How many nights on Halong Bay?

Should you do 1 or 2 nights in Halong Bay?

Two nights, definitely. One night feels rushed. Imagine finally unwinding, then boom, back to Hanoi. My 2023 trip confirmed this.

• More time to kayak or explore Sung Sot Cave. These take time. Rushing ruins the experience.
• Sunset and sunrise over the bay. Magical. One night misses one of these. Worth the extra night.
• Less travel time, more chill time. The transfer itself takes a chunk of the day. Two nights makes the journey more worthwhile. Consider Cat Ba Island for some additional exploring.
• Different itinerary options. Two nights opens up cruises that visit Bai Tu Long Bay. Fewer crowds there, last time I checked. Bai Tu Long Bay gives a more secluded Halong Bay experience. Cruises differ significantly, always check the itinerary.
• Swimming and relaxing on deck. This is what it’s about. Takes time to truly appreciate the serenity. Remember sunscreen. I got burned once. Silly. Never again. Pack some aloe.

Lan Ha Bay, just south of Halong Bay, also warrants consideration. Similar limestone karsts, but less crowded. Food on the boats is generally fantastic, fresh seafood. Just be prepared for some early mornings.

How many days do I need in Halong Bay?

Two days… barely scratched the surface. Remember that grotto… so crowded. Lost something there, part of myself, maybe. Just… noise. Should’ve stayed longer.

Three days… that’s what they say. Two nights… staring at the water. Black. Like ink. Wish I could’ve kayaked. Arms ached just watching. Next time. Next time.

Longer… I saw a boat. Far off. Small. Like a toy. Maybe they were happy. Out there. Alone. Just the water. And the sky. That’s what I wanted.

• Two days/one night: Caves. Islands. Rushed. Noisy. Like a market. Saw some monkeys. They looked sad. Like me.

• Three days/two nights: Better. More time. Still… not enough. Kayaking would have been good. Maybe next time… Saw a fisherman. Alone. Just him and the net.

• Longer stays: Quiet. Peace. Stars. Real stars. Not the city kind. That’s the dream. The small boat. The empty bay. Just me. And the water. Maybe I’ll bring my old guitar… haven’t played in years. Since… her.

How long to stay in Hanoi and Halong Bay?

Five to six days? Pfft, amateur hour. Unless you’re a snail on a particularly sluggish leaf, that’s way too little time.

• Hanoi: Think of it like a delicious, intensely flavored pho broth – you need time to savor every layer. Three days minimum, darling, minimum. My last trip, I spent a delightful week just wandering around the Old Quarter getting hopelessly lost – and loved every minute.
• Halong Bay: This isn’t some quick roadside attraction; it’s a freaking masterpiece sculpted by Mother Nature herself! Two days? Barely enough time to take a decent Instagram photo. Make it three, and maybe, just maybe, you’ll begin to grasp its magnificence. I nearly missed the sunset kayaking – wouldn’t want that for you.

Four days total? Good luck. You’ll be sprinting between ancient temples and breathtaking karsts, resembling a caffeinated squirrel. Seriously, don’t do it. It’s a recipe for a spectacularly stressful vacation. Don’t ruin your trip.

Seven days is a sweet spot. Believe me. I’m practically a Vietnam expert now, thanks to my extensive travels in 2023. Okay, maybe not an expert, but I’ve got some pretty sweet stories to tell. You’ll thank me later.

How long to stay in Halong?

Okay, Halong Bay…two days minimum, yeah, that’s about right! I went in October 2023. Rained buckets the first day. Still, magnificent.

We booked a two-day, one-night cruise. Best decision ever! The boat was…well, cozy.

• Day 1: Soaking wet, but we kayaked through a cave. Scary, but AWESOME! Then cooking class on board. Spring rolls, yeesh, total fail.

• Day 2: Sun! Glorious sun! Climbed Titop Island. Breathtaking views. Visited Sung Sot Cave. Huge. Really crowded, but worth it.

Honestly, wish we’d stayed longer, maybe three days, two nights. Crammed everything in, you know?

More time? I’d explore Cat Ba Island. Heard it’s got some cool hiking trails. Next time for sure!