Welcome to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam’s captivating UNESCO World Heritage site. With its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and over 1,600 islands, this natural wonder has become increasingly popular among travelers. However, the rising crowds can sometimes ruin the tranquility we seek in this picturesque setting. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to visit Ha Long Bay without crowds.
Best time to visit Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay has four distinct seasons. Best and most popular time to visit Ha Long bay is in autumn between October and December. The weather is very pleasant with a lot of sun. It might not be so hot and sunny though. During winter months (December – January) it can be very cloud with a lot of mist in the area. February till May is another good time for a visit with a lot of sunny days. The summer months are good option for budget travellers. It is a rainy season here so prices are lower. But keep in mind that the boat trips might not be operational during this time. If you plan to visit other destinations, you can find a summary of best time to travel around Vietnam here.
How to visit Ha Long bay without crowds?
1. Come during low season
Pretty obvious, right. As everwhere in the world, when you come during low season the number of tourists is significantly lower. This season also comes with much lower prices. However, it might not be the best idea. The weather is not on your side. It’s gonna rain a lot. The sea turns harsh and the boat tours might be cancelled. We have better tip for you!
2. Come from Cat Ba island
Cat Ba island is often overlooked by many tourists. If you have more time (at leasat 2 days) to spare we recommend doing a Ha Long bay tour from here. Many people go to Ha Long town and organize a boat tour from there. We joined Cat Ba Ventures and had amazing experience! The tour was planned perfectly and we avoided all the crowds! There was never more than 1 boat on the same spot as us. The tour includes lunch, beach stop, snorkelling, swimming, kayaking and lots of fun! Read this article for more information about Cat Ba.
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3. Explore Lan Ha bay instead
Lan Ha bay and Ha Long bay are actually the same. They are so identical you wil not even notice a difference. It is the same landscape, same views and same activities. Only the name says you’re elsewhere. If you don’t insist on exploring Ha Long bay come to Lan Ha bay instead. Trust us, there will be much less tourists! You can organize your tour from Cat Ba island.
4. Go on an overnight boat cruise
Another option is to join an overnight boat cruise. This will be the most expensive way to explore Ha Long bay. You can decide whether you want to spend 2 or 3 night on a boat. The tour guides should make sure the avoid overcrowded areas. Check out the tours below!