Ha Long Bay is a collection of towering islands on the eastern side of Vietnam, roughly three hours from Hanoi by road. If you’re lucky enough to be visiting Vietnam, it’s more than likely to be on your to-do list.
The first thing to know is that, although it’s often referred to simply as Ha Long Bay, there are actually three distinct areas: Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. Ha Long is the most popular of the three, being closest to Ha Long City, while Lan Ha Bay is closest to Haiphong – directly southwest of Ha Long and slightly closer to Hanoi.
There are two main areas that Ha Long Bay cruises depart from:
- Ha Long
- Cat Ba Island (a short ferry trip from Haiphong)
My husband had been to Ha Long once before and we had recommendations from friends and family too. After yet more research, we decided to go the Cat Ba route. We are in our early thirties and pretty active, but didn’t want to be shattered after the tour.
Our Itinerary
Day 1
06:00 Picked up from Hanoi Old Quarter. A chap on a scooter swung past to let us know the bus was almost there and then we hopped on. It was very well organised and seamless.
09:00 Arrived at Cat Ba port and boarded our boat.
10:30 Bicycled to Viet Hai Village, a 6 km ride each way with two small hills. You can also opt for an electric cart. We stopped at a small temple where our guide shared local stories.
12:30 Back on the boat for lunch, which was excellent. We enjoyed everything from grilled fish to marinated tofu.
14:30 Kayaking through caves into a hidden lagoon, exploring a small temple on a beach, and swimming. These can only be accessed at certain tides and was like a magical hidden world
17:00 Cruising to our overnight stop while watching the sunset.
19:00 Dinner was another feast of traditional dishes – squid, oysters, chicken, pork, and plenty of vegetables. Vegetarian options were also excellent.
20:00 Bio-luminescent plankton kayaking and swimming.
21:00 Squid fishing and relaxing with drinks under the stars.
Day 2
08:00 Breakfast of eggs, bread, sausages, and fruit – simple but tasty.
09:30 More kayaking and swimming. We explored small caves and beaches at our own pace.
12:30 Another delicious lunch on board.
15:30 Returned to Cat Ba Port and began the journey back to Hanoi.
19:00 Arrived back in Hanoi.
Note: Itineraries can shift depending on the tides, as many caves are only accessible at certain times.
FAQs About Ha Long Bay Cruises
Is it more complex to get to Cat Ba than Ha Long?
No. Most tour operators include the full Hanoi-to-Cat Ba transfer. It involves a bus, a 10-minute ferry, and a short transfer, all well-organised.
Two days vs three days – which is better?
Two days gives you just 24 hours on the boat, which can feel rushed. Three days can be too long if you prefer a faster pace. We found a perfect middle ground – an early start that gave us six extra hours on the boat compared to a standard two-day cruise.
What activities should I look out for?
The bioluminescent plankton kayaking is a must-do! It’s seasonal and condition-dependent but magical to witness. We went in October and it was still incredible.
Other activities worth doing:
- Cave kayaking
- Swimming
- Squid fishing
- Cycling to Viet Hai village
Do I need to book in advance?
Not necessarily. Weather is more important than booking far ahead. We booked just one day before and had perfect conditions!
What should I take?
Bring plenty of drinks, swimwear, sunblock, and a hat. You’ll get some bottled water on board, but additional drinks cost extra.
How big are the boats?
Boats vary in size – some have up to 60 rooms. Ours had just 5 rooms and 10 guests, which was perfect. Smaller boats offer a more intimate experience.
What do the different stars on the boats mean?
We took a 3-star cruise and loved it. Spacious room, large windows, private bathroom, and great food. 5-star cruises add luxuries like jacuzzis, but comfort is solid across the board.
Tour link via Cat Ba Smile Tours: https://catbasmiletours.com/fishing-village-lan-ha-bay-ha-long-bay-dau-be-island-2-days-1-night-boat-tour/
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