Halong Bay Travel Blogs

Planning a trip to Ha Long Bay and don’t know how to start? This Halong Bay Travel Blog will tell you everything you need to know in this detailed itinerary. Learn when to go, where to stay, what to do, and a must-see attraction during your trip.

Latest Halong Bay Blogs & Articles

Titop Island

Titop Island

Between ‘Titop’ and ‘Titov’, no one is quite sure what to call this Halong Bay Island. It was renamed from its unflattering original name of ‘Islet Number 48’ during a small boat trip between President Ho Chi Minh and his friend and ally, Gherman Titov, a Russian cosmonaut. This was in 1962, long before any sort of tourism had built up in the area, so Uncle Ho renamed the place Titov Island, which became Titop through repeated mispronunciation.[incredible_toc]By the time Gherman Titov returned to Titop Island in 1997, tourism was kicking up in Halong Bay and his island was fast becoming a favorite spot for excursions. He died three years later, but a memorial statue was erected on the island in 2015, by which point tourism was in full flow and Titop Island had become a highlight for most Halong Bay cruises.Titop Beach1. Where is Titop Island?Titop’s distinctive triangular mountain shape with a curved beach at the bottom is located about 8km from Bai Chay Harbour. It is in the heart of Halong Bay, which is why it is a popular stop for most overnight cruises in the bay.2. What can you do on Titop Island?Although it is a small island, Titop boasts an array of available activities for tourists:2.1. RelaxingAn understandably popular activity in Halong Bay, most people just lie on the white sand beach, watching the boats skim the water in the distance in front of the iconic Halong Bay mountains. There are also deck chairs and a small outdoor shower available.Relaxing in Titop Island2.2. Titop Island SwimmingIn the spring, summer, and autumn months, swimming in the warm waters is an attractive option. The water here is clean and completely safe, offering a tranquil way to soak up the magical atmosphere of Halong Bay.Swimming in Titop Island2.3. KayakingIn the past, kayaking around was a great option for active tourists, but new restrictions from the authorities of Halong Bay mean that boats must drop anchor further away. Now, kayaking in Halong Bay to Titop Island is much harder but is still a viable option for those willing to put in the effort.Kayaking in Titop Island Halong Bay2.4. Titop Island HikingAnother one for the more active passengers, the 400 stone steps leading up to the central peak of Titop Island can be tough on those hot summer days. However, the view it provides from the top is the quintessential Halong Bay: sporadic limestone peaks with sleek cruise ships running around their bases.Climbing Titop Island2.5. PlayingThe Titop Island beach, while fairly small, does have space for a game of frisbee or the ever-popular Vietnamese game of Da Cau, the shuttlecock-kicking game.Playing in Titop Island3. How do you visit Titop Island?Most Halong Bay day trips from Hanoi don’t feature Titop because of the time constraint, but some of the longer 6-hour day trips might make a quick pit stop. At least half of the itineraries of 3-day 2-night trips or 2-day 1-night trips visit Titop Island for at least an hour. Try V’Spirit Cruises, Phoenix Cruise, Aphrodite Cruise, Aclass Cruise, or Alisa Premier Cruise for a worthwhile expedition to the beautiful teardrop island.V'Spirit Cruise in Halong BayFor Halong Bay cruise Titop Island, reach out to Incredible Asia Journeys to get premium prices and HOT deals!

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Thien Canh Son Cave

Thien Canh Son Cave

The name of Thien Canh Son Cave in Vietnam lends it a pretty positive first impression. Translating to something along the lines of ‘mountain landscape in Heaven’, it joins Thien Cung as another of Halong Bay’s ‘heavenly’ caves, offering similar rock formations that have been bestowed mythical backstories by the locals of the region.[incredible_toc]Keep scrolling down to get more Thien Canh Son Cave information and activities covered by Incredible Asia Journeys!Thien Canh Son Cave in Halong Bay1. Where is Thien Canh Son Cave?Thien Canh Son Cave lies in one of Halong Bay’s sister bays, Bai Tu Long Bay. Because of Bai Tu Long’s less touristic route, this cave offers a good alternative to the sometimes crowded Halong Bay caves. Its location in protected Cong Do is one of the quietest in all of the Halong Bay area; ships that drop anchor here during the night often enjoy an utterly serene experience.Bai Tu Long Bay2. What to do at Thien Canh Son Cave?Entering through its bushy forest and limestone rock-speckled entrance, almost Jurassic Park-like in appearance, you will be greeted by three large chambers with hanging stalactites and rising stalagmites. The various colored lights inside accentuate their silhouettes along with a collection of larger rocks that are said to be a petrified party of gnomes. Lotuses, elephants, and seals can be seen in the formations with quite a leap of imagination, too.Stalactites and Rising Stalagmites inside Thien Canh Son CaveThe glistening stalactites above, looking almost like chandeliers in their natural arrangement, create the heavenly scene for which the cave is named, along with the ‘Stairway to Heaven’, a 100-step staircase ascending towards the bright light outside. Visitors who climb this will get a panoramic view of Cong Do from the top, with its tree-covered limestone faces and the white sand beach of the island below.In the past, the large open chamber of Thien Canh Son Cave was utilized for romantic candlelit dinners by some cruises, but they have been banned in recent years by the Halong Bay authorities. It is not clear if they will make a reappearance, but if they do, they are likely to be as popular as they were before.Dinner in Thien Canh Son Cave3. How do I visit Thien Canh Son Cave?Many Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises tend to do an excursion to Thien Canh Son Cave because of its easy accessibility and location in a very beautiful area. The cave features in any overnight itinerary by Swan Cruises and Huong Hai Sealife Cruises, while Signature Royal Cruises and Starlight Cruises offer luxury transit to the cave on their Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights or Halong Bay 2-day 1-night itineraries.Thien Canh Son Cave in Bai Tu Long BayThat's all the information we want to provide if you have any questions or comments about this blog, contact us to share your thoughts and book any Vietnam tours cause we're willing to be your travel consultants!

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Halong Bay Weather in June

Halong Bay Weather in June

June in Northern Vietnam finds itself in a curious cavity between the start of summer and the start of the rainy season. This usually means a couple of things: hot, sunny weather with occasional deluges of rain; so a pretty mixed bag overall.[incredible_toc]A lot of international tourists write off Vietnam as a summer destination because of the heat and rain at this time. While these are definitely more intense than they are at other times of the year, they are still manageable, and tourist routes becoming less crowded mean that June is a great time to visit the usually huge draw Halong Bay. Here’s what you can expect from Halong Bay weather in June.Halong Bay in June1. TemperatureLike the tree-topped peaks of the iconic Halong Bay islands, Halong Bay in June reaches its own yearly peaks, with average temperatures soaring high at 29°C (84°F). While this might deter some people from colder countries who are not used to searching for shade, it tends not to pose a problem for visitors from Australia, South Africa, Brazil, etc. who like to escape the beginnings of the winter chill in their home countries and soak up the status quo in Vietnam.For those occasional highs of around 34 or 35°C (95°F) during midday, refuge can be sought in the water, which stays at a fairly constant 28°C. It’s tough to find shade at this time of day, but Halong Bay itineraries are flexible and they often make small changes during Halong Bay June weather, such as limiting outdoor excursions, focusing on cruising time or perhaps longer visits to the airy and cool Halong Bay caves.2. Sunshine HoursAs you might imagine by how ruthless the sun is in Halong Bay in June, it usually makes grand appearances for a lot of the day. 8 hours of sunshine is the typical amount of tanning time in June, and with this kind of allowance, it’s possible to get that sun-kissed skin within a day on the bay.This is the longest month for sun exposure in Halong Bay and is the last chance to see it reliably before the rain clouds make more of an appearance for the rest of summer. The combination of strong sun and few clouds means that time on the sundeck is prioritized, offering the perfect excuse to lounge around, drinking cocktails and gazing at the amazing Halong Bay scenery from the cover of a parasol.Sunshine in Halong Bay in June3. RainfallThe clouds congregate around June and make occasional threats to your enjoyment of Halong Bay tours. Though certainly not the worst months for rain (those are coming soon), the weather in Halong Bay in June does provide a few swift torrents before the sun makes a reappearance. All of these clouds come with silver linings, however. Rainstorms bring the temperature right down to a much more comfortable level and the lack of sun means that you don’t have to apply that fifth layer of sun cream for the day. If sitting in the cabin through a two-hour deluge doesn’t sound like much of a holiday, you can wander outside to catch the calm that descends on Halong Bay during a peaceful rainstorm. Rain during June is like a warm shower, and stepping out into it is not the least bit uncomfortable - it is in fact a surprisingly liberating experience. The ferocity of the rain doesn’t come for the next two months, so a canceled trip to Halong Bay in June is pretty rare.4. Peak Season vs Off-SeasonThe beginning of the off-season for international tourists heralds the start of the peak season for domestic tourists. School is officially out for the summer in May, so family trips to Halong Bay become fairly commonplace for Vietnamese tourists. However, the typical Vietnamese aversion to the sun means that they want to limit exposure as much as possible, resulting in a high number of bookings for Halong Bay one day but fewer for the Halong Bay overnight cruises. For foreign tourists, June is the perfect time to get a great deal. If you can stomach the heat and rain, then prices will be heavily in your favor. Tour companies offer big savings on their overnight cruises during June and shopping around can find you a mega deal; even a look at some of the more luxury cruises can become within budget around this time. Get in touch with Incredible Asia Journeys to secure your booking in affordable prices!Kayaking in Halong Bay5. What to pack for a Halong Bay CruiseIf June seems like the right time to head to Halong Bay, then you’re going to want to bring a few things to make it as comfortable as possible:5.1. SafetySun cream is an obvious essential for the daily 8 hours of sun rays with which you will be slowly cooked.Similarly, you can keep your corneas unblemished by bringing sunglasses.Walking shoes would be good for any cave or hiking excursions in case the rain has made the stairs slippery.5.2. ClothesLight and airy clothes are the only ones you’ll need in Halong Bay in June, there is virtually no chance of you becoming cold at any point.If you like the fashionable look of the Vietnamese rain poncho then now is the time to purchase one, it may become your best friend during Halong Bay June weather.A simple sun-blocking hat will ensure that your hair does not catch fire in the blaring sun.5.3. EssentialsA Camera, mosquito repellent, and lots of cocktail cash are the perfect things to bring during the summer.6. What to do in Halong BayThere are several ways to beat the heat of the Halong Bay weather in June. Cave excursions to Luon Cave or Sung Sot Cave become a godsend during this month for their natural air-conditioning and complete protection from the sun. A truly magical atmosphere descends on the caves if you’re inside during a peaceful rainstorm; listening to the echoes of raindrops falling on the trees and rocks outside is an experience to be savored.Luxury Room on Halong Bay CruiseThe popularity of water sports soars during June. Many people seek refuge by swimming in the cooler waters while opting for the sampan boat rides instead of the energy-sapping kayaking might be a good idea.If the heat gets too much then simply relaxing on the sundeck or in your air-conditioned cabin is a very attractive prospect. Remember, this is your holiday and everything in the itinerary is optional, so don’t feel pressured to engage in every activity.Best trips to Halong Bay in June:Halong Bay Day TripHalong Bay 1 night cruiseHalong Bay 2 night cruise

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Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave

There are numerous incredible places to visit in Halong Bay. One of the most interesting and legend-filled caves to explore in Halong Bay is the unique winding pathway through the "Heavenly Palace," Thien Cung Cave.[incredible_toc]1. What is Thien Cung Cave? Continuing the form of naming Halong Bay caves in dramatic fashion, Thien Cung Cave translates to Heaven Palace Cave for its mythical purpose of housing the Dragon King. After its initial discovery, the cave was lost for years amongst overgrown jungle, eventually proving heavenly again as it provided sanctuary for a French fishing vessel caught during a storm in 1993. This Heaven Palace Cave was opened for tourism shortly after this and is now one of the most well-known caves in Halong Bay. 2. What is the story of Thien Cung Cave? Every rock has an imaginative story behind it throughout the Halong Bay caves such as Sung Sot Cave, Me Cung Cave, or Luon Cave and Thien Cung Cave is no different. According to legend, the Dragon King married his human wife, May, here in a ceremony lasting a rather self-indulgent seven days. This was presumably followed by a lifetime of insomnia as the newlyweds decided to raise 100 half-dragon, half-human children in their new house, mass-bathing them in the inner ponds of the cave. This devotion to their kids would be the end of them eventually, as May left Thien Cung Cave with 50 of the kids to discover new lands, while the Dragon King stayed with the other 50 to better improve the lives of people in Halong Bay. The selfless act earned the Dragon King and his kids an honourable petrification in the cave, and now many stalactites and stalagmites are said to resemble the 50 children and their father who stayed behind. Halong Bay Panorama 3. What can you see in Thien Cung Cave Thien Cung Cave really does have a special place among the Halong Bay caves. Its rediscovery was widely celebrated and work to engage tourism in the cave began quickly. The overgrown entrance to the cave was cut away and a walkway was built, meaning visitors now enter through a narrow gap in the rock; the proverbial eye of a needle; to enter Heaven. Various colored lights were installed around this Heaven Palace Cave to emphasize the curves and contours of the rocks, while also providing a beautiful atmosphere of the kind you might find in Heaven. It took tens of thousands of years for Mother Nature to craft the beautifully shaped rocks into ones depicting the Dragon King’s children and the whimsical guests at his wedding. This included other dragons, baby elephants, pythons, eagles, and dancing lions, all of whom apparently got on just fine with each other for the whole week-long ceremony. The most impressive rock formations are the four pillars, the floor-to-ceiling towers that hold up the roof of Heaven in the Dragon King’s imperial home. This is close to a trio of stunning reflective ponds in the final chamber, where if you listen closely, you might hear the beating sound of a royal drum. This is what happens when the wind blows through small gaps in the rock, contributing to the overall otherworldly atmosphere. Thien Cung Cave 4. Where Is Thien Cung Cave? Thien Cung Cave’s location just 4km from the pier means that it is one of the closest caves to the mainland and also one of the most accessible. This is the reason why Halong Bay day trips favour it and why it features so heavily on itineraries that allow for 4 on the bay.  Halong Bay day tripThe Halong Bay day trip offered by Incredible Asia Journeys is a great way to see the majesty of this beautiful Cave. Contact us now to get the best offers and hot deals!

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Luon Cave - The Picture of Paradise

Luon Cave - The Picture of Paradise

Luon Cave is an amazing spot in Halong Bay! If you're planning a kayaking adventure in Halong Bay, you should check out Luon Cave. It's perfect for a 2-day, 1-night, or even a 3-day, 2-night kayaking trip. The cave is a favorite among travelers because of its beautiful lagoon, tranquility, and the peaceful escape it offers from the hustle and bustle of the larger cruises outside the lagoon.[incredible_toc]1. What is Luon Cave?Translating to ‘Tunnel Cave’, Luon Cave sits about one kilometer away from the Amazing Cave in the center of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay. Luon Cave is one of the most spectacular wet caves in all of Halong Bay, meaning that it is only accessible by kayak or local sampan boat. The actual ‘cave’ bit of Luon Cave is only about 60 meters long, opening with one mouth onto the ocean and the other end onto a glorious grotto, enclosed with high rock walls dressed with verdant trees.Panorama of Luon Cave2. What do I do at Luon Cave?Being one of the most beautiful Halong Bay Caves, the natural splendor of Luon Cave and the environment around it gives it an amazingly tranquil atmosphere, one in which visitors to the cave love to unwind. The mouth of the cave looks almost man-made; cut out of a perfectly flat piece of rock, with several interesting rock formations almost dripping into the water from the cave ceiling above.It is not so much the ‘tunnel’ part of Tunnel Cave that makes it a popular destination, but the open-air grotto that serves as its garden. 60 meters from the sea, Luon Cave opens up spectacularly into a picture of pure serenity. Jutting limestone walls enclose the magical area, where Benjamin fig trees, banyan trees, and orchids cling to the steeped and sheer mountain faces, with emerald water reflecting the color of the greenery around it.Impressive kites and colorful kingfishers can be seen nesting in the trees high above, while some mischievous monkeys make their home here, swinging between the dangerous branches in search of fruit.Luon Cave can only be explored by kayak and sampan boat during Halong Bay cruises. Although it is one of the more popular Halong Bay caves, the absence of big ships adds to the wonderful quietness of the cave and helps it retain its whimsical aura. Kayaking in Luon Cave3. What is the history of Luon Cave?Fossils found in Luon Cave affirmed its habitation by humans thousands of years ago; freshwater snail fossils indicate that they were farmed in small quantities by the original humans living in this area. Halong Bay’s caves were a good spot for habitation because of the shelter and cool air that they provided. Luon Cave, in particular, has a rich food supply within its brackish waters, with prawns, squid, cuttlefish, and snails flourishing, along with several varieties of birds attracted by the abundance of small fruits. 4. What tours visit Luon Cave?Cruise in Ha Long BayMany Halong Bay tours feature Luon Cave as an excursion in their itineraries. Tour operators like Syrena Cruise, Indochina Sails, and Aphrodite Cruise feature the cave visit in their Halong Bay 3-night 2-day cruise as well as their Halong Bay overnight cruise. An exploration of this cave usually lasts about one hour and is held on the morning of the third day, often your last activity before you re-board your cruise ship and head back to the harbor for your transfer to Hanoi.

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Kayaking in Halong Bay

Kayaking in Halong Bay

With all the tranquillity on offer when cruising around Halong Bay in the shadows of the vast, limestone mountains, the thought of shunning all of the activities and remaining on your junk boat just might cross your mind. Let's explore more about cruising and kayaking in Halong Bay![incredible_toc]Some tourists do indeed come exclusively for the cruise and prefer to unwind onboard rather than engage in any activities. This is fine, of course, the time is your own, but activities like cave exploration, expeditions to farms and villages, swimming and, especially kayaking in Halong Bay are strategically organised throughout your itinerary to maximise your enjoyment of the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site.Panorama of Ha Long Bay1. How do I kayak in Halong Bay?Most tour companies have cruise ships fitted with racks of kayaks and oars. It is very rare to find a tour without a kayaking excursion, even on the shorter Halong Bay day trips where you get about 4 hours on the bay. The crew will explain the simple techniques for kayaking and show you exactly the area in which you should be doing it. Kayaking in Halong Bay comes with a few mild cautions, so make sure you listen to your tour guide:• Holding the oar the right way might seem like a no-brainer, but many people grasp it with hands too close together or too far apart. Your hands should be just over shoulder-width apart and the concave part of the oar should be facing backwards.• Don’t be afraid to use some force – the best kayaking trips are the ones you come back from with aching arms!• The initial confusion of steering left by using the right side of the oar and vice versa can be a little frustrating at first, but you will get the hang of it after a few minutes.• Avoid cave entrances as the water here usually has a strong current that is capable of drawing you in if you get too close.• Keep a good distance between other kayaks to avoid unnecessary collisions.• Wear the life vest provided at all times.2. Where are the best places for kayaking in Halong Bay?The openness of the region means that there is virtually no end to the great number of spots for kayaking in Halong Bay. You’ll have to abide by the strict tourism routes that the Halong Bay authorities enforce to protect the bay, but there are still a great number of places where tours stop to kayak. Here are just a few:2.1. Vung Vieng Fishing VillageWhile some tourists opt for a relaxing bamboo boat ride around the tiny, colourful floating village of Vung Vieng, kayaking while requiring more effort, offers you much more freedom. The surrounding mountains and a nearby rainbow arch that opens up into a beautiful wide expanse are some of the things to see around here.Vung Vieng Fishing Village2.2. Luon CaveAnother outstanding area to go kayaking in Halong Bay is Luon Cave. Luon Cave features a short tunnel that opens up into a stunning enclosed grotto with emerald waters, reflecting the colour of the tree-topped mountain walls. The open-air nature of the Luon Cave offers a very quiet, soothing atmosphere, one that should not be missed.Luon Cave2.3. Cap La IslandAccording to some Halong Bay reviews, a great alternative to kayaking in the sometimes rather tourist-heavy Vung Vieng is Cap La Island. This area is in one of Halong Bay’s sister bays, Bai Tu Long Bay, which contains the small fishing village of Cap La along with the same amazing island scenery as Halong Bay.Cap La Island2.4. Dark & Bright CaveIf it’s a more adventurous kayaking trip that you want then perhaps opt for a tour that ventures to the Bright and Dark Cave in Halong’s other sister bay, Lan Ha Bay. A kayaking expedition here involves rowing through a long, pitch-black cave that requires a head torch, before rowing through a shorter, brighter cave into an enclosed grotto that resembles the one at Luon Cave. Again, this is the less touristy alternative to kayaking in Halong Bay. Check out Lan Ha Bay 2 Day 1 Night Cruise to add Dark & Bright Cave to your bucket list!Dark & Bright Cave3. What should I bring for kayaking in Halong Bay?It might seem obvious but water sports like kayaking can result in you getting mildly wet, yet a lot of people neglect to think of this when they pack their phone, wallet and camera on the floor of the kayak next to their feet. Water quite easily runs down the oar when it’s lifted out of the water and a small pool will usually settle around your feet. This is really not a problem as long as you leave your valuables on the cruise.Suncream and Sunglasses are highly recommended in most seasons, especially around midday when the heat is on and there are very few shadows in which to seek refuge.A strong rowing buddy is probably the best accompaniment when kayaking in Halong Bay as they can really help you nip around the various islands and grottoes. Children under 5 are not recommended to paddle but are welcome to sit in the boat and soak in the views. 4. Which tour should I choose for kayaking in Halong Bay?The vast majority of tours offer kayaking as an excursion so really you can opt for any. The areas where these tours operate their kayaking differ though, so if you want to go to a specific cave or fishing village mentioned above then search for that place before booking.Incredible Asia Journeys goes to the beautiful Ba Hang Fishing Village on our Halong Bay day trip, while many other companies that offer overnight tours go to a variety of other places. If you’re really into kayaking you can book a specialised tour where kayaking in Halong Bay is prioritised, offering visits to several different areas over the course of three days, such as the one offered by travel Vietnam.V'spirit CruiseTo know more about what is special about Halong Bay, drop us a request to book now your Halong Bay boat trip to discover it by hand!

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Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave

In this blog, Incredible Asia Journeys will provide detailed information about Sung Sot Cave, one of the most famous caves in Halong Bay and unmissable on any Halong Bay cruise tour![incredible_toc]1. What is Sung Sot Cave? Visitors to Sung Sot Cave in the centre of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Halong Bay are always guessing how it got its name. Hang Sung Sot translates to ‘Amazing Cave’ or ‘Surprise Cave’ (which share the same translation in Vietnamese) because of its French discoverer who exclaimed “Grotto des Surprises” when walking around the inside for the first time. Halong Bay Panorama 2. Where is Sung Sot Cave? Sung Sot Cave shares its home island of Bo Hon with another cave, Hang Trinh Nu. The entrance to the cave requires a 20-meter walk up some steps and through a tunnel of trees, but the moment you arrive, you will be provided with free air-conditioning courtesy of Sung Sot Cave’s system of recycled cool air.  Surprising Cave / "Sung Sot" Cave 3. What do you do in Sung Sot Cave? The Amazing Cave is split into two chambers; the first one is known as the ‘Waiting Room’ and the second is referred to as the ‘Serene Castle’. The Waiting Room features smooth walls and many stalactites hanging from its high ceiling, illuminated by colourful lights that add to the magical atmosphere of the grotto. Walking through the narrow passage to Serene Castle, Sung Sot Cave opens up with a flood of light entering through a hole serving as the exit. Here we can find very interesting rock formations originating from tens of thousands of years ago that are now referred to as the things that they (sort of) resemble. If you squint (quite hard) you can make out many animals such as a bear, dragon, elephant and a climbing monkey, with other depictions like kissing couples and Happy Buddhas strewn throughout. Surprising Cave/ "Sung Sot" Cave As with most areas of Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave comes with a whimsical backstory. Next to the entrance to the Serene Castle is a horse-shaped rock with an accompanying sword-shaped rock, said to be the petrified possessions of Saint Giong who protected the local residents by having elaborate battles with invading demons within the cave walls. Visitors exit Sung Sot Cave through the ‘Royal Garden’, an outside area of banyan trees, birds and occasionally monkeys that gives a great view over the Halong Bay landscape. Passengers will re-board their cruises after walking down the steps and along a romantic wooden walkway attached to the outside of the island.  Many cruises in Halong Bay give you a chance to discover Amazing Cave. Here are some of them:  V'spirit Cruise, LaFairy Cruise, Hera Cruise,  Indochina Sails, Bhaya Classic Cruise, and Carina Cruise. 4. What is the History of Sung Sot Cave? Historians believe the history of the Amazing Cave dates back about 470 - 520 million years ago when intense tectonic plate shifting in the Halong Bay area created vast limestone mountains, large parts of which were eroded by long periods of heavy rain followed by extreme heat.  In the period between 67,000 BC and 9,000 BC, water seeping through gaps in the limestone mountains created its vast caves. Amazing Cave is one of Halong Bay’s largest caves and its stalactites and stalagmites are the results of tens of thousands of years of gradual dripping. 5. How do I visit Sung Sot Cave? The cave is situated in the centre of Halong Bay and is a usual stop-off on any itinerary in the region. You can visit Amazing Cave on most long day cruises (the kind that gives you 6 hours on the bay rather than 4) and a lot of Halong Bay 3 days 2 nights or Halong Bay overnight itineraries feature Sung Sot Cave as a highlight.You can also like other blogs about other destinations you can explore in Halong Bay cruise tours:Ba Trai Dao BeachMe Cung CaveTitop CaveThien Canh Son

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The weather in Halong Bay in May

The weather in Halong Bay in May

There is a tendency from tourists to assume that Vietnam is one perennial summer, punctuated by rain but not by any snaps of cold. Days here can be stifling, and nights a sweaty struggle to find the aircon remote in the mass of crumpled bedding. The South in particular deals with higher temperatures and less variety than the North because of its proximity to the equator. However, this is not true of all of the country.[incredible_toc]Halong Bay could almost not be further away than Ho Chi Minh City, which flirts quite relentlessly with the sort of danger that living close to the equator can bring. As a result, the Northern weather is a lot more placid, meaning Halong Bay in May is, overall, a great time to go. Here, we look at a breakdown of the May weather in Halong Bay.May is the best time to experience kayaking on Halong Bay Cruise1. The temperature in Halong Bay in MayThe big question on everyone’s lips when coming to Southeast Asia is; "how many degrees hotter will it be there?" Well, you may be glad to know that the May temperature in Halong Bay hovers around an acceptable 28°C (82°F), meaning trips to the UNESCO World Heritage site won’t be marred by family arguments over the rotation speed of the fan.This is roughly 5°C hotter than in April and roughly around the same as in June, making the temperature in Halong Bay in May one of the hottest year-round. That being said, it is in no way an oppressive heat, and passengers on its cruises won’t feel the need to shelter inside for most of the trip.The water offers a much better alternative. The water temperature in Halong Bay is about 27°C (80°F) in May, meaning that entire days can be spent swimming around the beautiful caves and islands with no burning desire (excuse the pun) to get out.2. Sunshine Hours in Halong Bay in MayThe fog that descends on Halong Bay during the winter months creates its ethereal beauty. By the time May comes around, however, this fog is largely gone, replaced with blue skies and a beaming sun for an average of eight hours a day. The bay truly sparkles at this time of the year, and the places to be are either the sundeck or the water around you.The visibility here at this time is some of the best all year. With no mist around, views from the boat can stretch to the horizon. Some places like Titop Island, Coconut Island, and Me Cung Cave provide Instagram-perfect photo opportunities of junk boats in front of Halong Bay’s amazing limestone cliff scenery.Sunshine in Ha Long Bay in May3. Rain in Halong Bay in MayTeetering on the edge of the wet season like an excited child about to cannonball into a waterfall, May in Halong Bay tends to be a little wetter than previous months, but a lot drier than the official summer months of June, July, and August. The difference is slight, resulting in the tail end of the month copping quite a bit more rain than the start.However, as with most countries that feature a wet season, rains are usually very sudden and dramatic before swiftly moving on. Any rain that does make an appearance tends to be a flash-in-the-pan situation and nothing to be concerned about before booking. You will still have a lot of the day for business as usual in Halong Bay, with maybe just an hour of refuge required from your cabin.4. Halong Bay in May: Peak-Season vs Off-SeasonAgain, May likes to straddle the line a bit when it comes to the question of when to travel. Officially, May is the beginning of the off-season, with fewer tourists coming to Vietnam to avoid the deluge of rain. However, this is a small window of opportunity for anyone traveling to Halong Bay in May, as companies tend to offer off-season to compensate for the lack of foreign tourism. Shopping around for the right deal at this time might produce some very attractive results.It should be noted that while foreign tourism falls, domestic tourism rises. The end of the Vietnamese school year in May brings lots of families to the Northeast of the country, but time is usually a constraint and customers tend to opt mostly for day trip cruises in Halong Bay. Foreign tourists can still grab a good deal on the overnight cruises or the Halong Bay 3-day 2-night tours.5. Best Cruises in Halong Bay in May5.1. V'spirit CruiseV'spirit Cruise is one of the best 3-star cruises in Halong Bay and always offers the best deals. V'spirit Cruise gives you a wide range of experiences such as cave visits, Tai Chi exercises, swimming, squid fishing at night, and kayaking. You will be very pleased with the good services, clean accommodation, and your memories in the legendary Halong Bay with V'spirit Cruise. The cruise is a good choice for solo travelers, a family, a couple, or a business. Contact Incredible Asia Journeys to book this Halong Bay cruise with premium offers and hot deals!V'spirit Cruise5.2. Aphrodite CruiseLaunched in 2012, Aphrodite Cruise offers tourists the best 5-star services with 17 cabins in 4 different classes. The Aphrodite Cruise will make your trip to Halong Bay more interesting with many outdoor activities on both a 3-day 2-night cruise and a 2-day 1-night cruise.Aphrodite Cruise5.3. Paradise Luxury CruiseExactly like its name, Paradise Luxury Cruise is a 5-star luxury cruise offering tourists the best chances to discover the beauty and fresh atmosphere of Halong Bay.  The cruise is fully equipped with modern facilities. Also, you will have a chance to enjoy Vietnamese foods as well as many interesting activities including Tai Chi exercise in the early morning, swimming, and kayaking to discover the hidden beauty of Halong Bay.Paradise Luxury Cruise's Room5.4. Jasmine CruiseJasmine Cruise (belongs to Heritage Line) provides a comfortable place for your relaxation with good facilities like a bar, pub, jacuzzi, spa... and a variety of watersports. Jasmine Cruise will lead you to discover mysterious caves, floating markets, and beautiful islands in Halong Bay including Sung Sot Cave, Tien Ong Cave, Cua Van Floating Market, and Titop Island.Jasmine Cruise5.5. LaFairy CruiseLaFairy Cruise not only helps you to discover the well-known limestone karsts, caves, and beaches of Halong Bay tours but also takes you to the less accessible areas like Ngoc Trai Area with a sandy beach, and tranquil warm water. The cruise prepares you with yummy Vietnamese dishes and the most comfortable and fully-furnished cabins.LaFairy Cruise5.6. Hera CruiseHera Cruise is the only 6-star cruise in Halong Bay. With 11 spacious cabins, Hera Cruises gives you the best services and the most interesting and remarkable experiences in the beautiful Halong Bay with 2-day 1-night cruises.Hera Cruise6. Halong Bay in May - What to BringAll those sunshine hours and that high temperature is going to require some serious protection. The sundeck is likely to be a very popular spot on the cruises around Halong Bay in May, so load up on sun cream and get out there as early as possible. Light, airy clothes would be the best to pack, as well as both flip-flops and comfortable walking shoes, should you choose to hike up Titop Island or Me Cung Cave for that great view. Swimming suits are another essential as water temperatures are very inviting, and don’t forget sunglasses for the piercing Vietnamese sunshine.Titop Island7. What to do in Halong Bay in MayMay weather in Halong Bay is often very hot for Vietnamese passengers, but foreign tourists like the differences in temperature from their home country, meaning they’re usually a lot more active on Halong Day boat trips. As mentioned before, Titop Island and Coconut Island offer perfect views of the limestone karst scenery, but passengers will want to get to the water, either in it or on it. Swimming is a pleasantly languid pastime in May and kayaking will require intermittent shade breaks to avoid overheating.Anyone indeed suffering from the higher temperatures could always spend more time in the cooler caves, or opt for a sampan boat ride from a local as opposed to a self-rowed kayak. Even spending time in the boat is not a bad idea, as fans and aircon are persistent sights on tour boats nowadays.Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

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