How long to spend in Halong Bay? How Many Days is Enough?
Overview
Halong Bay is a stunning destination that attracts thousands of tourists every year. Situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site is renowned for its stunning limestone cliffs, clear emerald waters and rich cultural heritage. If you are planning a trip to Halong Bay, one of the most common questions you may have is :” How long to spend in Halong Bay?”. This post will go over various Halong Bay tour alternatives, ranging from day tours to multi-day cruises, to assist you in selecting the ideal option for your journey.
How long should i stay in Halong bay?
Normally, visitors will need to spend 2 to 3 days on a Halong bay cruise or at a land-based hotel. Let’s examine the advantages and disadvantages of each duration of stay. You can decide whether a day excursion or an overnight cruise in Halong Bay (one night or 2 nights) is ideal for you
A Day Trip to Halong Bay
A day trip to Halong Bay is a great option if you’re short on time. You can admire the breathtaking splendor of the bay, explore limestone caves and even try kayaking or swimming in the crystal clear waters. Since most day tours leave early in the morning and return to Hanoi in the late afternoon, you will have roughly 6 to 8 hours on the bay. A day trip to Halong Bay can be a great way to take in the bay’s beauty, but it may be rushed as the length of your trip is limited. For those who want to truly soak in its beauty, an overnight cruise may be a better choice.
Advantages
- Suitable for tourists who have limited time but still want to visit Halong Bay
- Day trips are available at reasonable prices
- Offer panoramic views and brief but wonderful experiences of Halong Bay
Disadvantages
- You may feel rushed due to your traveling time, which may be around 5 hours
- You will miss the opportunity to enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay at night
- There is not enough time to explore everything in Halong Bay
Day Trip Itinerary for Halong Bay
Day tours depart from Hanoi and follow the itinerary below:
- 8:30 am – 08:50 am: Leave Hanoi
- 11:40 pm: Arrive in Halong Bay and board the cruise
- 12:00 pm -2:00 pm: Visit Halong Bay, some famous caves and Titop Island
- 5:40 pm: Return to Hanoi
- 8:00 pm: Arrive in Hanoi
Overnight cruise (2-day cruise)
This is the option that tourists most commonly choose when visiting Halong Bay. You will have more than enough time to spend the night on board and visit one or two sights.
On the second day, return to the harbour at around ten a.m. When taking a month-long holiday in Asia, many people choose to go on an overnight cruise. By not spending too much time in one place, they can free up time for other travels.
Advantages
- This tour is suitable for travelers who want more time to explore Halong Bay.
- You will have the opportunity to take less touristy routes such as Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay.
- It is considered the best way to see and experience Halong Bay.
- This cruise offers more activities to ensure that your time spent in Halong Bay is worth your money.
Disadvantages
- Costs for 2-day trips are higher than those of the day tours and may vary depending on the time of year.
- The number of sights in Ha Long Bay is still somewhat restricted when compared to a 3-day, 2-night itinerary.