Introduction
Night squid fishing in Halong Bay is one of the most fascinating activities you shouldn’t miss after sunset.
When night falls, the bay transforms into a quiet, magical scene with moonlight and sparkling lights from cruise ships.
This is the perfect time for visitors to join local fishing experiences and enjoy the unique charm of the bay.
Today, Halong Private Car brings you the latest and most detailed information about this special activity!
What Is Night Squid Fishing In Halong Bay?
If you have ever been to Ha Long, you must have heard of the night squid fishing experience in Halong Bay, an activity that is different from the usual tours.
When night falls, instead of just admiring the quiet scenery on the bay, visitors will experience the feeling of holding a fishing rod, dropping bait, and waiting for fresh squid to bite the hook right under the lights.
Not just a simple hobby, squid fishing in Halong Bay is also considered a way for visitors to immerse themselves in the night sea life of local fishermen.
Every time you catch squid, you can process and enjoy it right on the spot, both fresh and delicious, and associated with a memorable experience.
It is the combination of the majestic beauty of the bay and the feeling of waiting anxiously that makes Halong Bay fishing a highlight in many tours.
The feeling of holding a fishing rod for the first time, dropping bait into deep water, and then anxiously waiting for the light jerks from the squid is an unforgettable experience.
Many tourists share that the moment the squid bites the hook is not only surprising but also brings joy, as if immersing oneself in the rhythm of the ocean.
In particular, most night tours are fully prepared with tools such as small boats, squid-attracting lights, fishing rods, and fake bait.
Thanks to that, even those who have never tried it can easily participate and fully enjoy the joy of this activity.
It is the combination of beautiful scenery and the feeling of exciting anticipation that makes Halong Bay night activities more attractive than ever.
The Best Time For Halong Bay Night Squid Fishing
Night squid fishing season in Ha Long is divided into two main periods:
- Winter: from December to February.
- Summer: from May to August.
These are the times when squid appear more and are easier to catch, and it is also the time when the atmosphere on the bay becomes vibrant with the lights from dozens of wooden boats going out to sea.
Night squid fishing originated as a livelihood for fishermen in fishing villages and later developed into an attractive experience for tourists.
When night falls, you will be drifting with fishermen on the sea, experiencing the feeling of casting your own line, pulling the net, and waiting for fresh squid to bite the hook.
Typically, night squid fishing trips in Ha Long begin around 6-7 pm, although some tours depart later, between 9-11 pm, to accommodate the needs of tourists.
The duration of the experience is also flexible; you can choose short or long as you like.
According to the experience of local fishermen, the best time to fish for squid is on dark, moonless nights with light fog.
At this time, you will easily catch healthy squid with firmer, fresher meat than usual.
If you are lucky, you will not only see the squid glowing under the night lights but also be able to cook and enjoy it right on the boat.
It is an unforgettable experience, both closely associated with Ha Long culinary culture and bringing excitement to anyone who loves to explore.
Halong Bay Night Squid Fishing Service Booking Ways
There are two ways you can book night squid fishing in Halong Bay.
One of the easiest ways to join the Halong Bay squid fishing tour is to book a place on a Halong Bay overnight cruise.
Most cruise tours combine squid fishing in the evening, right after guests have dinner on the deck. You can book the service through a travel agent or contact the cruise lines directly for detailed advice on the schedule.
Without much preparation, you will be provided with full equipment such as fishing rods, bait, and lights, making squid fishing easy and fun.
The second way, visitors can also choose to experience squid fishing with local fishermen.
This is an ideal choice for those who want to learn more about night sea life and how people actually do Halong Bay fishing.
With this form, you not only get to try traditional fishing techniques but also have the opportunity to enjoy fresh seafood right on a small boat.
Visit the Hon Gai area, especially around Ha Long Market 1, near Clock Tower, the busiest center here. This is where many fishing boats gather, just ask and you will be guided immediately.
Night squid fishing service usually has a price ranging from 500,000 – 1,000,000 VND/boat/6 people, including fishing rods, fake bait, life jackets, and tools to process and enjoy fresh squid right after catching.
The duration usually lasts about 1 – 2 hours, enough for you to enjoy the night view of the bay while trying your hand at thrilling fishing.
Halong Bay Night Squid Fishing Process
For many tourists, the squid fishing experience is not only fun but also an opportunity to learn new skills.
If you are curious about how to catch squid at night, start with three basic factors: timing, tools, and techniques.
Choosing the right time
Squid are more common at night, especially from summer to early fall when the water is warm and clear.
This is when the lights attract the squid closer, giving you a better chance of catching them.
Halong Bay night squid fishing techniques
Be patient and focus on the feel of your hand when holding the rod, as squid often jerk very slightly.
Drop and pull the bait slowly to simulate natural underwater movement.
Choose a location with lots of lights and few waves to easily control the fishing line.
With a little patience and the right technique, how to catch squid at night will become easy and exciting, even for first-timers.
Halong Bay Night Squid Fishing Tour Itinerary
Halong Bay night squid fishing tour is usually divided into 2 shifts. Shift 1 ends at 10 pm, shift 2 starts right after. Below is the basic itinerary of shift 1:
- 6:00 – 6:30 pm: Car and tour guide pick up guests at the hotel (Tuan Chau, Bai Chay, Ha Long areas).
- 6:45 pm: Arrive at the port, listen to safety regulations.
- 07:00 pm: The boat departs, distributes life jackets, fishing rods, bait, and instructions on how to fish for squid.
- 07:30 – 08:00 pm: Arrive at the fishing spot, drop anchor, and turn on high-pressure lights to attract squid.
- 08:00 -10:00 pm: Tourists experience squid fishing, and the atmosphere is exciting and interesting.
- 10:00 pm: Summarize the spoils, process, and enjoy fresh squid right on the boat, and interact with other tourists.
- 10:30 pm: Returns to the mainland.
- 11:00 pm: Return to the port, the car takes guests back to the hotel, ending the journey.
Tips For Perfect Night Squid Fishing In Halong Bay
Safety is the top priority
In addition to the enjoyment, visitors also need to pay attention to safety factors.
When participating in night squid fishing, make sure to always wear a life jacket. Besides, you should avoid standing too close to the boat’s edge, and do not move too much when the boat is anchored.
For those traveling with children, having an adult with you is extremely important.
Prepare suitable clothing
In addition, preparing suitable clothing and items will make the trip more comfortable.
A thin jacket to keep warm, non-slip flat shoes, and mosquito repellent are things to bring.
This is also one of the Halong Bay travel tips that many experienced travelers recommend, helping you to fully enjoy the trip while avoiding unnecessary trouble.
Enjoy the squid right after fishing
The most attractive point of the squid fishing Vietnam experience is the culinary value.
There is nothing better than catching fresh squid yourself and having the chef on board cook it right there.
Whether it is simply boiled or grilled over hot coals, the sweet and crispy taste of fresh squid brings an unforgettable experience on the journey to explore the bay.
Combine other activities in Halong Bay
A night squid fishing trip will be more complete if you combine it with many other attractive experiences in Halong Bay.
During the day, visitors can visit famous caves such as Sung Sot Cave or Thien Cung Cave, which have magical stalactites.
In the afternoon, Halong kayaking around the limestone islands and floating fishing villages brings a feeling of both relaxation and discovery of a new perspective of the bay.
In particular, watching the sunset on the deck before starting squid fishing is an unforgettable experience.
When the sky is dyed orange and gradually turns to night, visitors will clearly feel the romance and peace of Ha Long.
By combining these experiences, you can create a complete journey from morning to night. So you can both explore nature and enjoy things to do in Halong Bay at night.
This is what makes Ha Long tourism diverse, suitable for both adventure lovers and those looking for relaxation.
After exploring all the interesting destinations in Halong Bay, if you need to extend your visa to neighboring cities, you can consider using Halong Private Car‘s service.
We provide private transportation services with new-generation cars, suitable for solo, couples, groups of friends, or families.
The travel route, time, and pick-up location are decided by the passenger. The price of a private car is calculated by car, not by the number of people or distance traveled.
You may be interested in one of the following services:
- Halong Bay to Cat Ba Island Private Car – 72 USD/sedan
- Private Car Halong Bay to Ha Giang – 176 USD/sedan
- Halong Bay To Ninh Binh Private Car – $80 USD/sedan
- Luxury Car Halong Bay to Hanoi – 115 USD/limousine
- Halong Bay To Mu Cang Chai Luxury Car – 257 USD/limousine
Night Squid Fishing In Halong Bay FAQs
When is the best time to fish?
The ideal squid fishing season in Ha Long is usually from May to August. Especially exciting on moonless summer nights, when squid will gather near the water surface.
Where to fish in Halong Bay?
The best place to join night squid fishing with locals is Hon Gai, or around Ha Long Market 1 near the Clock Tower.
How much does it cost?
The cost is included in the overnight boat tour or private squid fishing tour. And it usually ranges from 200,000 – 500,000 VND/person, depending on the type of boat and accompanying services.
What is the best way to book Halong Bay squid fishing service?
There are many ways to book the service, depending on your needs, schedule, and budget. Here are some options:
- If you just want to experience squid fishing, a group tour is reasonable and economical.
- If you are traveling with a group of close friends or family, renting a private boat is more comfortable.
- If you want to sleep on the bay and fish for many other experiences, a cruise is a comprehensive choice.
How long does a night squid fishing trip usually last?
The squid fishing experience usually lasts from 1 to 2 hours, starting after dinner on the boat.
Can children or the elderly participate?
Yes. Children and the elderly can still participate under the supervision of relatives or boat staff. Because this activity is safe and gentle.
Is there a limit on the number of guests on a boat?
Yes. Each boat has a limit on the number of guests, depending on the size and safety regulations, usually from 10-30 people.
Conclusion
Experiencing night squid fishing in Halong Bay brings the joy of catching squid yourself in the peaceful night sea space.
Besides, it also helps visitors understand more about the typical life of the bay. If you have the opportunity to visit Ha Long, you should try this activity at least once to fully experience the beauty of the bay at night.
This is not only an entertainment but also a part of the journey to explore Vietnamese culture and seafood cuisine.
Halong Private Car hopes that today’s article will support you more conveniently when you are planning to book this interesting service when coming to Halong Bay.