Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay

Vietnam

Cruise through towering limestone karsts and kayak into hidden grottoes beneath emerald waters.

Currency Vietnamese Dong (VND)
Language Vietnamese
Time Zone ICT (UTC+7)
Best Time to Visit Oct–Apr
Typical Duration 16-23 nights
Price Range From $1,204 pp
Port Type Port of Call
Tender Port Yes

UNESCO World Heritage limestone karsts, emerald waters, and traditional Vietnamese culture in one of Southeast Asia's most scenic natural wonders.

Cruises that visit Ha Long Bay

Build Your Day in Ha Long Bay

Cruise calls are short. Set your ship's arrival time, pick the stops you care about, and we'll show whether they realistically fit before departure.

Ships typically depart around 7:00 PM
Usually about 11 hours ashore
Getting around:
Vinpearl Resort & Spa Hạ Long Resort hotel · ★ 4.9 · 14k
Sung Sot Cave It’s a must do activity while you visit the Ha Long bay. Nature preserve · ★ 4.5 · 12k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Quang Ninh Museum Nice visit if you are visiting Ha Long Bay. Museum · ★ 4.5 · 11k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Hạ Long Bay If you stay in Vietnam 🇻🇳 it's a must to go for a Day Trip to Ha Long Bay. Bay · ★ 4.6 · 8k
Ambassador Cruise Halong Bay What a special way to experience Vietnam and Ha Long Bay. Cruise line company · ★ 4.9 · 8k Closed · Opens 8:30 AM
Ha Long Market Busy, sales clothing + fresh vegetables, fruits, cooked foods. Market · ★ 4.1 · 4k Closed · Opens 6 AM
Sun World Halong Park Ha Long Bay, Vietnam 🇻🇳 Must-visit spot with an incredible view! Recreation center · ★ 4.4 · 4k Closed · Opens 2 PM
Chill Beach Bar - Hạ Long I can't recommend it enough for anyone visiting Ha Long Bay. Restaurant · ★ 4.8 · 4k Closed · Opens 10:30 AM
Hang Luồn No vacation in Vietnam is complete if you don't visit Ha Long Bay. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.6 · 3k
Sun Wheel Well worth visiting if in Ha Long Bay. Ferris wheel · ★ 4.4 · 3k Closed · Opens 2 PM
Valley Beach Club - beach Beautiful beach club with great vibes, good music, and delicious cocktails. Bar · ★ 4.3 · 3k Closed · Opens 7 PM
GO! Hạ Long The prices are good, helpful staff. Hypermarket · ★ 4.2 · 3k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Papa's BBQ Restaurant Went here every night for dinner during our stay in Ha Long Bay. German · ★ 4.6 · 2k Closed · Opens 11 AM
Nhà Hàng Hải Sản Đại Dương Vàng 9999 LUXURY (Hải sản Ngon) Seafood · ★ 4.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Legend Pearl There coffee shop with some quick options and a large jewelry section. Jewelry store · ★ 3.9 · 2k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Vincom Plaza Hạ Long Plenty of shops , a little pricey, nice calm place , friendly people Shopping mall · ★ 4.5 · 2k Closed · Opens 10 AM
Dau Go Cave One of the great options to visit during Ha Long Bay trip! Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 2k
Vincom Plaza Ha Long city Plenty of modern shops and large supermarket. Children's clothing store · ★ 4.2 · 2k Closed · Opens 9:30 AM
Hon Gai beach A must visit if you are a visitor to Ha long. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Nhà Hàng Linh Đan Halong I highly recommend eating here if you are in Ha Long. Restaurant · ★ 4.5 · 1k Closed · Opens 9 AM
Bài Thơ Mountain Great spot to see Ha Long Bay from above. Tourist attraction · ★ 4.2 · 1k
MM Mega Market Hạ Long They have everything! Shopping mall · ★ 4.4 · 1k Closed · Opens 7 AM
Halong Solar Cycle At this height, the view of Ha Long Bay is wonderful! Theme park · ★ 4.5 · 0k
Circle Social Club The ambiance is cool, the cocktails are delicious, and the staff is awesome. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 10 PM
halong boat tour It was a wonderful way to see Ha Long Bay with the perfect tour guides. Tour agency · ★ 4.9 · 0k
Love Drunkery Cocktail Bar Great music set an exciting vibe and the service and drinks were on. Cocktail bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 PM
Backpackers Pub Great atmosphere, love the music and the food is both cheap and tasty! Bar · ★ 4.8 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 AM
Sky21 Bar & Lounge Dine-in Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 5 PM
Ha Long View Point Beautiful view to see Ha Long more closer with the rocks Tourist attraction · ★ 4.7 · 0k
The Soulcatcher Hidden Cocktail Bar A unique hidden cocktail bar with AMAZING cocktails! Bar · ★ 4.9 · 0k Closed · Opens 8 PM
Bahia de Halong Tourist attraction · ★ 4.8 · 0k

Opening hours are indicative — always confirm before you go. Travel times are estimates from Google Maps.

Next Departures from Ha Long Bay

About Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay stands as one of Southeast Asia's most compelling cruise destinations, with nine major cruise lines calling at this stunning Vietnamese port. Whether you're embarking on a 16-night Asian voyage or enjoying a port day during a longer regional itinerary, you'll find excellent cruise options here. The port serves primarily as a port of call on routes connecting iconic Southeast Asian cities like Ho Chi Minh City, Hanoi, Siem Reap, and Phnom Penh, with over 170 upcoming cruises scheduled throughout the year. Peak season runs from January through April and again in November, when the weather is ideal for exploration.

Once ashore, you'll discover why this UNESCO World Heritage Site captivates travelers worldwide. The dramatic limestone karsts rising from emerald waters offer unforgettable photo opportunities and are best experienced through a bay cruise or kayaking excursion. For those seeking cultural immersion, the charming floating villages provide authentic glimpses into local life, while nearby Hanoi beckons with its rich history and vibrant street food scene. Most cruise lines arrange convenient shore excursions that maximize your time in this remarkable corner of Vietnam.
Explore

Reasons to Visit

1

Cruise Through Limestone Karsts

Experience Ha Long Bay's UNESCO World Heritage limestone formations by boat, gliding past dramatic 300-meter cliffs and hidden grottoes. The emerald waters reveal caves like Sung Sot (Surprise Cave) and Thien Cung, where stalactites and stalagmites create otherworldly landscapes. This iconic natural wonder is best explored during peak season when weather conditions are optimal for safe navigation.

2

Savor Fresh Seafood Markets

Wander through Ha Long City's bustling seafood markets where vendors display the day's catch—squid, grouper, and local shrimp. Sample fresh grilled seafood at waterfront restaurants or enjoy traditional Vietnamese dishes like pho and banh mi at local eateries. The markets offer an authentic glimpse into daily Vietnamese coastal life and culinary traditions.

3

Explore Floating Villages

Visit traditional floating villages where Vietnamese families live and work on the water, maintaining centuries-old fishing practices. Interact with locals, observe pearl farming operations, and understand the unique culture of people who call the bay home. These villages provide genuine cultural immersion and photo opportunities unavailable elsewhere in Southeast Asia.

4

Shop Ha Long City Markets

Browse Ha Long City's vibrant night markets and shops for Vietnamese handicrafts, silk products, and local souvenirs. Haggle for pearls—Ha Long Bay is famous for pearl farming—and discover unique gifts at reasonable prices. The markets buzz with energy and offer authentic shopping experiences beyond typical cruise port retail.

5

Discover Ancient Caves & History

Explore Thien Cung Cave's illuminated chambers filled with stunning stalactite formations, or venture into Sung Sot Cave's vast cathedral-like spaces. These geological wonders have been sacred sites for centuries and offer insight into the bay's natural history. Cave tours typically include fascinating geological explanations and breathtaking photo opportunities.

Cruise Lines at Ha Long Bay

Cruises Departing From Ha Long Bay

Cruises Visiting Ha Long Bay

Ship Schedule at Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay Location

Other Cruise Ports in Vietnam

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Ha Long Bay?

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam, famed for its thousands of limestone karsts and emerald waters.

What activities are popular in Ha Long Bay?

Boat trips, kayaking, caves exploration, sailing, and visits to Cat Ba Island National Park.

When is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?

Autumn (September–November) offers mild weather and less rain.

How do I access Ha Long Bay?

Most travelers start from Hanoi or Cat Ba Island, using day tours or multi-day cruises.