Q&As

The best time to visit Halong Bay?

The best time to cruise on Halong Bay is during the spring or fall. It can get cold in winter because of the monsoon. Yet, it’s still a good time to view the picturesque bay in mysterious fog. Summer is also a great time, too. Remember to bring a swim suit to wallow in the phosphorescent water.

How far is this from Hanoi to Halong?

It is 170 km away from Hanoi to Halong. The shuttle bus leaving Hanoi at 8:30 takes about 3.5 hours to get there.

On the way, you could admire fertile paddy fields and farmlands of Red River Delta, with hard-working farmers. Everyday Vietnamese village life will also come into sight.

What about traveling from Hai Phong to Halong?

In case you are already in Hai Phong, we can arrange a car and pick you up to get Halong. It would take less than one and a half hours. You can also plan a trip with us to do a bit sightseeing in Hai Phong, stay overnight there and depart for Halong in the next morning.

Seasick on the junk?

As you can see on the map, you will be Halong lies on the Gulf of Tonkin with thousands of islands and islets which makes up Halong Bay. Therefore, water there always stays apparently calm and you hardly get seasick.

If the junk cruise close to open sea, it may swing a little bit. However, once the junk is surrounded by the limestone islands, it regains stability.

What if the weather turns very bad?

Huong Hai Junks keep updating the weather forecast and work closely with captains on the bay. If the weather turns bad, we call our passengers to inform whether it’s safe to go or not. You will be informed clearly so that you do not waste your time on shuttle bus.

If it turns bad when you are cruising, we could anchor our junks at hidden safe places. Huong Hai Junks has witnessed such bad weather that we have to hide in a cave.

Are there life jackets on boat?

 Yes, certainly. We offer two life jackets in each cabin and there are enough life jackets for all passengers and crew team.

Please ask for help or instruction from crew member if you do not find one when aboard.

How many caves to visit?

You will embark on the junk for a cruise within the stunning bay. We will visit ONE cave on your 2D1N trip. Nevertheless, if you wish to visit more than one cave, we have to plan this well in advance so that our captain know where to sail and please be informed an extra fee for each additional cave you plan to see.
In case of the bad weather, you have to follow the captain’s instruction, cave visit or extra cruise can be canceled without prior notice.

Is it worth visiting Halong Bay just in such a short time?

You could hardly resist the bay’s beauty. The itinerary of 2D1N or 3D2N is enough for you to have an overview of Halong Bay and join some exciting activities. Please contact Huong Hai Junks’ consultants to get more information about the plan.

What kind of boat do you use?

We use small Chinese wooden junks that combine classic beauty and modern comfort. These junks for overnight trips have neat cabins, a comfortable dining room and a very spacious top deck area with reclining chairs for you to enjoy the refreshing air and morning sunlight.  

Can I sleep outside on the top deck of the junk?

Yes, it is fine to sleep outside there on the top deck. Yet, you had better check with our tour guide or captain to make sure the weather is fine or would not turn bad.

A point to note is that we offer comfortable cabins with every sufficient things for a tight sleep: natural rubber mattress, blanket, feather pillows and mosquito net and we cannot bring these outside for you.

Where does the boat anchor at night?

After cruising to explore the hidden charm of Halong Bay, our captain will find a suitable place with slight wind and tiny wave (within the allowed areas) to anchor for the night. Don’t forget to take photos of the sunset to save wonderful moments.

Do I have to bring passport for sleeping aboard?

Yes, you do have to bring it along aboard. You will be required to fill in our guest information with your full name, gender, passport number, visa expiry date before your departure to Halong Bay.

Each junk has its own safety box, please do leave your valuable belongings in this safety box so that you can have more fun visiting cave, swimming…

What else do I have to bring along on boat?

•    Passport
•    Sun cream, insect repellent
•    Small changes to pay for drinks on boat
•    Swim-suit and changes
•    Your own towels (though we have towels available)
•    Good camera with lots of films or memory space
•    A sense of adventure.

What kind of food on boat in Ha Long Bay?

Meals are offered with seafood and some food of traditional Vietnamese cuisine. Please inform your meal preference to our tour operator before departing if you are allergic to seafood or if you are on a diet.

Can I order meals to fit my special dietary requirements?

If you require a special diet such as salt-free or vegetarian foods or if you need to have special food items available aboard, please inform our consultants before sailing at least two weeks.

Will my hair dryer, razor or appliances work on board?

Electrical sockets are always available in all suites. If you have any questions about the appropriate place to plug in shavers, hair dryers, etc., please ask your cabin attendant.

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