Ha Long Travel Forum

Hi guys! I'm planning my next trip to Asia. I'm trying to combine the Andaman Coast island from Thailand and the North of Thailand, including Ha Long Bay. I was pretty sure to go in mid April to Vietnam and then, begining of May, to Thailand. But I just read that Feb to April can be cold and the fog can let you enjoy so much of the scenery. Can anybody confirm me this information? How's is the weather during mid Aprin, begining of May in Ha Long Bay?

Thanks in advance for your help!

Do you mean the 'North of Vietnam' for Halong Bay. Well, if you're going along the Andaman (west-)coast of Thailand, and you're going to be in the vicinity of Phuket and/or Phang-Nga Bay, then you'll be encountering similar karst scenery, though Halong has far more islands than Phang-Nga Bay. Both are highly scenic.

Bear in mind that April and May are some of the hottest and humid months in SEA. It's if you go to Halong Bay in Vietnam during the winter months that you're more likely to encounter fog and overcast skies. Don't think it'll be so foggy in Halong in late spring, but yes, still possible in Feb. and March. NO fog in Phang-nga-Thailand.

Thank you so much for you answer Seagysy! Well, I was in Krabi recently and I was absolutely inlove of the secenery...I can see from pictures that Ha Long Bay is similar to Krabi/Railay but, do you think Halong Bay worth a visit even if I already have been in Krabi/Railay? I dodnīt have time to explore the Andaman Coast so much so that's why I want to repeat it. I have been atracted to Vietnam during years so that's why I decide divide the trip between Thailand (again) and Vietnam...now I'm not sure if I should includes Ha Long Bay in my itinerary...what do you think?

Well, the good thing is that you can now get very cheap flights on Thai Air Asia from Bangkok to Hanoi and from there, book an 'organized tour' from any number of traveller's cafes to Halong Bay. The neatest thing is a sleepover on a boat for Halong [either 2day/1night trips or even 3d/2nights (but one night is at a hotel on Cat Ba Island)];
BUT
with regards to swimmming/snorkelling, diving, kayaking and overall beach conditions, Thailand's Andaman coast beats Halong Bay hands down.
If you liked Rai-lay, Krabi, Koh Phi Phi and want to try something different and especially if you enjoy diving or snorkelling, then I'd suggest the Similan Islands. It's cheaper if you take dive package tours from Khao Lak area north of Phuket.

Still I enjoy northern Vietnam, the Old Quarter of Hanoi, the ethnic hilltribes hiking area of the northwest, so it really depends upon your interest, money, time, etc.
Have an excellent trip!

We did the overnight in Halong on a Junk and the weather was great for swimming last Swptember. However a monsoon came through shortly after.

The weather in Vietnam changes unpredictably. In early April, it may misty or even foggy but not cold at all. But sometimes the sky turns blue and clear out of the blue. The water temperature in the bay is perfect for swimming. I highly recommend Soi Sim and Ba Trai Dao as the best places to swim like a fish.

I know every stone in Halong so do not hesitate me to contact me for any further information.

Reach me at vooc76@yahoo.com

Boney

In May. Because in mid April Ha Long bay is still quite cold. Believe me. I am good Vietnamese guys.

Thanks to all your comments..at least I know that May is better than April so now I can go to Thailand before Vietnam...Boney, I will contact you before leave, thank you for your help!