Should I spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Halong Bay?
Should you spend 3, 4, or 5 days in Halong Bay?
Not sure how much time you'll need in Halong Bay, Vietnam? Most people spend two to three days in Halong Bay during their visit. After all, the dramatic bay will let you admire the wonderful scenery, swim at the beach, discover the nearby hiking trails, and tour the famous sights and museums.
Hạlong Bay is often visiting as a side trip from Hanoi. It's a world-class destination that is regularly recognized for its spectacular beauty. The limestone karsts make for a dramatic setting, that most visitors explore as part of an overnight boat tour. Most trips including hiking, kayaking, and some time at the beach.
Do you have 3, 4, or 5 days to visit Halong Bay? Here's our comprehensive breakdown of how much time you might need for your trip along with some suggestions for things to do.
Is 3 days enough time in Halong Bay?
For many visitors, three days here would be just the right amount of time. In fact, lots of tourists spend roughly two to three days in the dramatic bay to check out the amazing beautiful scenery and terrific beaches. Below we have some suggestions on how to spend your time here.
How to spend 3 days in Halong Bay
Don't miss Cat Ba Island during your trip to Halong Bay, as it's one of this destination's most well-known attractions. You should make sure to set aside enough time to see it.
Halong Bay is known to be such a beautiful destination, so just exploring and taking it all in should be one of the top things to do on your list. Halong Bay has been voted one of the new Seven Wonders of the World and it is regularly listed as one of the most beautiful places in the world.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Sunset & Bioluminescent Plankton Kayaking Lan Ha bay ($43)
- Cat Ba: Sunset & Bioluminescent Kayaking on Lan Ha Bay ($42)
- From Cat Ba island: full day boat tour to Lan Ha bay - Ha Long bay ($32)
The beautiful beaches await you in Halong Bay, so spend the day (or several, if you can) relaxing on the sand or swimming in the water. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Halong Bay: 5-star Pamela Cruise Day Trip with Lunch & Activities ($60)
- From Hanoi : 2-Day Lan Ha & Halong Bay 5 Star Cruise with Balcony ($170)
- The Catba Catamaran Day Tour Lan Ha Bay Cruise Trips ($69)
You can't miss out on tasting the fantastic cuisine at one of the best restaurants in town, so make sure you find somewhere special for lunch or dinner. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.
A few tour suggestions include:
- From Hanoi/Cat Ba: Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay Boat trip & cooking class ($32)
- 1-day private Hanoi city tour with fun and night street walking food tour ($101)
Known for it's hiking, Halong Bay sees plenty of visitors looking to get outdoors. Spend a day exploring the natural beauty and scenery on a nearby hike. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch ($30)
- Half Day Hiking to Discover Cat Ba National Park with a Guide ($23)
- Halfday trekking Cat Ba Butterfly valley (more intense) ($30)
Is 4 days enough time in Halong Bay?
With four days at your disposal, you'll have more than enough time to take in all that this bay has to offer, giving you the flexibility spend extra time checking out the beautiful scenery, the beaches, the hiking, and the museums and landmarks. You can move at your own pace and take time to relax, too. We have some suggestions of things to do below.
Halong Bay, Vietnam
How to spend 4 days in Halong Bay
Having 4 days in Halong Bay will provide you with more time to take in the best activities in the bay.
You'll find a few good museums and historic landmarks here, so it's worth your time to spend a day exploring a few of them. While the bay is really about its stunning natural beauty, you can also visit the Quang Ninh Museum, which will give you some insight into the area. The Cai Bau Pagoda is also impressive, as is the Vung Vieng Floating Village.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Halong Bay Highlights: 4-Hour Cruise, Kayak, Heavenly Palace Cave ($54)
Is 5 days enough time in Halong Bay?
Five days is more than sufficient for an in-depth trip to the dramatic bay, giving you the freedom to set your own pace. Admire the wonderful scenery, swim at the beach, discover the nearby hiking trails, and tour the famous sights and museums on your own schedule. Then, unwind at your hotel and use it as a hub for some nice day trips in the surrounding area.
How to spend 5 days in Halong Bay
With 5 days in Halong Bay, you'll have a bit more time to enjoy everything that the bay has to offer.
After you've explored most of Halong Bay, take a day trip to one of the many beautiful destinations nearby.
A few tour suggestions include:
- Halong Bay: 5-star Pamela Cruise Day Trip with Lunch & Activities ($60)
- Full day trip to Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay from Cat Ba, avoid the crowds ($42)
- Ha Long Bay 1 Day Trip With Dragon King Cruise All Inclusive ($50)
More Info
If you're looking for more information about Halong Bay, we have even more advice to help you plan your journey.
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