Ha Long Bay (also "Halong Bay") is in the northern Thanh Hoa, 170 km (105 mi) east of Hanoi. It is located in the area of the Gulf of Tangkia, on the north of the Socialist Republic of Vietnam. It has an area of 1,500 square kilometers and has a coastline about 120 kilometers away from Hanoi. The bay is famous for its scenic ocean karst topography and is often included in the lists of natural wonders of the world.
Climate
If you are planning a trip to Halong Bay, the weather there can play a crucial role in your experience. Do not let unpredictable weather dampen your spirits! Discover all about Halong Bay weather in this guide and prepare accordingly.
Halong, a breathtaking destination nestled in the northern region of Vietnam, is a mere 156 kilometers away from Hanoi. Due to their close proximity, the weather in both locations is quite similar. Halong has a typical humid tropical monsoon climate with four distinct seasons, making it a year-round destination.
The average annual temperature in Halong is a comfortable 23.7 degrees Celsius. Winter, which spans from November to February, is characterized by an average temperature of 16.7 degrees Celsius, with the coldest temperature dropping to 5 degrees Celsius.
On the other hand, summer, which lasts from May through October, has an average temperature of approximately 28.6 degrees Celsius, with the maximum temperature reaching up to 38 degrees Celsius.
That being said, whether you are looking to escape the cold winter months or bask in the warmth of the summer sun, Halong's diverse weather patterns can deliver.
In and Out
By Plane
- Take a seaplane flight from International Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi to Halong Bay for only 45 minutes. Enjoy fabulous aerial views over the countryside and experience the thrill of water at the landing. The flight can be extended to include an additional 15-minute scenic tour over the bay, which allows you to enjoy a bird’s eye view (150-300m high) of the thousands of limestone karsts jutting up from the jade green waters and see remote fishing villages before landing at Tuan Chau Island Marina. This is the only seaplane service in Vietnam.
- Cat Bi International Airport in Haiphong is roughly 2.5 hours away from Halong city by road.
By Train
- Take cargo train from Hanoi to Yen Vien (Gia Lam) and then to Quang Ninh. The train departs at 4.30 am and arrives at 11am. The terminal at Halong City is near the Bai Chay bus station and about 5 km away from the harbor. Expect train delays and cancellations without notice. There is only a hard sleeper (not recommend this transport).
By Buses
- Shuttle buses for tourists depart daily from Hanoi Old Quarter, with pick up at 08:00 – 09:00 at your hotel around Hanoi Old Quarter (pick up time normally around 30 – 45 minutes), if you do not stay in Hanoi Old Quarter, the default location is Hanoi Opera House (01, Trang Tien str ) then depart to Halong via the new expressway – 5
- The transfer time is 2,5 - 3 hours. Normally, cruise lines like Paradise, Adela Boutique Cruise, Stellar of the Sea, and Scarlet Pearl in Halong Bay include two ways shuttle buses in their package.
- There are several buses departing from Hanoi to Halong city. Halong city is 160 km away and it takes roughly three and a half hours plus the journey from the bus station to the pier, which is about 15 minutes.
- The new highway let the time for transfer between Hanoi and Halong Bay is only 2,5 - 3 hours/way
- Mini Bus from Gia Lam (Hanoi) to Bai Chay (Ha Long). Tickets are bought at the ticket counter. The journey takes 4-5 hours with the bus stopping to pick up passengers along the way.
- From My Dinh Bus Station (Hanoi) there are buses travelling to Bai Chay. They are faster and more comfortable than the "minibus" from Gia Lam. City bus 34 goes to My Dinh bus station as well. From Bai Chay bus station City bus 03 stops near Vuon Dao street where most of the budget hotels are located.
By Car
Rent a private car or taxi. Take a car from Noibai, or from Hanoi center to Halong bay.
By Boat
A tourist bus from Haiphong to Ha Long at the Ben Binh station next to the ferry to Cat Ba also exists. From Haiphong city, you can come to Cat Ba island by hydrofoil. It departs at 07:00, 09:00, 13:00, 15:00. The duration of hydrofoil is about 45 minutes from Hai Phong to Cat Ba island
Halong Bay