halongbaycruise.infoIndependent cruise guide, Vietnam

the bay

Halong Bay: what you will see, and which route takes you there

Halong Bay, Vietnam (Vịnh Hạ Long) is the UNESCO World Heritage bay of limestone islands off Ha Long City in Quang Ninh province, first inscribed in 1994. Together with the Cat Ba Archipelago, the property counts 1,133 islands and islets. You see Halong Bay from a boat on one of 8 routes set by the Ha Long Bay Management Board, leaving from Tuan Chau International Marina or Ha Long International Cruise Port. Each cave and island sits on a particular route: Thien Cung Cave on VHL1, Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island on VHL2, the Cua Van floating village on VHL3.

So the question is less "is Halong Bay worth it" than "which part of Halong Bay do I want to see". Pick the sights in the table below and it names the route that reaches them.

  • 1,133 islands and islets in the UNESCO property, Cat Ba included
  • 8 official sightseeing routes, VHL1 to VHL8
  • 250,000VND day fee on route 2, per adult

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Limestone peaks rising from open water in the eastern part of Halong Bay, close to Cua Van.

sights by route

Which Halong Bay route reaches the sights you want

Every stop on the five Halong Bay sightseeing routes, VHL1 to VHL5, with a dot under each route that stops there. Tick the sights you care about: the cards under the table narrow to the routes that reach all of them, with the overnight anchorage and the fee. The full list of eight routes, including VHL6 and the coastal VHL8, is on the official routes page, and every stop is drawn on the Halong Bay map.

The routes for your sights

Each sightseeing route stops at the sights ticked in its column below; the five routes and what they reach are listed after the table.

Halong Bay sights by official routeStops as the Ha Long Bay Management Board lists them for VHL1 to VHL5; visiting hours as the board states them (summer 16 Apr to 31 Oct, winter 1 Nov to 15 Apr)
SightVHL1VHL2VHL3VHL4VHL5Summer hoursWinter hoursThe board on it
●···● 7:30 to 17:30 7:30 to 17:00 About this high above sea level: 20 m
●···● 7:30 to 17:30 7:30 to 17:00
●···● Not listed Not listed
●···● 7:30 to 17:30 7:30 to 17:00
●···● Not listed Not listed
●···● Not listed Not listed
·●··· Not listed Not listed Island area about 66,300 m²
·●··· 7:30 to 17:30 7:30 to 17:00 Named by Ho Chi Minh after his visit with Gherman Titov in 1962
·●··· 7:30 to 17:30 7:30 to 17:00 The board calls it the largest cave discovered in Halong Bay to date
·●··· Not listed Not listed
·●··· 8:00 to 17:30 8:00 to 17:00 Height above sea level: 20 to 30 m
·●··· Not listed Not listed
·●··· 7:30 to 17:30 7:30 to 17:00 Into the enclosed lagoon by rowing boats or kayaking
·●··· Not listed Not listed
·●··· Not listed Not listed With Trong Cave, a popular overnight stop for Halong Bay cruises
·●··· Not listed Not listed
··●·· 8:00 to 17:30 8:00 to 17:00 Visitors go round by kayak or traditional bamboo boat
··●·· 8:00 to 17:30 8:00 to 17:00
··●·· Not listed Not listed Entered by traditional bamboo boat at low tide
··●·· Not listed Not listed Festival on the 19th and 20th of the first lunar month
··●·· Not listed Not listed Du Lagoon is being invested in and renovated
··●·· Not listed Not listed The board states it is not open to visitors
···●· 7:30 to 17:00 8:00 to 16:45 Height above sea level: 40 m
···●· Not listed Not listed
···●· Not listed Not listed Status: in investment and infrastructure development (not yet open)
···●· 7:30 to 17:00 8:00 to 16:45 On offer: fishing with locals, bamboo boats, kayaking, pearl farm visit
···●· Not listed Not listed Status: in investment and infrastructure development
···●· Not listed Not listed
···●· Not listed Not listed The board calls it one of the most attractive destinations for overnight tours

  1. VHL1 Day visits only

    Stops: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da islet, Ba Hang, Dinh Huong Islet, Trong Mai Islet.

    Fee per person: day VND 250,000 per visit per person.

  2. VHL2 Day visit or nights on board

    Stops: Soi Sim Island, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Tung Sau inlet, Me Cung Cave, Bo Nau Cave, Luon Cave, Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Ho Dong Tien.

    Fee per person: day VND 250,000 per visit per person; 1 night on board VND 550,000 per visit per person; 2 nights VND 750,000 per visit per person.

    Boats anchor at Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Ho Dong Tien, Hon Lat 690, Ti Top Island 587.

  3. VHL3 Day visit or nights on board

    Stops: Cua Van floating village, Tien Ong Cave, Ho Ba Ham lagoon, Ba Men temple, Ang Du, Bamboo Forest (VHL3).

    Fee per person: day VND 200,000 per visit per person; 1 night on board VND 500,000 per visit per person; 2 nights VND 650,000 per visit per person.

    Boats anchor at Tien Ong Cave area.

  4. VHL4 Day visit or nights on board

    Stops: Hang Co (Thien Canh Son), Hang Thay, Cap La Cave, Vung Vieng fishing village, Tung Ang, Cong Do island, Hon Xep park.

    Fee per person: day VND 200,000 per visit per person; 1 night on board VND 500,000 per visit per person; 2 nights VND 650,000 per visit per person.

    Boats anchor at Cong Do area.

  5. VHL5 Day visits only

    Stops: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da islet, Ba Hang, Dinh Huong Islet, Trong Mai Islet, then Gia Luan pier on Cat Ba Island.

    Fee per person: day VND 250,000 per visit per person.

  6. VHL7 Routes 1 to 4 in one

    The only route that strings the sights of VHL1 to VHL4 together, and it is for exploration cruise boats (du thuyền khám phá) only. Its fee is VND 600,000 per visit per person.

UNESCO

What Halong Bay is: a bay of limestone towers

UNESCO lists the site as Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, the most extensive example of marine-invaded tower karst, located in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city. In plain words: steep limestone islands standing in the sea. The Ha Long Bay Management Board describes the islands as mostly limestone, with heights of 50 to 200 m. Many are hollowed by caves, which is why the routes are built around them.

The protected area is large: UNESCO gives the property as 65,650 hectares, with a buffer zone of 34,140 hectares. It is inscribed under the natural criteria (vii)(viii), for its scenery and its geology. UNESCO lists the dates of inscription and extension as 1994, 2000, 2023; the Cat Ba Archipelago joined in 2023 under decision 45 COM 8B.3. Cat Ba was a National Park from 1986 and a Biosphere Reserve from 2004; its endemic Cat Ba Langur is listed as Critically Endangered.

Vietnam made Halong Bay a National Scenic Site in 1962 and a Special National Monument in 2009. The board that collects the sightseeing fee now calls itself the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board.

The site is under watch. In Decision 48 COM 7B.74 the World Heritage Committee noted that a 2025 mission judged the scale and pace of tourism and urban development around the property of serious concern. The UNESCO analysis recommends a review at the Committee's 50th session, considering, without substantial progress, possible inscription on the List of World Heritage in Danger.

Ti Top Island beach and viewpoint
View from the Ti Top lookout over anchored cruise ships and islands.Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

route by route

What you see on each Halong Bay route

VHL1 and VHL5: the cave route

Route 1 is short and close to the ports. It starts with Thien Cung Cave, which the board places about 20 m above sea level, and Dau Go Cave on the same island, then passes Cho Da islet, Ba Hang, Dinh Huong Islet and Trong Mai Islet, the pair of rocks often called the Kissing Rocks. The board's sample day for route 1 runs about 7:00 to 12:00. VHL5 repeats these stops and carries on to Gia Luan pier on Cat Ba Island. More on both caves: Halong Bay caves.

VHL2: Ti Top, Sung Sot and Luon Cave

A day cruise that names Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island sails this route. Ti Top Island has a lookout over the anchorage, and the board states Ho Chi Minh named it after his visit with Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov in 1962. Sung Sot Cave is what the board calls the largest cave discovered in Halong Bay to date. At Luon Cave you go through a low arch into an enclosed lagoon by rowing boats or kayaking. Me Cung Cave sits on Lom Bo Island at 20 to 30 m above sea level. The Trinh Nu and Trong Cave area is a popular overnight stop for Halong Bay cruises.

Sung Sot Cave interior
The lit visitor path through the first chamber of Sung Sot Cave.Photo: lumoplank / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cocks Islet)
The pair of rocks known as Ga Choi, the Fighting Cocks or Kissing Rocks, off Bai Chay.Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

VHL3: Cua Van and the lagoons

Route 3 turns east to the Cua Van floating cultural center, where visitors go round by kayak or traditional bamboo boat. The people of Cua Van live and work on the water, and the floating village is a place of homes and fish farms first. Ho Ba Ham lagoon is entered by traditional bamboo boat at low tide. Ba Men temple holds its festival on the 19th and 20th of the first lunar month. Two stops are not ready: the Bamboo Forest is not open to visitors, and Du Lagoon is being invested in and renovated. See the floating villages for Cua Van and the others.

VHL4: Vung Vieng and Cong Do

Route 4 goes furthest. Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) lies 40 m above sea level. At Vung Vieng the board names fishing with locals, bamboo boats, kayaking, pearl farm visit. Cap La Cave is in investment and infrastructure development (not yet open), and the Tung Ang area is in investment and infrastructure development. The board calls Hon Xep park one of the most attractive destinations for overnight tours. Boats on route 4 anchor in the Cong Do area.

The newer routes VHL6 to VHL8 are not built around sights; see the official routes. For what else to do between the stops, see things to do in Halong Bay.

Wide Halong Bay seascape with karst islands
A lone limestone pinnacle with smaller islands behind it on a clear day in eastern Halong Bay.Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0

the three bays

Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are three bays

Look for Halong Bay cruises and you soon find boats sold for Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay. These are neighboring bays with their own rules. Halong Bay belongs to Quang Ninh province and is run by the Ha Long Bay Management Board. Lan Ha Bay lies off Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, which sets its own fee and rules. Bai Tu Long Bay lies north-east of Halong Bay, also in Quang Ninh, with its own route list; under Decision 43/2024 its bay management board is the Bai Tu Long National Park Management Board. Together with Cat Ba, Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay make up the UNESCO property.

The distances are short. Ti Top Island on route 2 and Monkey Island in Lan Ha Bay lie about 14 km (8.9 mi) in a straight line, but a boat follows its route, not the line. Since 20 April 2026, cruises on routes VHL3 to VHL6 may cross into Lan Ha Bay; those connecting itineraries are overnight cruises. Which bay suits you is the subject of Lan Ha Bay vs Halong Bay.

sightseeing fee

The Halong Bay fee and who sets it

Everyone on a boat in Halong Bay pays a sightseeing fee, set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected at the ports by the Ha Long Bay Management Board. For a day visit it is VND 250,000 per visit per person (about US$9.8, AUD 14 or GBP 7.3) on routes 1, 2 and 5 and VND 200,000 per visit per person (about US$7.8, AUD 11 or GBP 5.9) on routes 3 and 4. A night on board replaces the day fee with an overnight fee: VND 550,000 per visit per person for one night on route 2, VND 500,000 per visit per person on route 3. The finder cards above give each route's figures.

Many cruise prices include the fee and some leave it out; the listing should say which. As a guide to a whole day, a day cruise on route 2 from the Halong pier, per adult, comes to VND 1,070,000 (about US$42, AUD 61 or GBP 31), for travelers already staying in Bai Chay or Tuan Chau. Ticket rules for children and the full fee table are on the official routes page.

Hon Gai
Rooftops of Hon Gai and the Ha Long waterfront seen from above.Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

how to go

Seeing Halong Bay: a day on the water or a night on board

A day cruise covers one route. The common choice is route 2: Halong Bay Day Tour with Sung Sot and Ti Top by Cozy Bay Cruise on Klook visits Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top Island from Tuan Chau, as listed. Read the listing for whether the Hanoi bus is in the price. Day cruises and their timings are compared on the Halong Bay day cruise page.

A night on board is possible only on routes 2, 3 and 4 in Halong Bay, at the anchorages the board names. You see the same caves, plus the evening and early morning on the water. All inclusive Bhaya Classic cruise 2-Day 1-Night Halong Bay Tour on Viator names Trinh Nu Cave, in the route 2 overnight area, and its stops stay on Halong Bay. Some cruises sail Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay in one trip, such as Hanoi: 2-Day 1-Night Halong, Lan Ha Bay Cruise with Balcony, whose listing does not itemize its route: ask the seller which route it sails before you book.

Every cruise this guide lists, across Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, can be filtered by the bay it really sails in the Halong Bay cruise chooser.

questions

Questions about Halong Bay

How many islands are in Halong Bay?

UNESCO counts 1,133 islands and islets in the property Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago, which takes in Halong Bay and the Cat Ba Archipelago together. That figure covers both parts, not Halong Bay alone. The Ha Long Bay Management Board describes the islands as mostly limestone, with heights of 50 to 200 m.

Is Halong Bay a UNESCO World Heritage Site?

Yes. UNESCO first inscribed Halong Bay in 1994 under the natural criteria, and extended the property to the Cat Ba Archipelago in 2023. In 2026 the World Heritage Committee found the pace of tourism and urban development around it of serious concern and asked for progress before its 50th session.

Which Halong Bay route has the caves?

Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave are on route VHL1 (and VHL5). Sung Sot Cave, Me Cung Cave and Luon Cave, which you enter by boat, are on VHL2. Tien Ong Cave is on VHL3 and Hang Co on VHL4. The caves page compares them with the board's visiting hours.

What city is closest to Halong Bay?

Ha Long City, on the shore of the bay in Quang Ninh province. Its waterfront districts of Bai Chay and Hon Gai face the islands, and the boats leave from Tuan Chau International Marina or Ha Long International Cruise Port, as the Ha Long Bay Management Board states. Cruises from Hanoi include the drive to these ports or sell it as an add-on.

Which is better, Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

Neither is better in general; they are different bays. Halong Bay has the large show caves and the fixed board routes from the Ha Long City ports. Lan Ha Bay, off Cat Ba Island in Hai Phong, is reached from Cat Ba or on the connecting overnight cruises from Halong Bay. Compare them on Lan Ha Bay vs Halong Bay.

Sources

  1. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for day route VHL1 (Thien Cung, Dau Go, Ba Hang, Trong Mai), set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by Ha Long Bay Management Board (now named the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board), is VND 250,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  2. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for day route VHL2 (Ti Top, Sung Sot, Luon Cave, Me Cung), set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by Ha Long Bay Management Board (now named the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board), is VND 250,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  3. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for day route VHL3 (Cua Van, Tien Ong Cave, Ho Ba Ham), set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by Ha Long Bay Management Board (now named the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board), is VND 200,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  4. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for day route VHL4 (Hang Co, Vung Vieng, Cong Do, Hon Xep), set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by Ha Long Bay Management Board (now named the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board), is VND 200,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  5. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for day route VHL5 (route 1 sights, ending at Gia Luan pier, Cat Ba), set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by Ha Long Bay Management Board (now named the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board), is VND 250,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  6. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for route VHL7 (routes VHL1+2+3+4 combined, explorer yachts only), set by Resolution 51/2025/NQ-HĐND and charged from 1 May 2025, is VND 600,000 per visit per person. Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council, Resolution 51/2025/NQ-HĐND of 26 Feb 2025 (14th term, 25th session), 26 February 2025.
  7. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the overnight sightseeing fee for Halong Bay route 2 with 1 night as VND 550,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  8. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the overnight sightseeing fee for Halong Bay route 2 with 2 nights as VND 750,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  9. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the overnight sightseeing fee for Halong Bay route 3 with 1 night as VND 500,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  10. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the overnight sightseeing fee for Halong Bay route 3 with 2 nights as VND 650,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  11. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the overnight sightseeing fee for Halong Bay route 4 with 1 night as VND 500,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  12. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the overnight sightseeing fee for Halong Bay route 4 with 2 nights as VND 650,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  13. OpenStreetMap places Halong Bay (bay) at (lat, lon) 20.908438, 107.068278 decimal degrees WGS84. OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL), queried via Nominatim/Overpass, 14 November 2026.
  14. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 7:30 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  15. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 7:30 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  16. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Ba Hang in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 7:30 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  17. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Ba Hang in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 7:30 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  18. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Sung Sot Cave in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 7:30 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  19. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Sung Sot Cave in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 7:30 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  20. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Ti Top Island in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 7:30 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  21. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Ti Top Island in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 7:30 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  22. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Me Cung Cave in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 8:00 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  23. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Me Cung Cave in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 8:00 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  24. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Luon Cave in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 7:30 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  25. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Luon Cave in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 7:30 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  26. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Tien Ong Cave in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 8:00 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  27. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Tien Ong Cave in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 8:00 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  28. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Cua Van floating cultural center in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 8:00 to 17:30 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  29. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Cua Van floating cultural center in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 8:00 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  30. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 7:30 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  31. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 8:00 to 16:45 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  32. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Vung Vieng in summer (16 Apr to 31 Oct) as 7:30 to 17:00 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  33. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitor hours at Vung Vieng in winter (1 Nov to 15 Apr) as 8:00 to 16:45 local time. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Thời gian đón khách tham quan' (visitor hours at attractions), 6 November 2024.
  34. The body that runs the Halong Bay website halongbay.com.vn and collects the sightseeing fee now names itself Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board (Ban Quản lý di sản thế giới vịnh Hạ Long - Yên Tử). Ha Long Bay Management Board website footer and news titles, 14 November 2026.
  35. Under Quang Ninh Decision 43/2024/QĐ-UBND, the 'Bay Management Board' for Bai Tu Long Bay is the Bai Tu Long National Park Management Board. Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Decision 43/2024/QĐ-UBND of 8 Oct 2024 (in force 20 Oct 2024), Regulation on managing inland waterway vessels serving tourists on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, 8 October 2024.
  36. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the number of sightseeing routes (hành trình) on Halong Bay as 8 routes. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  37. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL1 as port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Cho Da islet - Ba Hang - Dinh Huong islet - Trong Mai islet. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  38. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL2 as port - Soi Sim beach - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Tung Sau inlet - Me Cung Cave - Bo Nau Cave - Luon Cave - Trong Cave - Trinh Nu Cave - Ho Dong Tien. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  39. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL3 as port - Cua Van floating cultural center - Tien Ong Cave - Ho Ba Ham lagoon - Ba Men temple - Ang Du - Bamboo Forest. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  40. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL4 as port - Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) - Hang Thay - Cap La Cave - Vung Vieng - Tung Ang ecological area - Cong Do island - Hon Xep park. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  41. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL5 as port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Cho Da islet - Ba Hang - Dinh Huong islet - Trong Mai islet - Gia Luan pier (Cat Ba, Hai Phong). Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  42. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL7 as routes VHL1, VHL2, VHL3 and VHL4 combined, for explorer yachts only. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  43. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states that day routes depart from Tuan Chau International Marina or Ha Long International Cruise Port. Ha Long Bay Management Board, route pages 'Ha Long Bay Itinerary 1-5' (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  44. The Ha Long Bay Management Board's fee page prices overnight stays on Halong Bay only for routes 2, 3 and 4. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  45. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names the overnight areas on Halong Bay route 2 as Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Ho Dong Tien, Hon Lat 690, Ti Top Island 587 overnight areas. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  46. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names the overnight area on Halong Bay route 3 as Tien Ong Cave area. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  47. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names the overnight area on Halong Bay route 4 as Cong Do area. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  48. The Ha Long Bay Management Board's itinerary for route 1 gives its sightseeing time (port departure to last islet) as about 7:00 to 12:00 time window. Ha Long Bay Management Board, route pages 'Ha Long Bay Itinerary 1-5' (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  49. Thien Cung Cave lies at about this height above sea level, per the Ha Long Bay Management Board 20 m. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  50. The Ha Long Bay Management Board calls Sung Sot Cave, about 20 m above sea level on the Bo Hon island range, the largest cave discovered in Halong Bay to date. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  51. The Ha Long Bay Management Board gives the area of Soi Sim Island as about 66,300 m². Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  52. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states Ti Top Island was named by Ho Chi Minh after his visit with Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov in 1962 year. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  53. At Luon Cave the Ha Long Bay Management Board names these visitor activities in the enclosed lagoon rowing boats or kayaking activities. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  54. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names the Trong Cave and Trinh Nu Cave area as a popular overnight stop for Halong Bay cruises. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  55. Me Cung Cave on Lom Bo Island lies at this height above sea level per the Ha Long Bay Management Board 20 to 30 m. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  56. At Cua Van floating cultural center the Ha Long Bay Management Board names these visitor boats kayak or traditional bamboo boat activities. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  57. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the Bamboo Forest area on route VHL3 is not open to visitors. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  58. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states Du Lagoon (freshwater, nearly 2 ha) on route VHL3 is being invested in and renovated. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  59. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states visitors enter Ho Ba Ham lagoon by traditional bamboo boat at low tide. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  60. The Ha Long Bay Management Board gives the Ba Men Temple festival dates as 19th and 20th of the first lunar month dates. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  61. Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) lies at this height above sea level per the Ha Long Bay Management Board 40 m. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  62. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states Cap La Cave (about 3,000 m2) on route VHL4 is in investment and infrastructure development (not yet open). Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  63. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the Tung Ang ecological area (about 0.5 ha, about 100 m from Cong Do overnight area) is in investment and infrastructure development. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  64. At Vung Vieng the Ha Long Bay Management Board names these visitor activities fishing with locals, bamboo boats, kayaking, pearl farm visit. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  65. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names Hon Xep Park on route VHL4 as one of the most attractive destinations for overnight tours. Ha Long Bay Management Board, Halong Bay route pages (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  66. The Ha Long Bay Management Board describes the islands of Halong Bay as mostly limestone, with heights of 50 to 200 m. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Introduction' category page, 6 November 2024.
  67. The UNESCO World Heritage List names the property Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  68. UNESCO gives the area of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago property as 65,650 hectares. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  69. UNESCO counts the islands and islets in the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago property as 1,133 islands and islets. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  70. UNESCO first inscribed Halong Bay on the World Heritage List in 1994 year. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  71. UNESCO lists the dates of inscription and extension of the property as 1994, 2000, 2023 years. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  72. UNESCO added the Cat Ba Archipelago to the property through a significant boundary modification in 2023 year. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  73. The property is inscribed under the natural criteria (vii)(viii). UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  74. UNESCO describes the property as the most extensive example of marine-invaded tower karst, located in Quang Ninh province and Hai Phong city. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  75. UNESCO recognized the Cat Ba Archipelago as a Biosphere Reserve in 2004 year. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  76. Vietnam designated Halong Bay a National Scenic Site in 1962 year. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  77. Vietnam elevated Halong Bay to a Special National Monument in 2009 year. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  78. Cat Ba was designated a National Park in 1986 year. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  79. UNESCO lists the Cat Ba Langur, endemic to the archipelago, as Critically Endangered. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List record 672ter 'Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago' (UNESCO open data, dataset whc001).
  80. The World Heritage Committee decision that approved the Cat Ba Archipelago extension is numbered 45 COM 8B.3. UNESCO World Heritage Committee, 45th session (Riyadh, 2023), decision 45 COM 8B.3.
  81. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) defines Halong Bay route VHL7 as routes VHL1-2-3-4 combined, applying only to exploration cruise boats (du thuyền khám phá). Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (19 Jul 2024) on sightseeing routes on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 19 July 2024.
  82. UNESCO gives the buffer zone of the Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago World Heritage property as 34,140 hectares. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, World Heritage List page 672 (dossier 672ter).
  83. In Decision 48 COM 7B.74 (2026) the World Heritage Committee noted with concern that a 2025 WHC/IUCN mission judged the scale and pace of tourism and urban development around Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago of serious concern. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, State of conservation 2026, Decision 48 COM 7B.74.
  84. The 2026 UNESCO state-of-conservation analysis for Ha Long Bay - Cat Ba Archipelago recommends review at the Committee's 50th session, considering, if there is no substantial progress, possible inscription on the List of World Heritage in Danger. UNESCO World Heritage Centre, State of conservation 2026 (WHC/26/48.COM/7B.Add.3.Rev).
  85. Cruise boats began crossing between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay on four connecting itineraries (VHL3, VHL4, VHL5, VHL6 to Lan Ha Bay); the first two sailings left Tuan Chau International Marina and the Sun Group inland pier at Ha Long International Cruise Port on 20 April 2026. Ha Long Bay Management Board website, post 698 (2026-04-20), 20 April 2026.
  86. Exchange rates. VND per unit of each currency. USD: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 14 November 2026; AUD: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 12 November 2026; GBP: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 12 November 2026
  87. Headline costs. Added up from the listed prices, bay fees and fares each cost names; each part has its own source in this list
  88. Distances in a straight line. Measured on the site from OpenStreetMap coordinates (great circle, 6,371 km earth radius). A straight line between two points, not a sailing or road distance. Map data © OpenStreetMap contributors (ODbL).

Photographs

  1. Wide Halong Bay seascape with karst islands. Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
  2. Ti Top Island beach and viewpoint. Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
  3. Sung Sot Cave interior. Photo: lumoplank / Wikimedia Commons, CC0
  4. Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cocks Islet). Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
  5. Wide Halong Bay seascape with karst islands. Photo: Christophe95 / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY-SA 4.0
  6. Hon Gai. Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0