Halong Bay Travelers Recommend

Some 1,600 islands and islets dot the waters of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, offering near endless opportunities for exploration. If you have three days to tour the area, you’ll more than likely be doing so by boat. Here are some ideas to help you choose the ultimate 3-day itinerary in Halong Bay.

Day 1: Cat Ba Island

Get up early to make the journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay, passing through the scenic Red River Delta along the way. You should be onboard by lunch and ready to get your first glimpse of the magnificent limestone karst formations as you set sail into the bay. A highlight of the area and a good option for your first afternoon is a visit to Cat Ba National Park, where you can trek through the jungle and spot rare animals such as the Cat Ba langur, civet cats, and giant oriental squirrels. Alternatively, opt for a bike ride around the coastal fishing villages, then cool off with a swim at one of the island’s many beaches. Back on board your boat, learn how to re-create your favorite Vietnamese dishes with a cooking class, then tuck into your creations as the sun sets over the bay.

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay

One of the benefits of a 3-day cruise is the ability to sail deeper into the bay to see some of its more pristine, off-the-beaten-track landscapes. One of these is Lan Ha Bay. Wake up for a sunrise session of tai chi on the top deck of your boat to kick off your day. Points of interest in this portion of Halong Bay include a floating pearl farm, Cai Beo floating village, white-sand beaches, and a few caves inside the karsts. Since fewer tourist boats venture here, you’ll feel like you’ve found an isolated slice of paradise. Enjoy a set-menu dinner onboard as the sun dips below the horizon, and after dark, head out on deck for some squid fishing with the crew.

Day 3: Kayaking and Caves

Many of Halong Bay’s most impressive spots are unreachable by larger cruise ships and junk boats, but they’re perfect for a kayak. For a more intimate Halong Bay experience, make sure to choose an itinerary that includes some kayaking to discover hidden beaches and majestic caves (there are plenty to choose from). If your boat has dropped you back on the mainland today, consider spending the afternoon seeing the bay from a different perspective—a seaplane sightseeing flight, arguably the best way to get a sense for the immensity and majesty of the bay. Once you’re back on solid ground, it’s time to head back to Hanoi, where you can decompress over a dinner of Vietnamese or French cuisine.

Vietnam’s Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site with postcard-perfect scenes at every turn, is best seen from the water. Whether your schedule and budget allow for a day trip or overnight tour, here are some tips to select the best Halong Bay cruise for you.

For Those Short on Time

If you’re in Hanoi and don’t have enough time for an overnight cruise, a day tour is your best option. It’s a long day—the ride from Hanoi to Halong city is roughly four hours each way—but once you’re on the boat, gliding through the karst islands, you can relax and take in the scenery. Most tours take place on a traditional boat called a junk; some day trips include kayaking from the boat as an additional way to enjoy the bay. If you’re already in Halong, all the better: Look for a tour that departs there so you can skip the travel time from Hanoi.

For Those with a Night or Two to Spare

If time isn’t an issue, opt for a 2- or 3-day cruise for more opportunities to explore the limestone caves, visit island settlements, and see floating villages. Most cruises make stops to swim, kayak, or hike and might feature locations such as Bai Tu Long Bay, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, or a pearl farm.

For Activity Lovers

If you’re the type of traveler who needs more to do than simply enjoy the view—no matter how incredible the view is—look for a luxury cruise that comes with on-board activities such as spa treatments, Tai Chi lessons, or Vietnamese cooking classes. Some tours include these perks while others offer them for an extra fee.

A cruise on Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a highlight of northern Vietnam for many travelers. While it’s possible to see the bay on a day trip, two days (and an overnight on a boat) lets you experience the exquisite scenery at a more leisurely pace. Here’s what to expect from two days in Halong Bay.

Day 1: Caves and Climbs

**Morning:**Most visitors on a 2-day cruise through Halong Bay begin the day with a scenic drive through the Red River Delta between Hanoi and the town of Halong, where boats depart for the bay. Board your vessel in time for lunch and a safety briefing before you set sail.

**Afternoon:**Many of Halong Bay’s most famous sights can be seen on this first afternoon sailing into the sea of karsts (islandlike limestone formations). Depending on your itinerary, you might hop off to explore Tien Ong, Bo Nau, or Surprise Caves; visit the small Ba Hang fishing village; or climb to the top of Titov Island for a panoramic view of the bay. 

**Night:**Day trippers miss out on something special—a sunset on Halong Bay followed by dinner out on the water. Most boats offer a seated dinner with a fixed menu, followed by nighttime squid fishing on deck. Let the gentle rocking of the boat lull you to sleep in preparation for another day of exploring. 

Day 2: Active Adventure

**Morning:**Arise early to watch a sunrise over the karsts of the bay, and get your blood flowing with a session of morning tai chi or yoga on the sundeck of your ship. After a light breakfast, get off at Luon Cave for an excursion by woven boat, or grab a paddle to kayak through the interior of the cave.

**Afternoon:**Passengers on 2-day cruises often head back to the passenger port at Tuan Chau Village by early afternoon to begin the drive back to Hanoi. Those on 2-night itineraries will have more time to explore the bay, at sites such as the Tung Sau Pearl Farm or Cua Van floating village.

**Night:**Depending on the length of your cruise, you might have another night aboard your ship, watching movies, fishing for squid, lying on deck beneath the stars, or relaxing in your cabin before disembarking the next morning.