Direct answer
Halong Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long), a UNESCO World Heritage site in northeastern Vietnam, is best experienced on a 1–3 night cruise. Plan for weather, choose reputable operators, and respect local rules for safety and environment.
Visa / entry requirements
- Visa: Most travelers to Vietnam need a visa or visa exemption. Check Vietnam Immigration for current rules by nationality. Options include visa exemption (short stays for certain countries), e-visa (30-day single-entry for many nationalities), and visa on arrival (requires pre-approval letter and-arrival at certain airports).
- Passport validity: Generally at least 6 months remaining from arrival date; ensure one or two blank pages depending on your nationality.
- Health: No special vaccinations required for entry, but routine vaccines recommended. Carry proof of travel insurance that covers medical evacuation.
Best time to visit
- Peak season: October to April — cool, dry weather, calm seas (ideal for cruises and kayaking). December–January can be misty and colder.
- Shoulder seasons: March–April and September–October — good balance of weather and fewer crowds.
- Low season: May–August — hot, humid, and typhoon risk (some cruise operators may cancel or alter itineraries).
Safety tips
- Choose reputable cruise operators with good safety records and modern lifejackets. Read recent reviews on sites like TripAdvisor.
- Sea conditions: Tours may cancel during storms; follow crew instructions. If prone to seasickness, bring medication or wrist bands—ship motion can be noticeable.
- Swimming/kayaking: Only swim/kayak in designated areas and follow guides; currents and boat traffic can be hazardous.
- Personal security: Petty theft is uncommon on cruises but use hotel safes for valuables and keep an eye on belongings.
- COVID and health: Carry hand sanitizer and any required health documents; policies change, so confirm with your operator.
Local customs and etiquette
- Greetings: A simple "xin chào" (hello) is appreciated. A light handshake or slight bow is common.
- Dress: Casual and modest when off the boat in villages and religious sites. Swimwear is fine on the boat and beaches but cover up when visiting villages or mainland attractions.
- Tipping: Not mandatory but appreciated. Typical cruise tips: $5–$10 per person per day for crew/guides; small tips for restaurant staff and drivers.
- Respect sites: Don’t remove natural items, don’t climb fragile karst formations, and avoid littering—Halong ecology is fragile.
Currency and money
- Currency: Vietnamese đồng (VND). Cash is king in local markets and small vendors; larger hotels and some cruise operators accept card payments or USD.
- ATMs: Available in Hạ Long City and larger towns; bring some cash before boarding a cruise or visiting remote areas.
- Prices: Bargain politely in markets; fixed prices in restaurants and hotels.
Transportation and getting there
- Nearest airport: Noi Bai (HAN) in Hanoi — 3–4 hour drive to Halong Bay depending on traffic. Cat Bi (HPH) in Hai Phong is closer but has fewer international flights.
- Transfers: Many travelers book a return shuttle or private transfer from Hanoi. Sleeper buses and private cars are common; check travel time and traffic.
- Cruises: Most cruises depart from Tuan Chau, Hon Gai or Bai Chay ports. Book in advance for high season; consider a smaller boat for fewer crowds.
- Day trips vs overnight: Day trips (6–8 hours) show main sights but overnight cruises (1–2 nights) let you see sunrise/sunset, visit caves, kayak, and explore floating villages.
Must-know tips and local insights
- Choose itinerary by interest: kayaking and grottoes, cave visits (Sung Sot, Thien Cung), Bai Tu Long Bay for quieter scenery, or Lan Ha Bay for fewer tourists.
- Cabin class: Upgrade if you want more privacy and better service; budget boats may be crowded and noisy.
- Itinerary flexibility: Weather can force route changes — be flexible and patient.
- Eco-conscious choices: Avoid single-use plastics, choose operators that participate in clean-up efforts, and avoid feeding wildlife.
- Photography: Bring a waterproof bag for cameras/smartphones and a power bank; sunrise and limestone karsts are spectacular.
- Floating villages: Respect residents’ privacy and buy local goods if you visit, but be mindful of sustainability and impacts of tourism.
- Food and water: Cruises include meals—inform operators of allergies. Use bottled water for drinking; brush teeth with bottled water if unsure.
Quick packing checklist
- Passport, visa/e-visa printout, travel insurance info
- Lightweight clothing, light jacket for cooler months
- Swimwear, reef-safe sunscreen, hat
- Seasickness medication, basic first-aid
- Waterproof bag, power bank, camera
- Cash in VND and small USD bills (for tips or emergencies)
Final note
Book with a reputable cruise operator, plan around the best seasonal weather for your priorities, and respect local rules and the bay’s fragile environment for a safe, memorable visit.