3 Days in Ha Long Bay Things to Do Where to Stay and Must Sees

Ha Long Bay is a stunning destination in Vietnam that is popular for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped with rainforests. With so much to see and do in this beautiful area, it’s important to plan your trip carefully to make the most of your time there.

Here are some travel tips for visiting Ha Long Bay:

When to Go: The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is from October to April when the weather is cooler and drier.
Book a Cruise: The best way to see Ha Long Bay is by taking a cruise. There are a variety of options available, from day cruises to overnight stays on a boat.
Pack Properly: Make sure to pack comfortable clothing, sunscreen, insect repellent, and sturdy walking shoes for exploring the islands.
Stay Hydrated: The weather in Ha Long Bay can be hot and humid, so be sure to drink plenty of water to stay hydrated.
Respect the Environment: Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, so be sure to respect the environment by not littering and following designated paths.

Now that you have some travel tips for visiting Ha Long Bay, here are the

Things to do in Ha Long Bay Vietnam / Top 20 sites and monuments Must Visit Ha Long Bay

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) – One of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, with stunning limestone formations. [https://www.travelhalongbay.com/ha-long-bay-attractions]
Ti Top Island – A small island with a sandy beach and a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from the top. [https://www.vietnam-guide.com/halong-bay]
Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Palace Cave) – A colorful cave with intricate stalactites and stalagmites. [https://www.halonghub.com/blog/thien-cung-cave-heaven-palace-cave]
Bai Tu Long Bay – A less crowded alternative to Ha Long Bay with equally beautiful scenery. [https://www.indochinajunk.com/bai-tu-long-bay/]
Tuan Chau Island – A popular entertainment island with water sports, dolphin shows, and a man-made beach. [https://www.halonghub.com/blog/tuan-chau-island/]
Cua Van Floating Village – Experience the unique way of life of the fishermen who live in floating houses. [https://www.halongbaycruises.com/top-things-to-visit-in-ha-long-bay/cua-van-floating-village/]
Dau Go Cave (Wooden Stakes Cave) – Known for its historical significance and stunning cave chambers. [https://vietnamuniquetours.com/destination/dau-go-cave-wooden-stakes-cave/]
Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave) – A mystical cave with narrow passages and beautiful formations. [https://www.halongbaycruises.com/top-things-to-visit-in-ha-long-bay/me-cung-cave/]
Soi Sim Island – A small island with a pristine beach and hiking trails to enjoy panoramic views. [https://sailsindochina.com/soi-sim-island/]
Luon Cave – A unique cave with an entrance by boat, leading to a serene lagoon surrounded by cliffs. [https://www.indochinajunk.com/luon-cave/]
Trong Mai Islet (Cock and Hen Islet) – A famous rock formation resembling a pair of chicken. [https://www.visitourvietnam.com/cat-ba-island-and-halong-bay-3-days.html]
Bao Lau Cave – A historical cave with evidence of prehistoric human habitation. [https://www.vietnam-guide.com/halong-bay]
Quang Ninh Museum – Learn about the history, culture, and biodiversity of Ha Long Bay and its surrounding areas. [https://www.travelhalongbay.com/quang-ninh-museum-halong-bay]
Cho Da Islet (Stone Dog Islet) – An iconic islet that resembles a sitting dog, surrounded by lush greenery. [https://www.indochinajunk.com/cho-da-islet/]
Bai Chay Beach – The main beach in Ha Long Bay, perfect for swimming and relaxing on the sandy shores. [https://www.vietnam-guide.com/halong-bay]
Tien Ong Cave – A cave known for its archaeological significance and ancient human artifacts. [https://www.halongbaycruises.com/top-things-to-visit-in-ha-long-bay/tien-ong-cave/]
Trung Trang Cave – A cave with unique limestone formations and a mystical atmosphere. [https://www.halongbaycruises.com/top-things-to-visit-in-ha-long-bay/trung-trang-cave/]
Bai Tho Mountain (Poem Mountain) – A popular spot for hiking with breathtaking views of Ha Long Bay from the top. [https://www.vietnam-guide.com/halong-bay]
Cong Dam Fishing Village – Experience the traditional fishing lifestyle in this picturesque floating village. [https://www.halongbaycruises.com/top-things-to-visit-in-ha-long-bay/cong-dam-fishing-village/]
Hon Gai Church – A historical church with stunning architecture and a peaceful atmosphere. [https://www.halonghub.com/blog/ha-long-city-attractions/]

Ha Long Bay Cruise Pricing and How to Get There from Hanoi

The pricing for activities in Ha Long Bay can vary depending on the type of cruise or tour you choose. Day cruises typically range from $30 to $70 per person, while overnight cruises can range from $100 to $300 per person. To get to Ha Long Bay, you can take a bus from Hanoi, which takes about 4 hours, or hire a private car for a more comfortable journey.

You can read more about in 3 Days in Hanoi Things to Do Where to Stay or learn more about Hanoi to Ha Long Bay in this travel guide, enjoy your stay in Hanoi and Vietnam!

Don’t forget to get Travel Insurance Before You Travel

If you’re looking for travel insurance, we recommend the following travel insurance provider:

Our Top Travel Gear and Equipment Recommendations: Best Camera, Photo and Video Equipment for Your Travels

If you’re interested in our recommended travel gear and photo/video equipment:

Best and Most Useful Travel Gear:

Best photo / video cameras and equipment for Travel:
- Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras
- Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras for Amateur and Professional Photographers
- Best Drones and Aerial Photography Cameras
- Best Tripods, Monopods and Selfie Sticks for Photography and Videography

Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones, Best Laptops and Computers for Travel:
- Best Laptops and Computers for Travel and Remote Work
- Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones for Travel, Photo and Video

3 Days in Ha Long Bay Visit Itinerary

Day 1:

Visit Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island
Enjoy a cruise around
Ha Long Bay and take in the stunning scenery
Relax on Bai Chay Beach
Explore the nightlife and dining options in Ha Long City

Day 2:

Explore Thien Cung Cave and Me Cung Cave
Visit the Cua Van Floating Village
Enjoy water sports at Tuan Chau Island
Watch the sunset from Soi Sim Island

Day 3:

Discover the history of Dau Go Cave and Trong Mai Islet
Hike up Bai Tho Mountain for panoramic views
Experience the tranquility of Cong Dam Fishing Village
Visit the Quang Ninh Museum for insight into the region’s culture

We regularly use and recommend Booking.com for our hotel bookings, using this link comes at no extra cost to you and helps to support the site!

Where to Stay in Ha Long Bay / Top and Best Hotels in Ha Long Bay Vietnam

Top Rated Hotels Ha Long Bay priced over $200 per night:

Best Reviewed Hotels in Ha Long Bay priced between $100 to $200 per night:

Recommended Hotels Ha Long Bay priced between $50 to $100 per night:

Top Ha Long Bay Hotels priced between $20 to $50 per night:

Best Hostels Ha Long Bay and Budget Hotels in Ha Long priced below $20 per night:

Please note that ratings and prices may vary depending on the season and availability. Make sure to check the current rates and availability through the provided links.

I hope this helps in finding the perfect accommodation in Ha Long Bay for your upcoming trip.

Your itinerary may need to be adjusted based on personal preferences and travel dates. Additionally, be sure to check the latest travel advisories and entry requirements before planning your trip to Ha Long Bay. Enjoy your magical journey in this UNESCO World Heritage Site!

For more about Vietnam, Hanoi, Ha Long Bay, Ho Chi Minh City, Da Nang and other travel destinations in Vietnam, read the travel tips and see all travel stories, videos, photos and writing on Rolling Coconut’s Travel section.

This page may contain affiliate links, using these for your bookings and purchases comes at no extra cost to you and helps to maintain this site, thanks for your support!

If you enjoyed this post, don’t forget to sign up to the OOAworld newsletter, LIKE our Facebook page and SUBSCRIBE to our YouTube channel, or FOLLOW us on Instagram or X (Twitter)!

Like a photo or artwork on the site? Order OOAworld’s custom prints, canvases and accessories by checking out the items in the Shop!

Share the road!


World Nomads Travel Insurance	Find the Perfect Insurance Plan for Your Trip with Travelex	Cancel for any reason with Travel Guard


Best Action Cameras and Portable Cameras	Best Full-Frame DSLR Cameras and DSLR Cameras


Best Laptops and Computers for Travel and Remote Work	Best Mobile Phones and Cell Phones for Travel, Photo and Video