Explored Vietnam Thrice: Finally, a 2-Day Ha Long Bay Adventure Unveiled

Conclusion: It’s completely possible to make a day trip from Hanoi and return the same day! There’s not much to do in Halong Bay itself, and the cost of living in the city is not low.
I arranged for two and a half days, originally planning to experience both routes, but it coincided with the May Day holiday in Vietnam, and there were so many tourists that I gave up 😅
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Boat Tour:
Search directly for the international pier and sign up on-site.

There are many boats at 9 AM and 12 PM.
❌ The schedule is not accurate at all; I waited until 1 PM before the boat departed.
Long route (6 hours): 💰490k – Song Sot Cave + Ti Top Island + Luon Cave
Short route (4 hours): 💰440k – Thien Cung Cave + Dau Go Cave + Ba Hang
I went on the long route, and the “Guilin on the Sea” is truly deserving of its name, with beautiful scenery.

1⃣️ The Surprise Cave was larger than I imagined! I spent a full 1.5 hours there! The stalactites weren’t very aesthetically pleasing, but the overall layout was very layered. The latter part opened up, and the turtle and egg formations were quite lifelike. The path doesn’t loop back, and the view from the observation deck at the exit is excellent, a great place for panoramic shots.

2⃣️ Unreasonable ❌ The highlight, rowing a small boat through the water cave to the lagoon, didn’t happen due to the large number of people.
3⃣️ Ti Top Island was average in every aspect, only unlocking the achievement of “viewing karst topography from a small island.”
⚠️ Although cheap, the boat was very old and did not include meals.

The one-day tour boats from Hanoi are of a much higher class and are really worth it (if you really want to stay, just don’t follow the group back).
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Quang Ninh Museum:
Highly recommended! I spent 4 hours there!
1⃣️ A huge number of biological specimens, including a large whale fossil! Sunfish! Several types of rays!

2⃣️ Halong & Dong Son cultures ⚰️☠️, stone, bronze, pottery, steles, and miniature famous buildings.
3⃣️ A simulated real mine, where you can walk inside and feel like you’re there.
4⃣️ Detailed introductions to the customs of various ethnic groups, with rich cultural content. The introduction to the Yao ethnic sub-branches was particularly interesting.

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SunWorld Park:
Divided into three areas: the mountain top, Dragon Park (amusement park), and water park.
I went to the mountain top via Klook for 💰100.
Gimmicks: 1⃣️ The world’s largest double-decker cable car 2⃣️ The highest Ferris wheel
But the experiences were average 😅 If you’ve been to Pearl Island in Nha Trang or Ba Na Hills in Da Nang, this one is not necessary.

The cross-sea cable car takes about 8 minutes. I specifically went at dusk, but there was no sunset, and the view was average. The night view on the way back was also ordinary.
One side has a Japanese garden, and the other side has a Vietnamese ancient-style area, both of which are not large.
The rides, besides the Ferris wheel, only include a slide car and a ghost house 🆓.

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Beach:
Bai Chay
Nestled in a picturesque setting, Bai Chay is an artificial beach known for its fine, soft sand. Although the water may not be the most vibrant, the stunning karst landscape and lush coconut groves create a breathtaking backdrop that makes it a must-visit spot for capturing the essence of Halong Bay in your photos 📷.
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Food:
Drip coffee + baguette burger + beef noodle soup + soft spring rolls = 🇻🇳 the four major classics, as always.
Immerse yourself in the local culture by visiting the street coffee stalls, where you can sit on outdoor chairs, savor a rich cup of coffee, and watch the world go by.
Dong Ho: This refined mid-range cafe offers a complimentary cleansing tea with every ☕️.

Their yogurt coffee is a true delight, blending creamy yogurt with robust coffee. Located near the museum, it’s a perfect spot to relax.
Mono Quan: Just across from the museum, this popular eatery serves up delicious dishes that keep locals and tourists coming back for more.
Don’t miss the sugarcane juice stall at the entrance, where a refreshing 10k drink will quench your thirst and satisfy your taste buds.

Quang Phong: A local favorite, this bustling spot specializes in fried squid that is crispy on the outside and tender on the inside, bursting with flavor. Pair it with rolled rice noodles or a hearty bowl of soup noodles for the ultimate experience. I visited twice and it was worth every bite.
Little Hoi An: Step into the charming ambiance of Hoi An Ancient Town at this quaint drink shop, adorned with lanterns and lotus flowers 🪷.

It’s a feast for the eyes and a perfect spot to unwind, scoring 100% in aesthetics.