Should I spend more time in Hanoi or Halong Bay?

Is it better to stay in Halong Bay or Hanoi?

Hanoi or Halong Bay? Ugh.

Hanoi gets more time. I know that much. Three to five days sounds right. I spent four. It felt…enough.

Halong Bay? Two, maybe three days. Any longer and the boat rocks become, well, they become you. I went for two. Just two. I regret it.

Families though? That’s Halong’s game. They need more time there. Why? I don’t know. Maybe quiet?

• Hanoi:

  • More bustling.
  • Streets always noisy.
  • Coffee tastes better there.
  • Old Quarter is a maze I never solved.
  • I got my favorite shirt there.

• Halong Bay:

  • Just water and rocks.
  • So quiet, it’s deafening, ya know.
  • Seafood overload.
  • Kayaking was a real pain in the arms.
  • The sky at night…unreal.

• Families?: More Halong. Because of the calm, that’s what I’m thinkin. Calm. Something Hanoi sure ain’t. Kids like calm, right? Lol.

How long should I stay in Halong Bay?

Two days minimum, darling. Unless you’re a speed demon, then maybe one, but you’ll miss out on the real magic. Think of it this way: one day is like tasting a single exquisite oyster; two days is a luxurious oyster feast. My trip last year? Three days, and still felt rushed!

Prioritize:

• Kayaking through hidden grottos: mandatory. Seriously, don’t miss it.
• Sunset cruise: essential for Insta-worthy pics, even if you’re not into social media.
• Fishing village exploration: authentic local vibes. Unlike anything in your local supermarket.

Consider:

• A cooking class: learn the secrets of Vietnamese cuisine. It’s way better than that takeout you usually get.
• Tai Chi on the deck at dawn: for the ultimate zen experience. Unless you’re one of those people who prefers to sleep in. Then, skip it.
• Extra time to explore the islands: because honestly, the more Halong Bay, the merrier. I went in 2023, and the place was buzzing.

A single day trip? Brutal. It’s like trying to fit a whole symphony into a 30-second TikTok video. You get a snippet, but not the soul. Two days minimum, please. Three is even better. Trust me on this one. My friend, Susan, went for just one day, and regretted it intensely. She was almost in tears. Almost.

Is it better to stay in Halong Bay or Hanoi?

Halong Bay… quiet. Peaceful. Two days there… felt like a lifetime. Just floating. Lost in thought. Remember the jade water. The junks. Silent.

Hanoi… different. Bustling. So much noise. Three days… not enough. Still feel… incomplete. Like a half-read book. Left wanting more. Should have stayed longer.

• Hanoi: Museums. Markets. The Old Quarter. So vibrant. Food stalls. Street vendors. The smell of pho… still lingers.

• Halong Bay: Kayaking. Swimming. Just being. So still. Remember the sunsets. Burning orange. Reflected in the water. Beautiful.

Three kids. Took them to Halong Bay. Loved it. Kayaking. Exploring caves. Wish I’d stayed longer. Needed more time. Hanoi… rushed. Kids were bored. Too much city. Not enough… space.

• Hanoi: Good for… adults. Exploring. Culture. History.

• Halong Bay: Perfect for families. Kids loved it. Freedom. Space to run. To breathe.

Regret… leaving Halong Bay too soon. Should’ve listened to my gut. Stayed longer. Hanoi… felt wrong. Rushed. Too fast. Not… peaceful. Like Halong Bay.

• Consider: Your travel style. Your priorities. Who you’re with. Kids? Halong Bay. Alone? Maybe Hanoi.

• 2024 Update: Look into new tours. New activities. Things change. Research. Important. Especially with… kids. Safety first. Always.

How long should I stay in Halong Bay?

Okay, Ha Long Bay… I went there last October, 2023, with my family.

Two days minimum. Seriously. One day is a total rush.

We booked a two-night cruise, which was perfect, I think.

• First day: Kayaking! OMG, the lagoons are just… unreal.
• Evening: Squid fishing! Zero luck, but hilarious.

The second day was all about exploring the caves. Thien Cung cave was stunning, filled with stalactites.

It rained a bit, tho, bummer.

Yeah, the second night was awesome, a bit of karaoke and star gazing from the deck.

Seriously, just book the two-night cruise. You won’t regret it!

One day? Forget it.

Too short.

You’ll spend most of your time traveling! Don’t bother.