What is the best way to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Can you do Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi?

Ha Long Bay day trip? Totally doable. Like squeezing a whole watermelon into a lunchbox, but doable. You’ll see the best bits. Think greatest hits album, not the director’s cut.

• Early start. Like, rooster-early. My grandma gets up later, and she’s practically nocturnal. Worth it though.
• Bus ride. Few hours. Bring snacks. Good time to catch up on celebrity gossip or contemplate the meaning of life. I prefer gossip.
• Boat tour. Cruising amongst the karsts. Majestic. Like giant, green broccoli florets rising from the sea. My dog would love it here. She eats anything green.
• Kayaking (maybe). Paddle around. Get a closer look. Pretend you’re a pirate. I always do.
• Cave exploration. Sung Sot Cave is popular. Big. Lots of stalactites and stalagmites. Nature’s rock candy.
• Back to Hanoi. Another bus ride. More gossip. More existential pondering.

Downside: Less time to soak it all in. Like speed dating with a beautiful landscape.

Upside: You don’t have to sleep on a boat. Unless you really like tiny bathrooms and questionable plumbing. My cousin does. He’s weird.

2024 Update: Heard they got new boats. Fancy ones. With, like, actual toilets that flush. Might be worth checking out now.

Pro-tip: Book online. Save some dong. Dong is Vietnamese currency, by the way. Not what you think.

How long to spend in Hanoi and Halong Bay?

Three days in Hanoi is sufficient. Trust me, I’ve been there. You’ll see the Old Quarter, the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, maybe even the Temple of Literature. More than that feels excessive. Life’s too short to over-schedule.

Two days for Ha Long Bay is ideal. It’s stunning, breathtaking even, but the boat tours all feel a bit similar after a while. Prioritize a cruise with kayaking or swimming opportunities; those activities truly elevate the experience. I personally prefer quieter bays.

Hanoi highlights (3 days):

• Old Quarter exploration: Get lost, find delicious street food.
• Ho Chi Minh Complex: A must-see, but maybe skip the mausoleum if you’re short on time. It’s pretty intense.
• Temple of Literature: Peaceful escape, beautiful architecture.

Ha Long Bay highlights (2 days):

• Overnight cruise essential: The daytime views are fantastic, but the night scenery is magical. You’ll need at least one night to really appreciate it.
• Kayaking/Swimming: Actively explore the hidden coves. So worth it.
• Sung Sot Cave: A showstopper.

Consider your travel style. Five to six days isn’t inherently wrong, but it’s probably too much unless you’re deeply into history or seeking a very relaxed pace. My friend spent a week and was bored by day five. It’s about priorities and personal preference, after all.

How long should I spend at Halong Bay?

Ugh, Halong Bay. Totally overhyped. Went June 2023. Scorching. Sweaty mess. Two days, one night on a junk boat. Phoenix Cruise. Food, meh. Kayaking, cool but arms ached like crazy. Saw some monkeys. Bit smelly though, the whole bay. Sunrise kinda nice, but so many boats. Like a parking lot. One day enough, honestly. Unless you really like rocks and boats. Would have rather gone to Ninh Binh.

• Two days felt too long for me.
• One day trip is enough if you’re short on time or money.
• Kayaking is worthwhile but tiring.
• Went with Phoenix Cruise, wouldn’t recommend.
• Bay can be crowded and smelly.
• Ninh Binh might be a better option, in my opinion.
• June is HOT.

Oh, also, pack light. Seriously. Dragging a suitcase up and down those boats is a nightmare. Mosquitoes. Bring repellent.