Halong Bay (Ha Long Bay) is a UNESCO World Heritage seascape in north-east Vietnam. It has 1,969 limestone islands spread over about 1,553 km² of the Gulf of Tonkin, roughly 150–170 km east of Hanoi. Most Indian travellers visit it on a one-night cruise from Hanoi. The cruise usually includes cave visits, kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, a sunset on deck and sunrise over the karsts. The drive from the capital takes about 2.5–3 hours by expressway.
UNESCO first listed the bay in 1994 for its scenery and again in 2000 for its geology. In 2023 the listing was extended as “Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago”. Since 1 September 2026, the bay has belonged to the newly upgraded, centrally run Quang Ninh City. This Halong Bay travel guide covers:
- Where Ha Long Bay is in Vietnam and what it is known for
- When to go and how to get there
- Which cruise or hotel to choose
- How many nights to plan
- What a trip costs from India
| Fact | Detail |
|---|---|
| Country | Vietnam |
| Administrative area | Quang Ninh City, centrally run since 1 September 2026 (formerly Quang Ninh province) |
| Location | Gulf of Tonkin, north-east Vietnam, about 150–170 km east of Hanoi |
| Size | 1,969 islands over about 1,553 km². The UNESCO core zone covers 434 km² and 775 islands |
| UNESCO | 1994 for scenery and 2000 for geology; extended to Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago in 2023 |
| Base town | Bai Chay, on the mainland, with hotels, Sun World and the cruise ports |
| Cruise ports | Tuan Chau International Marina and Ha Long International Cruise Port (Bai Chay) |
| From Hanoi | About 2.5–3 hours by road. There is no passenger train, and seaplane flights ended on 1 April 2026 |
| Bay fee (2026) | Day trip about 260,000–310,000 VND (₹950–1,135). Route 2 with 1 night costs 550,000 VND (₹2,015). Usually included in the cruise price |
| Cruise price (2026) | 2 days and 1 night on a 4–5-star boat costs about 2,000,000–5,000,000 VND (₹7,325–18,315) per person |
| Best months | October–November, plus late April–May |
| Nights needed | 1 night on the bay, or 2 to add Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay |
| Nearest airport | Van Don (about 50 km away), or Noi Bai in Hanoi for flights from India |
Where Is Ha Long Bay in Vietnam?
Ha Long Bay is in north-east Vietnam, on the Gulf of Tonkin, about 150–170 km east of Hanoi. The tourist base is Bai Chay Ward on the mainland, where the hotels, the cruise ports and Sun World are located.
| From | Distance | How |
|---|---|---|
| Hanoi | About 150–170 km | 2.5–3 hours by cruise shuttle, limousine van or private car |
| Van Don Airport | About 50 km | 45–60 minutes by taxi |
| Ninh Binh | About 180–200 km | About 3 hours by private car |
| Cat Ba Island (Lan Ha Bay) | Ferry crossing | 45–60 minutes by ferry from Tuan Chau to Gia Luan |
Bai Chay is linked to Hon Gai, the administrative centre, by the Bai Chay Bridge. Tuan Chau International Marina sits on Tuan Chau Island to the west, and Ha Long International Cruise Port is in Bai Chay itself.
The bay continues south into Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, which belong to Hai Phong city, and north-east into Bai Tu Long Bay. Older maps still say “Quang Ninh Province”, but since 1 September 2026 the area has been officially part of Quang Ninh City.
Halong Bay’s location makes it easy to combine Hanoi, Ninh Binh and the bay in a compact 4–5 day north Vietnam loop.
What Halong Bay Is Known For
Halong Bay, Vietnam is known for three things:
- An overnight cruise among towering karst islands
- Huge show caves such as Sung Sot and Thien Cung
- Viewpoints and beaches such as Ti Top Island
Around the edges of the bay are floating fish farms, kayaking lagoons and the theme parks of Bai Chay.
| Landmark | What it is | Fee (2026) |
|---|---|---|
| Sung Sot Cave | The largest show cave in the bay, about 10,000 m², on Bo Hon Island along Route 2; about 100 steps up | In the bay ticket |
| Luon Cave | A low tunnel of about 60 m that you pass through by kayak or bamboo boat into a hidden lagoon | In the bay ticket; bamboo boat or kayak from about 50,000 VND (₹185) if not included |
| Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves | Route 1 caves on Dau Go Island, closest to the ports | In the bay ticket |
| Ti Top Island | A small beach and a viewpoint reached by about 400 steps | In the bay ticket |
| Tuan Chau Island | Cruise marina, beach and resorts | Free entry |
| Sun World Ha Long (Bai Chay) | Queen Cable Car and Sun Wheel, Dragon Park, and the Typhoon Water Park (open in season) | Queen Cable Car 380,000 VND (₹1,390); Dragon Park 300,000 VND (₹1,100); water park 350,000 VND (₹1,280) |
| Lan Ha Bay | A quieter bay off Cat Ba with dozens of small beaches. Connected overnight routes from Ha Long have run since April 2026 | Separate Cat Ba fee |
The bay’s limestone was laid down over hundreds of millions of years. Rain and sea water have since hollowed many of the karsts out into caves and lagoons, which is why each cruise route is built around a different set of caves.
When to Go to Halong Bay
October–November and late April–May are the best months to visit Halong Bay, with clear skies and temperatures of 20–28°C. February to April brings drizzle and sea mist. June to October is hot, with typhoons that can cancel cruises, and the riskiest months are August and September.
| Period | Months | Weather | Verdict |
|---|---|---|---|
| Clear autumn | October–November | 20–28°C, clear skies, calm sea | Best overall; November is the safest month for sailing |
| Cool winter | December–January | 14–20°C, mostly dry, some haze | Good value; pack a jacket for the deck |
| Misty spring | February–April | 17–25°C, drizzle and sea mist | Moody scenery, but views are often hazy |
| Early summer | Late April–May | 25–30°C, visibility improves | Very good; a good fit with Indian summer holidays |
| Typhoon season | June–October (peak August–September) | 30–33°C, heavy showers, sudden storms | Book flexible cruises, because the port can stop all sailings at short notice |
For Indian travellers, the autumn window fits Diwali well: 8 November 2026 and 29 October 2027. For the rest of the country in those months, see the guides to October in Vietnam and Vietnam weather in November and December.
Indian summer holidays in May and June are manageable, but June marks the start of the storm season. When a storm warning is issued, the port authority stops issuing departure permits and every boat stays in port. Between June and October, choose a cruise with a free date-change policy. The month-by-month picture is in the guide to the best time to visit Halong Bay.
How to Get to Halong Bay
Indian travellers fly into Hanoi and reach Halong Bay in about 2.5–3 hours by expressway. Most go on the cruise company’s own shuttle, which collects guests from Old Quarter hotels at around 7:30–8:30 AM. There are direct flights to Vietnam from Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bengaluru, Hyderabad and Ahmedabad.
| Option | Time | Cost (2026) | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise shuttle from Hanoi hotels | 2.5–3 hours, including pickups | Often included; otherwise about 260,000–450,000 VND (₹950–1,650) each way | Drops you at the cruise port in time for boarding at 12:00–12:30 PM |
| Limousine van | 2.5–3 hours | About 250,000–450,000 VND (₹915–1,650) per seat | Frequent departures; drops at Bai Chay or Tuan Chau |
| Private car from Hanoi | About 2.5 hours | About 1,200,000–1,800,000 VND (₹4,395–6,595) one way per vehicle | Best for families and grandparents, with stops on request |
| Fly to Van Don | About 2 hours flying, plus about 1 hour by road | Varies | Sun PhuQuoc Airways flies from Ho Chi Minh City; a taxi to Ha Long costs about 400,000–700,000 VND (₹1,465–2,565) |
| From Ninh Binh | About 3 hours | Private car | Links the loop of Hanoi, Ninh Binh and Halong Bay |
There is no passenger train to Halong Bay, and the Hai Au seaplane service from Hanoi and Ha Long ended on 1 April 2026. Travellers who start in the capital can plan their first two days with the guide to Hanoi. Every transfer option, with pickup points and timings, is covered in the guide from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Getting Around Halong Bay
On the bay, the cruise handles all movement. On land, getting around means moving between Bai Chay, the two cruise ports and Sun World, which Indian travellers do by Grab, taxi or a hotel shuttle.
| Option | Cost (2026) | Best for | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cruise tenders, kayaks and bamboo boats | Included in the cruise; about 50,000 VND (₹185) or more where charged | Sung Sot, Ti Top, Luon Cave | Independent boats are not allowed on the bay, so everything leaves from a licensed cruise or day boat |
| Grab or taxi (Mai Linh, Taxi Ha Long) | About 30,000–60,000 VND (₹110–220) within Bai Chay; about 120,000–180,000 VND (₹440–660) between Bai Chay and Tuan Chau | Hotel to port, evenings out | Grab works well in Bai Chay and Hon Gai, but there are fewer cars at Tuan Chau late in the evening |
| Hotel or cruise shuttle | Included, or about 50,000–100,000 VND (₹185–365) | Early boarding | Most Bai Chay hotels run a shuttle to the ports on request |
| Queen Cable Car (Sun World) | 380,000 VND (₹1,390) | Bai Chay to Ba Deo Hill and the Sun Wheel | A sightseeing ride, not a transport link |
| Ferry to Cat Ba (Tuan Chau to Gia Luan) | Ticket sold at the pier | Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island | 45–60 minutes; schedules change with the season, so confirm the day before |
| Walking | Free | Bai Chay beach, the night market, the Sun World gate | Bai Chay’s hotel strip is flat and walkable; Hon Gai is across the bridge |
Approximate distances from the Bai Chay hotel strip:
- Ha Long International Cruise Port: about 2–3 km
- Tuan Chau International Marina: about 10 km
- Sun World: 1–2 km
- Hon Gai and the Quang Ninh Museum: about 6 km
Overnight cruise guests rarely need any of these, because the shuttle and the boat do all the work. Travellers on a day cruise who sleep in Bai Chay usually need two Grab rides, to the port and back. Most add one more in the evening for Sun World or the night market.
Where to Stay in Halong Bay: Cruise or Hotel?
Most Indian travellers sleep on the bay itself, on a 4- or 5-star overnight cruise. A day cruise with a night in a Bai Chay hotel suits three kinds of traveller: those prone to seasickness, those on a tight schedule and families with older parents.
| Option | Best for | Price (2026) | Examples | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 5-star overnight cruise | Couples, families, first-timers | 3,500,000–5,000,000 VND (₹12,820–18,315) per person for 2 days and 1 night | Ambassador, Orchid, Stellar of the Seas | Pools, lifts and balcony cabins; bay fee and meals included |
| 4-star overnight cruise | Value, groups of friends | 2,000,000–3,500,000 VND (₹7,325–12,820) per person | Peony, Athena, La Pandora | Smaller boats on the same Route 2 |
| Day cruise plus a Bai Chay hotel | Grandparents, seasickness, tight budgets | Day cruise about 700,000–1,500,000 VND (₹2,565–5,495); room about 800,000–3,800,000 VND (₹2,930–13,920) | Wyndham Legend Halong, Novotel Ha Long Bay, Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long | 5–6 hours on the bay, then the hotel pool and Sun World in the evening |
| Tuan Chau resort | Boarding the next morning, peace and quiet | About 1,300,000–3,900,000 VND (₹4,760–14,285) per room | Premier Village Ha Long Bay, Tuan Chau resorts | Close to the marina |
Weekend surcharges usually add about 300,000 VND (₹1,100) per person to cruise rates. Around Tet and in October–November, the best boats often sell out, so book 4–6 weeks ahead. Triple cabins and connecting rooms for families are easier to find on larger 4- and 5-star boats. To compare cabins and routes, read our best Halong Bay cruise guide.
Halong Bay Experiences: Cruises, Caves and Food
Visitors come to Halong Bay for three things: a night on a cruise among the islands, the caves and viewpoints reached from the boat, and meals on deck. Most good cruises now cater for vegetarian and Jain travellers on request.
Halong Bay Cruise Itinerary (2 Days, 1 Night)
Day 1
- Board between 12:00 and 12:30 PM at Tuan Chau or Ha Long International Cruise Port.
- Lunch while the boat sails out.
- Afternoon visit to Sung Sot Cave or Ti Top Island, then kayaking or a bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave.
- Sunset party on deck, a cooking demonstration, dinner and night squid fishing.
Day 2
- Sunrise Tai Chi, then brunch.
- Check out at about 10:30–11:00 AM.
Bring your physical passport, because cruises must register every overnight guest. Single-use plastic is banned on tourist boats in the bay.
Halong Bay is the classic choice for first-timers, with big caves and ports close to Hanoi. Lan Ha Bay suits travellers who want quieter water and more beaches. Its cruises leave from Got Pier in Hai Phong, and since April 2026 some overnight boats have sailed connected routes that cover both bays.
After the safety review that followed the July 2025 day-boat accident, every tourist boat must now carry AIS tracking, VHF radio and GPS. Book through licensed cruises or one of the best Vietnam local tour operators.
Caves and Islands in Halong Bay
Most cruise days centre on three stops:
- The two-chamber Sung Sot Cave, about 100 steps up
- A kayak or bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave
- The climb of about 400 steps at Ti Top Island for a panoramic view
Day cruises on Route 1 visit Thien Cung and Dau Go Caves instead. For grandparents and less mobile travellers, the bamboo boat rowed by locals is a good alternative to kayaking. The steep climb at Ti Top is optional, and relaxing on the beach below is just as rewarding.
To choose a cruise route by its caves, compare them in the guide to the caves in Halong Bay. For the full list of activities, from squid fishing to Sun World, see things to do in Halong Bay.
Food in Halong Bay
Meals on board are usually seafood buffets or set menus, with squid cakes, clams, prawns and mantis shrimp, plus some Western dishes. Good 4- and 5-star boats also cook dedicated vegetarian and Jain meals, but only when you request them at the time of booking.
On land in Bai Chay, the local specialities each cost about 30,000–60,000 VND (₹110–220):
- Cha muc: Ha Long squid cakes
- Pearl yogurt
- Noodle soup with local shellfish
Indian restaurants are rare in Bai Chay, so most Indian travellers plan their Indian meals in Hanoi before and after the trip.
Cultured pearls from the bay’s pearl farms are the most popular souvenir. Buy them at certified pearl shops, and see more ideas in our guide to what to buy in Vietnam for Indians.
How Many Days Do You Need in Halong Bay?
One night is enough for Halong Bay. A 2-day, 1-night cruise covers Sung Sot, Ti Top and Luon Cave. A second night adds Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay for travellers who want quieter water.
| Stay | What fits | Best for |
|---|---|---|
| Day cruise | 5–6 hours on the bay, back in Hanoi by evening | Grandparents, tight schedules |
| 1 night (standard) | Sung Sot, Ti Top, kayaking at Luon Cave, sunset on deck | First-timers and most Indian itineraries |
| 2 nights | Adds Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba or Bai Tu Long Bay | Slower travel, fewer boats |
The most common north Vietnam plan combines three stops in a compact 5-day route:
- 2 nights in Hanoi
- 1 night on Halong Bay
- 1 day in Ninh Binh
A longer Vietnam 9 days package adds Da Nang, Hoi An or Ho Chi Minh City. To pick the rest of the route, see our list of Vietnam cities to visit. For a cruise booked with Hanoi pickup and Indian meals, compare the Ha Long Bay travel packages below or browse every Vietnam travel package.
Hanoi · Ninh Binh · Sapa · Halong Bay · Da Nang · Hoi An
Hanoi · Ninh Binh · Halong Bay · Phu Quoc
Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta · Phu Quoc · Da Nang · Hoi An · Hanoi · Sapa · Ninh Binh · Halong Bay
Hanoi · Ninh Binh · Halong Bay · Phu Quoc
Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta · Da Nang · Hoi An · Hanoi · Sapa · Halong Bay
Hanoi · Ninh Binh · Halong Bay · Da Nang · Hoi An
Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta · Da Nang · Hoi An · Hanoi · Halong Bay
Hanoi · Halong Bay · Da Nang · Hoi An · Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta
Hanoi · Sapa · Halong Bay · Da Nang · Hoi An · Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta · Phu Quoc
Hanoi · Halong Bay · Da Nang · Hoi An · Phu Quoc
Ho Chi Minh City · Mekong Delta · Phu Quoc · Da Nang · Hanoi · Halong Bay
Hanoi · Halong Bay · Da Nang · Hoi An · Phu Quoc · Ho Chi Minh City
How Much Does a Halong Bay Trip Cost?
A 2-day, 1-night Halong Bay trip from Hanoi costs about ₹8,600 per person with a day cruise and a Bai Chay hotel. It costs about ₹13,400 on a 4-star overnight cruise and about ₹22,200 on a 5-star cruise. These figures exclude international flights and the e-visa. Including them, a Halong Bay trip from India costs about ₹31,000–64,500 per person.
| Item | Budget: day cruise and 3-star hotel | Mid-range: 4-star overnight cruise | Luxury: 5-star overnight cruise |
|---|---|---|---|
| Hanoi to Halong and back | Limousine, 500,000 VND (₹1,830) | Cruise shuttle, 450,000 VND (₹1,650) | Private car shared by 2, 750,000 VND (₹2,745) |
| Cruise (bay fee, meals, cabin) | Day cruise with lunch, 1,000,000 VND (₹3,665) | 2,800,000 VND (₹10,255) | 4,500,000 VND (₹16,485) |
| Hotel night, per person | 3-star Bai Chay, 400,000 VND (₹1,465) | On board | On board |
| Extra meals | Dinner and breakfast, 250,000 VND (₹915) | Included | Included |
| Kayak, drinks, tips, spa | 200,000 VND (₹735) | 400,000 VND (₹1,465) | 800,000 VND (₹2,930) |
| Halong subtotal | 2,350,000 VND (₹8,610) | 3,650,000 VND (₹13,370) | 6,050,000 VND (₹22,160) |
| Return flight India–Hanoi | ₹20,000 | ₹28,000 | ₹40,000 |
| Vietnam e-visa | US$25 (₹2,375) | US$25 (₹2,375) | US$25 (₹2,375) |
| Total from India | About ₹31,000 | About ₹43,750 | About ₹64,500 |
Figures are per person for 2 days and 1 night, based on two people sharing. Fees and transfers are published adult rates; flights, hotels and cruises are estimates. Conversions use ₹1 ≈ 273 VND and US$1 ≈ ₹95, and prices were checked in November 2026. Travel insurance and SIM cards are not included.
Overnight cruise prices include the bay fee for Route 2 (550,000 VND for 1 night, 750,000 VND for 2 nights) and three main meals. Weekend surcharges of about 300,000 VND per person are common. Flights make up most of the cost from India, so booking 6–8 weeks ahead saves more than any cruise discount.
To work out how much budget for Vietnam trip planning you need from India, see the same cost model applied to Hanoi and the rest of the country.
FAQs about Halong Bay
Is Ha Long Bay worth visiting?
Yes. Ha Long Bay, Vietnam is one of the few places in the world where you can sleep on a boat among nearly 2,000 limestone islands, and it is only about 2.5–3 hours from Hanoi. It is busy, especially near the ports. Travellers who want quieter water can choose a Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay route.
How do I visit Ha Long Bay from India?
Fly to Hanoi, then take a cruise shuttle, a limousine van or a private car for 2.5–3 hours to Bai Chay or Tuan Chau. From there you board a day cruise or an overnight cruise. You cannot explore the bay by yourself: every visit is on a licensed boat, and the bay fee is usually included in the cruise price.
Is 1 night enough in Halong Bay?
Yes. A 2-day, 1-night cruise covers the main caves, Ti Top Island and kayaking. A second night adds Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, which suits a slower pace but is not necessary on a week-long Vietnam trip.
Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay?
Halong Bay is better for first-timers who want the big caves and ports closest to Hanoi. Lan Ha Bay, off Cat Ba, has fewer boats and more beaches and is a little farther by road. Since April 2026, some overnight cruises sail connected routes that cover both bays.
Is Halong Bay safe after the 2025 boat accident?
Yes, when you sail with a licensed cruise. The July 2025 accident involved a day boat caught in a sudden thunderstorm. Since then, every tourist boat must carry AIS tracking, VHF radio and GPS, and no boat may leave port under a storm warning. Book reputable operators that offer free date changes.
Do Halong Bay cruises serve vegetarian or Jain food?
Yes. Most 4- and 5-star cruises cook vegetarian or Jain meals if you ask when you book. Pure Indian ingredients are hard to source on the water, so Vietnamtour.in confirms dietary needs with the cruise in writing before the trip.
Can grandparents and children do the cruise?
Yes. Cabins for 3 or 4 people are common, the larger 5-star boats have lifts, and bamboo boats can replace kayaks at Luon Cave. The only demanding activity is the climb of about 400 steps at Ti Top Island, which is optional.
What happens if a typhoon cancels the cruise?
The port authority stops all sailings for the day. The cruise then refunds you or moves your date, and most itineraries switch to an extra day in Hanoi or Ninh Binh. The risk is highest from June to October, especially in August and September.
Plan a Halong Bay Trip
Halong Bay, Vietnam is the night most Indian travellers remember from a north Vietnam trip: waking up to limestone islands outside the cabin window. Usually the only real choice is between a 4-star and a 5-star boat, and between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
The part that takes work is the logistics: the Hanoi transfer, the right cabin for the family, and a kitchen on board that is ready for vegetarian or Jain meals. Vietnamtour.in, part of Seni World Travel, has arranged trips for more than 428,000 travellers from India since 2015, with local experts in Vietnam and a team in India. To plan flights, visas and the wider route, start with the guide to Vietnam from India. Then share your travel dates in the form below for a customised Halong Bay itinerary.
