Choosing Day Trip or Overnight Cruise in Halong: Suggestions

If you're looking for a memorable getaway, Halong Bay is one of the most sought-after destinations in Vietnam. Its stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters offer a picturesque backdrop for a day trip or an overnight cruise, making it an ideal spot for nature lovers and adventure seekers alike. In this guide, we'll provide you with some suggestions to select a day trip or an overnight cruise in Halong. We'll cover everything from transportation to accommodations, activities to food, and more.

How to Get to Halong Bay

Halong Bay is located about 170 km east of Hanoi, and there are several ways to get there:

By Car

If you prefer to drive yourself, you can rent a car or motorbike in Hanoi, which will take you roughly 3-4 hours to reach Halong Bay. The roads are relatively good, and there are plenty of scenic views along the way.

By Bus

Another option is to take a bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, which typically takes around 4 hours. There are several bus companies that offer daily trips, and the cost ranges from $5 to $10 per person.

By Tour Operator

The easiest way to get to Halong Bay is by booking a tour with a reputable operator. They will pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and take care of all transportation needs, including a comfortable shuttle bus ride to Halong Bay.

Types of Cruises

When it comes to selecting a cruise in Halong Bay, there are two main types to choose from:

Day Trip

A day trip allows you to see the highlights of Halong Bay in a short amount of time. You'll typically depart from Halong Bay, visit some of the most popular spots such as Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and then return to Halong Bay by sunset.

Overnight Cruise

An overnight cruise is the best way to explore Halong Bay thoroughly. You'll have more time to visit remote islands, kayaking, swimming, and hiking, among other activities. There are several types of overnight cruises to choose from, including:

• Luxury Cruises
• Mid-Range Cruises
• Budget Cruises

How to Choose a Cruise

Choosing the right cruise can be a daunting task, but here are some things to consider while making your decision:

1. Itinerary

Look for a cruise that offers an itinerary that suits your interests. Some cruises focus on adventure activities like kayaking and hiking, while others offer a more relaxing experience with spa services and beach visits.

2. Price

Cruise prices vary depending on the type of accommodation, quality of service, and itinerary. Set a budget and look for options that fit within your financial parameters.

3. Reviews

Read reviews from previous customers to get an idea of the quality of service and overall experience. Check out TripAdvisor and other review sites to get a sense of what to expect.

4. Type of Cruise

As mentioned earlier, there are luxury, mid-range, and budget cruises available. Consider which type of cruise aligns with your budget and preferences.

5. Activities

Depending on your interests, you may want to look for cruises that offer specific activities such as cooking classes, squid fishing, or Tai Chi sessions.

Activities in Halong Bay

Halong Bay offers a plethora of activities to keep visitors entertained. Here are some of the popular ones:

Kayaking

Exploring Halong Bay by kayak is an excellent way to get up close and personal with the stunning karsts. Many cruises offer kayaking as part of their itinerary.

Hiking

There are several hiking trails in Halong Bay, including the one on Ti Top Island, which offers a panoramic view of the bay.

Swimming

Take a dip in the calm waters of Halong Bay, and enjoy a refreshing swim. Many cruises offer swimming as part of their itinerary.

Cooking Classes

Learn to cook traditional Vietnamese dishes such as spring rolls and pho by taking a cooking class offered on some cruises.

Choosing Day Trip or Overnight Cruise in Halong

The decision to visit Halong Bay in one day, or take an overnight cruise, comes down to two factors: budget and time. There are benefits to day trips, which involve approximately four hours of cruising and cruising the Bay on longer, overnight trips.

If you have limited time and a smaller budget and don’t mind long road trips, a day trip may be for you. Generally, you’ll be picked up at around 8:00 AM from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter or other designated meeting point, drive the 3.5 to 4 hours to Halong — with a 30-minute comfort stop — and arrive at Halong Bay at roughly noon. Lunch will be served on the boat while you cruise the islands and islets, and there may be one or two excursions — for example, kayaking or a cave visit — in the afternoon. You’ll depart Halong Bay for Hanoi around 5:00 PM and arrive back in Hanoi at around 9:00 PM.

An overnight cruise is a much more leisurely affair and allows you to see and experience more of Halong Bay, particularly if you choose the 2-Night, 3-Day option. You can enjoy a wide range of excursions, designed to give you a deeper insight into this UNESCO World Heritage site, and participate in a variety of onboard activities. Watch the sunrise over the limestone karsts while performing Thai Chi on the sun deck, take a Vietnamese cooking class, pamper yourself with a spa treatment or simply watch the sunset with a cocktail or two during happy hour. After dinner where you will dine on world-class cuisine, relax with a movie, or feel all the excitement of squid fishing with the locals. Staying two nights ensures that you make the most of your time in Halong Bay as your cruise ventures farther into more secluded areas of the Bay where there are fewer tourists.

If you know you don’t want to do a day trip — and most day-trippers to Halong Bay wished they had spent at least one night in Halong Bay — and you are having difficulty choosing which how many nights you’d like to stay, a 1-Night, the 2-Day cruise will be sufficient. A 2-Night, 3-Day cruise, which covers Halong and Bai Tu Bays is the perfect choice for a full experience of this ancient, mysterious landscape.

FAQs

Q: What is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

A: The best time to visit Halong Bay is from March to May or October to December when the weather is mild and dry.

Q: What should I pack for a trip to Halong Bay?

A: Light clothing, comfortable shoes, sunscreen, insect repellent, and a camera are essential items to pack.

Q: How many days should I spend in Halong Bay?

A: It's recommended to spend at least two days and one night in Halong Bay to get the most out of your trip.

Q: Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?

A: Yes, visitors to Vietnam need a visa unlessthey are from one of the visa-exempt countries. It's best to check with your local embassy or consulate for more information.

Q: Is Halong Bay crowded with tourists?

A: Halong Bay can get crowded during peak season, but there are ways to avoid the crowds by visiting less popular areas or going on a smaller, more intimate cruise.

Conclusion

Halong Bay is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful destinations in Vietnam, and a day trip or an overnight cruise is the perfect way to explore its natural wonders fully. When selecting a cruise, consider the itinerary, price, reviews, type of cruise, and activities offered. With so much to see and do in Halong Bay, you're sure to have a memorable experience that will stay with you long after your trip.