Ha Long Bay Tour Tips: What to Prepare, What to Wear and What to Know
- Before the trip: choose a route and boat type, check the forecast and port notices, and ask whether the price includes the sightseeing ticket, port fee, lunch and kayaking.
- Bring ID, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, motion-sickness tablets, a waterproof pouch and some cash.
- Wear light clothes and shoes with good grip for cave steps and the climb up Ti Top; in winter add a windbreaker because the deck is colder than the shore.
- Arrive at the port 30–45 minutes early; the Route 1 or Route 2 sightseeing ticket is about 250,000 VND, the return port fee about 80,000 VND from 1 July 2026, and the boat fare is separate.
- Do not bring single-use plastic onto the bay, always wear a life jacket when kayaking or on a rowing boat, and swim only inside the buoyed area.
What should you prepare for a Ha Long Bay boat trip?
For a smooth Ha Long Bay trip, prepare four things: a boat schedule that fits your time (Route 1 takes about 4 hours, Route 2 about 6 hours), personal ID, a small kit with water, sunscreen and motion-sickness tablets, and light clothing with shoes that grip. Also check the weather forecast the day before, because boats can be suspended in strong winds or storms.
If you have not chosen a route yet, read Ha Long Bay Route 1 or Route 2 first; if this is your first visit to Ha Long, the Ha Long travel guide from A to Z gives you the big picture.
Before the day: 5 things to do
- Pick a route that fits your time and energy. Route 1 is easy with few steps; Route 2 includes Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and Luon Cave.
- Check the forecast and port notices. Boats still run in light rain, but in strong winds, tropical depressions or storms the authorities stop issuing departure permits. July to September needs the closest watch; see the best time to visit Ha Long.
- Book ahead for weekends, holidays and summer. On weekdays you can usually join a shared boat at the port.
- Ask exactly what the quote includes. Ask whether it covers the sightseeing ticket, port fee, lunch, kayak or rowing boat, and what time the boat returns. Detailed figures are in the cost of an independent Ha Long trip.
- Plan your time to and from the port. On a day trip from Hanoi, leave early and do not book the return bus too close to the boat’s arrival; see how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long.
Shared boat, private boat or overnight cruise?
| Option | Best for | Things to note |
|---|---|---|
| Shared day boat | Solo travellers, couples | Fixed departure times, busy at weekends |
| Private boat for a group | Multi-generation families, larger groups | Flexible stops; check the licence, life jackets and whether tickets are included |
| Overnight cruise | Sunset and sunrise on the bay | Much more expensive; people prone to seasickness should try a day boat first |
What to bring on a Ha Long Bay tour
A day trip on the bay only needs a small backpack: ID, a reusable water bottle, sunscreen, a hat, sunglasses, motion-sickness tablets, a waterproof phone pouch, a power bank and some cash. On Route 2 in hot months, add swimwear, a small towel and sandals with back straps. Leave suitcases at the hotel because there are many steps to climb.
| Item group | What to bring | Why |
|---|---|---|
| Documents | ID card or passport, children’s papers if claiming a discount | Needed to buy tickets and board |
| Water and snacks | Reusable bottle, biscuits, fruit | Food and drinks on boats and islands cost more than on land |
| Sun protection | Sunscreen, wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses | There is almost no shade on deck or at the top of Ti Top |
| Health | Motion-sickness tablets, personal medicine | The bay is usually calm, but some people still feel seasick |
| Money | A few hundred thousand VND in cash | Some small services on the islands do not take transfers |
What not to bring onto the bay
- Single-use plastic such as plastic water bottles, cups, straws, foam boxes and plastic bags. Since 1 September 2019 the Ha Long Bay Management Board has run a programme banning single-use plastic in tourism activities on the bay; boats may refuse passengers who deliberately break the rule.
- Drones: flying a drone in Vietnam requires a permit, so do not fly one over the heritage area on your own.
What to wear in Ha Long Bay by season
The general rule is light, comfortable clothing and shoes with good grip, because you will climb stone steps in caves, go up Ti Top and may get in and out of a kayak. The deck is windy and usually a few degrees cooler than the shore, so always bring a light jacket. Avoid high heels, slippery soles and very long skirts on the steps.
| Months | Typical weather | What to wear |
|---|---|---|
| December–February | Cold, dry, often misty, about 12–20°C | Thermal top or thin sweater, windbreaker for the deck, closed shoes |
| March–April | Warming up, humid, morning mist | Thin long sleeves, light jacket, shoes with grip because steps get damp |
| May–September | Hot and sunny, showers, storm season | Breathable T-shirt, swimwear for Ti Top, compact raincoat, hat and sunscreen |
| October–November | Cool, dry, pleasant | T-shirt or thin shirt, light jacket for the afternoon on deck |
With small children, pack a spare set of clothes; family tips are in Ha Long with young children.
At the port: arrive early, documents and tickets
Day boats mainly leave from Ha Long International Cruise Port in the Bai Chay area and Tuan Chau International Port. Arrive about 30–45 minutes early to buy tickets, check in and find your boat’s berth, especially in peak season. Common departure windows are around 8–9 a.m. in the morning and in the early afternoon.
- Tickets: the Route 1 or Route 2 sightseeing ticket is about 250,000 VND per adult, plus a return port fee of about 80,000 VND (the rate at Ha Long International Cruise Port from 1 July 2026). The shared boat fare is separate, usually about 150,000–200,000 VND.
- Check your boat details: boat name, registration number, route and return time; take a photo of your ticket and the boat number.
- Buy at official counters or through a clearly identified travel company, and be careful with unusually cheap offers.
If you stay in Bai Chay, the ride to Ha Long International Cruise Port is short; Tuan Chau usually takes an extra 15–25 minutes by car. Areas to stay are compared in where to stay in Ha Long.
Safety on board: life jackets, seasickness, children
On a bay boat, the most important things are knowing where the life jackets are, wearing one whenever you get into a kayak or rowing boat or when the crew asks, and keeping small children in sight at all times. Do not sit on the railings or the side of the boat, and do not climb onto the roof while the boat is moving. If you get seasick, take medicine before boarding and sit in the middle of the boat.
- Seasickness: take tablets before departure as directed on the pack, eat lightly and look at the horizon.
- Young children: use a child-size life jacket on deck; children under 6 usually do better on Route 1.
- Older travellers: sit near the boarding area and ask the crew for a hand when the boat docks.
Tips for caves and the Ti Top climb
Caves on the bay such as Thien Cung, Dau Go and Sung Sot have paved paths, railings and lighting, but the steps can be damp and slippery. Walk slowly, hold the railing, stay on the path and never touch, break or write on the formations. Strollers are almost useless here, so bring a baby carrier. More detail on each stop is in Sung Sot Cave.
On Ti Top Island, the path to the top has about 400 stone steps with a railing. Climb first and swim afterwards, never climb with wet feet, and swim only inside the buoyed area. Climbing and swimming tips are in what to do on Ti Top Island.
Kayak or rowing boat: choosing safely
At Luon Cave you can paddle a kayak yourself (usually a double kayak) or sit in a rowing boat with a local rower. If you cannot swim, are afraid of water or travel with small children or older relatives, the rowing boat is the safer choice. Either way, wear a life jacket and never stand up while passing under the low cave arch.
- Ask whether the kayak or rowing boat is included; if charged separately, it is commonly about 50,000–150,000 VND per person.
- Keep your phone in a waterproof pouch or on a strap, and wear strapped sandals rather than flip-flops.
- At low tide or in bad weather, the boat crew may not allow kayaking for safety reasons.
Timing, costs and how to choose between a kayak and a rowing boat are covered in Luon Cave in Ha Long.
Protecting the heritage site
Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site; a few simple habits help keep it clean:
- Use a reusable bottle instead of plastic bottles, and do not bring plastic bags or foam boxes on board.
- Keep your rubbish on the boat or take it back to shore, never throw it into the sea.
- Do not throw food into the water, and do not catch or buy marine life or coral as souvenirs.
- Do not carve, write on or touch the formations inside the caves.
When the weather turns or boats are suspended
When there is a warning of strong winds, a tropical depression or a storm, the suspension applies to all boats and can last from one to several days. In the rainy and storm season, ask about date changes and refunds when you book. On days when boats do not run, you can still visit the Quang Ninh Museum and Library, stroll around Bai Chay or ride the cable car if the weather allows; more ideas are in things to do in Ha Long.
Frequently asked questions about visiting Ha Long Bay
What should I wear for a Ha Long Bay tour?
Wear light, comfortable clothes and shoes with good grip, because you will climb stone steps in caves and on Ti Top Island. In summer bring a hat, sunscreen and swimwear if you want to swim; in winter wear a thermal layer and a windbreaker, since the deck is colder than the shore. Always pack a light jacket and avoid high heels or slippery sandals.
Do I need ID to visit Ha Long Bay?
Yes. Bring your ID card or passport to buy tickets and check in for the boat. If you travel with children or seniors and want a discount on the sightseeing ticket, bring documents that prove their age. Children under 1.2 m are usually exempt from the sightseeing ticket, but the boat fare is still charged according to each operator’s rules.
Can I bring plastic water bottles onto Ha Long Bay?
Better not. Since 1 September 2019 the Ha Long Bay Management Board has run a programme against single-use plastic in tourism on the bay, covering plastic bottles, cups, straws, plastic bags and foam boxes. Boats may refuse passengers who deliberately break the rule. Bring a reusable bottle or buy drinks in glass bottles on board.
How early should I arrive at the port?
Arrive at Ha Long International Cruise Port or Tuan Chau port about 30–45 minutes before departure. That is enough time to buy the sightseeing ticket and port fee, park, check in and find the right berth. At weekends, on holidays and in summer the queues are longer, so come a little earlier than that.
Is Ha Long Bay okay for people who get seasick?
Yes, because the water inside the bay is usually calmer than the open sea. Choose Route 1, which lasts about 4 hours, so you spend less time on board, take seasickness tablets before boarding, eat lightly, sit near the middle of the boat and look into the distance. People who get very seasick should try a day boat before booking an overnight cruise.
Can I visit Ha Long Bay when it rains?
Boats still run in light rain, and the bay in drizzle has its own charm, but cave and island steps become more slippery. When there are strong winds, a tropical depression or a storm, the authorities stop issuing permits for boats to leave port. Follow port notices, pack a compact raincoat and ask about date changes when you book.
Conclusion
Ha Long Bay tips come down to three things: choose a route that fits your time, pack light for the season, and follow the safety and environmental rules on the bay. With good shoes, a light jacket, a reusable bottle and a clear boat schedule, all that is left is to enjoy the caves, islands and calm water. To fit the bay into a full plan, see the 2-day, 1-night Ha Long itinerary from Hanoi or read frequently asked questions about Ha Long.
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