Are you planning to visit Halong Bay in April? You’ve picked an excellent time! April brings some of the best weather to explore our stunning bay. Let Vietnam Travel Online share everything you need to know about visiting Halong Bay during this beautiful month.
What you will find in this travel blog:
- Weather in Halong Bay Vietnam in April
- Cost and Crowd Expectations
- Best Things to Do in Halong Bay in April
- Travel Tips for Your Visit
- Best Northern Vietnam Tour Including Halong Bay
Weather in Halong Bay Vietnam in April
April brings perfect weather to Halong Bay, making it one of the best months to visit. The temperature stays around 23°C (73°F), which creates ideal conditions for exploring the limestone islands and caves. The mornings start cool at 20°C, and the afternoons warm up pleasantly to 26-28°C.
The bay’s waters reach a comfortable 24°C in April, making swimming and kayaking highly enjoyable. The water stays calm most of the time since the spring winds are gentle, usually between 6-10 km/h. This creates smooth sailing conditions for boat trips around the islands.
The sun shines brightly in April, giving visitors about 8 hours of clear daylight. This generous amount of sunshine lets you see the bay’s famous limestone formations in their full glory. The sun rises early, around 5:30 AM, and sets near 6:30 PM, which gives you plenty of time for activities.
Rain shows up occasionally in April, with about 57mm spread across 13 days. These rains usually come as short afternoon showers that pass quickly. While the rainfall increases slightly from March, it rarely affects travel plans or outdoor activities.
The humidity sits at about 80% in April, which makes the air feel a bit heavy. You’ll notice this most in the early mornings and evenings, but the steady breezes help keep things comfortable during daytime activities.
So, is April worth it to visit Halong Bay?
Yes, absolutely. The mix of warm temperatures, calm waters, and plenty of sunshine creates perfect conditions for every activity – from swimming to cave exploring. The occasional rain adds a fresh feeling to the air without spoiling any plans. The comfortable temperatures mean you can spend full days outside without feeling too hot or cold.
The spring weather in April hits a sweet spot before the summer heat arrives. Boat trips run smoothly on the calm waters, and the clear skies make for excellent photos of the bay’s famous rock formations. The warm water temperatures also mean you can enjoy swimming and water activities without feeling cold.
Cost and Crowd Expectations
April sits firmly in Halong Bay’s high season, bringing both domestic and international travelers to our shores. The pleasant spring weather makes it a popular time for Vietnamese families to visit, especially during school breaks and holiday weekends.
Cost Overview
Prices for cruises, hotels, and activities reach their peak during April. Luxury cruises command premium rates, while mid-range options also adjust their pricing upward. Accommodations in Halong City and nearby areas follow similar patterns, with rates higher than in off-peak months.
Crowd Levels
You’ll find the bay bustling with activity in April. Popular spots like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island see steady streams of visitors, especially during mid-morning hours. The cruise ports get particularly busy between 11 AM and 1 PM when most boats depart.
Best Things to Do in Halong Bay in April
Take a Halong Bay Cruise in April
April cruises offer full access to all bay activities thanks to the favorable weather. Most visitors choose between 2-day/1-night or 3-day/2-night options. The longer cruises let you reach the quieter parts of the bay and include more activities.
How to choose your cruise:
- Consider the route: Some cruises visit Bai Tu Long Bay, a less crowded alternative
- Check included activities: Look for cruises offering your preferred activities
- Review cabin locations: Upper deck cabins provide better views
- Verify meal options: Many cruises offer fresh spring seafood in April
- Check the boat size: Smaller boats access more remote areas
Cave Exploration
April’s clear weather makes it ideal for exploring Halong Bay’s famous caves. The dry conditions mean easier access, and the natural lighting through cave openings creates stunning photo opportunities. Sung Sot Cave and Thien Cung Cave offer the most impressive formations.
Kayaking Adventures
The calm April waters create perfect conditions for kayaking. You can paddle through hidden caves and around limestone karsts, getting close to local fishing villages. The water temperature stays comfortable at around 24°C, making it pleasant even if you get splashed.
Fishing Village Visits
Local fishing villages like Cua Van come alive in April. The pleasant weather means you’ll see more daily activities, from net fishing to pearl farming. Morning visits offer the best chance to watch the villagers start their day.
Night Squid Fishing
The warm April evenings create perfect conditions for traditional squid fishing. The water remains calm, making it easier to spot and catch squid using lights and traditional methods.
Travel Tips for Your Visit
- Book your cruise at least two months ahead for April visits
- Pack light, breathable clothes for warm days but bring a light jacket for evening breezes
- Bring both sunscreen and a rain jacket – April weather can change quickly
- Wear comfortable walking shoes for cave exploration
- Carry a refillable water bottle – April days can get warm
- Arrive in Halong City early on your cruise day to avoid holiday traffic
- Book round-trip transportation from Hanoi through your cruise company
- Bring motion sickness medication if you’re sensitive – April sees some wave action
- Keep some activities flexible in case of occasional spring showers
- Bring a good camera – April’s clear skies create perfect photo conditions
Best Northern Vietnam Tour Including Halong Bay
Do you want to experience the best of Northern Vietnam? Here’s a perfect Northern Vietnam 8-day itinerary that includes Halong Bay and other must-see destinations in the region.
DAY 1: HANOI ARRIVAL
Land in Hanoi and settle into your hotel in the Old Quarter. Spend the evening exploring the night market and enjoying traditional street food at your own pace.
DAY 2: HANOI CITY TOUR – TRAIN TO LAO CAI
Visit Hanoi’s highlights including the Temple of Literature and Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum. Enjoy a traditional water puppet show before boarding your overnight train to Lao Cai.
DAY 3: LAO CAI – SAPA – SILVER WATERFALL & HEAVEN GATE
Arrive in Sapa and explore the stunning Silver Waterfall. Visit Heaven Gate for panoramic views of the valley and spend time in local minority villages.
DAY 4: SAPA – MA TRA BLACK H’MONG HILL TRIBE VILLAGE – TRAIN TO HANOI
Trek through rice terraces to Ma Tra village, meeting H’mong people and learning about their culture. Return to Hanoi by overnight train.
DAY 5: HANOI – NINH BINH – HOA LU – TRANG AN
Travel to Ninh Binh to visit ancient temples in Hoa Lu. Take a peaceful boat ride through Trang An’s limestone caves and waterways.
DAY 6: HANOI – HALONG
Journey to Halong Bay and board your overnight cruise. Explore caves, go kayaking, and watch the sunset over the limestone karsts.
DAY 7: HALONG – HANOI
Wake up surrounded by the bay’s beauty. Join morning Tai Chi before returning to Hanoi for your final evening.
DAY 8: HANOI DEPARTURE
Enjoy your last morning in Hanoi before departing. We can arrange airport transfers based on your flight time.
>>> This itinerary serves as a suggestion – we can customize it to match your interests and schedule. Contact us at vietnam@indochinavoyages.com to create your perfect Northern Vietnam adventure.
We hope this guide helps you plan an amazing trip to Halong Bay in April. For more information about visiting during other months, check out our complete weather guide Best time to visit Halong Bay – Weather & What To Do. The spring weather in April creates perfect conditions for exploring all that Halong Bay offers. Remember to book early, and don’t hesitate to reach out if you need more specific advice about your trip.
Mo Nguyen – From Vietnam Travel Online
