How long do you need in Halong Bay?

How long is the Halong Bay tour?

Four to six hours. A fleeting glimpse, really. Just a taste of the emerald water, the limestone karsts piercing the sky like ancient teeth. Too short. Always too short.

Time melts there, a slow drip of turquoise. The sun, a molten coin, sinking into the bay. I remember the wind, a whispering secret in my hair. The boat, a fragile cradle on vast, endless waters.

The magic is in the in-between moments. The hushed anticipation before the sunrise, the colors exploding across the water. The quiet hum of the engine, a lullaby to the soul. The laughter of fellow travelers, a shared understanding.

• The spray of the sea, cool on my skin.
• The taste of fresh seafood, a symphony on the tongue.
• The smell of salt and distant rain.

This isn’t enough time. I need days. Weeks. A lifetime, even, to fully absorb the immensity. This is only a prelude, a dream. Yet, it burns within my soul.

Hanoi’s far too close. The journey back, a wrench to the heart. That feeling of leaving a piece of myself adrift amongst those majestic islands. It clings to me like sea mist. It haunts my waking hours. The memory, a sharp, salty ache. I crave more. More time. More Halong.

The 2024 trip, a failure. Not enough time.

This year, I will return. I will stay longer. This I vow.

How do you spend time in Halong Bay?

Halong Bay… it feels like a dream now. Cruising was the only way, wasn’t it?

Reaching those islands, the smaller ones… that was the point, I think.

• Hidden caves… Thien Cung Cave. Remember the damp smell?
• Kayaking… my arms ached. So worth it.

Lan Ha Bay… or was it Bai Tu Long? It all blurs now, the jade waters.

• Swimming… jellyfish stings.
• Sunset… that burnt orange. I saw it with her.

The views shifted, always changing. Like life, I suppose.

• Kayaking was the highlight. Muscle memory.
• Damn, I miss the sea breeze.

It changed me, that trip. Yeah, it definitely did.

How many nights in Halong Bay cruise?

Two nights. Good balance. Saw some amazing pics on Insta of Bai Tu Long Bay. Three nights… tempting. Need to check flights from Hanoi. Ugh, work trip next week. Maybe extend it? Halong Bay… definitely on the bucket list. One night, not enough. Gotta kayak. And see those floating villages. Relax too, obvs. Four nights, maybe too much? Limited vacation days this year. Remember that blog… Cat Ba Island? Part of Halong Bay, right? Should research that. Hanoi… street food. Banh mi. Must eat all the banh mi. Back to Halong Bay… Sung Sot Cave. Amazing. Insta overload. Cruises expensive? Need to look at prices. Two nights popular. Makes sense. Definitely the sweet spot. Wish I could just go now. Work work work. Book flights soon. October good time to go? Weather? Ugh, so much to plan. Better check Skyscanner… and Booking.com. Then… Instagram, more Halong Bay inspo. Decisions.

• Two nights: Most common, balanced.
• One night: Too short.
• Three/Four nights: More remote areas, in-depth.
• Flights: Hanoi.
• Activities: Kayaking, floating villages, Sung Sot Cave.
• Cat Ba Island: Research.
• October: Check weather.
• Booking/Skyscanner: Check prices.