue water and hiking up the mountain at the same time, the scattered islands on the bay will definitely satisfy you.

Halong Bay 1 day tour: Ideal for short trip

Halong Bay 1 day tour: Overview

This tour is an appropriate choice for people having limited time. The tour is typically about 4 hours long. However, don’t worry that you will miss out too much because the most significant features of the bay will be included. There is just a pity that with that amount of time, it won’t be able to provide you with lots of activities.

There is a wide variety of cruises for Halong Bay 1 day tour. The most popular type is the wooden junks, some of which can carry up to 46 people. They are mostly used for the joining-group tour which is suitable for people who like making friends and studying other cultures.

However, if you prefer something less crowded with more peace, you can choose smaller cruises with premium service. You can also hire the private cruise for the whole family or group of friends. It will guarantee you the comfort and privacy.

For people who want to see more than just the bay, you can make the most of your time by taking the morning tour (from 8 am to 12 pm) or the afternoon tour (from 1 pm to 5 pm).

However, this requires an intense schedule and you have to be completely active with your transportation. Therefore, you can choose the easier as well as the most popular choice which is the full day tour. There is almost no difference in the itinerary between them except for the inclusion of transportation.

Halong Bay 1 day tour: Price

You should bear in mind that the fewer people there are and the better the cruises are, the more money you will pay. With the normal junk tour, you just need to pay about US$ 45/person for a group of 1-4 people and US$ 40/person for a group of 5-8 people.

The price for the private tour will be doubled, about US$ 80/person for the group of 5-8 people, US$ 90/person for the group of 3-4 people and US$ 150/person for 2 people.

Halong Bay 1 day tour: Itinerary

Despite the variety of providers, there is almost no difference among their itinerary. This is the most comment full day tour itinerary. People choosing half day tour can take this as the reference.

ITINERARY

At 7:30 am – 8:30 am, the tour guide will pick you up at your hotel and depart for the journey to Halong. The distance between Hanoi and Halong is about 180km. It takes you about 3.5 hours to get there. You will have about 30-minutes-break in the middle of the way in Hai Duong Province.

At about 12 pm – 12.30 pm, you will arrive at the harbor and board on the cruise. While the cruise starts to sail into the majestic beauty, you will get the lunch with seafood and traditional and local Vietnamese dishes.

During 4-hour-trip, you will enjoy the magnificent scenery of thousands of milestone pillars in interesting islets such as Ngon Cai Islet, Trong Mai Islet, Dinh Huong Islet and Cho Da Islet. Besides, you can also visit Ba Hang floating village and explore the gorgeousness of Thien Cung Cave.

At 4 pm – 4:30 pm, you will head back to the bus and depart for home.

Halong Bay 2 day tour: Night on the ocean

Halong Bay 2 day tour: Overview

This tour is completely ideal for people wanting to escape the noisy and chaotic city for one night. More than just sightseeing, with Halong Bay 2 day tour, you’ll have a lot of interesting activities to explore the local life and culture during the day and night. Furthermore, the cruise deck is also a great place if you want some romance.

There’s nothing greater than watching the moon and the stars shining above which you barely see in the city filled with the light from the skyscrapers while letting the off-shore breeze blow through your hair.

You and your partner can drink the champagne and give each other the words that have never been told. And a tight sleep in the embrace of the ocean and natural beauty will bring away all of your stress and sadness in life.

The cruises used for Halong Bay 2 day tour are usually bigger than the day cruises. They are equipped with restaurant, bar, deck, and room with private toilet and safety devices. They are able to provide you with everything that you may need during the tour.

What if you’re a vegetarian? Don’t worry, they always have a separated menu for you. Moreover, the well-trained staff guarantee to quickly respond to your needs and the emergencies. With fewer number of passengers than the day tour, you’ll definitely get better care and have requirements met in time.

Halong Bay 2 day tour: Prices

The price of Halong Bay 2 day tour is absolutely equivalent to the good service and experience that you will have. It varies very widely depending on the brand of the cruise, the type of the cabin, the charge for extra services, season of the year or even the day of the week.

The cheapest price to be found is about US$ 46/person and it can go up to US$ 555/person. If you feel too lost to have a proper choice, you may find some good advice on Halong Bay Cruise here.

Halong Bay 2 day tour: Itinerary

There are differences in choosing some destinations such as floating village or islands and activities of various cruises. However, they all share the same frame of the itinerary as below.

DAY 1

7:30am – 8:30am, you’ll get picked up and spend 3.5 next hours on transferring

12am – 1pm is the time for boarding, checking-in, enjoying the welcome drink and listening to the brief

In the next 1.5 hours, you’ll be having you lunch while the cruise starts to sail into the bay.

At about 3.15pm, you’ll have about a half hour to visit one in many magnificent caves in the bay.

After that, you’ll be taken to an island to relax on the white sandy beach and having other activities like kayaking, swimming or hiking up the mountain in about 2 hours.

6pm – 8pm is the time for you to come back to the cruise, participate in a cooking class and enjoy your dinner.

For the rest of the night, you can freely relax on the deck or take part in other night activities like watching movie or fishing the squids.

DAY 2

6.30am – 7am, you will start our day with Tai Chi exercise on the deck

After that, you can enjoy your breakfast and peaceful morning in half an hour

8.30am is time for you to do some activities like kayaking, swimming, visiting more caves and fishing village

At 10am-10.30am, you will come back to the cruise, enjoy your lunch while it heads back to the harbor

At 11.45am, the cruise disembarks and farewell

After that, you will be taken back to Hanoi and that is the end of your trip

Halong Bay 3-day tour: Thoroughly enjoy the beauty

Halong Bay 3 day tour: Overview

Halong Bay 3 day tour is not as popular as Halong Bay 2 day tour. However, it’s a great trip for people having a long vacation. The itinerary of this tour is not much different from the 2-day tour, yet the outstanding feature is you don’t have to do everything in a hurry.

The 3-day tour will give you enough time to slowly sail through almost every single corner of the bay and you’ll see much more than what 1 day or 2-day tour can offer you. Furthermore, you also have more time to enjoy the fresh, unpolluted air in the middle of the sea and do a lot of exciting water activities.

The cruises that can provide 3-day tour are usually the best and largest cruises in the bay. However, some mid-range cruises also have this service. They have to meet all the requirement relating to safety, facilities, and services like restaurant or bar etc.

If one thing goes wrong, the trip of every passenger will be ruined. I strongly recommend you to choose large and credible cruises which are equipped with safety devices as there are a lot of hidden risks on the bay, especially bad weather.

Besides normal sightseeing trip, you also can hire the cruise to organize big events such as conferences and weddings.

Halong Bay 3 day tour: Price

The price for Halong Bay 3 day tour varies in such a wide, from US$ 150 to US$ 900. It’s also based on the criteria such as the size of the cruise, the type of cabin and the services that they can offer.

As this is a long vacation in the middle of the sea, I bet you wouldn’t expect something inconvenient and uncomfortable. Nevertheless, if your budget is not big enough for the fancies tour, the one at about US$ 500 will be suitable for you.

Halong Bay 3 day tour: Itinerary

DAY 1:

7.30am – 11.30am: Transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay

11.30am – 12.15pm: Arrive in Tuan Chau Island

12.15pm: Transfer to the boat

12.30pm: Welcome drink, cruise information and check-in

1.00pm – 2:30pm: Lunch at the restaurant

2.30pm – 4.30pm: Cruise and sightseeing along Halong Bay. Enjoy an afternoon spa treatment

4.00pm: Visit one of the most beautiful Cave and kayaking

5.00pm – 6.30pm: Happy Hour (Buy one, get one drink) on the sundeck

6.00pm – 7.00pm: Cooking demonstration on the sundeck

7.30pm – 10.00pm: Dinner at the restaurant

9.00pm: Movies in the restaurant, squid fishing

DAY 2:

07.00am: Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck

07.00am – 08.30am: Light breakfast, coffee & pastries

08.30am: Transfer to smaller boats for excursions

09.00am: Visit an island

10.30am: Visit Pearl Farm

12.00pm: Vietnamese set lunch

2.30pm: Visit floating village by bamboo boat or kayak

3.30pm: Return to the cruise

5.00pm – 6.30pm: Happy Hour (Buy one, get one drink) on the sundeck

6.00pm – 7.00pm: Cooking demonstration on the sundeck Pre-dinner cocktails on the sundeck 7.30pm: Dinner at the restaurant

9.00pm: Movies in the restaurant, squid fishing

DAY 3:

07.00am: Tai Chi demonstration on the sundeck

07.00am – 09.30am: Light breakfast, coffee & pastries

07.30am: Stay on board and just relax or enjoy a spa treatment

08.30am: Breakfast at the restaurant

09.30am: Bill settlement and checkout

10.30am: Return to Tuan Chau Marina

Halong Bay tourist attraction: Sightseeing of the journey

Halong Bay tourist attraction: Islet tour

Islet tour: Thien Nga Islet

Thien Nga Islet (Swan Islet) is located on Bai Tu Long Bay. This 15-meter high islet is the comparison of three stones piling in each other. The biggest block creates the body and two others are the neck and head. From the far distance, the islet looks like a beautiful lost swan swimming in the sea.

Islet tour: Mat Quy Islet

Mat Quy Islet (Monster Head Islet) is located near Am Islet (Kettle Islet) on Bai Tu Long Bay. Its height is from 30 to 35 meters above the sea level. This islet has the shape of a monster head with a big nose and a distorted face.

Despite its ugly appearance, it’s still an attractive sight to many tourists. Legend has it that this is the head of the monster killed by Kim Quy (the Golden Tortoise) for threatening local lives.

Islet tour: Dau Nguoi Islet

Dau Nguoi Islet (Human Head Islet) is situated about 13km away from Bai Chay, near Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island. This is a 25-meter high islet. It’s another islet with the shape of a head.

However, instead of a monster head, it’s a beautiful Egyptian alike head with a pointed chin and a big hawkish nose. The islet somehow reminds us of the statue of the Egyptian Sphinx. It looks best in the sunset when the sun gradually comes down behind it.

Islet tour: Yen Ngua Islet

Yen Ngua Islet is located in the heart of Halong Bay – the World Heritage. This is the artwork of nature’s creative hands. It is the combination of two pieces of stone, one is higher than the other one.

They are linked to each other, creating a massive saddle-like shape. Interestingly, boats can sail through underneath the connecting point of these two pieces. To some people, the islet looks more like a sewing machine than a saddle.

Islet tour: Ngon Cai Islet

Ngon Cai Islet (Thumb Islet) is situated in the West of Halong Bay, about 6km to the South-Eastern Tuan Chau Marina. It looks like a huge thumb rising up from the sea. The sea-level changes in approximately 6000 years have formed the shape of this karst limestone.

According to the local people, the image of a thumb-up figure means good luck. There is a hearsay story among travelers that the Mother Nature created the islet here to remind everyone how amazing Halong Bay is and people need to preserve it.

Islet tour: Trong Mai Islet

Trong Mai Islet (Chicken Mate, Kissing Rocks or Fighting Cocks Islet) is a symbolic and not to be missed attraction of Halong Bay. It is located in the Southwest of Halong, about 6km to the South-Eastern Tuan Chau Marina.

The islet is about 12 meters tall above the sea level with two huge rocks resembling a rooster and a hen kissing and protecting each other.

As the old story told, they represent the faithful and loyal love. Some other people also say the islet looks more like two angry and combative chicken in the traditional cockfighting. The islet is the most beautiful at dawn when the sun sheds its first light on it.

Islet tour: Dinh Huong Islet

Dinh Huong Islet (Incense Burner Islet), also known as Lu Huong Islet, is located in the southwest of Dau Go Island. It consists of one huge piece of stone resembling a burning incense standing in the middle of the sea.

The exact time of Dinh Huong Islet’s formation remains unknown, however, it has always been the sacred symbol of Halong Bay.

It is considered to be a holy object to worship the Sky and Earth as well as dedicate to the heroes having sacrificed for the country. Dinh Huong Islet, according to the scientists, vividly represents for the typically geological and geomorphological values of Halong Bay.

Beyond the role of an attractive sight, the islet also helps to navigate cruises and boats. The image of Dinh Huong Islet is honored to be printed on VND 200,000 note.

Islet tour: Cho Da Islet

Cho Da Islet (Dog Islet) is situated about 4km to the Southeast of Tuan Chau Marina, near Thien Cung Cave. It’s one the most interesting shaped islets in the bay.

As described by its name, the 8-meter-high islet has the shape of a dog sitting and looking out to the sea. The stone dog is very familiar with Vietnamese people. They are usually placed in front of the gate of the temples or the ancient houses.

People believe they will inform the good news to the visitors, keep the house safe and prevent the wicked and evil from getting in the house. Cho Da Islet is like a gatekeeper for Halong Bay.

It has stood there for thousands of years to protect the bay and guarantee the safety of the tourists enjoying the heritage’s beauty. This islet is an interesting attraction and has contributed to the sacred shade of the bay.

Islet tour: Con Coc Islet

Con Coc Islet (Toad Islet) is located to the Southeast of Halong Bay, about 12km from Bai Chay. It is 9 meters high. Under nature’s hand, this islet is sculptured with the shape of a huge toad sitting in the middle of the sea, looking at the sky, waiting for the rain. Beside Mat Quy Islet, Cho Da Islet, etc. this islet has its own story too.

According to a Vietnamese folk tale, once upon a time, there had been no rain for years which threatened the lives of all species. A brave toad decided to go meet the God and ask for the rain. His accompany is a group of animal.

To honor the toad, everyone started to call it the Uncle of God. Since then, whenever the toad grinds its teeth, it is rain. Although this is just a scientific phenomenon, back in the old day, it’s a useful signal helping Vietnamese farmers forecast the rain in agriculture.

Islet tour: Ba Trai Dao Islet

Ba Trai Dao Islet (Three Peaches Islet) is situated about 22km to the Southeast of Bai Chay Tourist Wharf. It takes about an hour to get there by speedboat from Bai Chay. Therefore, not a lot of tourists have the chance to enjoy its beauty.

However, it’s still one of the most favorite islets in Halong Bay. The islet is the combination of three mountains resembling three peaches. Their average height is 23 meters. This islet is featured with the same name beach which is one of the most beautiful beaches on the bay.

One interesting thing about this beach is that you just can swim at the beach in about 2-3 hours a day because of the rising tide. Like some other islets on the bay, Ba Trai Dao also has its own story.

Once upon a time, the God’s youngest daughter fell in love with a poor fisherman. She stole three peaches in heaven for him so he can become immortal. Unluckily, the God found that out and turned the peaches into three mountains. Therefore, the islet is named as Ba Trai Dao (Three Peaches).

Halong Bay tourist attraction: Halong Bay cave tour

Halong Bay cave tour: Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Cave), along with Sung Sot Cave, is one of the largest and most magnificent caves in Halong Bay. It is located to the north of Dau Go Cave. The cave was discovered quite late as it was hidden under the flora coverage.

In 1993, the fishermen came here to avoid a big storm and explored large cave accidentally. The stalactites with the shapes of the dragon, phoenix and four pillars overwhelmed the fishermen and made them think of a heavenly palace. It explains the name of the cave.

Thien Cung Cave is at the height of 25 meters above the sea level. Tourists visiting this cave will have the feeling of visiting a natural art museum with so many sophisticated masterpieces created through thousands of years.

There are four large pillars in the center of the cave to “support the roof of heaven” with many strange images living inside such as bird, fish, flowers and even scenes of human life from the bottom to the top of the pillars.

Sometimes, people may hear the sound of the beating drums in the cave. However, actually, it is just the noise of the wind blowing through the hole of the stones. Walking to the last part of the cave, you’ll see three small ponds of clean water.

Legend has it that this is where May bathed her 100 children. The path leading you out of the cave was the way which May and her 50 children took to come to the new lands.

Halong Bay cave tour: Sung Sot Grotto

Sung Sot Grotto is situated in the center of the bay. Its French name is “grotto des surprises” (grotto of surprise). The grotto covers an area of 10,000-meter square. It’s divided into 2 chambers.

The first one is like a huge theatre hall. There is a narrow passage leading to the second room which can contain up to thousands of people at one time. The grotto is famous for numerous stalactites and stalagmites with different forms and shapes hanging from the ceiling and along the paved passage.

At the lowest point of the grotto, you’ll see a royal garden with a crystal clear pond and magnificent landscape of mountains. Therefore, many bird and plants can live here. Sometimes, you may see monkeys searching for fruits too.

Up to the roof of the grotto, you can see small and soft spots looking like the pattern in the ceiling. Significantly, there is a huge piece of stone standing up to the ceiling by the grotto’s mouth which is the evidence of the typical karst-style grottoes.

At the side of the entrance, there is a rock resembling a horse and a long sword. Legend has it, they were left behind by Saint Giong after he defeated the evils and demons.

Halong Bay cave tour: Dau Go Cave

Dau Go Cave is situated on Driftwood Island. From the far distance, the entrance of the cave looks blue and resembles a jellyfish. You can reach the entrance after 90 steps up. The ceiling is about 25 meters high. It’s divided into three main parts.

The exterior room has a vault full of natural light. Depending on the imagination of the visitors, you can see a lot of interesting shapes of the rock.

Through a narrow passage, you will enter the second chamber with much less light. It’s smaller but more graceful. It creates the feeling like you’re going to a pagoda that every step is gentler.

And the last chamber is widely opened. There is a well of clear water at the end of the cave. In the dim light, we can see the image of the ancient citadel, elephants, horses, and men with swords and spears. They all look like moving and suddenly being petrified.

The name of the cave has the origin from the story of the resistance against the invasion of the Yuan – Mongolian. The remaining wooden pieces used as an ironwood stake trap for the decisive battle on Bach Dang River were found in the grotto. That explains the cave’s current name.

In 1917, Khai Dinh king paid a visit to the cave and was overwhelmed by the beauty of this place. He decided to put in an engraved stone on the right side of the entrance to praise this magnificent beauty. In the book “Marvels of the World”, published in France in 1938, the grotto was called as “Grotte des Merveilles” (a site of many marvels).

Halong Bay cave tour: Trinh Nu Cave

Trinh Nu Cave (Virgin Cave) is situated about 15km to the south of Bai Chay Beach. For fishermen, Trinh Nu cave is a shelter, but for the young couple, it symbolizes the true love. It has become a romantic place to take an oath of love.

Entering the cave, you will see a stone statue of a girl lying in the middle of the grotto, letting her hair down and looking towards the sea with hope. In the opposite cave, there is another statue with the shape of a man turning his face to the girl on the other side. Absolutely, they have their own story which is a sad one.

Legend has it, once upon a time, there was a beautiful girl whose poor family lived in a fishing zone. The administrator wanted to marry her but she already had a fiancé who was catching fish offshore. As being refused, the administrator got angry, expelled her out of the fish zone and took her to an inhabited island.

Suffering the hunger and exhaustion, the girl turned into stone. Her fiancé, after knowing that she was in danger, got on the way to search for her. He floated near the island where she died but he couldn’t get nearby. With his last attempt to get close to his lover, he turned to stone too.

Halong Bay tourist attractions: Halong Bay island tour

Halong Bay island tour: Titov Island

Titov Island is a must-visit place once you get to Halong Bay. It is always included in every tour no matter it lasts for one, two or three days. The island is situated 14 km to the east of Bai Chay. At the end of the 19^th century, the island’s name was Cat Nang.

On November 22^nd, 1992, President Ho Chi Minh and the Soviet astronaut Gherman Titov paid a visit to the island. To perpetuate the remembrance of this auspicious occasion, President Ho Chi Minh named the island after the astronaut.

The island has a beautiful white sandy beach, looking like a moon embracing the island from above with emerald blue water and small wave. This creates ideal conditions for the most amazing water activities and sports.

What’s better than sunbathing on the beach while drinking tasty, fresh fruit juice? After that, you can immerse in the crystal clear water and let the tiny waves massage your body. Furthermore, the fresh seafood that you’ll get on the island will impress you.

Besides water activities, you also can go on a 420-step-hiking to the mountain on the island. From here, you can have a spectacular overview of the bay.

Halong Bay island tour: Soi Sim Island

Soi Sim Island is a small soil island in the southwest of Halong Bay. It’s pretty near Titov Island, just about 700 meters away.  Explaining the name “Soi Sim”, the locals said that in the past, the major plants on the island was Rhodomyrtus tomentosa (called “sim” in Vietnamese).

Therefore, the island was named after that plant. On the island, there are two 200-meter hills covered by a green primeval forest. This primeval forest is home to many species of flora, especially endemic plants.

This is the result of thousands of years isolated from the mainland. This island is not so popular with the tourists as Titov island so it’s much quieter and peaceful. However, due to its impressive beauty, the authority is planning to build this island to an eco-tourism site.

Halong Bay tourist attractions: Halong Bay floating village

Halong Bay floating village: Cua Van-Van Gia Fishing Village

Cua Van-Van Gia Fishing Village is the first to mention floating village. It’s situated 20 km away from the harbor, in a calm area surrounded by the giant mountain. The population of this village is about 733 in 176 households.

This is the biggest one out of 4 fishing village on the bay. Their main income is from fishing. Visiting this village is a great experience for tourists who love to learn the local life as well as their culture and customs.

The special thing about floating village is that every house is just a boat. However, they look really spacious and clean. The family with good income can upgrade the roof to tiled roof and have facility inside such as radios, televisions sets, table, and chairs, etc.

Although the life in the middle of the sea is difficult and tough, people there still try to provide the children education. They built four classrooms and one small room for the teacher on an area of over 150-meter square. They are the first floating classroom in Halong.

The “school” has been developing and so far, there are 7 classes which are mainly for grade 1 and 2 students. It’s interesting to witness children going to school. The school is lack of so much facility, however, the happiness is still all over their faces. Cua Van now has become one of the most favorite tourist attraction in Halong.

Halong Bay floating village: Tung Sau Pearl Farm

Besides fishing, cultivating pearl is another Halong Bay tradition. Due to the development of the tourism in Halong Bay, this tradition has been shared with the visitors in cruising itineraries.

The tour to Tung Sau Pearl Farm is the most popular, short yet informative one which shows visitors the process of creating the pearl. After being transferred to the farm by a tender, visitors will be given an overview of how to make the pearl, which type of oysters to choose.

After that, the tourists will have a look at the cages where the oysters are kept. The cages size depends on the age of the oysters. At the end of the tour, the tourists can see the process of creating the pearls with their own eyes. The whole process is conducted by the professional artisan.

Halong bay seaplane tour: Great view from the top

If you’re seeking a more unique and awesome experience, the seaplane tour will absolutely be your cup tea. This tour is quite young that it was launched 3 years ago by Hai Au Aviation.

However, it has got lots of praises from every passenger. Unlike the boat tour, with the top position, you’ll get the full view of the heritage underneath.

Halong Bay becomes a gorgeous scenery picture which is put nicely into a frame with so many sophisticated details and the harmony colors of deep blue, green, yellow and white. It will take you forever to completely enjoy this breathtaking beauty and you will never get enough of it.

Especially, you can freely use 4G and all digital devices during the flight. One more surprise for you is the cool landing and taking off on water.

 For people who have been to Halong before, this is a whole new and exciting way to explore it. Whereas, for people who have never been there, this tour is definitely worth trying instead of the same common boat tour.

Hai Au Aviation uses Cessna Grand Caravan 208B – EX amphibian aircrafts for their service. They built a waiting and departure lounge in Halong, near the harbor, which creates a lot of convenience for the tourist.

The motto of the company is strictly following the international aviation rules to guarantee the customers’ safety. The pilots are friendly and experienced with more than 6000 flying hours. Furthermore, all procedures with Hai Au Aviation are smooth and easy due to the professional and well-trained staff.

Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi: Schedule flight

The scheduled flight with seaplane is an ideal choice for a Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi. Instead of spending 4 precious hours on a crowded, uncomfortable bus being stuck in the middle of the chaotic street, you can hop on the seaplane and experience the most exciting, comfortable and premium journey ever.

This flight will save you a great amount of time while it just takes you 45 minutes to get to Halong Bay.

You can also book the flight including 15-minute-sightseeing-tour of the stunning bay. Therefore, you’ll have time to enjoy the beauty of every gorgeous limestone karsts and floating villages from above before landing on Tuan Chau Island Marina.

The flight will start at Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi to Tuan Chau Marina. You will fly through the Red River Delta, Co Loa, Luc Dau Giang, Hai Phong City. The price for one-way ticket varies from US$ 175-385 depending on the season and the time of the day. If you take the round-trip fly, it will cost you only US$ 350.

Halong Bay day trip in Halong: Scenic flight

If you don’t choose to fly from Hanoi to Halong Bay by seaplane, you still can enjoy its fantastic view with the scenic flight. This tour is much shorter than cruise tour which is 25 minutes long including taking off and landing.

However, it gives you the amazing view and experience that the cruise will never be able to give you. It’s a completely new way to explore the beauty of the bay and you will be so proud of the spectacular pictures that you take during the flight.

It will fly through Dau Be Island, Cong Do Island and Bo Hon Island. Especially, the price for this flight remains at US$ 99 no matter of the season or time.

Halong Bay land tour: Not just natural heritage

Halong Bay is mostly known as the UNESCO Natural Heritage. However, the limestone karsts and islands rising up from the blue water are not the only things that you can visit. It’s also famous for its nature, culture and local customs. Therefore, if you want to see more than just the natural heritage, the site listed above is worth a try.

Halong Bay local tour: For cultural lovers

Halong Bay local tour: Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum – Library is a unique work of art in architecture. Its appearance has been overwhelming a lot of people. Everything from the long stairs to shiny black glass reflecting the beauty of Halong and the impressive typeface of the museum’s name is a great background for you to take an insta-ish picture.

People are also impressed by the space inside the museum. With 3 floors, Quang Ninh Museum brings to the visitors the sufficient view of the local nature and people.

The museum opens all weekdays except for Monday, from 8 am to 5 pm. The price for the ticket is VND 30,000/time/adult, VND 15,000/time/student and VND 10,000/time/child.

Halong Bay local tour: Ba Vang Pagoda

Ba Vang Pagoda is situated on Thanh Dang Mountain. Its official name is Bao Quang Tu, however, people call it Ba Vang. At night, the pagoda is lighted creating Elysium scenery.

The pagoda is at the height of 340 meters to the west of Uong Bi City, facing Bang Dang River. From there, you can see Hai Phong City far far away with Do Son Sea. Thanh Long (Green Dragon) Mountain is on the left and Bach Ho (White Tiger) Mountain is on the right.

Halong Bay local tour: Yen Tu Relics

Halong Bay trip is not only about the sea. If you want to visit a temple, Yen Tu is a good choice for you. This is a system of temples, chambers, towers, and forests of ancients trees mixed with nature, scattered from Red slope to Yen Tu Mountain vertically.

Halong Bay local tour: Nu Hoang Cable

Nu Hoang Cable goes pass the entrance of Cua Luc Bay, connecting Bai Chay Beach with Ba Deo (Hon Gai, Ha Long City). On 25^th of June 2017, Halong cable system is opened and get into operation after almost 2 years of construction. It belongs to the 6000 billion entertainment complex lying along Bai Chay Beach to Ba Deo Hill. The beauty of Halong Bay from above will definitely overwhelm you. You will be able to experience magnificent view no matter days or nights.

Situated on the peak of Ba Deo Hill, Mat Troi Wheel is the second biggest wheel in Vietnam and one of the biggest ones in the world. From here, you can see Halong Bay’s beauty at the height of 215 meters compared to the sea level. The pillar on Bai Chay side is 188.8 meters. This is the record for the highest pillar in the world.

The pillar on Ba Deo side is 133 meters. The cable system just has 2 cabins which look like 2-floor-bus with the capacity of 230 people/cabin. There are chairs, handles, and rails for visitors inside the spacious cabin.

The price for an adult is VND 300,000, VND 200,00 for child’s height under 1.3 meter and free for children’s height under 1 meter. This is the lump-sum price for cable, wheel, and playground on Ba Deo Hill.

Halong Bay backpacker tour: For natural lovers

Halong Bay backpacker tour: Climbing Bai Tho Moutain

To adventurous tourists who would love to release their energy and explore Halong’s natural beauty, climbing Bai Tho Mountain is definitely your vibe. This activity is suitable for everyone because there are not a lot of sloppy and dangerous spots.

After overcoming all the challenges, your reward would be the spectacular view of Halong from the peak of the mountain at the end of the journey. Don’t forget to bring along your pocket camera to keep some memories for yourself. I bet these pictures will gain your friends’ admiration.

Halong Bay backpacker tour: Trekking with Active Travel

If you’re searching for a long trekking tour, the 4-day-tour with Active Travel in Cat Ba Island can be the ideal choice for you. The journey is the combination of one trekking day, one kayaking day and one relaxing day on the boat. This is the harmonious combination of adventuring and relaxing. The tour is expensive but the experience is really worth the money.

Halong Bay backpacker tour: Spice Roads Cycle Tour

If you’re a cycling lover and you want to explore Halong in your own way, you can participate in Spice Roads Cycle tour. Spice Roads offers a lot of cycle tours in Vietnam and Southeast Asia countries. With this tour, you will cycle along Red River to Cat Ba National Park.

Besides, this tour also includes resting in junk boat bringing balance for the participants. You will be satisfied enjoying Halong Bay from different angles.

We have just gone through all the tours available in Halong and the details of what you will see on that tour. There are so many different ways to enjoy Halong’s beauty and you can choose whatever suits with your time and your style. I hope we have provided you with enough information to make a perfect plan.