Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic natural attractions. Located in northeastern Vietnam, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its emerald-green waters dotted with 1,600 limestone islands. It should definitely be on your to-do list when visiting the country. Here’s what you need to know before booking this adventure:
- How to book a day trip
- What your day will look like
- Day trip vs. overnight stay: which is best?
- What to bring
How to book a day trip
There are two ways to book this activity:
- Through your accommodation (hostel/hotel):
We booked through our hotel, JW Marriott Hotel, for 3 people. Our hotel had different choices, and we chose a catamaran with fewer people over a typical boat tour (more tourists). Meals (except breakfast) and transportation from the hotel were included.
REMEMBER: Ask about the activities while booking. Each company offers different activities, pickup times, inclusions, etc.
- Online with a tour company:
There are so many options online when it comes to choosing the right company tour for you. Here are some options with excellent reviews on the Viator website:
Ha Long Bay Day Cruise From Ha Noi
“If you don’t have time for an overnight cruise on Halong Bay, there’s no need to miss out on experiencing this beautiful place. ” Click here to learn more!
Deluxe Full Day Ha Long bay with kayaking
“If you don’t have time for one of the popular and prominent overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay, don’t fret – you can still enjoy the sights and sounds of this stunning coastal area on this full day tour from Hanoi.” Click here to learn more!
Ninh Binh Tour and Ha Long Bay Cruise 3-Day Trip
“A trip three days would not be completed without a tour to breathtaking Ha Long Bay or the bay of descending dragons that is considered the eighth natural wonder of the world, in a country- incomparable coastal area of 1600 square kilometers with 2000 limestone islands in various shapes.” Click here to learn more!
What your day will look like
Here’s a breakdown of your day:
Departure from Hanoi: Pickup from your hotel or a designated meeting point around 7:30 to 8:00 AM.
Travel to Ha Long Bay: The drive takes about 2.5 to 4 hours in an air-conditioned shuttle bus or minivan.
Boarding the boat: Board the cruise boat around 10:30 AM to 12:00 PM.
Cruising Ha Long Bay: Start your cruise through the stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters.
Lunch on board: Enjoy a Vietnamese lunch while cruising (menu depends on your tour company).
Activities:
- Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride: Paddle through serene lagoons and caves. You might see some monkeys like I did!
- Sung Sot Cave: Discover one of the largest caves in the bay.
- Ti Top Island: Hike to the top for panoramic views or relax on the beach.
Return:
- Return to the harbor around 4:00 to 4:30 PM.
- Arrive back in Hanoi between 8:00 to 9:00 PM.
Day trip vs. overnight stay: which is best?
You can explore Ha Long Bay on a day trip or stay overnight on a boat cruise. Both options have their benefits:
Day trip: We chose a day trip, which was fantastic. It’s cheaper (prices vary between 50-150$ CAD per person) and this option allows more time to explore Hanoi. Since we only had 3 weeks in Vietnam, we thought that was the best choice for us. However, activities are shorter on the bay, and you’ll spend more time traveling.
Overnight stay: Great if you have a bigger budget (prices vary between 150-300$ CAD per person). You’ll see the sunset and sunrise on the bay and have more time for activities since you’re not on a tight schedule.
Both options are excellent. Even a day trip offers an amazing experience. In the end, it depends on your budget and time in Vietnam.
What to bring
Some essentials to bring to fully enjoy your day:
- Swimsuit: You will likely swim either from a beach or your boat.
- Sunscreen, hat, and sunglasses: For sun protection.
- Motion sickness medication: If you are prone to seasickness.
Microfiber towel: To dry off after swimming. Click here to see mine!
Fanny pack: To keep your phone and important items close. Click here to see mine!
Day backpack: For larger essentials like a towel, sunscreen, and swimsuit. Click here to see mine!
