A guide to enjoy the breathtaking HaLong Bay sunset
As featured in Travel+Leisure Asia, HaLong Bay ranks in the top four of the most stunning destinations to witness sunrises and sunsets in Asia. This article is dedicated to assisting you in capturing the mesmerizing beauty of HaLong Bay sunset and exploring memorable activities you can enjoy under this natural wonder.
HaLong Bay sunset has a stunning view.
The perfect time to watch HaLong Bay sunset
Autumn (September – November) is the perfect season to watch HaLong Bay sunset. The best time to catch the sunset is on sunny days with few clouds, at around 5 p.m, when the sun slowly sinks towards the horizon.
According to Travel + Leisure magazine, the locals consider the “Blue Hour” to be “the most beautiful time of day in HaLong Bay”. This magnificent moment comes during a brief period between dusk and dawn, or just after the sunset, turning the sky into a canvas of changing colors. The “Blue Hour” lasts only a few minutes, so seize the opportunity to capture this magnificent scene!
To catch HaLong Bay sunset, check the forecast and arrive 15 minutes early.
Read more: Discover the Best Time to Visit Halong Bay
Best spots to watch HaLong Bay sunset
While Halong Bay has many spectacular sunset viewing places, a few stand out. Here are the top spots for a lovely sunset view over Halong Bay:
Cruise ships – A perfect place to watch HaLong Bay sunset.
Travel+Leisure recommends spending two nights on a cruise to escape the crowds, unwind, and connect with the serene beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. From the deck, you can witness the endless limestone islands and soak in the majestic sunset, a natural masterpiece that solidifies HaLong Bay’s status as Asia’s ultimate travel destination.
HaLong Bay sunset view from the deck is truly unforgettable.
Bến Đoan – Locals’ favorite place to view HaLong Bay sunset.
Bến Đoan is a favorite place for the locals to view the sunset and to exercise. Visitors can consider visiting this location to admire the lovely nightfall over HaLong Bay. Foreign media also rate Bến Đoan as one of the best sunset viewing locations in HaLong.
On the balcony of hotel and resort suites – A great and easy view of Halong Bay sunset
At high-end hotels and resorts, balconies are often designed to offer the best views of Halong Bay. Enjoying the sunset from such heights, with the golden light reflecting gently on the sea, is a truly unforgettable, luxurious experience.
You can admire HaLong Bay sunset from your hotel balcony
Bai Chay Bridge – A mesmerizing sunset viewing spot.
Bai Chay, a nearly 5km-long man-made beach along HaLong Bay, is famous for its silky white sands. Known as one of the cleanest and clearest beaches today, Bai Chay attracts numerous visitors. Watching Halong Bay sunset over the beach under Bai Chay Bridge is a wonderful experience. Couples seeking a romantic and private moment can enjoy a bike ride along the beach as the evening sets in.
Watch Halong Bay sunset at Bai Chay bridge
Ti Top Island
Ti Top Island, with its panoramic views of Ha Long Bay, is one of the best spots to watch the sunset, especially between 5:00 p.m. and 6:00 p.m. The island’s soft white sand, clear waters, and palm trees create a stunning landscape that attracts many visitors. From the top of Ti Top Island, visitors can enjoy a 360-degree view of the bay, with thousands of limestone islands scattered across the horizon.
Ti Top Island offers a peaceful escape, perfect for relaxing and fully enjoying the beauty of HaLong Bay sunset.
How to take the best photos with HaLong Bay Sunset
Halong Bay is a place where every angle offers a stunning vista, making it impossible to take a bad photo. Keep in mind a few tips to capture the flawless images with HaLong Bay sunset:
Sunset Photography Tips:
– Use an ND filter to extend exposure time, creating a silky, smooth effect on the water.
– Shoot directly at the sun during sunset to capture shining rays through the limestone islands.
– Utilize a telephoto lens to zoom in on distant islands and reveal their stunning, intricate details.
– Make sure to bring a fully charged camera or smartphone. A lightweight tripod might also help you take more stable shots.
Some outfit suggestions:
Consider wearing flowy long dresses or maxi dresses for elegant shots on the beach or luxurious photos on a cruise; swimsuit or shorts for activities like swimming or kayaking. Additionally, try bringing accessories like wide-brimmed hats and sunglasses to protect against the sun while adding a stylish touch to your photos.
Other notes:
Bring mosquito repellent: Because you may spend a long time sitting on a boat or island watching the sunset, keeping mosquitos away will make your experience much more pleasant.
Fun activities to do during and after sunset in HaLong Bay
Sunset Kayaking
Halong Bay offers fantastic kayaking spots, such as Dark & Bright Caves and Luon Cave. Kayaking at sunset makes a unique opportunity to get closer to the water surface and to explore the bay’s hidden corners that larger boats can’t access. As you paddle past limestone islands, the soft sunlight fading over the water and cliffs creates a magical, serene atmosphere. While the view of the bay from your cruise is elegant and poetic, from your kayak, it unfolds in a vast and majestic expanse. Sharing this experience with friends or loved ones makes sunset kayaking even more memorable.
Experience the stunning sunset while kayaking on the crystal-clear waters.
Try local cuisine
Halong boasts some of the best seafood and traditional dishes in northern Vietnam. Highlight dishes are the grilled chopped squid, the unique horseshoe crab, and the tantalizing drunken prawns. For those with a taste for luxury, the succulent lobster and fresh oysters are not to be missed, along with the delicately prepared austriella corrugata, a rare treat. These mouthwatering dishes are readily available at the lively night markets and charming seaside restaurants, where the sights and sounds of the bustling environment add to the dining experience.
For those staying overnight on a cruise
An overnight trip offers more than just a place to sleep. After sunset, you’ll enjoy delicious meals and have plenty of opportunities to participate in night entertainment programs. Enjoy refreshing drinks on the sundeck, while admiring the beauty of HaLong. This setting is ideal for couples seeking a romantic retreat, families looking to create lasting memories, or friends celebrating special moments together. Other exciting options include squid fishing, live music performances, board games, movie screenings, and more.
Enjoy the scenery of Ha Long Bay after sunset and relax on the cruise ship.
Enjoy the scenery of Ha Long Bay after sunset and relax on the cruise ship.
Start your journey with Vietnam Allure Travel to explore Halong Bay, one of the world’s most renowned natural wonders. We are dedicated to offering you exceptional service throughout your journey, with expert and personable guides always ready to assist. Don’t miss the chance to discover the beauty of Halong Bay with Vietnam Allure Travel.
Read more: Halong Bay Viet Nam: Tourist information and travel guide
