2 days 1 night itinerary to explore paradise near the capital

Why choose Ha Long for a 2 days 1 night trip?

Ha Long, in Quang Ninh province, is recognized by UNESCO as a World Natural Heritage site thanks to the unique beauty of more than 1,600 limestone islands and rich marine ecosystem. Only about 180 km from Hanoi, with a travel time of about 3-4 hours, Ha Long is an ideal destination for a short vacation. But is 2 days enough to explore all the beauty of Ha Long? The answer is yes, if you plan properly!

The ideal time to travel to Ha Long

From experience, April to September is a great time to swim and visit Ha Long Bay thanks to the warm weather and little rain. However, if you like cool air, October to December is also a good choice. Check the weather forecast before going to avoid rainy and stormy days.

Means of transport for tourism in Ha Long

From Hanoi, you can choose a bus (about 200,000 VND/person round trip), private car, or motorbike if you want to experience freedom. The Hanoi - Ha Long Expressway helps shorten travel time to about 2.5-3 hours.

Comparison table of means of transport from Hanoi to Ha Long

How much does a 2 day 1 night tour to Ha Long cost?

The cost for a 2-day, 1-night trip ranges from VND 2,000,000 to VND 5,000,000/person, depending on the type of accommodation and activities you choose.

Detailed itinerary for Ha Long 2 days 1 night tour

To make the most of your trip, you need a well-thought-out itinerary that balances sightseeing, dining, and rest. Here are some suggested itineraries designed to suit both first-time travelers and those who want to maximize their experience.

Day 1: Explore Ha Long Bay and Bai Chay Night Market

07:00 - 11:00: Travel from Hanoi to Ha Long

Depart early from Hanoi to arrive in Ha Long at around 11:00. Upon arrival, find a local eatery to fuel up before starting your journey.

11:30 - 12:30: Lunch at Hon Gai

Hon Gai is the central area of ​​Ha Long, where many fresh seafood restaurants are concentrated. Some dishes you should try:

• Ha Long squid rolls:Made from fresh squid, pounded by hand and fried until golden brown, squid rolls have a distinctive flavor, priced around 300,000 - 500,000 VND/kg.
• Sandworm:A rare specialty, often used to cook broth or make fish sauce, priced at about 4-5 million VND/kg (dried).
• Seafood noodles:A bowl of noodles filled with shrimp, squid, and clams, costs from 40,000 - 60,000 VND.

Restaurant suggestions:Hong Hanh Restaurant 3(50 Ha Long, Bai Chay) orGolden Crab Restaurant(32 Phan Chu Trinh, Hon Gai).

13:00 - 17:00: Visit Ha Long Bay

The highlight of the trip is the cruise tour on Ha Long Bay, lasting 4-6 hours, taking you through famous landmarks such as:

• Thien Cung Cave:Cave with magnificent stalactites, mysterious beauty.
• Surprise Cave:One of the largest caves in the bay, with wide spaces and unique landscapes.
• Ti Top Island:Where you can swim or climb to the top of the island to see the whole bay.
• Fighting Cock Island:The symbol of Ha Long, with two rocks shaped like a rooster and a hen.

Book a cruise tour in advance through reputable companies to save time. The ticket price to visit the bay is about 340,000 VND/person, not including the cost of renting a boat. If you want to save money, you can join a package tour with prices starting from 700,000 VND/person.

18:00 - 20:00: Rest and dinner

After returning from the bay, check-in to the hotel to rest. Have dinner at the hotel restaurant or return to Bai Chay area to enjoy dishes such as:

• Grilled cockles:Special seafood, price about 100,000 VND/piece.
• Tu Ky Crab:Fried golden shrimp rolls, served with vermicelli and raw vegetables, priced from 50,000 VND/portion.

20:30 - 22:00: Explore Bai Chay night market

Bai Chay Night Market is an ideal place to buy specialties as gifts such as dried squid (400,000 - 2,000,000 VND/kg) or dried sea worms. In addition, you can enjoy snacks such as rice rolls with squid sausage or coconut ice cream.

Day 2: Explore culture and relax at Bai Chay

07:00 - 08:00: Breakfast at hotel

Most 4-5 star hotels in Ha Long have a diverse breakfast buffet, from Vietnamese dishes such as pho, banh cuon to European dishes such as bread, fried eggs. If you stay at a homestay, you can trymantis shrimp vermicelliat Bun Hai San 85 restaurant (Bai Chay).

08:30 - 11:00: Visit Quang Ninh Museum

Quang Ninh Museum, with its unique design like a black pearl, is a place to preserve the history and culture of the mining land. Entrance fee is about 30,000 VND/person. Here, you will admire ancient artifacts and learn about the life of Ha Long fishermen.

11:30 - 13:00: Lunch and rest

Return to Hon Gai area to enjoy specialties such as:

• Stir-fried sea cucumber with lemongrass and chili:Strange dish, price about 150,000 VND/portion.
• Grilled dried squid:Delicious, price from 200,000 VND/kg.

Restaurant suggestions:Phuong Nam Restaurant(Ha Long Road, Bai Chay).

13:30 - 15:30: Relax at Bai Chay beach

Bai Chay is an artificial beach with fine white sand and clear blue water. You can swim, kayak, or participate in water games such as jet skiing (price from 500,000 VND/30 minutes).

16:00: Prepare to return to Hanoi

After swimming, return to the hotel to pack your luggage and catch a bus back to Hanoi. If you have time, you can visitHa Long Flower Parkto take pictures or buy more specialties at local shops.

Where to stay in Ha Long?

In Ha Long you can easily find accommodation. Depending on your economic conditions, you can choose the appropriate type of accommodation.

Tips to save money on your trip to Ha Long

• Service Reservation:Book bus tickets, cruise tours, and hotels at least 2 weeks in advance to receive discounts.
• Select group tour:If you are traveling alone or in a small group, a group tour will be cheaper than renting a private boat.
• Eat smart:Prioritize local eateries over restaurants in tourist areas to save costs.
• Buy specialties:Choose to buy dried squid or sea worms at reputable stores in Hon Gai to ensure quality and reasonable prices.

Frequently asked questions about Ha Long 2 days 1 night tour

1. Is 2 days enough to explore Ha Long?
Yes, if you focus on highlights like Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh Museum, and Bai Chay Beach. The above itinerary is designed to optimize time.

2. What should I bring when going to Ha Long?
Swimsuit, sunscreen, hat, comfortable shoes, and a camera to capture the beautiful moments.

3. Should I book a cruise tour in advance?
Reservations are recommended, especially during peak season (April-September), to avoid disappointment.

Traveling to Ha Long for 2 days and 1 night is not only an opportunity to admire the natural wonders but also an opportunity to enjoy unique cuisine and experience local culture. With the detailed schedule and tips above, you will have a complete, economical, and emotional trip, Ha Long promises to bring a memorable experience.