How Many Islands Are There in Halong Bay? (Facts & Figures 2026-2027)

There are 1,133 islands and islets in Halong Bay, according to UNESCO. Scattered across emerald waters, these limestone formations define one of Southeast Asia’s most iconic seascapes.

This guide from Bhaya Cruise will answer how many islands in Halong Bay, explains their geological and cultural value, and highlights the best islands and cruise routes for experiencing this extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage destination.

Let’s explore now!

General Overview of Halong Bay

Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site twice, in 1994 for its exceptional natural beauty and again in 2000 for outstanding geological value, Halong Bay is a cornerstone of Vietnam’s natural heritage. Located in Quang Ninh Province, the bay is renowned for its towering limestone karsts, hidden caves, and forested karst islands rising dramatically from calm waters.

Beyond scenery, Halong Bay carries deep cultural meaning. For generations, local fishing communities have lived among these rocky islets, developing maritime traditions closely tied to tides, seasons, and the sea. Floating villages, spiritual landmarks, and cave systems together form a living cultural landscape within this UNESCO protected area, where nature and human history remain closely intertwined.

Number of Islands in Halong Bay

According to UNESCO, the total number of islands and islets in Halong Bay is 1,133. Most are uninhabited, shaped solely by time, water, and wind, yet each contributes to the bay’s exceptional biodiversity and geological importance.

These Halong Bay islands form one of the world’s densest concentrations of limestone karst, making the region a globally significant natural heritage site admired by scientists and travellers alike.

Below are some of the key islands in Halong Bay that you should not miss when visiting the area.

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island is the largest of all islands in Halong Bay, celebrated for its national park, rugged terrain, caves, and diverse ecosystems. Visitors can hike through tropical forests, cycle along quiet coastal roads, or relax on sheltered beaches.

• How to get there:
  • From Hanoi → Hai Phong:
    • Limousine bus or private car
    • Travel time: ~2–2.5 hours via expressway
  • Hai Phong → Cat Ba Island:
    • Ferry (Binh Port → Cai Vieng Port) + short bus transfer
    • Or high-speed ferry from Hai Phong city
    • Travel time: ~45–60 minutes total.
  • Seaplane and cruise tour option, with Cat Ba Island included as part of the itinerary.
• Entrance fees: Cat Ba National Park: ~80,000 – 160,000 VND (approx. USD 3 – 6; as of 2026, subject to change).
• Ideal for: Adventure travellers, families, and nature enthusiasts.

Ti Top Island

Ti Top Island is one of the most recognisable Halong Bay islets, famed for its panoramic viewpoint overlooking the bay’s limestone maze. Travellers typically climb to the summit before swimming at the small beach below.

• How to get there: From Halong City → Ti Top Island:
  • Licensed day boats and overnight cruises operating on Halong Bay Route 2
  • Departures from Tuan Chau Marina or Halong International Cruise Port
  • Included on select itineraries by Bhaya Cruises, alongside other central bay highlights
  • Travel time: approximately 30 – 45 minutes, depending on route and conditions.
• Entrance fees: There’s no separate entrance fee for TiTop Island, other fees to access this destination such as the bay’s environment and sightseeing fees are included in cruise’s price.
• Ideal for: First-time visitors, photographers, and short-stay travellers.

>>>> Read more: Top Cruise Routes in Halong Bay: Which One Should You Choose in 2026 – 2027?

Cai Bau Island

Cai Bau Island offers a quieter alternative among the karst islands in Halong, known for spiritual sites, pagodas, and unhurried village life. Nature walks and cultural encounters define the experience here.

• How to get there
  • Hanoi → Van Don District: limousine bus or private car (≈ 3 – 3.5 hours)
  • Overland access directly to Cai Bau Island
  • Local taxis or hired vehicles available on arrival.
• Entrance fees
  • General island access: Free
  • Pagodas or local attractions: approx. 20,000 – 50,000 VND, depending on site (as of 2026, subject to change)
• Ideal for: Culture lovers and slow travellers seeking authenticity.

Sung Sot Island

Sung Sot Island is home to Surprise Cave, one of the bay’s largest and most impressive cave systems. Visitors explore vast chambers filled with stalactites and sculpted limestone formations.

• How to get there:
  • From Hanoi → Halong City / Quang Ninh:
    • Drive or take a limousine bus/shuttle
    • Travel time: approximately 3.5–4 hours, depending on traffic and route
  • From Van Don Airport (VDO) → Tuan Chau Port:
    • Private car or taxi
    • Travel time: approximately 75 minutes
  • Choose Your Boat Trip to the Island
    • Day Cruises (Recommended):
      • 6-hour tour or longer day cruises operating on Halong Bay Route 2
      • Departures from Tuan Chau Marina or Halong International Cruise Port
      • Common stops include Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, and kayaking activities
    • Overnight Cruises:
      • The most convenient option, as key sites are standard stops on most itineraries
      • Ideal for travellers seeking a relaxed pace and deeper exploration
  • Private Canoe / Speedboat:
    • Offers flexibility and faster travel times
    • More expensive and usually arranged privately.
• Entrance fees to the cave: approximately 150,000 – 300,000 VND (as of 2026, subject to change). If you are travelling by cruise, this fee may be included in the cruise package.
• Ideal for: Nature lovers and first-time visitors.

>>>> Read more: 8 Must-visit Caves in Halong Bay

Comparison Table: Key Halong Bay Islands at a Glance

Below is a concise comparison of the bay’s most visited islands to help travellers choose experiences aligned with their interests.

Island	Known For	Best Activities	Ideal For	Notes
Cat Ba	Largest island, national park	Hiking, cycling, beaches	Adventure travellers, families	Gateway to Lan Ha Bay
Ti Top	Iconic viewpoint	Summit climb, swimming	First-time visitors	No separate entrance fee, included in cruise packages
Cai Bau	Peaceful, less touristy	Pagodas, nature walks	Culture lovers	Accessible from Van Don
Sung Sot	Famous cave system	Cave exploration	Nature lovers	Included on many cruise routes

Geography of Halong Bay

The Halong Bay islands count is concentrated mainly in the eastern Gulf of Tonkin, extending from nearshore areas to deeper offshore waters. Over more than 20 million years, tectonic uplift combined with tropical erosion sculpted today’s dramatic limestone outcrops and vertical karst pillars.

An intriguing feature of the bay is the presence of enclosed lagoons hidden within islands, formed as sea levels rose and flooded ancient valleys. The sheer density and variation of these karst islets make Halong Bay one of the world’s most scientifically valuable coastal karst landscapes, justifying its status as a globally recognised UNESCO site.

Conservation Efforts

Preserving the fragile environment of Halong Bay islands is essential to sustaining their long-term beauty and biodiversity. Conservation efforts include regulated cruise routes, limits on visitor numbers, waste reduction initiatives, and community-based eco-tourism. These measures help protect marine habitats while supporting local livelihoods.

Bhaya Soul reflects this philosophy through wellness-inclusive, boutique luxury that emphasises mindful travel, reduced environmental impact, and respect for nature. Such approaches align closely with sustainable tourism practices that safeguard the ecological balance of this world heritage zone.

Are There Cruises to Visit These Islands in Halong Bay, Vietnam?

Yes. Bhaya Cruises offers carefully curated itineraries that allow travellers to explore iconic Halong Bay islands in comfort and depth:

Bhaya Soul – Wellness Cruises

Bhaya Soul 2 Days / 1 Night – Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay

Best for: Short wellness escape, calm waters, gentle exploration

• Cruising areas: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay
• Islands visited:
  • Ba Ham Lake, situated on Dau Be Island in Lan Ha Bay
  • Tien Ong Cave – Cai Tai Island
• Key experiences:
  • Light island excursions and kayaking
  • Scenic cruising through quieter karst areas
  • Onboard wellness activities such as mindful breathing and gentle stretching
• Travel style: Wellness-focused, unhurried, boutique luxury

View itinerary & availability:
https://bhayacruises.com/halong-bay-cruises/2-day-1-night-tour/bhaya-soul-halong-lanha-2-days-cruise

Bhaya Soul 3 Days / 2 Nights – Wellness Journey through Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay

Best for: Deeper wellness immersion and slower-paced exploration

• Cruising areas: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay
• Islands visited:
  • Multiple limestone islands in Halong Bay
  • Tranquil island clusters and hidden lagoons in Lan Ha Bay
• Key experiences:
  • Extended kayaking and island exploration
  • Guided meditation and wellness sessions onboard & offboard
  • More time ashore and at anchor in less-crowded areas
• Travel style: Restorative, immersive, wellness-inclusive

View itinerary & availability:
https://bhayacruises.com/halong-bay-cruises/3-day-2-night-tour/the-bhaya-soul-3-days-wellness-cruise

The Au Co – Luxury Two-Bay Exploration

The Au Co 2 Days / 1 Night – Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba Area)

Best for: Seeing two bays in a limited timeframe

• Cruising areas: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay (Cat Ba region)
• Islands visited:
  • Viet Hai Village (Cat Ba Island)
• Key experiences:
  • Island visits and floating village exploration
  • Scenic cruising between two distinct bays
  • Spacious decks for panoramic viewing
• Travel style: Elegant, exploratory, time-efficient

View itinerary & availability:
https://bhayacruises.com/halong-bay-cruises/2-day-1-night-tour/the-auco-luxury-2-days-2-bays-cruise

The Au Co 3 Days / 2 Nights – Gulf of Tonkin Discovery

Best for: Comprehensive Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay experience

• Cruising areas: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay
• Islands & sites visited:
  • Sung Sot Island (Surprise Cave)
  • Ti Top Island (summit viewpoint and beach)
  • Viet Hai Village (Cat Ba Island)
  • Additional limestone islands en route to Lan Ha Bay
• Key experiences:
  • Guided cave exploration
  • Viewpoint climb and swimming at Ti Top
  • Sustainable cycling through Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island
  • Leisurely cruising through iconic karst seascapes
• Travel style: In-depth, refined, heritage-inspired cultural immersion

View itinerary & availability:
https://bhayacruises.com/halong-bay-cruises/3-day-2-night-tour/the-auco-luxury-gulf-tonkin-package

Bhaya Classic – Halong Bay Essentials

Bhaya Classic 2 Days / 1 Night – Halong Bay Highlights

Best for: First-time visitors and short stays

• Cruising areas: Central Halong Bay
• Islands & sites visited:
  • Sung Sot Island (Surprise Cave)
  • Ti Top Island
• Key experiences:
  • Cave exploration inside Sung Sot Cave
  • Panoramic views from Ti Top summit
  • Classic Halong Bay cruising route
• Travel style: Traditional, concise, iconic

View itinerary & availability:
https://bhayacruises.com/halong-bay-cruises/2-day-1-night-tour/bhaya-classic-cruise-package

FAQs

Which island to stay in Halong Bay?

Cat Ba Island is the most popular choice, offering a wide range of resorts, beaches, and access to hiking trails. Ti Top Island is best visited on day trips for its viewpoint rather than overnight stays. Many travellers choose overnight cruises to explore multiple islands in Halong Bay comfortably.

What creatures are in Halong Bay?

Halong Bay supports a wide variety of marine life, including fish, crabs, shrimp, and molluscs, alongside rich birdlife across its limestone islands. The region is also home to the Cat Ba langur, one of the world’s rarest primates, found only in the forests of Cat Ba Island and nearby areas, highlighting the bay’s exceptional ecological value.

Is Halong Bay man-made?

No. Halong Bay is entirely natural, formed through millions of years of limestone erosion and karst development. Geological processes shaped today’s karst islands in Halong, creating one of the most distinctive seascapes on Earth.

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Halong Bay is home to 1,133 islands and islets, each with unique geological features, ecosystems, and cultural value. From Cat Ba Island’s forests to Ti Top’s viewpoints and Sung Sot’s caves, the Halong Bay islands offer experiences ranging from adventure to quiet reflection.

Ready to explore Halong Bay? Plan your journey with Bhaya Cruises and discover Vietnam’s most iconic bay through elegant, responsible voyages designed for deeper connection and lasting memories.