A trip to Halong Bay in 1, 2 or 3 days - What to see and do?

Succumb to the temptation of a cruise to explore this unique marine landscaped site where more than 2,000 islands and islets dot the emerald sea. It’s a sublime, mythical destination imbued with legends that will leave you with lasting memories if you prepare your cruise well. So, what can you do with 1, 2 or 3 days to discover this majestic, natural beauty?

What to do in Halong in 1 day?

Unless you have an extremely tight travel schedule, we do not recommend that you explore Halong Bay for only one day. Note that the round-trip from Hanoi to Halong takes aroun 6 hours, resulting in only being able to sail for 3 to 4 hours. With this option, you will not have the opportunity to go to the heart of Halong Bay and by the end of it, you will have spent more time waiting and transferring  than enjoying the almost magical effects of the magnificent landscapes of Halong Bay. In addition, the companies that offer this day trip are not looking at the quality of the services, so we also advise you not to sleep in Halong city as it is not as attractive or captivating as the Bay.

2-day Halong Bay tour

With a 2 day 1 night tour, you are afforded enough time to enjoy a relaxing cruise to the heart of Halong’s limestone fairyland, while enjoying a night of peace like no other. Sailing on this sea bristling with thousands of oddly shaped islands and islets is a magical spectacle that will captivate your eyes from start to finish. The program of your cruise in Halong Bay will depend on the level of services you have previously chosen, but generally the 2 days/1 night cruises in Halong follow a similar pattern. After almost 3 hours of transfer, you arrive at the pier where you embark on your boat and are welcomed by the crew with a welcome drink. Then you proceed to check into your cabin and have a seafood lunch served as the cruise begins. While enjoying local specialities, you can marvel at the spectacular seascapes of Halong Bay.

After a period of rest where you can spend time lounging on a deckchair on the upper deck, the crew will offer you various activities, depending on the company, such as a kayak ride, discovering  a floating fishing village and a pearl farm, or the ascent of the Titov peak which offers a breath-taking panoramic view of Halong Bay. The sunset is another great spectacle offered to you while sipping on a cool refreshment. Some companies offer massage treatments and/or a cooking class to end this beautiful day in style. Dinner will once again be an opportunity to awaken your taste buds and discover other local specialities. After dinner, you may be offered the opportunity to try squid fishing or karaoke with the crew, or simply to relax at your own pace.

Another great moment of your cruise is waking up at dawn with a class of Tai chi as the sun slowly rises amongst the peaks jutting out of the water. After breakfast, you will be offered a chance to visit to one of the many caves that offer impressive geological formations. You will have time to enjoy the fantastic scenery of Halong Bay from the upper deck as the boat heads back to the harbour. After lunch, you will say goodbye to the crew and then board the vehicle that will take back you to Hanoi or whichever destination you’re heading to.

3-day Halong Bay tour

For travellers who want to enjoy more of the natural wonders of Halong Bay by extending their trip to Halong Bay for a day, there are several options available. They can make a stopover on Cat Ba Island to enjoy the beaches, its national park which is rich in great biodiversity or a pleasant bike ride. In addition, it is also possible to explore the fabulous neighbouring Lan Ha Bay.

It is also possible to continue your cruise in Halong to discover Bai Tu Long Bay, which is further from the coast than the bays of Halong and Lan Ha, therefore it is much less crowded. Although Bai Tu Long Bay has fewer karst formations than its neighbour Halong Bay, it is no less spectacular. We particularly appreciate  the very wild but hospitable Ban Sen Island, and of course the magnificent Quan Lan Island. It’s an off-the-beaten-path destination where you can enjoy long, pristine white sand beaches, picturesque local life looking out to the sea, the friendliness of the locals and the delicious fresh seafood feasts. You can choose to sleep on Quan Lan Island or spend your second night on the boat.

Best time to visit Halong

You have only 1, 2 or 3 days, so be careful when choosing how long to enjoy your stay in Halong Bay. As the seasons change, the conditions for tourism change so please be aware of the best times to visit. Choose April, May, June, September, October and November to ensure the most enjoyable and magical experience for you and your fellow travellers.

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