Where to Stay in Ha Long: Best Areas, Hotels & Cruises 2026
Just like other big tourist spots, Ha Long Bay has tons of places to stay. If you're new to Ha Long, the massive list of hostels and hotels with different prices, quality levels, and locations might confuse you. Here's everything you need to know about where to stay in Ha Long Bay!
1. Staying in Ha Long Mainland
Mainland stays give you the most convenient vacation when deciding where to stay in Ha Long, especially if you're wondering how many days in Ha Long Bay is enough to explore. With nearby attractions, easy transportation, plenty of restaurants, shopping centers, and medical services all within reach, the mainland offers comfort and flexibility. Plus, mainland hotels cost much less than cruises or island options—perfect for travelers wanting more spending money for activities!
1.1. 5 Best Luxury Hotels in Ha Long
The Bai Chay area in Ha Long offers many fancy hotels - from local Vietnamese brands to big international hotel chains that everyone knows. Check out some top picks below!
| No | Hotel Name | Address name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Novotel Ha Long Bay | 160 Halong Rd., Bai Chay, Halong | From $51/room/night |
| 2 | Wyndham Legend Ha Long Hotel | No.12 Halong Rd., Bai Chay, Halong | From $46/room/night |
| 3 | Muong Thanh Quang Ninh Luxury Hotel | Zone 2, Halong Rd., Bai Chay, Halong | From $64/room/night |
| 4 | Ha Long Plaza Hotel | 08 Halong Rd., Bai Chay, Halong | From $30/room/night |
| 5 | Premier Village Halong Bay Resort | No.09 Halong Rd., Bai Chay, Halong | From $272/room/night |
1.2. 5 Best Budget Hotels in Ha Long
Tight on cash? No problem! Even though Ha Long City can be pricey, you can still find cheap hostels to keep your wallet happy. Here are some great budget options:
| No | Hotel Name | Address name | Price |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | Almor Hostel | No.10, Alley 48A, Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Halong | From $13/room/night |
| 2 | Halong Bay Fancy Hostel | No.25, Alley 1, Zone 2, Vuon Dao, Bai Chay, Halong | From $6/person/night |
| 3 | Aroma Halong Hostel | LV1-19, Sun Premier Village, Bai Chay, Halong | From $6/person/night |
| 4 | The Bay - Halong Homestay | No.2, Huong Tram Alley, Anh Dao St., Bai Chay, Halong | From $15/room/night |
| 5 | Babycat Hotel & Coffee | No.108, Vuon Dao St., Bai Chay, Halong | From $18/room/night |
2. Staying Overnight on a Cruise
In addition to staying in the mainland, visitors seeking a deeper connection with Ha Long Bay's scenic beauty can consider a cruise vacation. If you're wondering where to stay in Ha Long beyond traditional hotels, a cruise offers a unique way to experience the bay’s breathtaking landscapes. Below are some renowned cruise options operating in the bay:
2.1. Ha Long Bay Cruise – Lively and Well-Suited
The most common way to see the bay is on a Ha Long Bay overnight cruise. These boats follow the main route through the bay's famous spots like:
- Ti Top Island
- Sung Sot Cave
- Thien Cung Cave
- Bat Cave
- Cua Van Floating Village
While the newest and fanciest boats aren't found in Ha Long Bay itself, you still have tons of options. There are hundreds of 3-star to 5-star cruises to pick from.
Want luxury without the huge price tag? An overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay is smart! A night on a 5-star boat here costs around $185 per person or even less.
This classic route gives you the full Ha Long experience that made this place famous worldwide.
2.2. Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise – Peaceful and Ideal for Relaxation
Looking for a truly relaxing trip? Book a cruise from Ha Long Bay to Bai Tu Long Bay - a peaceful little spot in the area.
Not many tourists know about Bai Tu Long, which makes it a true gem in the Gulf of Tonkin. You get the same stunning World Natural Heritage views but without all the noise and crowds.
The only downside? Not many cruise boats to pick from, especially if you want fancy ones.
The good news is that prices are fair. You can get:
- A night on a 3-star boat starting at just $120 per person
- Several nice 4-star options if you want more comfort
If you must have top-end luxury, your choices are very limited. The few 5-star options include:
- Signature Royal
- Victory Star
- Dragon Legend
- Emperor
These fancy boats cost between $165 and $345 per person, depending on how much luxury you want.
2.3. Lan Ha Bay – Tranquil Yet Perfect for Adventurous Travelers
As Ha Long Bay gets packed with tourists, smart travelers are switching to Lan Ha Bay. While more people are finding out about it, Lan Ha still keeps its calm feeling.
This bay is where you'll find the very best cruises in the whole Ha Long area. You can pick from many different boats with:
- Various quality levels
- Different price points
- Unique travel routes
Lan Ha really shines when it comes to fancy boats. It's paradise for 4-star and 5-star cruises that offer super luxurious experiences and top-notch service.
Some great luxury options include:
- Mon Cheri
- Heritage Line
- Orchid
- Scarlet Pearl
- Era
- Peony
A cabin on these fancy Lan Ha Bay cruises costs between $150 and $520 per person, depending on how much luxury you're after.
3. Staying on an Island
If you'd rather wake up on an island, consider the following options for a memorable getaway in and around Ha Long Bay:
3.1. Cat Ba Island
Cat Ba is the largest island of the Cat Ba archipelago, sitting right next to Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay (it belongs to Hai Phong, not Quang Ninh). Among the islands in the area, Cat Ba has the best range of tourist services. You can find places to stay for any budget - cheap hostels or fancy resorts.
Even though lots of tourists visit Cat Ba, you can still pick what kind of trip you want - fun and busy or quiet and calm.
Most visitors stay in Cat Ba town center. Here you get:
- Good prices on places to stay
- Close to shops and food
- Near other tourist things
A bed in a shared room costs about $6.50. A private room in a nice 3-star hotel starts at just $22.
The fancy hotels and resorts sit far from town. These places are:
- Surrounded by sea and trees
- Much more private
- Very peaceful
But you'll pay at least $90 per night for these luxury spots - a lot more than staying in town.
3.2. Monkey Island
Not far from Cat Ba sits a small place called Monkey Island (also known as Cat Dua). As the name suggests, monkeys live here like they own the place!
You won't find many tourist services - just one 3-star spot called Monkey Island Resort.
This island is perfect if you want a quiet getaway. Your days will be filled with:
- Warm sunshine
- Soft sandy beaches
- Clear blue water
- Playful monkey neighbors
But watch out! These clever monkeys have sticky fingers. Keep a close eye on your:
- Snacks
- Wallet
- Phone
- Any small items
Once a monkey grabs something, you can kiss it goodbye forever!
3.3. Co To Island
Co To Island is still a secret spot you should see before everyone else finds out. It lies far out in the Gulf of Tonkin, so getting there takes some planning: drive from Ha Long to Cai Rong port in Van Don, then take a boat across to the island. You'll fall in love with:
- Snow-white beaches
- Clear blue-green water
- Rough, dramatic cliffs
- Tasty seafood that won't break your bank
You can jump into fun water sports or just take a slow, hand-in-hand walk through the cute little streets.
Since not many tourists know about Co To yet, it's perfect if you want something fresh and special. But heads up - the island doesn't have fancy hotels or high-end stuff. If you need luxury rooms and special treatment, you might feel let down.
Go now before the crowds find this hidden treasure!
3.4. Quan Lan Island
If you love the outdoors, Quan Lan Island will grab your heart! Like Co To, it is reached by boat from Cai Rong port in Van Don rather than directly from Ha Long. The wild, untouched beauty here is something special.
Imagine yourself stretched out on sand, cool sea breeze on your skin, just soaking in all the amazing things nature made here.
The food is a big draw too! Try the fresh catch like:
- Juicy shrimp
- Unusual worm tails
- Tender sea cucumber
This spot is just right for:
- Taking a cool swim
- Paddling around in kayaks
- Simply doing nothing at all in the fresh air
It's the perfect escape for anyone needing a break from busy life!
3.5. Ti Top Island
One look at the photo and you can see why Ti Top Island is the star of Ha Long Bay and why so many visitors love it.
Once called Cat Nang Island, it got a new name after Russian space traveler Gherman Titov met President Ho Chi Minh here back in 1962.
Don't let its tiny size fool you! Ti Top packs in lots of fun stuff to do like:
- Swimming in clear waters
- Sunning on the beach
- Paddling in kayaks
- Exploring underwater with snorkels
- Hiking up for amazing views
The island has a great tourist setup with bars, food spots, and places to shop. Note that there are no hotels on Ti Top, so you can't stay overnight here. It's a day stop on most Ha Long Bay cruises and day tours, so the easiest way to visit is from a cruise.
Fair warning - you won't have this place to yourself! It gets busy with other travelers, but trust us, Ti Top is crowded for a good reason!
We hope this guide provides helpful insights into the best places to stay in Ha Long for your next adventure. If you're still deciding where to stay in Ha Long, let us help you find the perfect spot. For a more comfortable and seamless trip, consider booking a Joytime 2D1N Ha Long Bay cruise. From hotel selection to itinerary planning, we take care of every detail for your journey.
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Danish Nguyen
Danish Nguyen is a renowned travel blogger in Vietnam with over 5 years of experience sharing unique travel experiences. With a passion for exploring new places, Danish captures incredible moments and provides readers with valuable tips to discover the beauty of his homeland.
