After One Day in Halong: Should You Extend Your Trip to Stay at a Resort?

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, famed for its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts and mystical caves. For many travelers, a Halong day tour feels like the easiest way to tick this UNESCO World Heritage Site off the bucket list. But here’s the question: is one day really enough to capture the beauty and magic of Halong Bay? Or should you extend your trip and treat yourself to a stay at one of Halong’s top resorts? Let’s break it down.

Reina Cruise – Small Group Halong Bay Experience

Is One Day in Halong Bay Enough?

What a Standard Halong Day Tour Includes

Most Halong day tours run from 8 to 12 hours, with pickup from Hanoi in the early morning and a return by evening. A typical itinerary might include:

A 4–6 hour cruise through the limestone islets.
A seafood lunch on board.
Short stops at caves such as Thien Cung (Heavenly Palace) or Sung Sot (Surprise Cave).
Optional kayaking or bamboo boat ride in sheltered lagoons.
A quick photo stop at Ti Top Island or Ba Hang Fishing Village.

It’s a packed schedule designed to showcase Halong Bay’s highlights in a short amount of time.

Halong Bay day cruise — How special is Thien Cung Cave?

The Limitations of a One-Day Trip

While convenient, a Halong day tour comes with some drawbacks:

Travel time: The Hanoi–Halong round trip can take 4–5 hours, leaving less time on the bay itself.
Rushed pace: You’ll likely only scratch the surface of Halong’s 1,600 islands and islets.
No sunrise or sunset: Day tours miss the golden hours when Halong Bay is at its most magical.
Less relaxation: It’s an active, non-stop day, which can feel tiring, especially for families or older travelers.

So while a day tour is a great choice for those on tight schedules, it doesn’t fully capture Halong’s essence.

Why Consider Extending Beyond a Day Tour?

Slower Pace, More Authentic Experience

Staying overnight means you can cruise at a slower pace, enjoy resort amenities, and avoid feeling rushed. You’ll have time to soak in the scenery rather than simply checking off attractions.

Sunrise and Sunset Magic

Halong Bay is breathtaking at dawn and dusk, with mist rising from the water and the limestone pillars glowing in golden light. These moments are simply impossible to enjoy on a standard day trip.

Explore Hidden Gems

An extended stay allows you to experience quieter, less touristy spots such as Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. Resorts often help arrange private cruises, kayaking trips or cultural excursions.

Relaxation After Long Transfers

If you’re coming from Hanoi, the bus ride itself can be tiring. Staying overnight means you can break up the journey, rest comfortably and avoid spending the whole day in transit.

You pay Superior double room price but you get Suite executive room.

The Best Resorts in Halong for an Extended Stay

If you decide to extend your trip, Halong Bay and its surroundings offer a wide range of luxury resorts. Here are some of the best:

Vinpearl Resort & Spa Ha Long – Stay on the Sea

Located on Reu Island, this resort offers a private island experience. Think infinity pools, beachfront dining and views of the bay from every angle. It’s perfect for those who want to feel fully immersed in Halong’s beauty.

Premier Village Ha Long Bay – Villas with Private Pools

This is a dream choice for families or groups. Each villa comes with spacious rooms, a kitchen and a private pool. It’s a balance of independence and luxury, with resort-level service.

Royal Lotus Ha Long Resort & Villas – Balanced Luxury and Comfort

A more affordable option compared to Vinpearl or Premier Village, Royal Lotus offers modern rooms, a rooftop bar and a large outdoor pool. It’s ideal for couples or solo travelers who want both comfort and value.

FLC Halong Bay Golf Club & Luxury Resort – Perfect for Golfers

Perched on a hill overlooking Halong Bay, this resort combines panoramic views with a world-class golf course. Great for golf enthusiasts and those who want a quieter, elevated retreat.

Wyndham Legend Halong – Modern City-Side Comfort

Located near Bai Chay Bridge, Wyndham offers convenient access to Halong City’s nightlife, markets and dining scene. It’s a smart choice for travelers who want to balance resort comfort with urban exploration.

Who Should Definitely Stay Overnight?

Extending your Halong day tour with a resort stay is not for everyone, but it’s highly recommended for:

Couples & honeymooners: Resorts like Vinpearl and Premier Village offer the romance of private beaches, candlelit dinners and spa treatments.
Families with kids: Having a pool, larger space and kid-friendly amenities makes the trip more relaxing.
Travelers with flexible schedules: If you have 2–3 weeks in Vietnam, why rush?
First-time visitors: If this is your only chance to see Halong Bay, staying overnight ensures a deeper experience.

Perfect Deal: Halong Bay Day Cruise Tour with a Preferred Room at Marina Hanoi Hotel

Practical Tips for Extending Your Stay

How to Book a Resort + Cruise Combo

Some resorts partner with cruise companies to offer packages that include day cruises, meals and accommodation. Booking these can save time and money.

Best Time of Year to Extend

Spring (March–May) and Autumn (September–November) are ideal for pleasant weather and fewer storms.
Summer (June–August) is hot and popular with domestic tourists but can be rainy.

Getting Around: Transfers Between Hanoi and Halong

By car/limousine bus: 2.5–3 hours via the new Hanoi–Haiphong expressway.
By seaplane: For a luxury touch, book a scenic flight with Hai Au Aviation.

Day Tour vs Resort Stay: Which is Right for You?


Feature	Halong Day Tour	Halong + Resort Stay
Duration	~12 hours (round trip from Hanoi)	2 days or more
Travel Time	4–5 hours round trip included in 1 day	Spread across multiple days, less tiring
Cruise Experience	4–6 hours on the bay	Full day or multiple short cruises possible
Highlights	Famous caves, islets, kayaking, seafood lunch	All of the above + sunrise/sunset views, nightlife, more time for hidden gems
Relaxation Level	Fast-paced, can feel rushed	Relaxed, chance to enjoy spa, pool, and leisure
Best For	Travelers with tight schedules, budget-conscious tourists, quick Vietnam itineraries	Couples, families, honeymooners, or those who want a deeper Halong experience
Cost	More affordable (just tour + meals)	Higher (resort stay + meals + extras)
Memorability	Great photos and quick impression	Story-worthy, once-in-a-lifetime experience

So, Should You Extend or Not?

In the end, the choice depends on your priorities:

If you’re short on time, a Halong day tour is still worthwhile and will give you a good glimpse of the bay.
But if you value relaxation, comfort and unforgettable moments, then extending your trip to stay at one of Halong’s resorts is absolutely worth it.

After all, Halong Bay is not just a sightseeing spot — it’s an experience. And sometimes, that experience deserves more than a single day.

Combine your Halong day tour with a luxury resort stay—check our custom packages here.