VN · Quang Ninh · 20.90°N 107.20°E

ha long bay

Overnight cruise through thousands of limestone islands and caves.

Best time
March to May and October to November usually bring the best weather. Winter is cool and often misty, and summer storms, especially from July to September, can cancel sailings.
How long
2 days, 1 night on a cruise
Getting there
Fly KL to Hanoi (about 3 hours), then about 2.5 hours by road on the expressway to the cruise harbours. Most cruises include a shuttle from Hanoi's Old Quarter.
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VN · Quang Ninhha long bay20.90°N 107.20°Egowherelah.com
Dear group chat,Overnight cruise through thousands of limestone islands and caves.— gowherelahTo: whoever’s drivingHa Long BayVN, Quang Ninh
KLha long bay
≈ 2,063 km from KL, as the crow flies
This image was taken by me at Titov Island of Ha Long Bay in July 2019.

Photo: Taewangkorea · CC BY-SA 4.0

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Photos: Wikimedia Commons, credited on each.

A UNESCO-listed bay in northeast Vietnam, with nearly 2,000 limestone islets rising out of green water. Most people see it from a boat, on a day cruise or with a night on board, stopping at caves, beaches and kayaking spots along the way.

Makan

  1. Chả mựcHa Long's famous squid cakes, pounded by hand and fried until golden.Map ↗
  2. Seafood on boardMost cruises serve set meals of prawns, clams, squid and fish.Map ↗

Things to do

  1. An overnight cruiseSleep on board, watch the sunset from the deck and wake up among the karsts.Map ↗
  2. Sung Sot CaveOne of the bay's biggest caves, with huge chambers full of stalactites.Map ↗
  3. Ti Top IslandClimb the steps to a viewpoint over the bay, then swim at the small beach below.Map ↗
  4. KayakingPaddle under low cave arches into enclosed lagoons, like the one at Luon Cave.Map ↗
  5. Bai Tu Long BayThe neighbouring bay to the northeast, with similar scenery and fewer boats.Map ↗

Good to know

  • Cruise quality varies a lot. Read recent reviews and check what's included, like kayaking, cave fees and transfers.
  • Storms can cancel sailings at short notice, so keep a spare day in Hanoi.
  • Tell the cruise company in advance if you need halal or seafood-only meals.

Last checked October 2026. Things change, so check opening times, fees and transport before you go.