Top 9 Travel Tips for a 2-Day, 1-Night Trip to Ha Long Bay

Ha Long offers a wide range of hotels within its tourist area. A helpful tip when booking a hotel in Ha Long is to consider visiting during the early or mid-week to avoid high prices, as weekends tend to be busier, driving up the rates. For convenience in both transportation and dining, it’s recommended to stay in the Bai Chay area.

Accommodation options in Ha Long are diverse, ranging from budget hotels, resorts, homestays, guesthouses to cruises, with prices varying from a few hundred thousand to several million VND. Most guesthouses and hotels are located in the Vườn Đào area, where room rates start from 250,000 VND, and there are numerous restaurants and eateries around offering reasonably priced meals.

Here are a few affordable hotel options: Ha Long Plaza (8 Ha Long Street), Ha Long Dream (10 Ha Long Street), Mithrin (Hung Thang Street), Ha Long Pearl (Bai Chay), Ha Long Bay (Ha Long Street), Bach Dang (2 Ha Long Street), Cong Doan Bai Chay (Ha Long Street), Moon Light (Hung Thang Street), and more.

Today, overnight cruises in Ha Long Bay have become a popular choice for many Vietnamese tourists. Spending a night on a cruise is an exciting experience, with activities like watching the stunning Ha Long Bay sunrise or sunset from the deck, kayaking, swimming in the bay, singing karaoke, or night fishing for squid.

These overnight tours can last either 2 days and 1 night or 3 days and 2 nights, depending on the cruise itinerary. Three-star cruises such as V’spirit, Majestic, Calypso, Halong Sails, Oriental Sails, Glory, and others offer 2-day packages starting from around 2,000,000 VND, which includes transportation from Hanoi to Ha Long, 3 meals, and sightseeing tickets.

If you're looking for an affordable and beautiful cruise with good service in Ha Long Bay, here are some options to consider:

• Party Ha Long Cruise: starting at 120 USD, offering 11 rooms with breakfast, karaoke, and decent interiors. This cruise is particularly popular among international tourists.
• Royal Tourist Ship: starting at 160 USD, includes karaoke, massage, breakfast, and 12 well-appointed rooms with excellent interiors.
• Paloma Cruise Ha Long: a luxurious 4-star cruise with full amenities including spa, massage, sauna, children’s play area, and spacious, well-furnished rooms. The food is delicious, service is friendly, and the price is around 150 USD.

In addition, there are several 4 to 5-star cruises available on Ha Long Bay, including Au Co, Bhaya, Emeraude, Paradise, and Starlight. You can contact travel agencies for the best deals, especially during the summer when many cruises offer discounts for Vietnamese tourists.

If you visit Ha Long, you must not miss the local seafood specialties. For fresh seafood, you can head to Cai Dam Market, the Vườn Đào area, Đoan Wharf, or enjoy food on one of the tours on the bay.

Here are some recommended spots for affordable and delicious seafood in Ha Long:

• Seafood on board during a bay tour: dishes like clams, stir-fried squid, and grilled tu hai are available, priced from 120,000 - 200,000 VND per person.
• Delicious seafood at Vườn Đào: known as a paradise for fresh seafood, you'll find a wide selection of eateries. Be sure to ask for the prices before ordering.
• Affordable seafood at Cai Dam Market is another great place for seafood lovers to explore.
• For a more rustic experience, try seafood at Đoan Wharf or on a floating restaurant.

Some restaurants, ranging from high-end to more affordable options, include: Mithrin Restaurant (Hùng Thắng, Bãi Cháy), Panorama Restaurant (168 Hạ Long, Bãi Cháy), Sơn Ca Restaurant (98 Bến Tàu), Biển Xanh Restaurant (08 Lê Thánh Tông), Hải Ninh Restaurant (Vườn Đào), Thiên Lý Restaurant (Lý Thường Kiệt, Cửa Ông), etc.

If you want to try Ha Long’s unique seafood, visit Sea Food Restaurant (Hạ Long Street), Thu Hường Restaurant (Hạ Long Street), Nỗi Nhớ Restaurant (Trần Hưng Đạo), etc.

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is renowned for its stunning natural beauty that captivates visitors from both near and far. The bay is home to thousands of limestone islands, varying in size and shape, scattered across the water, creating a majestic and unique landscape. With just 2 days and 1 night, it's best to visit the most iconic spots close to where you're staying—places that represent the true essence of Ha Long's beauty.

Here are a few popular destinations to consider:

• Vườn Đào: This area is home to many budget hotels and guesthouses, with affordable prices ranging from 150,000 - 250,000 VND per room. You'll also find a wide variety of restaurants nearby. Along the coastal road, there are several 3-star hotels starting at $40, and across from the beach is the Hoàng Gia Park. The cafés along the road offer breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay, making for a romantic and relaxing atmosphere. You can stroll along the beach or sit for hours at a café on the hill, taking in the view. You may also visit Hòn Gai, explore the seafood market, or hike up Mount Bài Thơ.
• Sun World Ha Long Park: This large entertainment complex is one of Ha Long's newest attractions. The park is made up of five main areas: Dragon Park, Tornado Park, Ba Deu Fun Zone, Sun World Beach, and the Food & Shopping District. Not to be missed is the Queen Cable Car and the Sun Wheel in Ba Deu Fun Zone. The ticket price for adults is 300,000 VND, for children 1m - 1.3m it’s 200,000 VND, and children under 1 meter can enter for free (the price includes access to the cable car, Sun Wheel, and the Ba Deu Fun Zone).
• Yên Tử Historical Site: Ha Long isn’t just about the sea. For those interested in temples and spiritual sites, the Yên Tử historical complex is a must-visit. The area is home to a network of temples, pagodas, towers, and ancient trees, set against a beautiful natural backdrop, stretching from Dốc Đỏ to the top of Yên Tử Mountain.
• Bãi Cháy Resort: A prime location for relaxing by Ha Long Bay, Bãi Cháy is ideal for beach lovers. You can also visit Cô Tô Island, with its stunning coral reefs and untouched beauty, offering a peaceful escape from the bustling Ha Long Bay.

With just 2 days and 1 night, Ha Long will leave you wanting more, as there are countless other attractions and hidden gems waiting to be explored.

Ha Long is not just known for its breathtaking landscapes and crystal-clear waters, but also for a variety of thrilling activities that await visitors. According to seasoned travelers, there are several experiences you simply can’t miss, each offering something unique and exciting.

Some must-try activities include:

• Kayaking: Exploring Ha Long Bay by kayak is a must-do experience. Paddling through the calm blue waters while surrounded by towering limestone cliffs is both simple and incredibly rewarding.
• Overnight on a Cruise: Staying overnight on a cruise ship is like having a floating hotel. These boats offer private rooms with clean bedding, air conditioning, and en-suite bathrooms. You can relax in your room and open the window to admire the majestic mountains, swimming fish, and even jellyfish drifting by. At night, you can head to the deck for stargazing and enjoy the peaceful sea views.
• Exploring Caves: Ha Long Bay is often described as a living watercolor painting of nature, and among its natural beauty are some truly stunning caves. Notable caves include the Heavenly Palace Cave, Surprise Cave, Luon Cave, Wooden Head Cave, and Hanh Cave, each offering a unique and awe-inspiring experience.
• Riding the Cable Car: The giant cable car towers of Bãi Cháy, standing at 188.8 meters, set a world record. The cable car, which operates in just two large cabins, resembles a double-decker bus with a capacity of 230 people per cabin. With expansive windows, visitors can enjoy panoramic views of Ha Long Bay from above.

Sailing on the tranquil, picturesque waters of Ha Long Bay and witnessing its beauty up close will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression on any traveler.

Although you’ll only spend 2 days and 1 night in Ha Long, don’t forget to pick up some souvenirs to share with friends and family or keep as memories of your trip. But what should you buy and where can you find it?

Here are a few recommended items:

• Dry Squid: Large dry squid (6-7 pieces per kg, 30-35 cm in length) costs around 700,000 VND per kg. Medium-sized squid (8-9 pieces per kg, 20-25 cm in length) is around 600,000 VND per kg. Smaller squid (14-15 pieces per kg) goes for about 500,000 VND per kg.
• Squid Paste: You can purchase this delicacy from shops like Lá Hiên (Cái Dăm Market), Kim Thoa, or Hoài Phương (Ha Long 1 Market). The usual price is between 330,000 - 400,000 VND per kg, with 30-32 pieces per kilogram.
• Souvenirs made from seashells or coal: These are popular keepsakes and can be found at souvenir shops in Hòn Gai or the Ha Long night market, just 200 meters from Thai Hung Hotel. Items made from wood, mother-of-pearl, or seashells are particularly meaningful.

Be sure to haggle! For clothes and toys, start by offering half the price. For handicrafts, try to settle at about two-thirds of the asking price. It's best to visit multiple shops before making your purchase, as most souvenir stores carry similar items.

Although Ha Long Bay is a beautiful destination, the timing of your visit can greatly impact your experience. The area enjoys a climate with four distinct seasons, meaning each time of year offers its own ideal travel opportunities.

For most Vietnamese tourists, the best time to visit Ha Long Bay is during the summer, particularly from March to May and from August to October. It's advisable to avoid visiting in June and July due to peak season crowds, higher prices, and the potential for storms. Winter can be quite chilly, and spring is a busy tourist period, which might make the experience feel crowded and less enjoyable.

Each season brings its own unique charm—summer is perfect for swimming and sunbathing, while the cooler spring and fall months offer a more tranquil atmosphere for sightseeing and outdoor activities, along with the chance to explore leisure parks and attractions.

What should you pack for a quick 2-day, 1-night trip to Ha Long? It's important to avoid overpacking and instead focus on essentials. If you're concerned about keeping up with personal hygiene, don’t forget toiletries like your toothbrush, toothpaste, shampoo, and conditioner.

If you plan to enjoy the outdoors, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a wide-brimmed hat will be useful. And of course, packing clothes, a towel, facecloth, and tissues are essential.

If you're planning to swim, a swimsuit is a must. If you forget, you can rent one at the beach for around 25,000 to 50,000 VND depending on the type. Additionally, it’s a good idea to bring along some basic medications like pain relievers, seasickness tablets, and stomach remedies, just in case.

And last but not least, make sure to bring a camera or a smartphone to capture the unforgettable moments and stunning landscapes during your Ha Long Bay adventure.

There are several travel options depending on your preferences and circumstances. If you are traveling from Ho Chi Minh City, you can take a train to Hanoi and then a bus to Ha Long City, or you can take a direct bus from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong, and then continue on to Ha Long. To save time, flying from Ho Chi Minh City to Hai Phong or Hanoi, then taking a bus to Ha Long is also a great option.

If you are coming from Hanoi to Ha Long, here are a few ways to get there:

• By Car: Buses to Ha Long depart from My Dinh and Luong Yen bus stations, with the first departure at 6 AM and the last at 5 PM. Buses leave every 5-15 minutes, arriving at Bai Chay bus station in Ha Long.
• By Motorcycle: For those seeking adventure, you can ride from Hanoi to Ha Long using two possible routes: First, take Route 5 to Sai Dong Junction, head towards Bac Ninh, and from there take Route 18 passing through Phat Lai, Chi Linh, Dong Trieu, Uong Bi, and finally Ha Long. This route is about 155 km. Alternatively, take the Noi Bai Airport route, then follow Route 18A through Phat Lai, Sao Do, Dong Trieu, Uong Bi, and Ha Long, approximately 160 km.

Ticket prices from Hanoi to Ha Long are around 60,000 VND (by bus). Motorcycle taxis from the bus station to Bai Chay Tourist Area cost about 15,000 VND per person. For a trip to Hon Gai, the fare is around 40,000 VND per person. If you're traveling in a group of 3 or more, it's best to take a taxi. Public buses from the bus station to Bai Chay or Hon Gai are very affordable, costing no more than 5,000 VND per person.