Halong Bay - Choose 1 Day Trip or Overnight Cruise?

Halong Bay (Vietnamese: Vịnh Hạ Long) is a beautiful natural wonder in northern Vietnam near the Chinese border. The Bay is dotted with 1,969 limestone islands and islets and covers an area of over 1,500 km2. This extraordinary area was declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 and 2003. For many local and international tourists, this place is like something right out of the movies. The fact is that, Ha long Bay Vietnam features a wide range of biodiversity, while the surrealistic scenery has indeed featured in endless movies. The best way to get to Ha long City is by car, minibus or bus from Hanoi which is only 170km away and take only 2hours and half. If your budget is not a problem, an hour-long helicopter transfer from Hanoi is also available.

Ha Long Bay Cruises Booking are available at almost every hotel and travel agency in Vietnam. Ha Long Bay is an impressive geographical formation in the North of Vietnam. It has over 1,900 islets with pristine beaches, limestone caves, inland lakes, and floating fishing villages. Declared a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site in 1994 and 2003, the best way to experience this landscape is on the Boat Cruise. Depending on your budget and time, you can opt for a luxurious cruiser or budget diesel-powered junk to explore Ha Long Bay. Do allow for at least one night staying on boat as there are plenty of things to see and do here. These cruises usually include English-speaking guides, hotel transfers, and entrance fees, meals, and on-board entertainment. Here is our recommendations about Itinerary for Halong Bay Cruises if you travel from Hanoi:

1. Itinerary for Halong Bay 1 Day Trip (long day but still worth it):

08.00 - 08.30am: Car/Bus pick up from your hotel in Hanoi, depart for 3.5 hours road journey to Halong Bay

11.30am - 12.00pm: Arrival to Halong City. Boarding and start cruising to enjoy Halong Bay

After Seafood Lunch served on Boat. You will visit Limestone Cave, Beautiful Islands. Have Swim on Titop Beach or Kayaking (depends on 4 hours or 6 hours boat cruises).

04.00pm - 05.00pm: Back to Harbor, take the car/bus back to Hanoi. Trip ends.

2. Itinerary for Halong Bay 2 Days, 1 Night staying on Cruise:

Day 1: Hanoi - Transfer to Halong Bay (L/D):

08.00 - 08.30am: Car/Bus pick up from your hotel in Hanoi, depart for 3.5 hours road journey to Halong Bay

11.30am - 12.00pm: Arrival to Halong City. Boarding and start cruising to enjoy Halong Bay

After Seafood Lunch served on Boat, we will cruise among beautiful Islands & Islets. Have Swim on Titop Beach and Kayaking.

Seafood dinner and stay overnight on boat cruise. You can join with boat crews for squid fishing at night.

Day 2: Halong Bay - Transfer to Hanoi (B):

07.00am: You will visit Limestone Cave of Surprising. Back to the boat for Breakfast.

Cruising among beautiful islands and islets back to harbor.

11.30am: Back to Halong city, take car/bus back to Hanoi. Trip ends.

3. Itinerary for 3 Days, 2 Nights (1 night on boat, 1 night in hotel on Cat Ba Island):

Day 1: Hanoi - Transfer to Halong Bay (L/D):

08.00 - 08.30am: Car/Bus pick up from your hotel in Hanoi, depart for 3.5 hours road journey to Halong Bay

11.30am - 12.00pm: Arrival to Halong City. Boarding and start cruising to enjoy Halong Bay

After Seafood Lunch served on Boat, we will cruise among beautiful Islands & Islets. Have Swim on Titop Beach and Kayaking.

Seafood dinner and stay overnight on boat cruise. You can join with boat crews for squid fishing at night.

Day 2: Halong Bay - Cat Ba Island (B/L/D):

07.00am: Breakfast on boat. Cruising among beautiful islands and islets to Cat Ba Island. Transfer to Hotel.

Today, we will have chance to do trekking, cycling and swimming in Cat Ba National Park - One of the 10 Best National Parks in Vietnam.

Stay overnight in Hotel on Cat Ba Island.

Day 3: Cat Ba Island - Halong City - Hanoi (B/L):

After having breakfast. We check out hotel and transfer to the boat cruising back to Halong city for lunch.

01.00pm: Take car/van back to Hanoi. Trip ends at around 04.00pm.

Some Pictures about Halong Bay Trips:

Sundesk on Boat Cruise in Halong Bay

Sleeping Room on Overnight Cruise

Amazing Kayaking to Tunnel Cave in Halong Bay

Halong Bay at Night Time

Trekking in Cat Ba National Park - Cat Ba Island

Cycling in Viet Hai Village - Cat Ba Island

Adventure Journey