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Halong City (Vinh Ha Long) is the main starting point for boat trips. It comprises two small towns, Bai Chay and Hon Gai. Among them, Bai Chay is the departure point for cruises around the bay and is home to many luxury tourist agencies and restaurants in the area. You'll also find many souvenir shops specializing in products made from pearls, coral, and limestone.
Photo: Collection
The best time to visit Ha Long is from April to October. During this time, you can swim off the boat and relax on sun loungers. Below are the April travel highlights in Ha Long that you shouldn't miss.
Exploring the Natural Wonders of Halong Bay
Cat Ba Island and National Park
The Cat Ba Archipelago comprises 366 small islands, beautiful beaches, and captivating natural caves. Cat Ba Island is just 20km from downtown Hai Phong, adjacent to the Gulf of Tonkin to the west and Halong Bay to the east. This island covers an area of about 354 square kilometers. Surrounding this gem of an island are other large and small islands, most of which fall within the Cat Ba National Park. It's an impressive place, with stunning landscapes blending from the monochrome hues of the mountainous forests to the coastal mangrove forests and enticing freshwater marshes.
Photo: Collection
Cat Ba Island and Cat Ba National Park are both places with numerous lakes, waterfalls, and magnificent coral reefs, showcasing diversity in ecosystems and natural landscapes, as well as rich flora and fauna. There are nearly 70 bird species, many reptile species, and 32 mammal species, including langurs, cats, Cat Ba langurs, and serows.
Co To Island
Co To Island is extremely famous for its rich and diverse marine life. In particular, it is also an excellent spot for you to admire the splendid beauty of large, rare coral reefs. Co To Island offers a relatively peaceful atmosphere compared to many other tourist spots in Halong Bay. Booking a Halong Bay tour to visit this island, you can participate in various recreational activities such as swimming, renting a boat to explore, and diving to see coral reefs.
Photo: Collection
Luon Cave
Regarded as the largest and most mysterious cave in Halong Bay, Luon Cave is situated in the area of Bo Hon Island. It introduces visitors to the enchanting natural spaces through delicate and unique limestone formations inside the cave. The limestone blocks exhibit distinct colors and shapes. Depending on the imagination of each visitor, the limestone formations will take on various rich shapes.
Photo: Collection
Cua Van Fishing Village
Cuu Van - A fishing village vividly showcasing the traditional beauty and longstanding culture of the Vietnamese people. Your Halong Bay tour would be incomplete if you miss the chance to visit this special village. Here, you'll discover many peaceful and rustic spaces, away from the hustle and bustle of everyday life, where you can comfortably engage in various enticing activities.
Suggested Hotels with Good Prices for Halong Bay Tours
Prices for Halong Bay hotels are quite attractive and cost-effective. If you travel on weekends or major holidays, prices may increase significantly. To easily find affordable hotel rooms, you should book Halong Bay tours at the beginning of the week, midweek, or at least 15 days in advance during peak season.
Below is a list of budget hotels in Halong Bay that you can consider:
- Golden Bay Resort - Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Bai Chay, Ha Long City
- Starlight Cruise - Hung Thang Street, Ha Long
- Paradise Suites Hotel - Block 1, Area 2, Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Bai Chay, Ha Long
- Moonlight Hotel - Hoang Quoc Viet Street, Bai Chay, Ha Long, Quang Ninh
- Union Hotel Ha Long - 138 Bai Chay, Ha Long
