WhereWeGo
Representative view of Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
Coast
🇻🇳 Vietnam · Southeast Asia

Ha Long Bay

Thousands of limestone karst islands, usually seen on an overnight boat.

Budget level
Affordable
Best months
Mar, Apr, May, Oct, Nov
Ideal stay
1–2 days
Best for
Nature, Romance, Adventure

Overview

A vast karst seascape northeast of Hanoi. Most visitors take a one- or two-night cruise; neighbouring Lan Ha Bay is a quieter alternative.

Plan & book

Compare flights, stays, activities and transport for your trip to Ha Long Bay.

Flights

Compare routes and fares from your departure city.

Search with Kiwi(opens in a new tab)Search with Aviasales(opens in a new tab)
Where to staywith Kiwi

Browse stays by area and budget.

Find accommodation(opens in a new tab)
Tours & activitieswith KKday

Book experiences, day trips and guided tours.

Explore activities(opens in a new tab)
Car rentalwith Getrentacar

Compare rental cars for road trips and day trips.

Find a car(opens in a new tab)
Airport transferswith Welcome Pickups

Pre-book a private ride from the airport to your stay.

Find transfers(opens in a new tab)

Some links on WhereWeGo are affiliate links. We may earn a commission if you book through them, at no additional cost to you.

Why go to Ha Long Bay

  • Overnight cruises through the karst islands
  • Kayaking and cave visits
  • Easy add-on from Hanoi

Budget

Ha Long Bay is affordable by Vietnam standards. Across Vietnam, mid-range travellers typically spend about $55–$90 per person per day.

Country-level planning estimate, excluding flights. See the full Vietnam budget breakdown.

Practical information

  • Cruises can be cancelled in storm conditions — leave buffer days

When to go to Ha Long Bay

JanFebMarAprMayJunJulAugSepOctNovDec

Plan 1–2 days here. Highlighted months are the best fit for most travellers.

Getting around

  • Cheap domestic flights make the long north–south axis practical on a two-week trip
  • The north–south railway is slow but scenic, with sleeper services between the main cities

Suggested itineraries

  • North to south classic

    15 days

    Hanoi, karst country, the central coast and the delta.

    Route: Hanoi → Ha Long Bay → Hội An & Da Nang → Ho Chi Minh City

  • Northern Vietnam

    9 days

    Capital, karst valleys and the far-north mountains.

    Route: Hanoi → Ninh Bình → Sapa & Ha Giang

Vietnam guides