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If you’re wondering where to stay in Ha Long Bay, then look no further because we have put together the most comprehensive guide to help you choose the best accommodation in the area!
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If you can’t decide on where to stay in Ha Long Bay, just read our top recommendations for cruises, hotels and hostels:
Luxury Cruise: Aspira Cruises – fantastic 2-day 1-night cruise with plenty of fun onboard activities
Hotel: Jade Ha Long Hotel – gorgeous hotel on the seafront with double rooms + apartments
Hostel: Woodstock Jungle Camp – rustic hostel with both indoor and outdoor accommodation
Where To Stay In Ha Long Bay
There are different places to choose from when picking where to stay in Ha Long Bay. You can either stay on the mainland and find somewhere in Ha Long itself, travel over to Cat Ba Island or spend 1 or 2 nights on a cruise through the UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Whether you’re on a budget and are looking for a bunk bed in a hostel, or you want to splash out on a luxury room on a cruise, we’ve found the perfect accommodation for you when planning where to stay in Ha Long Bay. There are also hotels for the rest of you so take a look at our top recommendations!
Read More: Here Are The Top Luxury Cruises in Ha Long Bay
Where To Stay in Ha Long Bay: Cruises
A cruise is the perfect answer if you’re wondering where to stay in Ha Long Bay. You can choose from a 2-day and 1 night trip, or you can spend 3 days and 2 nights on the boat.
Luxury Cruise
Staying on a luxury cruise ship in Ha Long Bay is one of the best things to do in this part of Vietnam. Not only do you get beautiful accommodation, but there is plenty to keep you busy whilst onboard too. You might not be considering a boat when thinking about where to stay in Ha Long Bay, but it really is an amazing experience!
Your meals are included in the price and in our experience, the food is excellent. Most cruise ships offer a buffet lunch and breakfast, with a multi-course dinner being served to you in the evening.
You get the option to take part in all, some or none of the activities happening. We personally took up every opportunity to enjoy what was going on, but lots of guests preferred to just relax on the boat and take in the beautiful scenery surrounding us.
Here are our top recommendations when it comes to choosing where to stay in Ha Long Bay on a luxury cruise!
This cruise was everything we wanted and more! We were upgraded to the executive suite, went kayaking twice, sang karaoke, made our own spring rolls and enjoyed a cocktail or two at happy hour! The staff went above and beyond for all of the guests, the food was delicious and the boat itself was just fantastic!
From squid fishing to spa massages, there’s something for everyone to enjoy. Wake up early for a tai chi class or stay up late fitting in a gym session – the choice is yours!
We would highly recommend this cruise and would go back in a heartbeat! Click here to book your cabin.
Genesis Regal Cruises
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Pickup Included: Yes (from Hanoi)
- Age Suitable For: All
- Need To Take: Passport, overnight bag
- Start Time: 8:30 am
- Kayaking Included: No ($10 fee)
Click here to check availability and prices
Athena Luxury Cruise
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 2 days, 1 night
- Pickup Included: No (available for $$)
- Age Suitable For: All
- Need To Take: Passport, overnight bag
- Start Time: 11:30 am
- Kayaking Included: Yes
Click here to check availability and prices
Read More: The Best Two-Night Halong Bay Cruises
Where To Stay in Ha Long Bay: Hotels
If you’re staying in Ha Long for longer than a few days, or want to experience life on the land instead of in the water, then here are some excellent hotels for you to choose from when thinking about where to stay in Ha Long Bay.
Read More: The Best 1-Day Hanoi Itinerary
Jade Ha Long Hotel
The Jade Ha Long Hotel is situated right on the beach so you’ve got great views of the water. There’s a restaurant serving breakfast, lunch and dinner and a cute terrace where you can relax in the evenings.
You can choose from a variety of rooms sleeping from 2 to 4 people, and each has a comfortable extra-large double bed. Some rooms have a mini bar, fridge and stovetop for if you’re staying for a decent amount of time or you just prefer cooking your own meals.
Click here to book a room at the Jade Ha Long Hotel.
Paddy Hotel
Choose to stay at the Paddy Hotel if you’re looking for smartly decorated and spacious rooms, an on-site bar and free bikes!
There’s also a shared kitchen for those of you who are inclined to cook on a trip away, but breakfast is available if you’d prefer to just order it! Each room has its own private bathroom and some have a balcony.
A great perk of staying here is that you can request the free shuttle bus which takes away some of the hassles that can often come with organising your own transport.
The owners are very friendly and will help you with anything you need at the 24-hour front desk.
Click here to book a room at Paddy Hotel.
Grand Fleuve
For somewhere a little more extravagant but without breaking the bank, stay a few nights at the Grand Fleuve Boutique Hotel.
There is a rooftop pool, a sun terrace and a bar – what more do you need?
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Twin, double + deluxe rooms or junior, family + city view suites
Well, if that doesn’t float your boat then don’t forget that breakfast is included in the price, some rooms have bathtubs and there is a gorgeous restaurant on the property too.
Choose from the standard rooms, or go fancier and stay in one of the different suites available.
Click here to book a room or suite at the Grand Fleuve.
Where To Stay in Ha Long Bay: Hostels
Hostels are a great way to save money and meet other travellers. The rooms are often basic with shared bathrooms but I’d definitely recommend the experience at least once on your travels!
Read More: How To TakeThe Phu Quoc Cable Car
Woodstock Jungle Camp
Woodstock Jungle Camp is a quintessential hostel situated on Cat Ba Island, just a short ferry ride away from the mainland.
You can choose to really go back to basics and sleep in a tent, or pick a bunk bed in a mixed dormitory room.
There is an outdoor swimming pool, clean shared bathrooms and even a bar on-site! WiFi is available too, and the hostel offers a laundry service if you need it.
Click to book your bunk bed now.
Aroma Ha Long
A hostel like Aroma Ha Long is a great place to stay for a very low price – with breakfast included too! They actually have lovely private rooms as well as dorms, so you might even find yourself upgrading once you arrive!
There’s a bar, restaurant and a 24-hour front desk so you’ll always be able to get in touch with one of the friendly staff if you have any issues or questions.
Aroma also does the best happy hour you’ll find … probably anywhere! Get yourself down to the bar for 6pm and grab a FREE BEER. Free! Find me a better deal and dinner’s on me!
Click here to book your room or dormitory at Aroma.
Buffalo Hostel
Another great option on Cat Ba Island is the Buffalo Hostel. It’s got a lovely outdoor swimming pool and some rooms look out onto it.
Just like Aroma above, Cat Ba Buffalo Hostel has both private rooms and dorms. You can choose a 4, 6, or 8-bed mixed dorm or share a family room that sleeps up to 4 people.
Breakfast is included here, and you’ll get your own toiletry set too. Spend time in the shared lounge, the bar or the garden.
Click here to book a stay at Buffalo Hostel.
Things To Do In Ha Long Bay
Ha Long Bay is famous for its glittering waters, but there are lots of other things to do to keep yourself busy whilst up in this part of Vietnam.
Read More: Check Out These Amazing Street Food Tours In Hanoi!
Take A Day Cruise
If you don’t want to spend the night on a boat in Ha Long Bay, then you can just have a similar experience just during the day. It’s a great day out – just check out our video below!
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Halong Bay Deluxe Full-Day Trip by Boat
You’ll have lunch, and then explore nearby attractions such as Ti Top Island and Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave). You will have the opportunity to swim or hike whilst at Ti Top Island, and you can also choose to kayak or sit in a traditional rowboat afterwards. Check out the reviews here!
![A Complete Halong Bay Day Tour - WITH KAYAKING - [Go Asia Travel]](https://twotalltravellers.com/wp-content/plugins/wp-youtube-lyte/lyteCache.php?origThumbUrl=https%3A%2F%2Fi.ytimg.com%2Fvi%2F5ATZ5Tftao8%2F0.jpg)
Visit Cat Ba Island
Visit the stunning island of Cat Ba and spend your time hiking, swimming and exploring incredible caves! The beaches are gorgeous and you can take some fun boat trips around the island.
Hire a bike and explore the local villages, kayak around the floating villages and even have a go at rock climbing.
Read More: How To Visit The Hoi An Night Market
Sun World Halong Park
Make sure you plan some time to visit this theme park! There are normal rides, a water park, a 2-story cable car and a kid’s area. There’s something for everyone and plenty of different restaurants serving both Asian and western food.
Klook.comCaves
Explore the many caves dotted around the bay and learn about their fascinating history. There are almost 60 caves in the Halong Bay area, so you’d have your work cut out visiting them all!
The popular ones to see are:
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)
- Dark and Bright Cave (only accessible by kayak!)
- Tien Ong Cave
- Dau Go (Wooden Stakes Cave)
Usually, the Halong Bay day tours take you to at least one cave so it could be a good idea to combine the two activities if you want to make it easier for yourself!
Klook.comHelicopter Tour
Flying above Ha Long Bay is an incredible way to see the stunning waters and incredible islets dotted around the area!
You’ll meet your pilot and helicopter at the marina and take off to start your aerial journey overlooking Ha Long Bay. Bring your camera to snap some unique photos from this angle – not many people get this opportunity!
Key Information
- Tour Duration: 10 – 30 mins (you choose)
- Pickup Included: No
- Age Suitable For: 2+
- Need To Take: Dark clothes, camera
- Start Time: All day options
- Lunch Included: No
Click here to check availability and prices
Read More: Your Guide To Hanoi’s Night Market
What To Pack
Here are our top recommended products to take – whether you’ve booked a 2-day cruise or just thinking about where to stay in Ha Long Bay at the moment. Everything is up-to-date and you can click through the links or the images to have a look and find out more information about each one. You can also take a look at our full packing list here if you need more advice!
Our Top Pick
If you haven’t already got a swimming costume then what the hell are you doing?! Have a look at this gorgeous high waist bikini and get a swimsuit before you leave. I absolutely love the dual colour option but there are loads of colour options available. Take a look here.
Our Top Pick
If you’re looking for a snorkel kit then check out this Greatever mask and snorkel. We have been on so many snorkel and boat tours where the snorkel hire was dreadful and it ruins the experience. If you have room then definitely take your own set. Take a look at our recommended kit here.
Our Top Pick
Don’t even think about stepping out in the sun without protection! This factor 50 sun cream from Sunbum is vegan, reef-safe and smells like summer, as well as being dermatologist approved! It’s non-greasy, easy to apply and doesn’t leave a white cast so you can quickly rub it in and get on with your adventures! Take a look on Amazon here.
Our Top Pick
If you need some sunglasses then take a look at our recommended pair right here. Kev has just done 7 months without a pair because he couldn’t find any he liked on the trip and it was just a lot of complaining about the sun. Don’t be a Kev… Find out the price of not being a Kev right here.
Our Top Pick
If you are planning on going somewhere that might have a lot of mosquitos and other bitey creatures then DO NOT forget to pack some insect repellent. We have found that the quality varies wildly depending on where you are so just buy it before you travel to guarantee that you have something decent. Have a look at our recommendation here.
Packing List Essentials
How To Get To Ha Long Bay
There are a couple of ways to reach Ha Long Bay, so take a look at the information and see what fits you best.
Bus
This is the cheapest way to get to Ha Long Bay, especially if you’re coming from somewhere like Hanoi.
Read More: How To Get From Hanoi To Hoi An
Private companies tend to run small shuttle buses which are comfortable, run on time and have plenty of space for your luggage. If you aren’t taking a tour, then this is the best option. Prices are good and start from about $11. Click here to book your seat.
Pick Up With A Tour
Most people visit Ha Long Bay through a tour company. They usually don’t stay very long in the town itself and just jump on a cruise. You might not be doing that, but it is worth considering planning any tours that you do take in Ha Long Bay before you get there.
You can take advantage of the included pick-up with the tour, and then let them know that you won’t be returning with them at the end of it. If you’re going to be taking a cruise, kayaking or day trip anyway, this is a handy way of getting a free ride to Ha Long Bay!
Read More: Here Are Hanoi’s Best Cooking Classes!
Taxi
Ask your hotel to get a quote for a private car to Ha Long Bay. It will be high as the distance from Hanoi (the nearest big tourist city) for example is almost 200km. Most private car companies will charge around $70 dollars for a one-way journey in a 4-seater.
You can also download the Grab app and check the prices there.
FAQs About Where To Stay In Ha Long Bay
Where should I stay in Ha Long Bay?
The Jade Ha Long Hotel is an amazing option if you’re wondering where to stay in Ha Long Bay!
Is it better to stay on a luxury cruise for 1 or 2 nights?
If you’re staying in Ha Long Bay on a luxury cruise, then I would recommend staying 2 nights because you’ll be able to take part in all of the fun activities but also have time to just chill and enjoy the atmosphere on the boat!
How far is Ha Long Bay from Hanoi?
It’s just under 200km between the two cities.
Have you decided on where to stay in Ha Long Bay? Let us know your favourite hotel, hostel or cruise in the comments below!