Ha Long Bay from Hanoi: what to see, which cruise to pick and how to get there
Ha Long Bay, in Quang Ninh province about 150 to 170 km east of Hanoi, is a seascape of limestone pinnacles rising from green water, a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. In 2023 the listing was extended to the neighbouring Cat Ba archipelago, which includes Lan Ha Bay. From Hanoi there are two ways to see it: a day trip by bus then boat (12 to 13 hours in total, mostly on the road) or a 2-day, 1-night cruise with a cabin, which is far more comfortable. The bay's entrance fee is set per route (200,000 to 250,000 VND per person for a day visit) and is usually included in the cruise price.
Highlights
The karst pinnacles at sunset
This is the image of the bay: thousands of vegetation-covered limestone islets with junks and cruise boats gliding between them. The view is best early in the morning or late in the afternoon, when the light is low and the day boats have left. A night on board lets you enjoy both moments.
Sung Sot Cave ("Surprise Cave")
This is the largest and most visited cave on the classic route: several vaulted chambers with formations lit in coloured light, reached by a staircase from the landing stage. It is part of route 2 of the bay. In the morning dozens of boats dock at the same time: an early start or an overnight boat shortens the wait.
Titop Island
A small island with a white sand beach where you can swim, and a staircase climbs to a viewpoint above the bay. It is named after the Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov, who visited the bay in 1962 with President Ho Chi Minh. The climb is steep: bring good shoes and water.
Luon Cave and kayaking
Luon Cave is a tunnel that opens onto a lagoon enclosed by cliffs: you cross it by kayak or in a rowing boat steered by a local. This activity, of about 30 to 40 minutes, is included in most overnight cruises and many day trips.
The Cua Van floating village
Fishing families live on the water there, in floating houses linked by pontoons. The visit is by rowing boat, sometimes with a stop at a pearl farm. Cua Van belongs to route 3, which is less crowded than route 2 and also includes Tien Ong Cave and Du Lagoon.
The five routes and entrance fees
The bay's management sets the day-visit routes, from 6:30 to 18:30. Routes 1, 2 and 5: 250,000 VND per person; routes 3 and 4: 200,000 VND. For a night on board: 550,000 VND (route 2) or 500,000 VND (routes 3 and 4). These fees are almost always included in a cruise price: ask before you pay.
Practical info
Tips
- Choose your format first: with 4 to 5 hours of road there and back, the 2-day, 1-night cruise is the most pleasant; the day trip suits you if you have only one day, but it is long (departure around 7:00, return around 20:00). Base prices (a day cruise starts at about 25 to 40 $, a night in a cabin from 105 to 160 $ on economy boats) often hide extras: drinks on board, spa, crew tip (about 3 to 5 $ per person per day). Compare the routes and the real sailing time, not just the price. Weekends and public holidays are the busiest; Tuesday to Thursday is calmer. If you want fewer boats, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island offer the same scenery with far fewer people. To choose and compare, read our guides: day cruise from Hanoi and 2-day, 1-night cruise. The entrance fees come from the bay's official management (provincial decision of 2016, applied since 2017); some operators charge port fees on top, so check when booking.
How to get there
Ha Long Bay, Ha Long city, Quang Ninh province, about 150 to 170 km from Hanoi. By expressway allow about 2h30 to 3h by car or minibus from the Old Quarter, more if the pick-up calls at several hotels. The old National Highway 18 is slower (3h30 to 4h). Most cruises and day trips include the bus transfer from your hotel in the Old Quarter; otherwise a bus or "limousine" minibus costs about 15 to 25 $ one way and a private transfer 40 to 80 $. Boats leave from the quays of Ha Long city (including Tuan Chau); Lan Ha Bay cruises leave rather from Cat Ba Island or Hai Phong, about 2 hours from Hanoi.
Opening hours
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