Halong Bay In April: What To Pack, Where to Go & Travel Tips

Halong Bay in April is the ideal month for travelers who want a nice temperature, fewer storms, but a cross of nature and local culture. April is perfect for taking cruises, outdoor sightseeing, and discovering the unique karst landscapes.

Where Is Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is Vietnam’s most popular natural wonder, which is situated in Quang Ninh Province in the north of the country. This UNESCO World Heritage site is located approximately 165km northeast of Hanoi, so it is within easy reach of tourists. More than 1,600 limestone islands and islets dot the bay, of which some are emerging straight from the sea with emerald waters, forming one of the world’s most extraordinary seascapes.

April is also a popular time to travel, as the Halong Bay temperature in April and other climatic factors are at some of their best levels for the year. April is the start of the dry season, temperatures are cooler, and it is the month with the least rain. It’s a great month for clear photos and fresh air without summer’s blistering heat or winter’s sporadic cold snaps shining through.

What Is The Weather Like In Halong Bay In April?

Halong Bay weather in April is often moderate and pleasant. With daytime highs between 24°C and 26°C, it is a nice time of year for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The nights are still chilly, with lows of 18°C to 20°C, making them ideal for restful sleep. Moderate rainfall and sporadic light showers are common in April.

Typically, these downpours are short and have little effect on travel schedules. In comparison to the summer, the humidity levels remain within a reasonable range of 70 to 80%. Sometimes there is morning fog, which produces ethereal scenery but usually clears by mid-morning.

What To See And Do In Halong Bay In April

April in Halong Bay is full of possibilities. The nice weather just makes it all good. Here are some of the best things to see and do in Halong Bay:

Exploring Dark And Bright Caves

Dark and Bright Cave is a gem. Visitors can approach it by bamboo boat or kayak. You row through a night tunnel. This tunnel leads you to a luminous, secret lagoon. It supports an incredible diversity of plant life, from ancient trees to exquisite orchids. The calm, transparent water reflects the surrounding karsts, allowing for a surreal spectacle.

This trip involves discovering a secret land, a tranquil retreat nestled in the bay. Something about April’s calm waters makes this trip both smooth and fun, allowing you to float effortlessly through the cave’s tiny mouth and paddle through the lagoon quietly. It’s a perfect place to capture memories and reflect.

Relaxing On Ban Chan Or Soi Sim Island

Ban Chan Beach is on a quiet island in Bai Tu Long Bay, not far from Halong Bay. This spot is known for its calm feel, clear water, and soft white sand. Ban Chan isn’t packed and is great for those who want to leave the noise and be alone, since it’s not on the usual boat path.

On the other hand, Soi Sim Island is easy to reach and often on boat plans. Near Ti Top Island, Soi Sim has a small beach shaped like a crescent with calm waves and soft golden sand. The green hill right behind the beach makes Soi Sim stand out. A short walk up can take you to a high place where you can see far across the rock formations of Halong Bay.

Visiting Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise) is one of the biggest and most impressive caves in Halong Bay. Situated on Bo Hon Island, Sung Sot was initially encountered by the French in 1901 and shortly thereafter, became an unmissable stop for globetrotting tourists. There are probably 100 stone steps to climb before you reach the cave entrance. The walk up is beautiful and tranquil, particularly in April when the conditions are dry and the trees are full and green.

When inside, the cave breaks into two enormous chambers. The initial chamber is the “Waiting Room,” and it has a soaring, vaulted ceiling with sunlight sprinkling down through narrow apertures. The second chamber, far more expansive, is named the “Serenity Room” and brimming with incredible rock formations that mimic animals, people, and fantasy figures. Thanks to lighting and your guide’s narrative, you’ll be able to identify formations resembling a giant turtle, Buddha, and even a dragon.

Trying Squid Fishing At Night

There is nothing more special and exciting you can do on an overnight cruise in Halong Bay than squid fishing. This typically occurs post-dinner, approximately 8:30 to 9:00 PM, as the boat drops anchor in tranquil waters. In the evening calm, under the cruise ship lights glistening on the water, guests are whisked to the lower deck/side of the boat, where fishing poles and small spotlights await.

Squid like light, so the guys use high-powered lamps to bring them towards the boat. Each guest gets a fishing pole with a special squid jig at the end. The method is easy. You just need to drop the jig, jiggle the rod up and down softly, and wait for a squid to bite. Sure, you may or may not catch a squid, but it’s simply a relaxing, fun experience to share with the family or friends.

Climbing To Ti Top Island

Ti Top Island is another attraction on Halong Bay in April. This location strikes an emotional chord in guests with its magnificent vistas and warm sandy beach, providing opportunities to adventure and relax. The island’s primary attraction is the overlook at the summit, accessible after a short but strenuous half-scramble of some 400 steps. As you ascend, the trail offers opportunities to rest, recover your breath, and savor views of the bay.

Once at the top, you’re rewarded with one of those moments of a 360-degree panorama of Halong Bay displaying the emerald waters, scattered limestone islands, and cruise boats sailing beneath. April provides excellent exposure. You’ll be greeted with lots of beautiful blue skies and that perfect light for photos. The weather is cooler than in summer, which makes climbing more comfortable.

Joining A Cooking Class On Board

Another fun and hands-on activity many Halong Bay cruises offer is a Vietnamese cooking class. These short lessons happen in the afternoon, either before dinner or as the sun sets. It gives you a chance to experience local culture while you sail through one of Vietnam’s most beautiful areas.

Most classes teach you traditional dishes that are easy to learn but pack a lot of flavor. Many people like to make Nem Ran (fried spring rolls) or Goi Cuon (fresh spring rolls). Guests gather around a table where the cruise chef shows them what to do. The chef explains each ingredient and step. You learn how to get vegetables ready, wrap rice paper the right way, and mix dipping sauces like Nuoc Mam Chua Ngot (sweet fish sauce).

What To Pack For Halong Bay In April

Getting set for Halong Bay in April, you must plan for cool weather and some rain. You need clothes for both warm days and chilly nights.

• Light clothes: Take T-shirts, shorts, and thin pants. They’re nice when it’s hot. Cotton or linen clothes are best to keep cool. You might need more clothes due to moist air or if you join in water fun.
• Swimsuit: You need this for swimming time and fun in the water. Bring two if you think you’ll swim a lot. A fast-drying swimsuit works well.
• Sun protection: Bring strong sunblock (SPF 30 or more), a broad-brimmed hat, and sunglasses. The sun gets strong in the water, where it reflects and ups UV rays. Keep putting on sunblock all day, mainly after swimming.
• Comfortable walking shoes: Great for walking through caves and hiking around islands. Good grip shoes are important as surfaces may be slippery. Wear water shoes or sandals for kayaking and embarking/disembarking from boats, to prevent your feet from getting cut on razor-sharp rocks or shells.
• Light jacket or sweater: In case there are cooler evenings or a strongly air-conditioned ship’s cabin. Although warm during the day, you may need a light jacket as jacket as there’s a possible evening chill, and air conditioning on board can get rather frosty.

• Insect repellent: Bug repellent is even needed during dusk hours or near any green vegetation to stay away from mosquitoes. Select a repellent with DEET or picaridin for longer-lasting protection.
• Daypack or small backpack: To wear on day trips with your water, camera, sunscreen, and a small snack. This will be nicer than lugging a huge suitcase around for daily trips.
• Camera (or smartphone): For taking pics of these amazing views. Make sure it’s fully charged and think about adding extra memory cards to your packing list. Waterproof camera (e.g., GoPro) or waterproof phone pouch for water activities.
• Portable power bank: You may want to keep your devices charged (particularly if you’re a night owl) on an overnight cruise, when charging points could be in short supply.

Travel Tips For Visiting Halong Bay In April

We think planning a Halong Bay trip in April is a great way to revel in clear skies, calm waters, and cooler sea breezes. To get the most out of your time here, it pays to prepare smartly. So here are five need-to-know tips for a smooth and fun experience.

• Book early, cruises fill up fast: April is prime tourist season in Halong Bay due to good weather and local holidays such as Reunification Day (April 30). If you have your heart set on that luxury boat, private cabin with balcony, or set itinerary, book your cruise and accommodation 2-4 weeks in advance. Booking early keeps you from getting hit with surges in price during periods of high demand.
• Choose an overnight cruise for the full experience: An overnight cruise allows you to truly submerge in it. You’ll see the sun set from the deck, squid fish at night, participate in a Tai Chi session at dawn, and explore even more remote locations such as caves or floating villages. April’s dry, mild nights make sleeping on the bay particularly delightful.

• Be safe on the water: If you go kayaking, or in a bamboo boat, or swimming close to the beach, never take off your life jacket. Listen to the crew’s guidance, particularly when exploring caves or tiny islands. Halong Bay is quite safe; however, as with any water activity, it’s good to remain vigilant, particularly if you are traveling as a family with children.
• Bring cash and waterproof bags: A lot of the cruise stops only take cash (Vietnamese Dong). Carry some small bills for purchasing local treats, beverages, or souvenirs. A dry bag or waterproof pouch is great for safeguarding your phone, camera, and valuables on kayaking or boat trips.
• Check the weather forecast before sailing: April is generally fine, but violent showers or fog may suddenly arise. Check the local weather a day or two before you leave. If you’re doing a seaplane tour or multi-day cruise, remember that weather can impact your schedule. Any reputable cruise line is going to notify you of these last-minute changes for your safety.

Final Thoughts: Is April A Good Time To Visit Halong Bay?

April stands out as a prime time to explore Halong Bay. You’ll find agreeable weather, smooth seas, and vibrant scenery. The bay offers everything from laid-back boat trips to thrilling activities like kayaking and trekking. If northern Vietnam is on your plan, make sure you don’t skip Halong Bay in April. Let Seni World sort out your trip details, tapping into local know-how and picking experiences that showcase Halong Bay at its best.