Hotels near Halong Bay

Halong Bay (Vinh Ha Long) is a UNESCO World Heritage Site 170 km east of Hanoi containing approximately 1600 limestone karst islands rising from emerald water. The most-visited natural attraction in Vietnam, the bay covers 1553 square kilometres and is famous for the cruise junk boats that ply its waters. Lan Ha Bay (the southern part next to Cat Ba Island) is now often included on cruises to avoid the crowded northern routes.

Day trips from Hanoi 1.2-2 million VND - 12 hours total including 3.5 hours each way by bus to Halong port, 4 hours on the bay including a kayak or basket boat session, a swim stop, and a lunch on board. Overnight cruises (2 days/1 night, 2.5-5 million VND) are significantly better. Recommended operators: Indochina Junk, Bhaya Cruises, Pelican Halong. Book directly via the operator websites, not through hotel desks (markup 30-50%).

Pro Tip: Choose an operator that goes to Lan Ha Bay rather than the over-touristed northern Halong route - same karst landscape, 70% fewer boats. Specifically ask the operator before booking; cheaper packages default to the standard northern routes.