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Ha Long Bay Cruise Routes | Everything about Route 1 & 2

Exploring Ha Long Bay: 2 cruise routes, 2 unique experiences

When planning your trip, you’ll find two main Ha Long Bay routes. Each takes you through a different part of the bay, with its own mix of caves, islets, beaches, and viewpoints.

The first route is quieter, with Thien Cung and Dau Go caves, plus symbolic islets like the Fighting Cock, making it ideal if you prefer cultural landmarks and fewer crowds. The second route covers iconic sites like Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and Titop Island—perfect if you want the classic Ha Long Bay highlights.

Your choice depends on what you prefer—landmarks, caves, or offbeat karst landscapes.

Ha Long Bay route map

Ha Long Bay cruise route map highlighting key stops and scenic views in Vietnam.

What you’ll see on Route 1

Visitors exploring the illuminated stalactites and rock formations inside Thien Cung Cave, Vietnam.

Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave)

A large, well-lit cave filled with colorful stalactites and stalagmites. Walking through feels like exploring an underground palace.

Colorful lights illuminate stalactites in Dau Go Cave, Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Dau Go Cave

A historic cave tied to a 13th-century Vietnamese naval victory. Inside are three vast chambers with rock formations and wooden stakes on display.

Boats anchored near Stone Dog Islet, surrounded by lush green cliffs in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Stone Dog Islet

A small rock shaped like a dog that is said to guard the bay’s entrance. One of the first landmarks most boats pass.

Dinh Huong Islet in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam, surrounded by emerald waters and limestone formations.

Dinh Huong Islet (Incense Burner Islet)

An islet that looks like an incense burner, standing in the water. Often used as a symbol of Ha Long Bay.

Fighting Cock Islet rock formations in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Fighting Cock Islet (Trong Mai)

Two limestone rocks resembling roosters facing each other. It’s the most photographed islet in the bay and an official emblem of Ha Long Bay.

Pick Route 1 for a quieter Ha Long Bay cruise route, with historic caves, symbolic rock formations, and fewer crowds than the popular Route 2.

What you’ll see on Route 2

Sung Sot Cave interior with illuminated stalactites and colorful rock formations.

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

The largest and most visited cave in Ha Long Bay. Walk along a guided path through two chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The inner chamber is especially impressive, with high ceilings and dramatic rock formations.

Tourists in a boat exploring Luon Cave, Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Luon Cave

A cave that leads into a quiet lagoon. You can explore it by kayak or bamboo boat, gliding under limestone cliffs and spotting monkeys and birds along the rocks.

Titop Island view with tourists kayaking in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Titop Island

A popular island stop where you can swim on the sandy beach or climb about 400 steps to a viewpoint. The hike is short but steep, and the reward is one of the best views of Ha Long Bay’s limestone karsts.

Pick Route 2 for the classic Ha Long Bay route with the bay’s best-known caves, Titop Island’s viewpoint, plus chances to swim and take short hikes.

Frequently asked questions about Ha Long Bay cruise routes

Which Ha Long Bay route should I choose?

Route 1 is quieter and has historic caves with symbolic islets. Route 2 covers the most famous highlights, Sung Sot and Titop. Pick based on whether you prefer iconic landmarks or a less-crowded, scenic experience.

Can I do both Ha Long Bay routes on one trip?

Day cruises usually follow one route. To see both Ha Long Bay routes, you’ll need either an overnight cruise or two separate day trips. Visit the Plan Your Visit page for visitor tips.

How long do the Ha Long Bay cruise routes take?

Most day cruises last 4-6 hours. For more information, please visit the Timings page.

Are meals included on Ha Long Bay cruises?

All cruises include a seafood lunch buffet with vegetarian options.

Do Ha Long Bay cruises allow swimming or kayaking?

Yes, but only at designated stops. Route 2 usually has swimming at Titop Island and kayaking at Luon Cave. Route 1 may include kayaking near certain islets. For more information on activities, visit the Things to Do page.

When is the best time to explore Ha Long Bay?

The best time for Ha Long Bay cruises is March to April and late September to November, when the weather is warm and visibility is clearer. Summer (May–August) is warmer and may bring rain showers.

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