Halong Bay Cruise, Route 1 or Route 2?

Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage site with thousands of unique limestone islands, is always a dream destination for domestic and international travelers. When visiting, many people first ask which tour route to choose for the best experience. Let’s explore the details of these two main tourist routes in Ha Long Bay. 

Quick Comparision of Route 1 & Route 2

Quick Travel Guide for Route 1 and Route 2

• Route 1 is a short tour (3-4 hours),  only for day trips. This route offers you a glimpse of Halong Bay and not too crowded as Route 2.
• Route 2 is the most popular tour, taking you into the central area of Ha Long Bay. You can choose from itineraries of 5-6 hours, 7-8 hours, or overnight cruises.
• Route 2 tends to be more crowded during the peak summer season, with many tourists at the sightseeing spots.
• You can rent a private boat or join a shared boat for both routes, depending on your travel plan.
• Both routes have boats departing from Ha Long Port or Tuan Chau Port.
• Schedule for Route 1: Morning (08:00 – 12:00), Afternoon (12:00 – 16:00).
• Schedule for Route 2 (6 hours): Morning (09:00 – 15:00), Afternoon (12:00 – 18:00).
• Schedule for Route 2 (7-8 hours): 10:30 – 18:00.
• Schedule for Route 2 (2 days 1 night): From 12:00 noon the previous day to 11:00 noon the next day.

In fact, there are up to 5 tour routes in Ha Long Bay, not just Routes 1 and 2. You can find more information in this article: 5 Ha Long Bay Cruise Routes.

Route 1 – Discover the Beauty of Ha Long Bay in a Day

• Duration: 3 – 4 hours
• Departure: Tuan Chau Port, Ha Long Port
• Sightseeing Points: Ba Hang, Fighting Cock Islet, Heavenly (Thien Cung) Cave
• Detailed Itinerary: 4-Hour Ha Long Bay Tour

Route 1 serves as a perfect summary of the beauty of Ha Long Bay. Upon leaving the dock, visitors will marvel at the Stone Dog Island—an extraordinary natural sculpture created by nature. Next, you will see the Hương Peak, a symbol of the bay, featured on the 200,000 VND banknote.

A special highlight of the journey is the experience of kayaking or taking a rowboat in the Ba Hang area. Surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and with crystal-clear waters reflecting the sky, this creates a breathtaking and unforgettable scenery. This spot is also ideal for capturing beautiful photographs.

The journey concludes with an exploration of Heavenly Cave and Dau Go Cave—two magnificent caves adorned with stalactites and stalagmites in various shapes, each showcasing its unique beauty and containing fascinating historical stories.

For the 4-hour Ha Long Bay tour, you can choose from the following boats:

• Ha Binh Boat (traditional wooden boat, morning 4-hour tour)
• Toan Thang Boat (private boat rental for the tour)
• V Dream Cruise (new, modern cruise for the 4-hour morning tour)

Route 2 – A Complete Experience

• Duration: 5 – 6 hours or 7-8 hours, 2 days 1 night
• Departure: Tuan Chau Port, Ha Long Port
• Sightseeing Points: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave
• Detailed Itinerary: Ha Long 6-Hour Tour

Route 2 offers an adventurous journey filled with exciting activities. In addition to admiring the characteristic islands, visitors will explore Sung Sot Cave—the largest cave in the bay, featuring a vast space and stunning stalactite formations.

A highlight of this route is the opportunity to swim at Ti Top or Soi Sim beaches. Climbing the 427 steps to the top of Ti Top may make you sweat, but the reward is a breathtaking 360-degree view of Ha Long Bay from above. This location is perfect for capturing panoramic photos and watching the sunset.

Luon Cave presents another unique experience on Route 2. Using a kayak or a rowboat, visitors can navigate through the low cave to enter a turquoise lagoon surrounded by cliffs, a serene space reminiscent of a fairy tale.

When choosing Route 2 for your Ha Long Bay visit, you will have a wider range of tour options and types of boats, including overnight cruises.

For the 6-hour Ha Long Bay tour on Route 2, you can choose from the following cruises:

• V Dream Cruise
• Sonata Cruise
• Apollo Cruise
• Dragon Cruise
• Ha Long Excursion Cruise

For the 7 – 8 hour Ha Long Bay tour on Route 2, you can select from:

• Iris Cruise
• Maia Cruise
• Vera Cruise
• La Casta Cruise
• Symphony Cruise

Choosing the Right Tour

To ensure a fulfilling trip, consider the following:

• Route 1 is suitable for those with limited time or traveling with elderly individuals or young children.
• Route 2 is ideal for those who want a more comprehensive experience and can participate in various activities on the bay.

Time for Travel :

• Spring (March-April): The weather is cool, making it suitable for both routes.
• Summer (May-August): It’s recommended to choose Route 2 to enjoy beach activities.
• Autumn (September-November): This is the best time for photography, making it suitable for both routes.
• Winter (December-February): Route 1 is a better choice due to fewer outdoor activities.

We hope this article provides you with useful information to select a Ha Long Bay tour that meets your preferences. For any questions or assistance, please contact Vivu Halong.

WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888 / +84.961.250.100