Ha Long Bay, Vietnam: What to pack, what to wear, and when to go [2022]
Traveling to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam? If you're planning to go to Ha Long Bay, I have some important information about when to go, what to wear, and what to pack.
Contents
- When to go to Ha Long Bay
- Important essentials for Ha Long Bay
- Activities for Ha Long Bay
- Ha Long Bay in January: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in February: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in March: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in April: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in May: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in June: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in July: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in August: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in September: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in October: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in November: weather and what to pack
- Ha Long Bay in December: weather and what to pack

About your travel guide
Hi! I'm Dev. I've traveled all over the world and in my travels, I have made many packing lists. In this series, my team and I have compiled the most useful information, as well as things we couldn't live without, to help you plan your trip.
When to go to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Based on the climate and weather in Ha Long Bay, the best time to go is December. See below for details.
Important essentials for Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Here are some general tips on what to wear in Ha Long Bay, as well as several items to remember to pack when traveling there.
COVID-19 ESSENTIALS FOR 2022
-
N95 masks to use in crowded airports
These N95 masks provide the best level of COVID protection available.
-
Travel disinfecting wipes
Use these to sanitize plane and hotel surfaces.
-
A vaccine card protector
Vaccine cards often become worn. An unreadable vaccine card can cause severe consequences. This vaccine card protector helps stop that.
-
Kids' KN95 masks
N95 masks are not available for kids. These are a good alternative (and can also be used by adults if N95 masks are not available).
-
Hand sanitizer
This hand sanitizer is an easy-to-carry TSA-friendly option.
Travel insurance
If you or a companion get COVID-19, your amazing trip can be ruined. Good travel insurance can help. See plans
General health necessities
Virus/bacteria filtering water bottle
Some rural areas may have unreliable tap water, so it's useful to bring a contaminant filtering water bottle.
-
Travel first aid kit
This one is a good value.
-
Emergency motion sickness relief
Don't forget these
-
Voice and data SIM card
A SIM card that works in Ha Long Bay. A good global SIM card works in most countries, but check the country list before buying. In some more rural areas you may need a satellite phone. We recommend this satellite phone.
-
For families with young children
-
Airplane or car necessities
-
Plug adapter
A plug adapter that supports outlet types A, B and C. This one should be sufficient for most countries, but check with your hotel.
-
Money/passport pouch
A money pouch is vital for protecting your passport and credit cards.
-
Power bank for devices
A portable power bank, like this one
What to wear/what to pack for Ha Long Bay, Vietnam by month
Already know when you're traveling?
January
January for Ha Long Bay is balmy and dry with little rain. Temperatures average in the high 60s F (low 20s C) during the day.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Standard footwear
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Dresses
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Extra socks
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
February
If you are traveling to Ha Long Bay in February, you will notice that it is mild. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 60s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light jacket or fleece
-
Standard footwear
-
Extra socks
-
Light and heavy skirts
-
Dresses
-
Pants or jeans
-
Long sleeve shirts or blouses
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We use these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be a lifesaver in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
March
March here is balmy. Temperatures average in the low 70s F (low 20s C) during the day. It rains sometimes.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Extra socks
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be vital in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is a perfect choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
April
If you vacation in Ha Long Bay during April, you are likely to notice that it is warm. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 70s F (mid 20s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 60s F (low 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain occasionally.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Sandals
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Bug repellent
-
Light skirts
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants will be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags stay dry. We suggest:
May
May in Ha Long Bay can be very hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A breathing shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Skirts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and cool you.
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters dangerous contaminants:
-
Bug repellent
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We like these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your bags don't get wet. We like:
June
If you visit Ha Long Bay during June, you might find that it is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses include UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from skin damage:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Skirts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our favorite also filters contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
Rain pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We suggest:
July
If you visit Ha Long Bay during July, you will probably notice that it is really hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the high 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunglasses
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Bug repellent
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our pick also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can keep you comfortable and guard against the sun:
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a perfect option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings stay dry. We recommend:
August
Traveling to Ha Long Bay in August, you will notice that it can be very hot and very rainy. Expect it to rain about half of the time. Daytime temperatures are in the high 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Insulated water bottle
Our best choice also cleans contaminants:
-
Sunglasses
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Bug repellent
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses offer UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Skirts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain poncho to layer with another jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These will be essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Windproof umbrella
This one is an excellent option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
September
If you visit Ha Long Bay during September, you will probably notice that it is extremely hot and somewhat rainy. Temperatures tend to hover around the high 80s F (low 30s C) during the day, while at night they can dip into the 70s F (mid 20s C). In terms of precipitation, you can expect it to rain about half of the time.
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Bug repellent
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Sunglasses
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Insulated water bottle
Our choice also filters harmful contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses can provide UV protection and cool you.
-
Skirts
-
Breatheable shirts
A good breatheable shirt can make you comfortable and guard against UV rays:
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain coat to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants can be vital in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great choice.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings don't get wet. We like:
October
October in Ha Long Bay is consistently hot. The rain can amount to several inches/centimeters. During this time, temperatures average in the high 70s F (mid 20s C) to 80s F (low 30s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion, moderate SPF
-
Bug repellent
-
Insulated water bottle
Our first choice also filters contaminants:
-
Cool and dry dresses
These dresses to provide UV protection and help you stay cool.
-
Loose-fit shorts
-
Breatheable shirts
A cooling shirt can make you comfortable and protect you from UV rays:
-
Waterproof sandals
-
Skirts
-
Sunglasses
-
If you're going to the beach
-
A rain jacket to layer with a jacket
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend these rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants will be essential in a rainstorm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is an excellent one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your belongings remain dry. We like:
November
Traveling to Ha Long Bay in November, you will notice that it is warm. Expect it to rain once in a while. Daytime temperatures are in the high 70s F (mid 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Bug repellent
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Extra socks
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain coat to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We suggest rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These are essential in a storm.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Wind resistant umbrella
This one is a great option.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases stay dry. We recommend:
December
Traveling to Ha Long Bay in December, you will notice that it is mild and dry with little rain. Daytime temperatures are in the low 70s F (low 20s C).
What to wear/what to pack:
-
Sunscreen lotion
-
Bug repellent
-
Long and short sleeve shirts
-
Light dresses
You can find some great options here
-
Short pants or heavy shorts
-
Sandals
-
Light skirts
-
Extra socks
-
Breathable footwear or sandals
-
Beach necessities
If you're going to the beach:
-
A rain jacket to layer with a coat
-
100% waterproof footwear
We recommend rain boots:
-
Rain pants
These pants are essential in heavy rain.
-
Waterproof phone bag
-
Umbrella
This one is a perfect one to buy.
-
Waterproof bag/luggage cover
So your suitcases don't get wet. We suggest:
Activities for Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Here are some activity recommendations and activity-specific packing tips for Ha Long Bay.
Check out our guides for these other locations: Bokepyin, Myanmar, Purchase, New York, United States of America, Segamat, Malaysia, Standing Rock, South Dakota, United States of America, Woodridge, Illinois, United States of America, Koravangala, India, Somerset West, South Africa, Marion, Massachusetts, United States of America, Carrabelle, Florida, United States of America, Puerto San José, Guatemala, and Vang Vieng, Laos.