Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is a dream destination for many tourists, with its thousands of limestone islands, mysterious caves, and turquoise waters.
A 3-day, 2-night trip is the ideal amount of time to explore the beauty of Ha Long Bay, from cruising on the bay and kayaking around Cat Ba Island to enjoying delicious fresh seafood.
This article will provide a detailed, easy-to-follow itinerary, along with practical tips to make your trip both budget-friendly and memorable. Whether you're a beginner or a seasoned traveler , let's plan an unforgettable journey together!
Why is Ha Long Bay a must-visit destination?
Ha Long is not only famous for its majestic scenery but also offers a diverse range of experiences: from exploring caves and climbing mountains to relaxing on the beach.
With over 1,600 islands of varying sizes, Ha Long Bay is a place where you can experience the wonders of nature, immerse yourself in the coastal culture, and enjoy relaxing moments with family and friends.
Imagine standing on the deck of a ship, gazing at the limestone pillars rising from the water, or enjoying seafood with loved ones by the seashore – these are unforgettable experiences that Ha Long Bay offers.
Preparing for your trip: Things you need to know
To ensure a smooth self-guided trip to Ha Long Bay, you need to prepare thoroughly. Here are the specific steps:
- Personal documents: Bring your Citizen Identification Card to book rooms, rent cars, or buy tickets for attractions.
- Transportation: From Hanoi (160km from Ha Long), you can take a bus (100,000-200,000 VND/one way, companies like Kumho, Phuc Xuyen), a motorbike (about 3-4 hours), or a private car (1,500,000-2,000,000 VND/day for a group of 4-6 people).
- Accommodation: Choose a hotel or homestay in the Bai Chay or Tuan Chau area. 3-star hotels like Halong Bay Hotel cost around 600,000-1,200,000 VND/night, while homestays like Cat Ba Island Resort cost 300,000-500,000 VND/night.
- Weather: April-June and September-November are ideal times, with cool, dry weather. Avoid the typhoon season (July-August) as it may affect the cruise tour.
- Useful apps: Download Google Maps, Foody (to find restaurants), and Klook to book cruises or shuttle services.
- Clothing: Bring sneakers, sun protection, a hat, and swimwear if you plan on swimming. Don't forget a raincoat or umbrella if you're going during the rainy season.
Book your bus tickets and accommodation 1-2 months in advance through platforms like Traveloka or Klook. Bring your own water and snacks to avoid overpaying at tourist destinations.
Detailed itinerary for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Ha Long.
Day 1: Halong Bay cruise and cave exploration
Morning: Depart from Hanoi at 7:00 AM, arriving in Ha Long around 10:30 AM. Check into your hotel in Bai Chay, then begin your journey with a Ha Long Bay cruise tour . Book a 4-6 hour tour through reputable companies (prices range from 500,000 to 1,200,000 VND per person, including lunch). The tour will take you past highlights such as Rooster Islet, Incense Burner Islet, and Sung Sot Cave – one of the most beautiful caves in the bay with its magical stalactites and stalagmites.
Getting there: From the center of Bai Chay to Tuan Chau port (the cruise departure point) is about 10km. Take a taxi or Grab (50,000-100,000 VND/one way). If you go by motorbike, you can rent one at the hotel for 150,000 VND/day.
Lunch: Enjoy lunch on the cruise with seafood dishes such as shrimp, squid, and grilled fish (usually included in the tour price). If you want to save money, you can eat at a restaurant near the port before boarding the boat (prices range from 50,000-100,000 VND per person).
Afternoon: Continue the cruise tour with kayaking or rowing a bamboo boat at Ba Hang fishing village. This is an opportunity to explore hidden corners of the bay and observe the lives of the fishermen. Afterwards, return to Tuan Chau port and rest at the hotel.
Evening: Have dinner at Ha Long Night Market (Bai Chay Street), where you can find fresh seafood such as grilled oysters, scallops, and squid cakes – Ha Long specialties (prices range from 50,000-150,000 VND/dish). Afterwards, stroll through the park or try the thrill of the Queen Cable Car (ticket price 350,000 VND/person).
Tip: Book your boat tour in advance through Klook for the best price and choose a boat with a Vietnamese-speaking guide. Bring sunscreen and a hat when kayaking.
Day 2: Cat Ba Island and the beaches
Morning: After breakfast at the hotel (usually a buffet priced at 50,000-100,000 VND), travel to Cat Ba Island by ferry from Got Wharf (40km from Bai Chay, ferry ticket 80,000 VND/person, 100,000 VND/motorbike). The ferry ride takes about 45 minutes, taking you across Lan Ha Bay – a "miniature Ha Long Bay" with peaceful scenery.
Lunch: Have lunch at a restaurant on Cat Ba Island, with seafood dishes such as lobster and crab (prices range from 100,000-200,000 VND per dish). If you want to save money, try budget-friendly eateries with squid noodle soup or crab noodle soup (30,000-50,000 VND per serving).
Afternoon: Visit Cat Ba National Park (ticket 80,000 VND/person) to explore the primeval forest and climb Ngu Lam peak to admire the panoramic view of the island. If traveling with children, choose Cat Co 1 or Cat Co 2 beach for swimming and relaxation. You can also rent a bicycle (50,000 VND/day) to explore Cat Ba town.
Evening: Have dinner at a seaside restaurant or Cat Ba night market, enjoying grilled squid or seafood hotpot. Afterwards, spend the night at a homestay or hotel on the island (prices range from 300,000 to 600,000 VND per night).
Tip: Book your ferry tickets early on weekends as they get very crowded. Wear athletic shoes if you plan to trek in Cat Ba National Park, and bring swimwear for Cat Co Beach.
Day 3: Exploring the caves and returning.
Morning: After breakfast, visit the Military Hospital Cave (ticket 40,000 VND/person), a historical cave that once served as a field hospital during the war. Next, visit the Cannon Fortress (ticket 60,000 VND/person) to admire the panoramic view of Lan Ha Bay and take photos.
Lunch: Have lunch in Cat Ba town, then take a ferry back to Ha Long (departing before 1 PM). Upon arriving in Bai Chay, visit the Quang Ninh Museum (ticket 30,000 VND/person) to learn about the culture and history of this mining region.
Afternoon: Buy souvenirs such as squid patties, dried squid, or Cat Hai fish sauce at Ha Long market. Then, depart for Hanoi (around 3 PM - 4 PM to arrive before 7 PM).
Tip: Check the ferry schedule from Cat Ba to Ha Long to avoid delays. Buy souvenirs at Cai Dam market for better prices than in the tourist area.
Comparing transportation options in Ha Long
| Vehicle | Advantage | Disadvantages | Cost (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Motorbike | Flexible and easy to navigate within the city. | It's tiring to travel long distances, and unsafe at night. | 150,000-200,000/day |
| Taxi/Grab | Comfortable and convenient for large groups. | The cost is higher than a motorbike. | 15,000-20,000/km |
| Ferry (to Cat Ba) | Beautiful scenery, affordable prices. | Dependent on ferry schedule, crowded on weekends. | 80,000 VND/person, 100,000 VND/vehicle |
| Private car | Convenient, safe, fixed price. | Reservations required. | 1,500,000-2,000,000/day |
Frequently Asked Questions when traveling to Ha Long
1. What is the best time of year to visit Ha Long Bay?
April-June and September-November are ideal months with cool, less rainy weather. Avoid July-August due to the risk of storms, which could affect cruise tours.
2. How much does a 3-day, 2-night trip cost?
One person needs approximately 2,500,000-4,000,000 VND (including transportation, food, entrance fees, and accommodation). Traveling in a group will be more economical as the costs of transportation and accommodation can be shared.
3. Do I need to book a cruise tour in advance?
It's recommended to book in advance through Klook or directly with reputable companies to secure your reservation and get the best price. Reservations often sell out quickly on weekends and during peak season.
4. Are there any activities suitable for children?
Yes! Kayaking at Ba Hang, swimming at Cat Co beach, and visiting Sung Sot Cave are all great options. Sun World Halong Complex also has a children's play area.
A 3-day, 2-night trip to Ha Long Bay is an opportunity to immerse yourself in the majestic natural beauty, explore the coastal culture, and create unforgettable memories with family and friends.
From cruising through limestone islands and kayaking in Lan Ha Bay to enjoying squid cakes at the night market, every moment is worth it. Plan your trip today, pack your bags, and explore this world natural heritage site in your own way!
Source: https://baonghean.vn/du-lich-3n2d-toi-vung-vinh-noi-tieng-the-gioi-noi-thien-nhien-ve-nen-nhung-tuyet-tac-canh-quan-10302179.html
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