Ha Long Bay

General information

A huge bay dotted with nearly 2,000 mostly uninhabited limestone cliffs and breathtaking views. Over millions of years, tectonic plates have slowly thrust the limestone above the water-line – waves lapping against the stone carved out vast, striking cavers and other geological formations, such as tunnel caves and uniquely shaped massifs. Over the years, Vietnamese fisherman began to see shapes in the stone massifs atop the islands and names the islands accordingly – “Turtle Island,” “Human Head Island” and “Chicken Island.” The core of the bay has an area of 334 km2 with a high density of 775 islets. The geo-diversity of the environment in the area has created biodiversity, including a tropical evergreen biosystem, oceanic and sea shore biosystem. The evolution of the karst in this bay has taken 20 million years under the impact of the tropical wet climate.

Historical research surveys have shown the presence of prehistorical human beings in this area tens of thousands of years ago. The successive ancient cultures are the Soi Nhu culture around 18,000–7000 BC, the Cai Beo culture 7000–5000 BC and the Ha Long culture 5,000–3,500 years ago. Ha Long Bay has also marked important events in the history of Vietnam with many artifacts found in Bai Tho Mout, Dau Go Cave, Bai Chay. 

In 1994, the core zone of Ha Long Bay was listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site.

Weather Summary

From January to March is the spring time when the temperatures are around 13-20°C, which is pleasant for a day of relaxation. There will be sunlight during the day and in the morning and late afternoon you will experience a fog and drizzle. April to June, is when summer takes place, temperatures range from 29°C – 40°C and humidity begins to rise. The weather is not brutally hot yet but will you may be likely to experience rain fall. July through September, although quite hot and humid, brings crystal clear skies and emerald water. Temperatures range from 23°C – 34°C and there may be light rain but expect a lot of direct sunlight. This time is the rainy season so there is a high chance of storms and typhoons, however the rain tends to be quite short and does not normally last long. Ha Long Bay’s peak season for tourists is from October to December. Along with rainfall, the humidity level drops and temperatures are around 17°C to 21-°C

Highlights of Ha Long Bay

Take A Ha Long Bay Cruise

The ubiquitous cruise on Ha Long Bay is an absolute must-do! Opt-in for a traditional junk, to get an authentic experience. To delve deeper into the local spirit, stay for several days, sleeping overnight on the calm emerald waters. Pass floating villages where families, livestock and pets live and trade as part of their daily life. Stop off at swimming and snorkeling spots.

The ubiquitous cruise on Ha Long Bay is an absolute must-do! Opt-in for a traditional junk, to get an authentic experience. To delve deeper into the local spirit, stay for several days, sleeping overnight on the calm emerald waters. Pass floating villages where families, livestock and pets live and trade as part of their daily life. Stop off at swimming and snorkeling spots.

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot is situated on Bo Hon Island where there is a group of caves, 15km (9.3 miles) away from the Bai Chay wharf. Boasting as the most beautiful grotto in Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot covers 10,000sq meters and is divided into three chambers. Each chamber has its own beauty which surprises visitors, especially the third chamber. The third chamber suddenly widens into a large, curved, vault like, monumental palace. In the “Ha Long Tourism” book published in 1938 by the French, it was referred to as the “Surprise Cave” – “Grotto de Surprise”.

Sung Sot is situated on Bo Hon Island where there is a group of caves, 15km (9.3 miles) away from the Bai Chay wharf. Boasting as the most beautiful grotto in Ha Long Bay, Sung Sot covers 10,000sq meters and is divided into three chambers. Each chamber has its own beauty which surprises visitors, especially the third chamber. The third chamber suddenly widens into a large, curved, vault like, monumental palace. In the “Ha Long Tourism” book published in 1938 by the French, it was referred to as the “Surprise Cave” –
Read more

Climate chart in Ha Long Bay

Average daily maximum temperature in
Average high
Average low
Rainfall
Average daily maximum temperature in
Rainfall
1000 mm
125°50°
800 mm
100°40°
600 mm
75°30°
400 mm
50°20°
200 mm
25°10°
0 mm
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temperature (°F)(°C)
Rainfall
1000 mm
125°50°
800 mm
100°40°
600 mm
75°30°
400 mm
50°20°
200 mm
25°10°
0 mm
Jan
Feb
Mar
Apr
May
Jun
Jul
Aug
Sep
Oct
Nov
Dec
Temperature (°F)(°C)

Let’s get started

Contact your dedicated travel consultant today