Explore Ha Long Bay: Best Tours and Activities for April 4, 2025

Today, I took a brief break from Hanoi to visit one of Vietnam’s most iconic attractions—Halong Bay. Although Halong Bay is relatively close to Hanoi and can technically be visited in a single day, the trip can feel quite rushed. You need to wake up very early to catch the bus provided by the cruise company, which takes over two hours to reach the port. From there, you embark on a six-hour cruise around the bay😌.

Halong Bay is a breathtaking landscape featuring karst islands rising out of the water, often compared to Guilin, earning it the nickname “Guilin on the Sea.” Unfortunately, my visit was marred by less-than-ideal weather. While it didn’t rain, the lack of sunshine and the overall gloominess of the day somewhat dimmed the natural beauty of Halong Bay.

The cruise itinerary included three main stops. The first was the Surprise Cave, a large cave nestled in the mountainside, showcasing the typical features of karst topography. The myriad shapes formed by the stalactites inside the cave spark the imagination. Though it’s said to be the largest in the Halong Bay area, having seen many larger caves globally, its impact was somewhat muted for me😌.

In contrast, the other two stops left a much more lasting impression. One of these was the Thru Cave, mostly submerged in water, making it inaccessible to the cruise ship. To explore it, you must take a small boat or paddle a kayak. I opted for kayaking, and the combination of the stunning scenery and the thrill of navigating through the cave made it an unforgettable experience.

On the other side of the cave lies Moon Lake, a serene lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs. The view of the surrounding mountains from the lake was absolutely enchanting.

The final stop was Titop Island, with its peak soaring over 409 meters high. Climbing to the top offers a panoramic view of Halong Bay, and despite the overcast conditions, it was the most beautiful vista I experienced today😌.

While the day was long, most of the time was spent on the bus and the boat, so it wasn’t too exhausting. This helped me save energy for the more challenging adventures planned for the next two days. Tonight, I returned to Hanoi, ready to continue my journey here😊.