Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s great icons: some 1,600 limestone islands and islets rising from emerald water off Ha Long city, many riddled with caves. UNESCO inscribed it as a World Heritage site in 1994, and in 2023 extended the listing to include the Cat Ba archipelago as “Ha Long Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago”.
Its central area is busy — hundreds of boats use the same channels to reach the same caves — but it is also where the biggest sights are, and it is the gateway for almost every Bai Tu Long cruise. The smart approach is to see Ha Long’s highlights on the way, then sail on into the quieter bay.
Top things to do at Ha Long Bay
Sung Sot cave
The “Surprise Cave” is the largest and most impressive cave open to visitors. See our Sung Sot guide.
Ti Top island viewpoint
Around 400 steps to a pavilion with the classic panorama of the bay. See our Ti Top guide.
Luon cave by kayak or bamboo boat
Paddle through a low arch into an enclosed lagoon surrounded by cliffs.
A day cruise from Hanoi
If time is short, the classic Ha Long day trip covers all three in one long day from Hanoi.
How to get to Ha Long Bay
- From Hanoi: roughly 2.5 hours by expressway to Ha Long’s Bai Chay or Tuan Chau piers. Shuttles, limousine vans and private cars all run daily — see our getting here guide.
- From Van Don airport: under an hour by expressway.
Insider tips
- Arrive at the big caves early or late; late morning is peak time.
- Day trips spend around four hours on the water — worth knowing when comparing prices.
- Ha Long cruises and Bai Tu Long cruises often share the first hour of the route, so you get a taste of both.
Best tours & cruises for Ha Long Bay
These top-rated experiences are the easiest way to see Ha Long Bay and the bays around it:
Day trip from €34 Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Day Cruise with Swimming, Lunch & Kayaking
The classic Ha Long Bay day from Hanoi, and one of the most-reviewed tours in Vietnam. It covers the famous stops — Sung Sot cave, Luon cave and Ti Top island — with lunch on board and expressway transfers. Busy, but efficient and excellent value.
- Sung Sot (Surprise) cave
- Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon cave
- Swim and climb at Ti Top island
Day trip from €40 Hanoi: Round-Trip Ha Long Bay Islands, Caves, Kayaking & Lunch
A well-reviewed alternative to the bestseller above, covering the same central Ha Long highlights with a slightly different boat and schedule. Handy when your first-choice date is sold out.
- Sung Sot cave and Ti Top island
- Kayak or bamboo boat
- Hanoi transfers included
Day trip from €34 Hanoi: Ha Long Bay 1-Day Cruise with Lunch & Kayaking
The same classic loop at one of the lowest prices on the platform, with a 4.9 rating from its reviewers. A deluxe day boat and a local lunch keep it comfortable despite the budget price.
- Sung Sot cave
- Kayak or bamboo boat to Luon cave
- Swim at Ti Top beach
