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No one visits Northern Vietnam without seeing Halong Bay. This stunning blend of mountains, sea, and islands is truly one of a kind in the world. A 5-day Halong cruise is just enough for you to admire the bay’s beauty while still having plenty of time to relax on Cat Ba Island. Let’s explore the itinerary in the article below.
A Halong cruise is an experience every traveler dreams of
A 5-day Halong and Cat Ba itinerary has the perfect balance between relaxation and adventure. Most tourists only spend one or two nights in Halong Bay. In five days, you can spend two nights on the water, then use the extra time for more activities than just a couple of photo shoots, and finally recharge your energy on the sand of Cat Ba Island.
A longer stay allows you to venture further into the less-traveled parts of the Gulf of Tonkin. This is where you can truly appreciate the scale and tranquility of the seascape. Additionally, a longer stay gives you the chance to interact more with the local culture.
The beauty of the beach on Cat Ba Island
Therefore, one of the greatest benefits of a five-day Halong and Cat Ba itinerary is the ability to travel at a relaxed pace. Traveling can be exhausting, and trying to cram all the sights into a short period can be more stressful than enjoyable. There’s no need to rush from one activity to the next.
That amount of time is long enough to make the journey from Hanoi worthwhile, but short enough to fit into a two- or three-week Vietnam trip. You can explore the north’s natural beauty before heading south for more culture, history, or beach time. So, Halong and Cat Ba in 5 days is surprisingly good, besides a normal one or two-day Halong Bay cruise.
Halong Bay greets you with iconic limestone peaks rising from emerald waters. The scenery feels almost otherworldly. Hidden among these islands is Hang Sung Sot (Surprise Cave), one of the most spectacular caverns in the bay. Stepping inside reveals large chambers filled with intricate stalactites.
On the other hand, Titov Island has the perfect combination of activity and relaxation. You can climb over 400 stone steps to a panoramic viewpoint that looks out over the sea. The beach below is a quiet place to swim or simply admire the sweeping views.
Just to the south, Lan Ha Bay has a charm that is more subtle but equally captivating. Fewer boats around there, leaving its lagoons wonderfully peaceful. On the calm waters, nothing is better than kayaking.
No less stunning than Halong, yet Lan Ha Bay has a more tranquil beauty
On Cat Ba Island, the landscape changes from limestone cliffs to dense green hills. Just offshore lies Cai Beo Fishing Village. This ancient floating community has existed for centuries. Its fish farms are anchored among the islands. Visiting here to witness a traditional way of life and buy some cheap local seafood.
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Like everyone, you will land in Hanoi. The 3-hour drive along the highway passes through small towns and stretches of countryside before you arrive at the harbor in Quang Ninh Province. Here, a luxury Halong cruise is already waiting for you. Abroad and choose your welcome drink. The journey begins. Don’t be hypnotized by the scene then forget the safety guidelines.
As the ship eases away from the dock, a feast of fresh seafood and regional specialties is served for lunch. From the dining room or the open deck, you watch the skyline of limestone peaks gradually rise from the emerald water, a hint of the beauty that lies ahead.
Embrace the sun from the cruise
The afternoon brings your first excursions into the heart of the bay. You sail past famous “landmarks” like Fighting Cocks Islet and Stone Dog Island. Their shapes are instantly recognizable from countless photographs. Later, you may pass through Vung Vieng Floating Fishing Village for a glimpse of local life on the water.
The dawn wakes your tummy to rumble. The crew invites you to a Vietnamese cooking class on deck. You learn how to roll fresh spring rolls or prepare a simple local salad. Working makes your meals taste better.
Stone Dog Islet looks like the head of a dog gazing upward
Dinner follows in the elegant dining room, a multi-course meal accompanied by the gentle rocking of the boat. You have a choice for the night: try your luck at squid fishing (small chance to win) or have a drink at the bar.
The second day on the Halong cruise begins with the soft glow of sunrise spilling across the limestone peaks. Many guests are likely to join Tai Chi, letting the cool morning breeze set the tone for the day. A light breakfast follows. The boat drops anchor near Surprise Cave for your morning’s adventure.
After exploring the cave, you return to the main vessel in time for a leisurely lunch. About the cruise, it continues its journey into quieter corners of the bay. The scenery becomes more serene here, with fewer boats and more open space between the islands. In the afternoon, the crew anchors in a secluded spot, a sign for swimming in the emerald water or taking a kayak to explore hidden beaches.
Wake up early and take a Tai Chi lesson
Evening falls slowly over the bay, and the sky turns to shades of amber and violet. Dinner is served in the dining room or on the open deck. Just like the first day, the rest of the day is to share stories under the starry night. The gentle sway of the boat lulls you to sleep.
After a light breakfast on board, Halong cruise makes a stop at Titov Island. Still enough time for a quick swim on the beach of the island. The beach may not be large, but it’s peaceful and very clean. The sand is constantly washed by the tides, keeping it pure white, while the sea stays crystal clear all year round.
By mid-morning, the cruise docks on the edge of Cat Ba Island. From here, a quick drive brings you into the town center. Lunch is a highlight in itself, featuring Cat Ba’s famous seafood such as sweet clams, mantis shrimp, and grouper, all of which come with the island’s signature freshness.
The scenic route around Cat Ba Island
Unwind on the beach in the afternoon, of course. You made a long journey today, now it’s time to relax. At night, doing different activities from things on the Halong cruise, because you are in a lively town! Play some games, savor some street snacks before returning to the hotel for a restful night.
Day four is dedicated to exploring the beauty of Lan Ha Bay. A traditional wooden boat takes you out across calm waters framed by limestone cliffs. Kayaking through the Dark - Bright Caves reveals hidden lagoons accessible only by water. A stop at Ba Trai Dao Island is the chance to swim in crystal-clear shallows beneath dramatic rock formations.
Kayak into the Bright Cave and Dark Cave to admire the unique stalactite formations
In the afternoon, the journey continues to Cai Beo Fishing Village. It’s a unique fishing community in Vietnam. Wooden houses and fish farms float on the waters, and local fishermen go about their daily routines much as they have for generations. Back to Cat Ba Island, end your day with a memorable seafood barbecue. The scent of grilling fish and prawns flows in the salty night air. How can one forget the final night on the island?
Make the most of your last morning on Cat Ba Island to enjoy a swim in the sea. After packing and checking out, the journey back to Hanoi runs through the stretches of coastal road before joining the modern highway.
Along the way, there’s time to stop at local shops and roadside markets to pick up regional specialties. Dried squid, golden cuttlefish, and fish sauce are among the most popular souvenirs, each carrying the distinct flavors of the northern coast. These make perfect gifts or reminders of your days by the sea. Or else you can buy green bean cake (Hai Duong’s specialty).
There are plenty of great photo spots along the streets of Cat Ba Island
A few hours later, the landscape shifts from open countryside back to the lively streets of Hanoi. The trip is finally over, but 5 days in Halong Bay and Cat Ba are still on your mind.
Halong cruise is the most standout cruise in Northern Vietnam, and it's even better when combined with a visit to Cat Ba Island. This is a must-do activity if you have a long Vietnam holiday. Contact Asia King Travel and we will craft this great adventure together!
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