Cruise the wonder of Halong Bay

The single most popular trip from Hanoi is to Halong Bay, the UNESCO seascape where thousands of limestone karsts rise dramatically from emerald waters. It's a few hours away and most often done as an overnight cruise, sleeping aboard a boat among the islands, which is genuinely magical and one of Vietnam's defining experiences. Day trips are possible but the overnight option is far more rewarding. The cruise is a bigger-ticket spend, so choose a reputable operator and book ahead. We'll help you weigh a day trip against an overnight cruise and what to look for in a boat.