2 Days in Ha Long, Vietnam – A Trip You Won’t Forget

If you have read some of my other blogs about my travels in Southeast Asia, you already know that after my internship in Thailand I continued my journey and of course Vietnam was part of it too. I even spent a month volunteering with Workaway, teaching English at a hotel in Ninh Binh. It was a really interesting experience because I lived together with the hotel staff in the building opposite, which gave me a closer look at everyday life. One place that is an absolute must when visiting Vietnam is the natural wonder Ha Long Bay. I travelled there from Ninh Binh using the transfer listed further below, and in the following I will share my experience of this unforgettable destination.

The easiest way to get around Northern Vietnam is by limousine service. It is affordable, reliable and much more comfortable than buses or taxis.

• Hanoi Airport → Ninh Binh/Tam Coc: 410,000 VND (around 3 hrs)

• Ninh Binh/Tam Coc → Ha Long: 400,000 VND (around 3.5 hrs)

• Ha Long → Hanoi City Centre: 300,000 VND (around 1.5–2 hrs)

When it comes to accommodation, you have two main options. You can either stay in Ha Long City, which gives you easy access to restaurants, beaches and nightlife, or spend the night on a boat in the bay, which is a truly unique experience surrounded by calm waters and limestone cliffs.

Day 1 – Arrival and First Impressions

Try to arrive in Ha Long in the morning or around midday to make the most of your first day. If you are staying in the city, check in and then head to Bai Chay Beach to relax, go for a swim and enjoy the view. Alternatively, you can visit Marina Beach. Swimming is not allowed there, but it is a nice spot for a walk and to take in the scenery. Getting around Ha Long is easy with Grab taxis and most rides cost between 30,000 and 100,000 VND, depending on the distance.

In the evening, make sure to visit the Ha Long Night Market in the city centre. It is full of food stalls and shops and has a lively atmosphere. If you are a sports fan, Sport Coffee and Bar is a great little spot showing live matches and staying open late. If you want more nightlife, head back down to Bai Chay Beach where you will find places like Valley Beach Club, Bistro Fou Beach Club and Chill Beach Bar. Just make sure to check their opening hours in advance. I made the mistake of not doing that when I was there. A local festival was taking place at the time, so the beach clubs were closed during the day and completely packed in the evening, which made it much harder to actually enjoy the atmosphere.

Day 2 – A Day Out in Ha Long Bay

Your second day is all about the bay itself, which is the main reason most people come here. Book your tour the day before, either online, through your accommodation or at a local agency.

• 4-hour tour: Too short, not really worth it if you want to properly experience the bay.

• 6-hour tour: The best option for most travellers. It starts at either 8 or 11 in the morning, includes lunch on the boat, sailing through the limestone karsts, kayaking, a cave visit and a stop on an island with a beach and viewpoint.

• 8-hour tour: Goes further out into the bay. Check the stops in advance with your hotel or agency.

Pick up is included from your hotel or hostel and you will be taken to Ha Long International Port. Everything runs smoothly, the buses are on time, the guides are friendly and the activities are well organised. Spending the day out on the water, surrounded by towering cliffs and emerald green water, is an unforgettable experience and gives you a real sense of why this place is so special.

For me, the trip to Ha Long and out into Ha Long Bay was absolutely worth it, and I can definitely recommend it. It is a must-see if you are travelling through Vietnam or Southeast Asia in general. I did this trip on my own and decided against staying in a hostel, choosing an Airbnb instead, which turned out to be a really relaxing option. During the boat tour I met people quite naturally, and they became part of what made this experience so unforgettable. So even if you are travelling solo, it is absolutely worth it.