Itinerary Summary
Arrive in Hanoi and transfer to Ha Long for a full-day cruise to Titop Island and the caves, then an internal flight to Dong Hoi and on to Phong Nha-Ke Bang for Paradise Cave and the Son River boat ca…
Day-by-Day Itinerary
Day 1
Land in Hanoi and drive east to Ha Long City
10:00
1.5h
Noi Bai Airport arrival and SIM pickup
Clear immigration at Noi Bai, collect a local data SIM from the arrivals hall kiosks, and change a little cash. Vendors sell tourist SIMs for around 150,000-250,000 dong depending on the data bundle.
📍 Noi Bai Airport, Hanoi
13:00
3.5h
Hanoi to Ha Long City highway drive
Head east on the expressway for about 3.5 hours with a short service stop; a private car or shuttle is far quicker than the local bus. Ha Long City spreads along the shore, so confirm your hotel's pier-side address.
📍 Hanoi to Ha Long City
18:30
1.5h
Ha Long waterfront seafood dinner
Pick a restaurant along the Bai Chay strip and order shellfish by weight, agreeing the price per kilo before cooking. Grilled squid and steamed grouper are local staples; bottled water is safer than tap.
📍 Ha Long City
💡 Pro Tip: Noi Bai International Airport is 35 km north of Hanoi; the drive to Ha Long City takes about 3.5 hours by private car or express shuttle along the newer expressway. Entry rules depend on your passport, so check the Vietnam visa section before booking. Vietnam is on UTC+7 with no daylight saving. Ha Long's waterfront hotels cluster in Bai Chay and Hon Gai, and the piers are a short taxi ride from both. Carry dong in small notes for pier cafes, and confirm with your hotel which marina your cruise leaves from, as some boats depart from Tuan Chau and others from Hon Gai.
Days 2-5 are member-only
Members get the complete day-by-day plan with timing, transport and on-the-ground tips.
Budget Breakdown
AccommodationUS$27035%
Mid-range hotels in Ha Long and Phong Nha, 4 nights
Food & DiningUS$16020%
Vietnamese noodle and seafood meals
Remaining cost categories are member-only
Members see the full breakdown for flights, hotels, food, tickets and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I get from Ha Long Bay to Phong Nha-Ke Bang National Park?+
There is no direct link. Most travellers return to Hanoi and fly to Dong Hoi, then take a taxi or shuttle about 45 minutes to Phong Nha village. Flights are short but infrequent, so check schedules before fixing your Ha Long dates. A train or bus via Hanoi is cheaper but adds a full day.
When should I visit Ha Long Bay and the Phong Nha caves?+
March to April and October to November are the most reliable windows for both. Ha Long can be hazy or storm-affected in summer, and Phong Nha's caves flood after heavy rain, sometimes closing boat trips. Winter is cooler and drier in the north but can bring drizzle on the bay.
How far ahead should I book a Ha Long Bay cruise and Paradise Cave tour?+
Book the Ha Long cruise several weeks ahead in high season, as good mid-range boats fill first and last-minute places are often on the weakest vessels. Paradise Cave can usually be visited on arrival, but guided Phong Nha tours and the Son River boat trip are worth reserving a few days ahead.
Are the Phong Nha caves suitable for children or claustrophobic travellers?+
Paradise Cave uses a boardwalk and suits most ages, though it is humid and involves steps. The Son River boat cave is dark and enclosed, which unsettles some visitors. Check age limits and headroom with operators, and note that the adventure caves require prior trekking experience.
Attractions in This Guide
Guide at a Glance
- Duration: 5 days
- Budget: Comfort · approx. $600–970 (≈ €520–850), excl. int'l flights
- Difficulty: moderate
- Best for: Nature & Outdoors
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