But this popularity also has its downside: overtourism that sometimes spoils the magic of the place. To discover the wild beauty of the bay away from the crowds, Typic Travel, your travel artisan, offers off-the-beaten-path cruises. Embark on an authentic and flexible experience, in the heart of preserved nature.

---

---

1. Location and Specialty of Ha Long

Ha Long Bay is located in the northeast of Vietnam, in the Gulf of Tonkin, in Quang Ninh province. According to the Quang Ninh newspaper, Ha Long Bay covers a total area of over 1,500 km² and has 1,969 islands, large and small. In 1994, its central area, with an area of 434 km², was recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site for its aesthetic value. The bay was recognized a second time in 2000 for its outstanding universal value in geology and geomorphology. The area recognized by UNESCO includes 775 islands, 411 of which have been named.

The name "Ha Long" means "descent of the dragon" in French. Legend has it that a Mother Dragon was sent by the Jade Emperor to protect the inhabitants from invaders. She spat out jewels and jade stones that transformed into protective islets.

2. Halong, Bai Tu Long, Lan Ha: Our guide to choosing your bay (away from the crowds)

The magnificent site is divided into three parts: the center (Ha Long Bay), the north (Bai Tu Long Bay), and the south (Lan Ha Bay). The landscapes (karst peaks) are similar in these three areas.

Ha Long Bay (Central Part)

This is the most famous and most accessible part, often recommended for short cruises. It is a victim of its success and hosts a very large number of pleasure boats, sometimes resembling large ocean liners. Here you will find the largest caves and the iconic rocks from postcards.

Lan Ha Bay: Calm and Authenticity

Located around Cat Ba Island, Lan Ha Bay is an excellent alternative, as far fewer boats sail there (around 135 registered, of which only 60 can spend the night). The experience there is more tranquil, allowing you to fully enjoy the enchanting atmosphere. It allows you to sail on smaller junks, of a more human size, often traditional. You can still see floating villages there (more than 300 families live on the water).

Bai Tu Long Bay

Less frequented than Halong, it is just as magical and offers marine karsts, wild beaches, the traditional fishing village of Cong Dam, and the majestic Bai Tu Long National Park.

3. When to Go: The Best Time to Visit the Bay

The best periods are spring (March to June/April) and autumn (September to November).
During these seasons, temperatures are ideal (between 24°C and 30°C), the sky is often clear, and rainfall is lower. Autumn, from September to November, is often considered the best season because the air is cooler and drier.

Summer (May to August) is hot, humid, and windy, with risks of typhoons in August. Winter (December to February) is cool (8°C to 20°C max), dry, but often foggy in the morning, which adds to the mystery of the landscape. The fog can make the karst mountains ghostly. The water is warmest in summer, reaching 31°C.

Our Typic Travel experts will advise you on the best period according to your desires and constraints. Thanks to our expertise and our comfortable all-season junks, we adapt to your travel wishes all year round. Winter cruises through the mists, more intimate, will delight couples seeking romance. Families will prefer summer departures to fully enjoy swimming and activities.

Learn more about: Best time to visit Ha Long Bay

4. What to do and see in the bay?

Nautical Activities and Adventure

• Kayaking: Ideal for navigating between islets, exploring lagoons, and passing through arches or caves (such as Tunnel Cave or Hang Luon).
• Swimming/Beach: Swim in the emerald water and relax on the beaches. The beaches of Titov Island (Titop) or Cat Ba are popular, as well as the quieter Van Boi in Lan Ha Bay.
• Hiking/Cycling: Possible, especially on Cat Ba Island, where there are treks to the National Park or Viet Hai village.
• Climbing: Practiced on Cat Ba Island.
• Squid Fishing: A common evening activity on cruises.

Cave and Cavern Exploration

• Visiting caves is a highlight activity, as they attest to ancient human presence (up to 4000 years).
• Famous caves include: Surprise Cave (Sung Sot, the largest and most visited), Marvel Cave (Dau Go, famous for the legend of wooden stakes), Heavenly Palace Cave (Thien Cung), and Virgin Cave (Trinh Nu).

Culture and Gastronomy On Board

• Visit floating villages: Meet fishermen who live from fishing and aquaculture (fish, oysters). Examples: Cua Van (the largest, 650 people), Vung Vieng.
• Pearl farming: Discover pearl farms (like Tung Sau) where you learn about pearl cultivation and extraction.
• Cuisine: Enjoy fresh seafood meals. Cruises often offer cooking classes (nems, fresh spring rolls).
• Wellness: Tai Chi sessions in the morning at sunrise or spa services (often on luxury cruises).

5. Unique experience with Typic Travel

Exploring Ha Long Bay away from mass tourism

Traveling with Typic Travel is choosing authenticity. We take you on a cruise to the wildest and most preserved areas of Ha Long Bay, far from the crowds of tourists. Head to Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long bays, two little-known gems of the site.

As you sail, you will navigate between impressive rocky peaks that rise in the heart of crystal-clear waters. A breathtaking landscape that unfolds with intimate anchorages, closer to a nature where time seems suspended. An opportunity to disconnect and enjoy precious moments with loved ones, in the sumptuous setting of the bay.

A cruise at your own pace

At Typic Travel, we believe that every traveler is unique. That's why we offer tailor-made cruises, adapted to your desires and your pace. A 2-day/1-night cruise for a first discovery, a 3-day/2-night stay to take the time to explore, or an à la carte program for a custom-made trip... Everything is possible!

You compose your itinerary according to your preferences: lounging on the deck, a fishing trip, a cooking class, a bike ride in the villages... Our experienced and attentive teams adapt to offer you an unforgettable stay. We guarantee departures even for two people. Enough to live an exceptional adventure as a couple, with family or friends.

All details on: 6 steps to choose the best cruise in Ha Long Bay

Unusual Ha Long Bay: unique experiences

On a Typic Travel cruise, you will live unique experiences to immerse yourself in Vietnamese identity. A bike ride in the traditional village of Viet Hai to discover local life. Meet an oyster farming family and taste fresh oysters. A cooking class with our chef to discover the secrets of northern gastronomy.

Adventure lovers are not left out. Explore preserved coves by kayak, dive into the translucent waters from your junk, discover hidden lagoons and fine sandy beaches far from everything... Each day holds its share of surprises and emotions.

Traditional junks privatized just for you

For an even more exclusive stay, Typic Travel charters privatized junks offering high-end service. Aboard these charming vessels, experience a journey within a journey with personalized attention. Welcome cocktail, candlelight dinner on deck, spa treatments in your cabin with a view...

Our private junks will delight honeymooners looking for romance and families wishing to gather in the intimacy of a floating setting. The attentive service of our discreet and benevolent crew will make this cruise an unforgettable memory.

6. Reach Ha Long Bay with complete peace of mind

Whether you depart from Hanoi, Ninh Binh or elsewhere in Vietnam, the Typic Travel team organizes your transfer to Ha Long Bay seamlessly.

From Hanoi, you have a choice. Buses and minibuses are an economical solution (allow about 4 hours of travel). Do you prefer the comfort of a private vehicle with a driver? You will arrive relaxed after a 2.5-hour journey. For a spectacular arrival, opt for a 30-minute seaplane flight over the magnificent landscapes of the bay!

From Ninh Binh, the private car journey takes about 3.5 hours and will take you through the splendid countryside of the Red River Delta. A foretaste of the enchanting scenery of Ha Long Bay!

Wherever you are in Vietnam, we will pick you up. At the airport, at your hotel... our teams will welcome you and drive you to the embarkation port. Your luggage is taken care of and the journey is made in complete tranquility, in comfortable and air-conditioned vehicles.

On the return, the same philosophy: we adapt to your schedule. Transfer to your next destination in Vietnam, to the airport, to the train station... Throughout your journey, Typic Travel takes care of the details to allow you to serenely experience every moment of your exceptional trip.

7. Fly over by seaplane, why not?

What if you discovered Ha Long Bay from the sky? Typic Travel offers seaplane flights over the bay to grasp its immensity. A breathtaking spectacular experience! From the air, you embrace all the beauty of the 1600 islands and sugarloaf mountains that dot the site.

With Typic Travel, you can even combine a seaplane and a cruise for an exceptional stay. Take off from Hanoi airport and reach your junk directly by air after an unforgettable flight. A great way to start your trip beautifully and save precious time.

8. Our practical tips

• In your suitcases, pack a swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, light and comfortable clothes. A windbreaker can be useful in the evening.
• Allow a budget of approximately 200 USD per person for a 2-day / 1-night cruise on a traditional private junk with activities.
• To fully enjoy the bay, opt for a minimum 2-night stay. You will have time to discover several sites and relax.
• The must-sees: a kayak trip, a Tai Chi class at sunrise, a seafood dinner under the stars... and slowness to savor!

TRAVEL ARTISAN AT YOUR OWN PACE!

Typic Travel accompanies you for an authentic Ha Long Bay cruise, off the beaten path. Contact our experts to compose your dream trip in this Vietnamese gem. Set sail with us, in slow tourism mode, for unforgettable suspended moments.

Share: