Want the best experience? Skip the big boat.
Large cruises follow the same route. A local guide can take you on a small boat or private cruise to quieter spots—perfect for photos, swimming, and peaceful moments away from the crowds.
Private & personalized tours - just for you!
The best stories aren’t found in guidebooks. Skip the crowds and unlock the hidden gems of Halong Bay with a private, personalized experience led by a local.
Always private. It’s just you and your local host. No strangers, no groups.
Let your local host tailor the experience completely to your wishes.
Our tours are designed with people, places, and the planet in mind.
Reviews from guests about our tours and locals
"We had a wonderful day with Ruby in Ha Long Bay. She organized everything perfectly according to our wishes. Along the way, we were able to visit a pearl farm before taking a boat trip through Ha Long Bay and visiting a cave."
"Our day with Loan exploring Halong Bay was nothing short of magical. From start to finish, Loan went above and beyond to make our experience special. The breathtaking views, the seamless organization, and the unique touch of having fresh fish delivered by a local fisherman for our lunch made this an adventure to remember. Loan’s warmth, knowledge, and passion truly set the bar high. If you’re looking for an authentic and unforgettable experience, she is the perfect guide. We feel like we’ve made a new local friend!"
"I had the absolute pleasure of having Ruby as my guide during my trip to Hanoi, and I cannot recommend her enough! Ruby is fun, personable, and incredibly well-versed in the local areas and culture, making every moment of the tour engaging and enjoyable. She goes above and beyond to ensure you are well taken care of, checking in every step of the way to make sure you’re having the best experience possible. As someone who travels alone and doesn’t eat much, I initially thought a food tour might not be worth it for me. However, Ruby was so thoughtful and generous—she recommended fantastic spots to eat around the Old Quarter, which turned out to be some of my favourite meals during the trip! Her attention to detail and genuine care for her clients set her apart. Thanks to Ruby, I had an incredible experience in Hanoi. She truly made my trip unforgettable. If you’re considering a guide in Hanoi, you cannot go wrong with Ruby. I highly, highly recommend choosing her—you’ll be in great hands. I’ll definitely be recommending her to anyone I know visiting Hanoi!"
"Ruby was fantastic from start to finish.We contacted her last minute and she was able to put together a 3 day program overnight. we were traveling with my 88 year old mother and Ruby was so thoughtful and kept her company while we did some of the more strenuous walking stops. she was able to last minute arrange a speed boat to bring us back early to the harbor at Ha long Bay which cut 2 hrs on the trip. She was very adaptable and conscience of my mother's fatigue levels.I highly recommended her services. "
"My wife and I had the pleasure of experiencing a breathtaking tour of HaLong Bay with Hoa, whom we met through WithLocals. From the moment we connected with her, we knew we were in for something special. Hoa’s warmth and deep knowledge of the area were evident from the start. She curated a perfect day for us, taking into account our preferences while adding unique local touches that only someone with her insight could offer. The beauty of HaLong Bay is undeniable, but it was Hoa’s thoughtful guidance and genuine passion that truly elevated our experience. She effortlessly balanced providing us with fascinating information about the bay’s history and geology while allowing us the peace and space to soak in the stunning surroundings. Her stories brought the bay to life in a way that we could never have imagined. In addition to the awe-inspiring scenery, Hoa introduced us to some hidden gems, including a quiet spot where we enjoyed a delicious meal of fresh, local seafood, away from the more crowded tourist areas. It felt like we were experiencing a side of HaLong Bay that most visitors miss out on. Hoa was attentive, always ensuring we were comfortable and having the best possible time, but she also gave us the freedom to explore and take in the beauty of the bay at our own pace. Her professionalism, coupled with her warm personality, made us feel like we were spending the day with a friend rather than just a guide. If you’re looking for an authentic, enriching experience in HaLong Bay, we cannot recommend Hoa enough. She made our trip unforgettable, and we are so grateful to have met her. Thank you, Hoa, for sharing the magic of HaLong Bay with us!"
" The experience begins when Ngọc Ruby responds to the booking with a greeting via WhatsApp. Communication is clear and arrangements are smooth. Ruby is relaxed and our driver to Ha Long was nice. The road trip in their private vehicle was very comfortable. She made me us feel even more relaxed by sharing stories and interesting local information. Ruby was a great match to our vibe, with a perfect balance of energy and chill, chattiness and quiet. She knew when to engage, and when to give space. We had other friends who went on a separate Ha Long standard (unguided) cruise. We shared stories of our Ha Long Day Cruise with Ruby and our friends reckon that we had a better experience with our local guide. Thank you Ruby and driver for our photos and enjoyable day at Ha Long Bay! "
"Loan prepared a very nice tour for me! She is very good prepared and gave a lot of information! I enjoyed the tour with her very much! "
"We had a great time with Ruby She is well organized and guided us the whole day through Halong Bay We´ve enjoyed the time with her very much "
"Ruby is a very energetic, bubbly guide with a welcoming smile and sense of fun! She had lots of interesting information about the area and ensured we were comfortable throughout the day. The boat we went on was lovely and offered a varied, tasty buffet, including vegetarian options and cake! The only downside, which was completely out of Ruby’s control was the amount of rubbish in the water. Sadly this is a case of where tourism helps a place but sadly ruins it at the same time. There was about 30 other vessels in the area and the beach we stopped at was full to capacity. As this is a UNESCO World Heritage site much more should be done to protect it. "
"Amazing experience we had with Ruby. 10/10! She was very communicative from the get go. We exchanged WhatsApp and she was guiding me through the process, as well as sending me reminders/pics before the trip. During it, she was very enthusiastic to show Ha Long Bay to my family. She even climbed all the way to the top of Ti Top island with us. What an amazing tour guide. Highly recommend!"
Learn about their personal stories and find out how you can explore Hanoi with locals
Our locals will give you the best experiences that Hanoi has to offer
Halong Bay is more than postcard views. From secret caves to floating fishing villages, here’s how locals help you unlock the real magic of the bay—without the crowds.
Large cruises follow the same route. A local guide can take you on a small boat or private cruise to quieter spots—perfect for photos, swimming, and peaceful moments away from the crowds.
Kayaking in Halong Bay is unforgettable—especially when your guide takes you through caves into secret coves and still lagoons. It’s where the bay feels most magical.
Halong Bay is home to floating seafood farms. Your guide can arrange a lunch of just-caught fish or shrimp, served right on the boat or at a local restaurant with a view.
Families still live and work on the bay. A local guide can take you through their villages respectfully, sharing how they fish, farm, and live with the tides.
Not sure which to pick? A local host can help you decide if a day tour or an overnight cruise fits your vibe best. Each offers a different way to experience the bay’s mood.
Ever wonder why it’s called Halong Bay? Your guide will tell you the dragon story—and other myths tied to the caves and islands you’ll see up close.
Locals know the best times and angles to snap that iconic shot. Golden hour between the karsts? A floating dock with no tourists? They’ve got you covered.
Halong has quieter neighbors like Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay. With a local guide, you can choose routes that skip the busy channels and show you the same jaw-dropping scenery.
Halong Bay has many caves—but not all are tourist-friendly. A local guide will steer you toward the most beautiful ones without tight crowds or slippery stairs.
Foggy morning or sunny afternoon? Your guide tracks the local weather and adjusts your plan for the best views and smoothest ride. It’s all part of the flow here.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Your tour is just for you. No strangers, no groups.
You’ll experience the city one-on-one (or with your own travel group) in a relaxed, personal way. No rushing, no scripted group tours.
From highlights to hidden gems, your host adjusts everything to fit you.
Want to skip a museum, add a food stop, or focus on street art? Just ask. Every experience is shaped around your pace, preferences and interests.
Message your host directly to customize your experience.
Ask questions, get local tips, or make special requests. Our hosts are real people, ready to make your day unforgettable.
Every booking supports independent locals and their communities.
We believe tourism should benefit the people who live there. Your host earns directly and often invests it right back into their neighborhood.
You’re choosing meaningful travel, not mass tourism.
Withlocals is built on fair pay, human connections and travel that leaves a positive mark for both you and the places you visit.
Loved by over 1,000,000 travelers all around the world.
Withlocals hosts consistently earn 5-star reviews for their kindness, knowledge and the personal stories they share.
Book with peace of mind: safe payments and easy changes.
Your plans can shift and that’s okay. We offer flexible cancellation and real support when you need it.
Cruise through Halong Bay’s iconic karsts on a private tour. Go beyond the usual route with a local guide who can personalize your day with kayaking, cave exploring, quiet beaches, and authentic flavors.