Ha Long Bay Route 1 or Route 2? How to Choose Based on Your Time
Ha Long Bay route 1 or route 2? If you only have half a day, or are travelling with small children or older relatives, route 1 (about 4 hours: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, views of Fighting Cock Islet and Incense Burner Islet) is the compact, easy option. If you have a full day and want more activities, Ha Long Bay route 2 (about 6 hours: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave by kayak or rowing boat) offers better value.
This article compares the two most popular routes by stops, duration, effort level, reference costs and season, so you can pick the one that fits your schedule. If you are planning the whole trip, read it alongside our Ha Long travel guide from A to Z and 2-day 1-night Ha Long itinerary from Hanoi.
- Route 1: about 3.5–4 hours; Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, views of Dog Rock, Incense Burner, Fighting Cock and Incense Pot islets from the boat; few stairs.
- Route 2: about 5.5–6 hours; Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island (around 400 steps, swimming in summer), Luon Cave (kayak or bamboo rowing boat).
- Choose by time: on a day trip from Hanoi arriving at the port after 11 am, go for route 1; with a free morning (2-day 1-night trip), route 2 is more comfortable.
- Reference costs: sightseeing ticket around 250,000 VND per adult for either route, port fee around 60,000 VND per trip; boat and tour prices are extra and vary by operator.
What is a Ha Long Bay sightseeing route?
A Ha Long Bay sightseeing route is a pre-planned itinerary on the bay, each covering a set group of caves, islands and rock formations. Tourist boats must follow the registered route, and sightseeing tickets are sold per route. There are several routes (coded VHL1 to VHL8), but day visitors mostly choose route 1 or route 2.
Boats usually depart from Ha Long International Cruise Port (Bai Chay area) or Tuan Chau Port. Both have counters selling sightseeing tickets and desks for boat operators.
Route 1: caves near the shore and iconic rock islets
Ha Long Bay route 1 is a short trip, about 3.5–4 hours round trip, focusing on two caves on Dau Go Island and the distinctively shaped islets that appear in many promotional photos of the bay.
Thien Cung Cave
Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave) is on Dau Go Island, not far from the port. Inside are many stalactites and stalagmites lit with coloured lights. The walkway has steps and railings and is manageable for most visitors. A visit usually takes about 30–40 minutes.
Dau Go Cave
Dau Go Cave is next to Thien Cung Cave and is usually combined into one stop. It has a high ceiling and several chambers, and is linked to the story of wooden stakes prepared for the Battle of Bach Dang. Together the two caves usually take about 60–80 minutes, depending on crowds.
Dog Rock, Incense Burner, Fighting Cock and Incense Pot islets
After the caves, the boat slows down past the iconic islets: Dinh Huong (Incense Burner) Islet, Ga Choi (Fighting Cock) Islet, also called Trong Mai, two rocks that look like two roosters facing each other, Cho Da (Dog Rock) and Lu Huong (Incense Pot) Islet. Most visitors view them from the deck without going ashore. Head out to the deck early for photos.
Who is route 1 for?
- Day-trippers from Hanoi who arrive at the port late or need to leave early.
- Families with small children, older travellers and people prone to seasickness (less time on the boat).
Route 2: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and Luon Cave
Ha Long Bay route 2 is longer, about 5.5–6 hours, with more activities: a large cave, an island with a beach and a panoramic viewpoint, and an enclosed lagoon for kayaking; lunch is often served on board. Depending on the operator, route 2 may also stop at Soi Sim or pass Fighting Cock and Incense Burner islets on the way back.
Sung Sot Cave
Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) is on Bo Hon Island and is considered one of the largest and most beautiful caves in the bay. The ceiling of the inner chamber is covered with distinctive round hollows. The path inside has many steps up and down, so wear shoes with good grip. A visit usually takes about 40–60 minutes.
Ti Top Island
Ti Top Island has a small crescent beach and a staircase of about 400 steps to the summit. The climb takes about 15–25 minutes depending on fitness; in summer you can swim at the beach below. This is the busiest stop on route 2.
Luon Cave: kayak or bamboo rowing boat
Luon Cave is a low rock arch leading into an enclosed lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs. You can paddle a kayak yourself or sit in a bamboo boat rowed by a local to pass through the arch into the lagoon. Kayak or rowing boat fees are usually charged separately, about 100,000–200,000 VND per person depending on the option (reference only); ask whether your tour already includes it.
Who is route 2 for?
- Groups of friends, couples and families with older children who enjoy being active and want more experiences in one trip.
- Travellers with a full day, especially those who stayed overnight in Ha Long.
Route 1 vs route 2 comparison table
Comparing Ha Long Bay route 1 and route 2 in short: route 1 is short, easy and mostly about viewing; route 2 is longer, has more activities and requires more energy. The information below is for reference.
| Criteria | Route 1 | Route 2 |
|---|---|---|
| Duration (round trip) | about 3.5–4 hours | about 5.5–6 hours |
| Main stops | Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Dog Rock, Incense Burner, Fighting Cock, Incense Pot islets | Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave (may add Soi Sim, Me Cung Cave) |
| Effort level | Light: a few short flights of stairs | Moderate: many steps in Sung Sot, about 400 steps up Ti Top |
| Activities | Cave visits, viewing islets from the boat | Cave visit, hiking, swimming (summer), kayak or rowing boat |
| Lunch | Usually not, unless booked separately | Often on board (depends on package) |
| Sightseeing ticket | about 250,000 VND per adult | about 250,000 VND per adult |
| Best for | Small children, older travellers, tight schedules | Young groups, active travellers, a full day |
How to choose a route based on your time
Choosing a Ha Long Bay route by time is the simplest method: work backwards from when you must leave Ha Long, subtract the route duration and about 30–45 minutes for port procedures. Attractions on the bay usually admit visitors until about 5:00–5:30 pm, so starting late may mean skipped stops.
Half a day only, or a day trip from Hanoi
Leaving Hanoi in the morning, you usually reach the port around 10–11 am (see how to get from Hanoi to Ha Long). Route 1 (about 4 hours) then gets you back ashore by mid-afternoon, with time for dinner and the ride home.
A full day (2-day 1-night trip)
If you stay overnight in Ha Long, you can board from about 8–9 am. This is when route 2 shines: visit Sung Sot while it is still cool and climb Ti Top before the crowds. See how to arrange the schedule in our 2-day 1-night Ha Long itinerary from Hanoi.
Three days or more
You can do route 2 on one day and spend the rest on onshore attractions, or consider the quieter routes 3 or 4, or an overnight cruise. Avoid combining routes 1 and 2 in a single day. Planning a bay cruise too? See the Ha Long travel guides at CruiseInHalongBay.com.
Choosing by group type and season
By group type
- Families with children under 6: route 1; bring a baby carrier instead of a stroller.
- Families with children aged 7–15: route 2 is more fun thanks to kayaking and the Ti Top climb.
- Older travellers, people with joint problems: route 1, or route 2 while skipping the Ti Top climb.
- Friends and couples: route 2; pick an early departure to avoid crowds.
- People prone to seasickness: route 1 because there is less time on the boat.
By season
- Summer (roughly May–September): route 2 is attractive because you can swim at Ti Top; this is also storm season, and boats may be suspended in bad weather.
- Autumn (roughly October–November): clear skies and calm sea, good for both routes.
- Winter (roughly December–February): cold and sometimes foggy, no swimming; bring a windbreaker.
- Spring (roughly March–April): drizzle and light mist; the view from Ti Top may be limited.
Reference costs for a bay trip
The cost of a Ha Long Bay trip has three separate parts: the sightseeing ticket for the route, the port fee and the price of the boat or tour. The figures below are reference ranges only; check the posted prices at the port.
| Item | Reference range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Sightseeing ticket, route 1 or route 2 | about 250,000 VND per adult | Children and seniors may get reductions or exemptions under the rules |
| Port fee | about 60,000 VND per person per trip | Some tours include it, some do not |
| Shared boat ticket (excluding sightseeing ticket) | about 150,000–300,000 VND per person | Route 2 is usually more expensive than route 1 |
| Package tour at the port or online | about 450,000–900,000 VND per person | Depends on the boat and whether lunch and kayaking are included |
| Kayak or rowing boat at Luon Cave | about 100,000–200,000 VND per person | Many route 2 tours already include it |
The question to ask before you pay: “Does this price include the sightseeing ticket, port fee, lunch and kayaking?”.
Tips at the port and on board
- Check the actual itinerary: routes and stops may change depending on the operator, weather or regulations of the bay management board; ask again at the counter at Ha Long International Cruise Port or Tuan Chau Port.
- Bring ID, especially if you need reduced tickets for children or seniors.
- Arrive 30–45 minutes early, especially at weekends and in summer.
- Shoes with grip, water, a hat: cave steps can be slippery when damp.
- Life jackets and safety: always wear a life jacket when kayaking or on a rowing boat.
- Keep the bay clean: no littering, and do not touch or break cave formations.
For other attractions on the bay and onshore to fit into your plan, see things to see in Ha Long.
FAQ
Which is more beautiful, Ha Long Bay route 1 or route 2?
Neither is absolutely “more beautiful”. Route 1 has Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave and iconic islets such as Fighting Cock and Incense Burner. Route 2 has the vast Sung Sot Cave, a panoramic view from Ti Top summit and the calm lagoon at Luon Cave.
How long does Ha Long Bay route 2 take?
Route 2 usually takes about 5.5–6 hours round trip from the time the boat leaves the port, including Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave and travel time. Add about 30–45 minutes for port procedures.
Can you see Fighting Cock Islet on route 1?
Yes. Route 1 usually passes the Incense Burner, Fighting Cock, Dog Rock and Incense Pot islets; visitors view them from the deck without going ashore. Some route 2 programmes also pass Fighting Cock Islet on the way back, so ask your boat operator.
Which route is best with small children?
For children under 6, route 1 is usually better because it is shorter with fewer stairs. Older children can do route 2 and tend to love kayaking, but they need life jackets and adult supervision.
Where can I buy Ha Long Bay tickets?
You can buy them at the counters at Ha Long International Cruise Port (Bai Chay) or Tuan Chau Port, or book a tour in advance through a travel agency. The sightseeing ticket is around 250,000 VND per adult for route 1 or route 2 and the port fee around 60,000 VND per trip (reference); boat prices are separate.
Can you visit the bay in rain or storms?
When there is a bad-weather warning, authorities may suspend tourist boats even if you have booked. Follow the forecast and ask about refund or change conditions before booking.
Conclusion
Ha Long Bay route 1 or route 2 mainly depends on your time and your group’s energy: route 1 takes about 4 hours, is gentle and suits tight schedules and families with small children or older relatives; route 2 takes about 6 hours and offers more experiences with Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top and kayaking at Luon Cave, ideal when you have a full day. Whichever you choose, confirm the actual itinerary at the port.
Next, fit the bay trip into our 2-day 1-night Ha Long itinerary from Hanoi, see things to see in Ha Long to add onshore stops, and read the Ha Long travel guide from A to Z if this is your first visit to Ha Long.
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