Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a scenic archipelago in northern Vietnam, famous for its oceanic topography and UNESCO World Heritage natural wonders.

The Bay comprises 1,900 inhabited and uninhabited islands, which can be accessed in a Ha Long Bay boat rental from various ports. This guide explores all you need to know about Ha Long as a tourist, its attractions, and the best beaches to go sailing Ha Long Bay.

Districts in Ha Long to visit by sailboat charter

Ha Long City

This is a thickly forested island area that is largely uninhabited. Tourists can get here by private yacht charters in Ha Long Bay from Cai Rong.

Cat Ba

This is primarily the home of the critically endangered Cat Ba langur primate. The island also has a national park, exciting caves, and stunning scenery. Cat Ba is the most popular destination in Ha Long Bay for tourists. You can access the island when you hire a boat in Ha Long bay, Vietnam, either from Ha Long City or from. Haiphong.

Quan Lạn

This is a culturally important island with some infrastructure for tourists and scenic beaches.

Cai Rong on Van Don

This is a large inhabited island that tourists rarely visit, and is connected by road to Cửa Ông.

The climate in Ha Long

Ha Long Bay has a tropical climate that is relatively temperate all year round. The Bay has two distinct weather patterns: hot and wet during summer, respectively dry and cool during winter.

Best places to visit when sailing in Ha Long Bay

Enjoy Ha Long Bay’s untouched natural environment

Ha Long Bay is one of the best tourist destinations for nature lovers. The island has scenic untouched beaches, floating villages, an amazing system of natural caves and well-preserved natural islands. Visit Cat Ba Island, where you will find the Cat Ba langur, hike across dense jungles, visit the national park, and more.

Ha Long is also a renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site, with some of the most picturesque scenery in Asia. The Bay has a long-standing tradition of hot spring baths, with the Japanese-style Yoko Onsen Quang Hanh village being one of the most popular ones around.

Check out Surprise Cave

Ha Long has many caves and caverns, and Surprise Cave is a very popular sightseeing destination, if not the first on many lists, because it’s the largest and most beautiful cave in Ha Long Bay. Other well-known caves include Thien Canh Son Cave, Heaven Grotto, Luon Cave, and Dark & Bright Cave.

Ha Long has a thriving nightlife

Ha Long Bay is loved by tourists for its safe and fun-filled nightlife complete with its unique features. You can collect lots of exciting things in the night market, watch a Water Music show on party boat rentals in Ha Long bay, or join a night party on the beach.

Enjoy its seafood and local cuisine

Ha Long’s cuisine is full of fresh seafood and regional dishes, and you'll find the best specialties in Ha Long night market and restaurants. Some of the best dishes in Ha Long Bay include grilled squid, nodding cake, noodles with shrimp, Tien Yen hill chicken, horseshoe crab, and plenty more.

Best beaches in Ha Long

Ban Chan Beach

One of Ha Long’s hidden gems, Ban Chan Beach is a pristine, remote beach, tucked away in Bai Tu Long Bay. Located to the north of Ha Long Bay, the beach is usually visited only by overnight Ha Long Bay yacht charters.

Ban Chan beach is a perfect getaway from the noise on the island, as it is quiet and peaceful, and few tourists visit despite its natural beauty. It has fine white sand, crystalline water, and limestone outcroppings, providing the perfect backdrop for sailing in Ha Long Bay yacht rentals.

Ba Trai Dao

Ba Trai Dao is located in the quiet Lan Ha Bay, nestled in Ba Trai Dao Island, and sheltered from the weather and the crowds. The ancient beach has a ‘peach-like’ appearance due to the surrounding rock formations and soft white sand. Bai Trai Dao Beach is only accessible at certain hours of the day, so speak with your captain in yacht charters in Vietnam before setting sail here.

Ti Top Beach

Sail on yacht rentals in Ho Chi Minh to Ti Top Beach, a tourist favorite located on the popular Ti Top Island. Although Ti Top beach isn’t so big, the crescent-shaped beach makes up for this in soft white sand, turquoise blue waters, and a naturally preserved environment.Popular beach activities on Ti Top include sailing, swimming, and snorkeling.

Quan Lan Beach

Quan Lan Beach is for those who love swimming, camping and soaking up the sun on a quiet beach. Sail on boat rentals in Nha Trang to Quan Lan Island in Bai Tu Long to enjoy this pristine beauty. This majestic beach is lined with fine white sand, blue waters, and a peaceful atmosphere.The beach has overnight accommodation facilities for campers, with a small site where tourists can camp overnight. You can also hike along the dense casuarina forest to experience the pristine and natural landscape by yourself.

Soi Sim Beach

Soi Sim Beach Soi is a hidden gem on Sim Island, deriving its name from the ubiquitous plant found on the island. This large beach is covered by hills and green plants. Tourists visit this beach for its unspoiled beauty and quiet atmosphere, as well as clear emerald water, perfect for snorkeling. You can also arrange a Ha Long Bay motor boat charter for wedding cruises and ceremonies on this beautiful beach.

Best beaches for tourists near Ha Long

Bounty Beach

Sail on Cebu boat rentals to Bounty Beach, famed for its sandy white shore and turquoise blue waters. The beach is excellent for those who crave a natural landscape, as it is covered in greenery and lots of trees, shielding you from the noise outside. The beach also has shops lined up for rare items or souvenirs, and excellent restaurants.

Siloso Beach

Siloso Beach, located in Sentosa, is where tourists sail on luxury yacht charters in Singapore for a memorable beach day. The excellent water on the beach is perfect for canoeing and beach sports, while its clean white sand is great for relaxing and sunbathing.

The beach has many dining and shopping options, from beach eateries, fast foods, shopping outlets, cafes, pizzerias, and fruit stalls.

Siloso also hosts live music and events, so stick around at night and experience its nightlife in yacht charters in Bukit Merah, Singapore.

Anilao Beach 

Book Philippines yacht rentals to Anilao Beach, which is great for diving and water sports. The beach has powdery white sand and is a tourist favorite for its water activities. After sunbathing on the clean white sand, head to the beach to engage in boat racing, guided cruises, and sightseeing in Manila yacht charters.

Pantai Biaung

Pantai Biaung is where tourists relax after a day of sightseeing in Denpasar. Located north of Sanur, Pantai Biaung has a lovely footpath that is excellent for leisurely walks and views of the tropical sunset. After exploring the water in Denpasar boat rentals, you can visit nearby attractions like the Satria Gatotkaca Statue, Big Garden, and Bali Orchid Garden.

Big Wave Beach

Rent a boat in Hong Kong to this scenic beach nestled in the Southern District of Hong Kong.  Surfers know the beach well due to its big waves, hence the name. It is also a good relaxing and sunbathing spot for tourists.

Pantai Cenang 

Pantai Cenang is the most popular and vibrant beach in Langkawi. Sail on yacht rentals in Malaysia to this exciting beach, where there are plenty of things to do, see and eat. Pantai Cenang is lined with restaurants, shopping, luxury resorts, and even an aquarium.

The beach is also a beehive of activities during sunset, with funky bars, pubs, restaurants, and cafes available. You can even take up great vantage points in your yacht charters in Langkawi, Malaysia, to catch a beautiful sunset.

Nusa Dua Beach

Nusa Dua is synonymous with luxury in Indonesia. Whether you want the perfect honeymoon resort, massage parlors, golf courses and more, Nusa Dua has it all. Rent a yacht in Indonesia to this giant peninsula filled with excellent white sand and quiet serenity, with lots of big resorts on its shore.

After a day walking on its pristine white sand and cooling off in the inviting water, visit the nearby shopping complex filled with upscale stores, restaurants, and service malls. If you want the ultimate luxury experience, sail on Bali yacht charters to Nusa Dua beach.

Enjoy your trip to Ha Long

Ha Long is one of the great marvels in Vietnam, and is the main location of some top beaches available in the country. Whatever your interests are, you will find your place in Ha Long, and this scenic town has a lot to offer you. Plan your trip to Ha Long today, and witness Vietnam in its untouched glory.