How many days should I spend in Ha Long Bay?

A 2-day/1-night cruise is the minimum to properly experience the bay. 3 days/2 nights lets you explore more remote areas like Bai Tu Long Bay with less crowding. Day trips exist but feel rushed.

What is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay?

October to December offers the best combination of weather and visibility. March to May is also pleasant. Summer (June-August) brings heat and occasional storms. Winter can be foggy but hauntingly beautiful.

Is Ha Long Bay safe for tourists?

Very safe. Cruise boats are well-regulated after past safety incidents. Kayaking and swimming are supervised. The main concern is seasickness for those prone to it - the bay is usually calm but not always.

Where should I stay in Ha Long Bay?

Stay on a cruise boat - that's the whole point. Budget cruises start around $100/person, mid-range $150-250, and luxury options run $300+. Bai Tu Long Bay cruises offer similar scenery with fewer boats.

Beach

North Vietnam

Ha Long Bay

UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of limestone islands rising from emerald waters. Experience overnight cruises and kayaking.

2-3 days ideal

$100-200 cruise

Nature, adventure

Where to Stay

Overview

Ha Long Bay looks surreal even in photos, but nothing prepares you for seeing those limestone karsts emerge from emerald waters in person. Over 1,600 islands and islets create a seascape that earned UNESCO World Heritage status and a spot on every Vietnam bucket list.

Yes, it's touristy. Yes, you should still go. The key is choosing the right cruise - a good boat takes you to quieter corners where you can kayak through hidden lagoons, swim in secluded coves, and wake up to mist rolling between the peaks.

Top Things to Do

1Book an overnight cruise to experience sunset and sunrise over the karsts

2Kayak through the Luon Cave tunnel into a secret lagoon surrounded by cliffs

3Visit Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most impressive grottos in the bay

4Swim off the boat deck in the emerald waters between the limestone islands

5Watch local fishermen at a floating village and learn about life on the water

6Try squid fishing from the boat deck after dinner - surprisingly addictive

Getting There & Around

By Air: The nearest airport is Van Don (VDO), 50km from Ha Long City, with limited domestic flights. Most travelers fly into Hanoi and transfer by road (3-4 hours) or seaplane (45 minutes, expensive but spectacular).

By Train: No direct train service. The closest station is Hai Phong, about 65km away, but buses from Hanoi are more practical. Most cruise packages include round-trip transfers from Hanoi.

Getting Around: Once you're on your cruise, the boat is your transport. In Ha Long City itself, taxis and Grab are available, but there's little reason to explore the town - the bay is the attraction.