1. General introduction to Ha Long Bay
About 160 km from the center of Hanoi, Ha Long city in Quang Ninh province has long become a famous destination not only in the North but also on the world tourism map. This place is favored by nature with majestic landscapes, emerald green bays, rolling limestone mountains, and a rare fresh atmosphere.
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO Natural World Heritage site, attracting millions of visitors each year thanks to its magical and unique beauty. The bay has thousands of large and small islands rising from the water, each with a distinct shape, creating a poetic scene that is rarely matched elsewhere.
One of the most beloved experiences when visiting Ha Long is exploring the bay by boat or cruise. This journey takes visitors through many famous spots such as Ga Choi Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, or Titop Island. Amidst the vast space of sky and sea, you can admire the magnificent beauty of nature and feel the peace after tiring working days.
2. Means of transport to explore Ha Long Bay
Visitors can choose various ways to explore the magnificent beauty of Ha Long Bay. Depending on your preferences and budget, you can opt for a boat trip, a luxurious cruise experience, or admire the bay from above by helicopter.
2.1. Tourist boats
This is the most popular option and suitable for most tourists. Tourist boats usually offer day trips, taking you through many highlights such as Ga Choi Islet, Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, or Titop Island.
Sitting on the deck of the boat, visitors can admire the panoramic view of the majestic limestone mountains and breathe in the fresh air.
2.2. Cruises
If you want to enjoy a more complete and private vacation, a cruise is the ideal choice. Cruises in Ha Long are modernly designed, featuring cabins, restaurants, sunbathing areas, and many high-class services such as spas, outdoor bars, cooking classes, or kayaking.
An overnight experience on a cruise allows you to witness the sunrise, sunset, and a sky full of stars amidst the tranquil sea. Here are some notable 5-star cruise suggestions in Ha Long Bay with hotline information for your easy reference and contact:
Paradise Elegance: A 5-star cruise with high-class amenities, multi-cabin rooms, and luxurious design. Hotline: 0369 461 186
Halong Symphony Cruise: High-class service, event organization support on board. Hotline: 0369 461 186
Ambassador Cruise: A large 5-star cruise with many cabins and premium accommodation services. Hotline: (+84) 1900 3045
Overnight cruise ships for tourists at sea. (Source: Collected)
2.3. Helicopter
If you want to admire Ha Long Bay from a completely different perspective, a helicopter flight experience will surely be an unforgettable choice. From hundreds of meters high, the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay appears majestic and vibrant with thousands of limestone islands standing out on the turquoise water.
Each flight lasts about 10 to 30 minutes, depending on the experience package chosen by tourists. The Bell 505 helicopter is imported directly from the USA by the Northern Vietnam Helicopter Company, ensuring top safety and modern standards. The helicopter takes off and lands at the Tuan Chau helicopter pad, located right next to Tuan Chau International Passenger Port, which is very convenient for tourists to travel and combine with bay tours.
3. Where to buy Ha Long Bay tickets?
Traveling to Ha Long Bay by boat is still the most popular and beloved choice for tourists today. You can easily buy tickets in various ways depending on your needs and time. Here are some suggestions to help you choose the most convenient ticket purchase method.
3.1. Buy tickets directly at the port
3.1.1. Tuan Chau Port
Tuan Chau Port is bustling with boats passing by. (Source: Collected)
Tuan Chau Port is the largest tourist ship port in Ha Long, considered the departure center for most bay tours. Hundreds of tourist ships and luxury yachts are gathered here, serving both day trips and overnight trips on the bay.
Visitors can go directly to the ticket counter of the Ha Long Bay Management Board to purchase tickets and choose suitable tour routes. Tuan Chau Port is always bustling, especially during the peak tourist season, so you should arrive early for convenient check-in and to avoid long waits.
3.1.2. Ha Long International Passenger Port
Ha Long International Passenger Port is located right in the tourist center of Bai Chay, making it very convenient for visitors to travel from nearby hotels or resorts. This is one of the most modern and largest ports in Vietnam, designed to international standards, capable of accommodating many different types of tourist ships simultaneously.
The port area has 6 berths, of which four are exclusively for yachts and bay tour ships, while the rest serve large-tonnage international passenger ships. The infrastructure system is synchronously invested, clean and beautiful, combined with service facilities such as waiting areas, restaurants, and souvenir shops, helping visitors have a comfortable experience right from the start of their journey to explore Ha Long Bay.
3.2. Buy tickets online through the official portal
If you want to save time and be more proactive, you can buy tickets online on official websites such as halongcity.gov.vn or halongtourism.com.vn. After payment, visitors will receive an electronic QR code to scan when checking in for the boat. This method is suitable for those who want to proactively arrange their schedule, avoid queuing at the port, and ensure they have tickets even during the peak season.
3.3. Buy through reputable agents/travel agencies
Many travel companies currently offer package services including entrance tickets, tour boats, and accompanying guides. This is an ideal choice for visitors who want a convenient journey without having to research or wait to buy tickets at the port.
Some reputable units chosen by many people include Sun Travel, BestPrice, and Halong Bay Cruise Center. When booking tickets through an agent, you will receive support throughout the trip and have more options for tour routes and accompanying services.
4. Ha Long Bay Entrance Ticket Prices 2025 (Reference)
An overnight experience on a cruise ship at sea is very interesting. (Source: Collected)
5. Experience & notes when buying tickets to visit Ha Long Bay
To ensure your visit to Ha Long Bay is smooth and complete, you should learn in advance about the tour routes, booking times, as well as some important notes on weather and safety.
5.1. Choosing a suitable tour route
Currently, Ha Long Bay has many different tour routes, each offering a unique experience. Route 1 and Route 2 are the most popular choices, suitable for first-time visitors to Ha Long as they include many famous spots such as Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, or Ga Choi Islet.
If you love a quiet atmosphere and pristine natural beauty, Route 3 will be an ideal choice with areas that are less crowded. Meanwhile, overnight cruise routes are for tourists who want to enjoy a luxurious, relaxing vacation amidst the bay, watching the sunrise and sunset at sea.
Tourist ships take visitors to explore the bay. (Source: Collected)
5.2. Notes on weather and safety
Before departing, you should monitor the weather forecast as sightseeing boat trips may be temporarily suspended during heavy rain, storms, or strong winds to ensure safety.
When purchasing tickets and boarding, please bring your personal identification documents for verification if required.
Throughout the journey, please follow the instructions of the onboard staff, maintain general hygiene, and do not litter into the sea to protect the environment. A complete trip is not only about beautiful experiences but also comes from the consciousness and civilized actions of each tourist.
6. Suggested combined experiences when visiting Ha Long Bay
6.1. Sun World Ha Long Complex
Located in Bai Chay, the Sun World Ha Long complex is large-scale with an area of over 214 hectares, offering a series of attractive experiences for all ages.
Grand entrance of Dragon Park. (Source: Collected)
Visitors can explore Dragon Park, which has over 20 modern games, among which the highlight is the super speed roller coaster Phi Long Than Toc with the longest track in the world.
Modern cable car station. (Source: Collected)
Besides, Queen Cable Car and Sun Wheel are two symbols of Sun World Ha Long. From the cable car cabin, visitors can gaze at the panoramic view of Ha Long Bay with thousands of rocky islands appearing and disappearing amidst the blue sea.
As dusk falls, the Sun Wheel on Ba Deo hill becomes an ideal spot to admire the city sparkling in the lights, an experience that leaves many in awe.
6.2. Quang Ninh Museum
If you love history and want to learn more about the mining region, Quang Ninh Museum is a must-visit destination. Located on Tran Quoc Nghien street, this structure impresses with its black glass facade reflecting the sea and sky, resembling a giant mirror.
Inside, the museum has 3 exhibition floors. The first floor introduces nature and the sea, the second floor preserves precious historical artifacts, and the third floor recreates the coal mining space – the characteristic industry of the Quang Ninh region.
Besides visiting, tourists can take check-in photos in the grand lobby, which features giant glass windows overlooking Ha Long Bay.
6.3. Bai Chay Old Town and Ha Long Night Market
For those who enjoy strolling, shopping, and tasting local cuisine, Bai Chay Old Town and Ha Long Night Market are ideal stops. The old town is designed to mimic the architecture of Hoi An and Hanoi's old quarter, offering a space that is both familiar and new for visitors to freely take photos.
When night falls, the Ha Long night market on Marine Avenue bustles with hundreds of adjacent stalls. Visitors can enjoy fresh seafood, buy souvenirs, or sip a cup of coffee by the sea.
6.4. Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh
Unique onsen bathing experience at Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh. (Source: Collected )
If you want to enjoy a Japanese-standard relaxation space, you can visit Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh, the first hot spring resort in Vietnam designed in the traditional onsen style. This place is inspired by the pure beauty of nature and the energy of the sun, creating an experience that is both peaceful and luxurious.
Visitors can soak in the warm mineral water, gaze at the tranquil Japanese garden scenery, or relax in private bathing rooms.
The Quang Hanh mineral water source is considered one of the richest and most mineral-rich springs beneficial for health. Soaking in this mineral water not only helps the body relax after stressful working hours but also brings a sense of comfort and ease to the spirit.
6.5. Tran Quoc Nghien Coastal Road
This nearly 5 km long road runs along the bay, connecting Bai Tho Bridge to the Ha Long – Cam Pha area. On both sides of the road are spacious grounds, green lawns, and stone benches facing the sea.
In the afternoon, this place attracts a large number of locals and tourists to stroll, take photos, or simply breathe in the fresh air.
Hopefully, the information about ticket prices, purchase locations, and combined experience suggestions in this article will help you easily plan your upcoming trip to Ha Long. Come and feel it, to see that the world's wonders are not only beautiful in pictures but also a vibrant painting of nature and the hospitality of the people of Quang Ninh.
