3 days
Photo: Vyacheslav Argenberg, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia CommonsHa Long Bay
Hanoi and the north · UNESCO World Heritage
Ha Long Bay is Vietnam's most famous natural wonder: a seascape of around 1,600 limestone islands and islets in the Gulf of Tonkin, many hollowed out by caves. It is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, extended in 2023 to include the neighbouring Cat Ba archipelago.
Nearly every visitor sees it from a boat. A night on board, with kayaking, a cave visit and sunrise among the islands, is the highlight of many Vietnam trips.
What to see and do
- Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave. One of the largest caves in the bay, with huge chambers lit along a walkway.
- Ti Top Island. Climb to a viewpoint over the bay and the boats below.
- Kayaking. Paddle into hidden lagoons and under rock arches, especially good in Lan Ha Bay.
- Sunrise on deck. Many cruises offer tai chi at dawn as the islands appear from the mist.
Which part of the bay?
Ha Long Bay itself has the famous sights and the most boats. Lan Ha Bay, beside Cat Ba Island, is quieter and better for kayaking, while Bai Tu Long Bay to the north east is the most peaceful. Our Ha Long Bay cruise guide compares them in detail, with live cruise prices.
Where it is
Multi-day tours that visit Ha Long Bay
Every tour here includes Ha Long Bay in its itinerary. Best rated first.
3 days
2 days
2 days
2 daysHa Long Bay
2-Day Ha Long-Lan Ha Bay-Bai Tu Long Bay 5 Star Cruises & Balcony
4.8(982)Free cancellation
from$160
2 daysHa Long Bay
2D1N Elite Lan Ha Bay & Ha Long Bay Cruise with Infinity Pool
5.0(143)Free cancellation
from$190
3 daysHa Long Bay
La Regina 3 days tour - Visiting Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay
4.9(98)Free cancellation
from$355
6 days
2 days
3 days
3 days
2 days
2 daysCombine it with
Helpful planning guides
- Best time to visit Vietnam: north, central and south explained →Vietnam has three climates. March and April are good everywhere; the north is best in spring and autumn, the centre from February to August and the south from December to April.
- Ha Long Bay cruise guide: which bay, how long and what it costs →One night is the sweet spot. Choose Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay for fewer boats, or Ha Long Bay for the famous caves. Live prices for 1 and 2 night cruises.
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Ha Long Bay: questions
Is one night enough on Ha Long Bay?
Yes. One night gives you about 24 hours on the water, which is enough for most travellers. Two nights reaches quieter areas at a slower pace.
Is a day trip to Ha Long Bay worth it?
It involves about five hours on the road for a few hours on the water. An overnight cruise is far better value for your time.