When not to visit Halong Bay?

What is the best month to go to Halong Bay?

October to December. Ideal. Low humidity. Temps 13-21°C.

Best time: Autumn.

• Clear skies.
• Less rain.
• Pleasant sailing.

My last trip? November. Perfect. Saw the Sung Sot Cave. Breathtaking.

Caveat: Crowds increase then. Book ahead. My recommendation: Mid-November.

Alternative: Spring. (March-May). Warmer, but more rain. A gamble.

Personal Note: Avoid July-August. Typhoon season. Seriously. Don’t.

Can you visit Halong Bay in July?

Yeah, July’s great for Halong Bay! Think scorching sun, like a dragon’s breath, not a gentle breeze. Perfect for sweating profusely while kayaking – imagine yourself, a human shrimp in a plastic canoe.

Swimming? More like boiling yourself alive in a jade-colored bathtub. Seriously, the water’s toasty.

Cave exploring? You’ll need a sweat-wicking headlamp and maybe a small fan. It’s like spelunking in a sauna.

Recommended activities in July:

• Sweating profusely: A must-do!
• Sunbathing: Achieve the perfect lobster-red hue.
• Drinking copious amounts of water: Because, duh.
• Finding the nearest air-conditioned cafe: Your sanctuary.
• People-watching: Observe fellow tourists melting.

My buddy Dave went last July. He came back looking like a prune. A very sunburnt, slightly delirious prune. His wife, bless her heart, had to practically peel him out of his clothes. True story.

Don’t forget the sunscreen, people! SPF 5000, minimum. I’m not kidding, this ain’t no picnic. This is Vietnam in July, folks! It’s intense. Bring a personal chef. No, seriously.

Is it always foggy in Halong Bay?

No way, it’s not always foggy in Halong Bay! December, January, February? Yeah, those months are kinda notorious for the fog, real thick stuff sometimes. Visibility sucks, you can barely see the boat in front of you, seriously. It’s freezing cold too, wind’s howling like crazy. My cousin went last year in March and said it was beautiful, sunny even. He took amazing pics! So, foggy winter months, but not the whole year, get it?

Here’s the lowdown:

• Winter (Dec-Feb): Foggy, cold, strong winds. Visibility is terrible sometimes. Think pea soup.
• Spring (Mar-May): Way better. Less fog, pleasant temps. Perfect for kayaking!
• Summer (Jun-Aug): Hot and humid, but mostly clear skies. Ideal for swimming, though maybe a bit crowded.
• Autumn (Sep-Nov): Kinda in between, still warmish, but less rain than summer. Nice weather really.

Last year in March, like I said, was great. My cousin, Mark, even saw some monkeys! He’s a total goofball. He got some killer drone shots too, he’s so annoying, always bragging about his stuff. He’s planning another trip this coming October, he’s already booked. Go in spring! It’s the best time to go.

What type of food is Ha Long Bay famous for?

Ha Long Bay? Oh honey, it’s a seafood extravaganza. Think Poseidon’s personal pantry. Like a mermaid’s farmers market.

Fresh catches, darling. Straight from the ocean to your plate. Faster than you can say “sea cucumber.” Though, maybe don’t say that at dinner. It kills the romance.

• Seafood is king: Everything else is just a courtier.
• Snails: Hundreds of varieties. Like a slimy, shelled parade.
• The usual suspects: Prawns, squid, crabs. The ocean’s greatest hits.
• Serving styles: Buffet, set menu, BBQ. Something for every level of nautical hunger.

My personal favorite? Grilled prawns, right on the boat. With a squeeze of lime. And a hefty dose of sass. Makes you feel like a pirate queen.

Pro-tip: Pack some fancy napkins. Seafood can be messy. Especially if you’re, shall we say, enthusiastic. Like me. Last time I went, I ended up wearing more of my dinner than I ate. But hey, it’s all part of the experience, right? Just don’t tell my dry cleaner.

Which part of Ha Long Bay is best?

Ha Long Bay. A sigh escapes, a breath of salt and ancient stone. The karsts, giants asleep in emerald water. Each rise and fall of the tide, a whispered secret.

The south, a vibrant heart. Thrumming with life, bursting with colour. The iconic images, those postcard perfect scenes, live here. Overwhelming, truly. A feast for the eyes, relentless.

But the north… hushed. A different kind of beauty unfolds there. Solitude. The quiet hum of the water, a meditative rhythm. Less crowded, more intimate. My heart yearns for this hidden tranquility.

A cruise, ah, a cruise. A journey through time. Each vista a painting, constantly shifting, evolving. To glide between the islands, small boat cutting through the stillness, the sun warm on my skin…a dream. Sunsets? Spectacular. Crimson and gold splashed across the water.

Central and Southern areas: Best for the classic Ha Long Bay experience. Unforgettable views. Touristy, yes. But worth it.

Northern areas: Peaceful escape. For those who seek serenity, not just scenery. More intimate and breathtaking in its way.

Cruises: Essential to truly appreciate the Bay’s scale and beauty. See it from multiple angles. 2024 is the perfect year for your trip.

The limestone, sharp against the sky. Timeless, enduring. My spirit feels small, yet immense here. This is where I find peace. This is Ha Long Bay.

Is Lan Ha Bay or Halong Bay better?

Halong Bay boasts fame; Lan Ha Bay offers serenity. Both are undeniably gorgeous, Vietnam’s jewels. Choosing depends entirely on your priorities.

Halong Bay:

• More developed: Expect a wider array of tours, restaurants, and activities. Think bustling markets and readily available services. This comes at a cost; increased tourist density. It’s a bit like comparing a lively city to a quiet village. Sometimes the hustle is part of the charm, though.
• More expensive: Generally higher prices across the board for cruises, excursions, and food. My last trip in 2023 showed a significant price difference.
• Larger scale: Offers more variety in terms of island exploration, cave systems, and overall sightseeing experiences. The sheer scale is awe-inspiring. This often translates to more options for different interests.

Lan Ha Bay:

• Quieter atmosphere: Less crowded, more peaceful. Perfect for a tranquil getaway. I personally prefer the calmer pace. The quiet solitude can be incredibly restorative.
• More pristine: Arguably less impacted by tourism. Fewer boats means clearer waters and fewer disruptions to the natural environment. A real bonus for nature lovers. This was a major factor in my last trip.
• Smaller-scale experiences: Fewer choices, but perhaps more intimate experiences. A smaller, more focused experience can sometimes be more impactful.

The “better” bay is subjective. It hinges on whether you value vibrancy or tranquility. I’ve personally enjoyed both, but for different reasons. Each is stunning in its way, each offers something unique. It’s a tough call, really.

What is an interesting fact about Halong Bay?

Dark outside. Thinking about Halong Bay. It’s… more than just rocks, you know? World Heritage site. That means something. Important.

So many… plants. Fish. Birds. Over a thousand plants. Imagine that. Crazy. Two hundred fish. Seventy birds. So much life. Makes you feel… small.

Went there in 2023. With my sister. She loved the monkeys. I… I just stared at the water. Green. Still. Almost… unnatural. Peaceful.

• Over 1,000 plant species. More than I could ever name.
• 200 species of fish. A whole world under the surface.
• 70 bird species. The sounds… they echoed.
• UNESCO World Heritage Site. Designated in 1994. Re-designated in 2000 for its outstanding geological and geomorphological value. Something to… protect.
• Visited in 2023. With my sister, Sarah. Bought a stupid hat. Still have it.

So many islands. Thousands. Each one… different. Quiet. Makes you think about… things. Time. Existence. The vastness. It’s… a lot.