Things to Do in Halong in October

October Weather in Halong

28°C (82°F) High Temp

22°C (72°F) Low Temp

120mm (4.7 inches) Rainfall

75% Humidity

Is October Right for You?

Advantages

Perfect cruise weather: October marks the transition to dry season with calmer seas and excellent visibility for kayaking through limestone caves. Water temperature stays at 26°C (79°F) making swimming comfortable.
Shoulder season pricing: Hotel rates drop 30-40% from peak summer prices, and cruise bookings are easier to secure 7-10 days ahead instead of the usual 3-week advance booking required in summer.
Comfortable temperatures for deck activities: Morning temperatures of 22°C (72°F) are ideal for sunrise tai chi sessions and cave exploration, while afternoon highs of 28°C (82°F) feel pleasant with sea breezes.
Fewer crowds at key sites: Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island see 40% fewer visitors compared to summer months, allowing for better photography and more peaceful experiences.

Considerations

Occasional light drizzle: 8 rainy days per month typically bring 30-45 minute showers that can interrupt outdoor deck activities and kayaking excursions, though most cruises continue operating.
Variable morning visibility: Marine layer and humidity can reduce limestone karst visibility to 2-3 km (1.2-1.9 miles) on some mornings, clearing by 10-11am.
Wind patterns shift: Northeast monsoon begins, bringing 15-20 km/h (9-12 mph) winds that can make overnight anchoring slightly rougher for sensitive travelers.

Best Activities in October

Limestone Cave Kayaking Tours

October's calm waters and reduced crowds make this the ideal month for paddling through hidden lagoons and grottoes. Water levels are perfect for accessing smaller caves that become inaccessible during summer storms. Morning sessions (8-10am) offer the best lighting inside caves with temperatures at comfortable 22°C (72°F).

Booking Tip: Book 7-10 days ahead for best selection. Tours typically cost 800,000-1,200,000 VND ($32-48) per person. Look for operators providing dry bags and waterproof phone cases. Morning tours have better cave lighting and fewer crowds. See current tour options in booking section below.

Overnight Luxury Junk Cruises

October's shoulder season brings 30-40% lower prices while maintaining excellent weather conditions. Seas are calmer for sleeping, and evening temperatures around 24°C (75°F) are perfect for deck dining and stargazing. This is when locals take their own family cruises.

Booking Tip: Book 10-14 days ahead for best cabin selection and pricing. 2D/1N cruises range from 2,500,000-6,000,000 VND ($100-240) depending on vessel quality. Look for cruises including kayaking and cave visits. October offers the best value-to-weather ratio of the year.

Cat Ba Island Hiking Adventures

Perfect hiking weather with morning temperatures at 22°C (72°F) and manageable afternoon highs. October is ideal for the 3.5 km (2.2 mile) trek to Ngu Lam Peak, offering panoramic views without summer's oppressive heat. Langur spotting is excellent as wildlife is more active in cooler weather.

Booking Tip: Day trips from Halong cost 1,200,000-1,800,000 VND ($48-72) including boat transfer and guide. Start early (7am departure) to complete hiking before afternoon warmth. Book through operators providing proper hiking equipment and water.

Traditional Fishing Village Visits

October coincides with prime fishing season when villages like Cua Van and Ba Hang are most active. Cooler mornings mean fishermen work longer hours, and you'll see traditional net-casting and pearl farming at peak activity. Water clarity is excellent for viewing floating fish farms.

Booking Tip: Half-day tours cost 600,000-900,000 VND ($24-36) per person. Morning visits (8am-12pm) show villages at their busiest. Look for tours including bamboo boat rides with local villagers and visits to floating schools. Book locally for most authentic experiences.

Sunset Photography Cruises

October offers some of Halong's most dramatic sunsets with partly cloudy skies creating perfect conditions for golden hour photography. The sun sets around 5:30pm, and cooler temperatures make extended deck time comfortable. Limestone formations catch optimal light between 4:30-6pm.

Booking Tip: 3-4 hour evening cruises cost 1,000,000-1,500,000 VND ($40-60). Book boats with western-facing deck space and minimal passenger numbers (under 20 people). Professional photography guides available for additional 500,000 VND ($20). Check weather forecasts for clearest sunset conditions.

Bai Chay Bridge Night Markets

October evenings at 24°C (75°F) are perfect for exploring Halong City's night food scene. This is when locals emerge for their evening meals, and seasonal seafood like crab and lobster are at peak freshness. The 1.2 km (0.7 mile) waterfront market strip is ideal for evening strolls.

Booking Tip: Self-guided exploration costs only for food and drinks. Budget 300,000-500,000 VND ($12-20) per person for full sampling experience. Markets open 5pm-11pm daily. Arrive around 6:30pm when vendors have full selection but crowds are manageable.

October Events & Festivals

Mid October

Quan Lan Island Crab Festival

Local celebration of autumn crab harvest featuring traditional cooking demonstrations, crab races, and island boat competitions. Visitors can join cooking classes and sample seasonal blue swimmer crabs at peak flavor.

Essential Tips

What to Pack

Light waterproof jacket - October showers are brief but frequent, lasting 30-45 minutes with little warning

Breathable cotton or linen clothing - 75% humidity makes synthetic fabrics uncomfortable during day tours

Non-slip boat shoes - October rain makes boat decks slippery, avoid flip-flops for safety during transfers

SPF 50+ sunscreen - UV index of 6 intensifies with water reflection during 4-6 hour boat excursions

Waterproof phone case - Essential for kayaking tours and protection during sudden rain showers

Light sweater for evenings - Temperatures drop to 22°C (72°F) on deck during overnight cruises

Quick-dry shorts and swimwear - Perfect for swimming in 26°C (79°F) water and afternoon rain

Mosquito repellent with DEET - October humidity increases insect activity around limestone caves

Waterproof day pack - Protect electronics and documents during island hiking and cave visits

Comfortable walking sandals - For wet cave floors and easy on/off during frequent boat boarding

Insider Knowledge

Local fishermen say October 15-30 offers the calmest seas of the transition period - book cruises during this window for the smoothest experience and best underwater visibility for swimming.

Vietnamese tourists avoid October weekends due to school holidays, but international tourists don't know this - book midweek stays for 20-30% lower prices and significantly fewer crowds at popular caves.

Most tourists pack for hot weather based on summer advice, but October mornings can feel cool at 22°C (72°F) with sea wind - bring one warm layer that locals always carry in October.

Halong's best pho vendors set up temporary stalls near Bai Chay port every morning at 6am during October's cooler weather - locals queue here before tourist boats depart, and it's the cheapest breakfast option at 40,000 VND ($1.60) per bowl.

Avoid These Mistakes

Booking summer-style afternoon tours - October's best activities happen in cooler morning hours (7am-11am) when visibility is clearest and temperatures most comfortable for hiking and cave exploration

Overpacking heavy rain gear - October rain is light and brief, requiring only a light jacket rather than full waterproofs that will make you uncomfortable in 75% humidity

Choosing cheapest overnight cruises without checking heating - October nights at 22°C (72°F) can feel cold on water, and budget boats often lack adequate cabin climate control for comfortable sleeping