halongbaycruise.infoIndependent cruise guide, Vietnam

official routes

Halong Bay cruise routes: the official list, stops and fees

Halong Bay cruise routes are set by the province, not by the boats. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists 8 routes, VHL1 to VHL8, and prices overnight stays only on routes 2, 3 and 4. The day fee is VND 250,000 per visit per person on VHL1, VHL2 and VHL5 and VND 200,000 per visit per person on VHL3 and VHL4, set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council; overnight fees depend on the route and the nights. Bai Tu Long Bay has 10 routes of its own and Lan Ha Bay its own rules.

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the route list

Every official route in one table

Find the route your cruise names, or match its stops, in this list of the Halong Bay cruise routes and those of the bays next to it. The code links to its own row, so you can share the line that matters.

Showing every route of the three bays.

Official sightseeing routes on Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha BayFees per person under Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolution 51/2025, in force since 8 March 2025; route lines and stop order as the route lists give them
RouteBayDeparts fromStops in orderDay or nightsOvernight areaFee per personStatus
VHL1 Halong Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Thien Cung Cave → Dau Go Cave → Cho Da islet → Ba Hang → Dinh Huong Islet → Trong Mai Islet Day None named Day: VND 250,000 per visit per person In the board list
VHL2 Halong Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Soi Sim Island → Ti Top Island → Sung Sot Cave → Tung Sau inlet → Me Cung Cave → Bo Nau Cave → Luon Cave → Trong Cave → Trinh Nu Cave → Ho Dong Tien Day, or 1 or 2 nights on board Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Ho Dong Tien, Hon Lat 690, Ti Top Island Day: VND 250,000 per visit per person 1 night: VND 550,000 per visit per person2 nights: VND 750,000 per visit per person In the board list
VHL3 Halong Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Cua Van floating village → Tien Ong Cave → Ho Ba Ham lagoon → Ba Men temple → Ang Du → Bamboo Forest (VHL3) Day, or 1 or 2 nights on board Tien Ong Cave Day: VND 200,000 per visit per person 1 night: VND 500,000 per visit per person2 nights: VND 650,000 per visit per person In the board list; crossing to Lan Ha Bay since 20 April 2026
VHL4 Halong Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) → Hang Thay → Cap La Cave → Vung Vieng fishing village → Tung Ang → Cong Do island → Hon Xep park Day, or 1 or 2 nights on board Cong Do island Day: VND 200,000 per visit per person 1 night: VND 500,000 per visit per person2 nights: VND 650,000 per visit per person In the board list; crossing to Lan Ha Bay since 20 April 2026
VHL5 Halong Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Thien Cung Cave → Dau Go Cave → Cho Da islet → Ba Hang → Dinh Huong Islet → Trong Mai Islet → Gia Luan pier Day; overnight when it crosses to Lan Ha Bay None named Day: VND 250,000 per visit per person In the board list; crossing to Lan Ha Bay since 20 April 2026
VHL6 Halong Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Hon Chan Voi → Vung Ba Cua → Tung Lam island → Hon Cap Bai Day; overnight when it crosses to Lan Ha Bay None named Day: VND 150,000 per visit per person per day In the board list; crossing to Lan Ha Bay since 20 April 2026
VHL7 Halong Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Routes VHL1, VHL2, VHL3 and VHL4 combined Day None named Day: VND 600,000 per visit per person For exploration cruise boats (du thuyền khám phá) only
VHL8 Halong Bay Coastal route between the ports Tuan Chau International Marina → Halong International Cruise Port → Nam Cau Trang port Day None named Day: VND 70,000 per visit per person In the board list
LH1 Lan Ha Bay Ben Beo pier Lan Ha fishing village (route 1 and 2) → Monkey Island → Ben Beo pier Day or nights on board (2020 list) Ang Vem, Quai To, Tung Gau, Tung Trang Cat Ba bays fee 2020 list, replaced on 12 January 2026; no newer list
LH2 Lan Ha Bay Ben Beo pier Lan Ha fishing village (route 1 and 2) → Monkey Island → Hon Rua (Lan Ha Bay) → Cua Viet Hai → Quai To → Ba Trai Dao → Hang Toi (Lan Ha Bay) → Hang Sang (Lan Ha Bay) → Ben Beo pier Day or nights on board (2020 list) Ang Vem, Quai To, Tung Gau, Tung Trang Cat Ba bays fee 2020 list, replaced on 12 January 2026; no newer list
LH3 Lan Ha Bay Got port Gia Luan pier → Tra Bau → Ang Ong Cam → Hang Toi (Lan Ha Bay) → Hang Sang (Lan Ha Bay) → Gia Luan pier → Got port Day or nights on board (2020 list) Thoi Quyt, Tung Trang Cat Ba bays fee 2020 list, replaced on 12 January 2026; no newer list
LH4 Lan Ha Bay Cat Ba tourist pier Cat Ong Island → Thien Ung pagoda → Cat Ba tourist pier Day or nights on board (2020 list) Ang Vem, Quai To, Tung Gau, Tung Trang Cat Ba bays fee 2020 list, replaced on 12 January 2026; no newer list
BTL1 Bai Tu Long Bay Ao Tien port Tay Hoi island → Meo May Man islet → Ban Sen → Hang Nha Tro Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL2 Bai Tu Long Bay Ao Tien port Phat Co Cave → Da Den islet pearl farm → Lao Vong → Dua islet → Minh Chau Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL3 Bai Tu Long Bay Ao Tien port Hon Xep park Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL4launch code BTL3 Bai Tu Long Bay Ao Tien port Lao Vong → Tra Ngo Lon island → Thien Nga islet Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL5launch code BTL4 Bai Tu Long Bay Ao Tien port Cai De → Mang Ha Overnight anchorage named Mang Ha Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL6launch code BTL5 Bai Tu Long Bay Ao Tien port Tra Than inlet → Cai Lim beach → Mang Ha → Cai De Overnight anchorage named Mang Ha Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL7 Bai Tu Long Bay Cam Pha port Luong Ngoc beach → Vung Duc → Ong Cu island → Reu island → Cua Ong Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL8 Bai Tu Long Bay Cam Pha port Luong Ngoc beach → Vung Duc → Ong Cu island → Reu island → Cua Ong → Tay Hoi island → Ban Sen Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL9 Bai Tu Long Bay Cam Pha port Cua Ong → Reu island → Ong Cu island → Vung Duc → Luong Ngoc beach → Ngoc Vung Island → Thang Loi → Quan Lan → Minh Chau Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
BTL10 Bai Tu Long Bay Cam Pha port Vung Duc → Hon Xep park Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
K1connecting route Halong Bay, then Bai Tu Long Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) → Hang Thay → Cap La Cave → Vung Vieng fishing village → Tung Ang → Cong Do island → Hon Xep park → Thang Loi → Ngoc Vung Island → Quan Lan → Minh Chau Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
K2connecting route Halong Bay, then Bai Tu Long Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) → Hang Thay → Cap La Cave → Vung Vieng fishing village → Tung Ang → Cong Do island → Hon Xep park → Ban Sen → Hang Nha Tro Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority
K3connecting route Halong Bay, then Bai Tu Long Bay Tuan Chau International Marina or Halong International Cruise Port Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) → Hang Thay → Cap La Cave → Vung Vieng fishing village → Tung Ang → Cong Do island → Hon Xep park → Dua islet → Vung Duc → Ong Cu island → Reu island → Cua Ong Not stated in the decision None named Not listed Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024; sights used once recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority

sightseeing fee

Halong Bay fees by route and nights

The Halong Bay sightseeing fee is set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by the Ha Long Bay Management Board at its ticket counters in the ports. Resolution 51/2025, in force since 8 March 2025, kept the old rates for routes 1 to 5, renamed them Hành trình VHL1 to VHL5 and added fees for VHL6 to VHL8. An overnight fee replaces the day fee for that route, and the board counts one night as 24 hours from departure (2 nights = 48 hours). A cruise listing should say whether its price includes the fee.

Halong Bay sightseeing fee per personQuang Ninh Provincial People's Council, Resolution 51/2025; currency conversions at the State Bank of Vietnam rate
RouteDay visit1 night on board2 nights on board
VHL1 VND 250,000 per visit per personabout US$9.8, AUD 14 or GBP 7.3 No overnight fee No overnight fee
VHL2 VND 250,000 per visit per personabout US$9.8, AUD 14 or GBP 7.3 VND 550,000 per visit per personabout US$21, AUD 31 or GBP 16 VND 750,000 per visit per personabout US$29, AUD 43 or GBP 22
VHL3 VND 200,000 per visit per personabout US$7.8, AUD 11 or GBP 5.9 VND 500,000 per visit per personabout US$20, AUD 28 or GBP 15 VND 650,000 per visit per personabout US$25, AUD 37 or GBP 19
VHL4 VND 200,000 per visit per personabout US$7.8, AUD 11 or GBP 5.9 VND 500,000 per visit per personabout US$20, AUD 28 or GBP 15 VND 650,000 per visit per personabout US$25, AUD 37 or GBP 19
VHL5 VND 250,000 per visit per personabout US$9.8, AUD 14 or GBP 7.3 No overnight fee No overnight fee
VHL6 VND 150,000 per visit per person per dayabout US$5.9, AUD 8.5 or GBP 4.4 No overnight fee No overnight fee
VHL7 VND 600,000 per visit per personabout US$23, AUD 34 or GBP 18 No overnight fee No overnight fee
VHL8 VND 70,000 per visit per personabout US$2.7, AUD 4 or GBP 2 No overnight fee No overnight fee

Children under 7 years old enter free, and children aged 7 to under 16 of any nationality pay 20% less. The senior reduction applies to Vietnamese citizens only. Free entry also covers persons with especially severe or severe disability (Decree 28/2012/NĐ-CP). The board issues these at the Ha Long Bay Management Board ticket counters in the tourist ports. For what the fee adds to a cruise price, see Halong Bay cruise prices.

Ti Top Island beach and viewpoint
View from the Ti Top lookout over anchored cruise ships and islands.Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

VHL1 to VHL8

Halong Bay: eight routes, three with nights on board

The board states that day routes depart from Tuan Chau International Marina or Ha Long International Cruise Port. VHL1 is the short cave route (Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave and a string of islets); the board's sample day for it runs about 7:00 to 12:00. VHL2 takes in Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave, VHL3 the Cua Van floating village and Tien Ong Cave, and VHL4 goes further east to Vung Vieng fishing village and Cong Do island.

Only VHL2, VHL3 and VHL4 have overnight fees, and boats anchor only in the areas the board names: Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Ho Dong Tien, Hon Lat 690, Ti Top Island 587 on VHL2, the Tien Ong Cave area on VHL3 and the Cong Do area on VHL4. A Halong Bay cruise with one or two nights on board sails one of these three routes. Compare the choice on the overnight cruise page.

VHL5 repeats the VHL1 sights and ends at Gia Luan pier on Cat Ba Island. VHL6 ends at Hon Cap Bai, at the edge of Lan Ha Bay. VHL7 combines routes 1 to 4 for exploration cruise boats (du thuyền khám phá) only, and VHL8 is the coastal route between Tuan Chau International Marina, Ha Long International Cruise Port and Nam Cau Trang port. More on what each stop is like: Halong Bay (Vịnh Hạ Long).

Luon Cave (boat or kayak through the arch)
Rowing boats passing through the low arch of Luon Cave.Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

connecting itineraries

Halong routes that cross into Lan Ha Bay

Since 20 April 2026, boats on VHL3, VHL4, VHL5 and VHL6 may continue into Lan Ha Bay. The first two sailings left Tuan Chau International Marina and the inland pier at Ha Long International Cruise Port, as the Ha Long Bay Management Board reported. The Ministry of Construction states that these connecting itineraries are all overnight cruises, with no day tours. Ask the operator which bay fees the price of a crossing cruise includes. See the routes drawn on the Halong Bay map.

Decision 2119/QD-UBND

Bai Tu Long Bay routes and the links from Halong

Quang Ninh's Decision 2119/QD-UBND of 19 July 2024 lists 8 / 10 / 3 routes (Halong Bay / Bai Tu Long Bay / connecting). Routes BTL1 to BTL6 start at Ao Tien port in Van Don and BTL7 to BTL10 at Cam Pha port. The three connecting routes start from the Halong ports, follow VHL4 past Vung Vieng fishing village and Cong Do island, then sail on to Bai Tu Long Bay. The decision names the Mang Ha overnight anchorage (Điểm neo đậu nghỉ đêm Máng Hà) for BTL5 and BTL6.

The decision says its sights may be used only once they are recognised as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority, and it sets no fee, so the table lists none. At the 2025 launch, BTL4, BTL5 and BTL6 were sold as BTL3, BTL4 and BTL5; the table shows both codes. The Bai Tu Long Bay guide has which cruises sail there.

Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cocks Islet)
The pair of rocks known as Ga Choi, the Fighting Cocks or Kissing Rocks, off Bai Chay.Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0

Hai Phong

Lan Ha Bay: the 2020 list and the Cat Ba bays fee

Lan Ha Bay is run by Hai Phong, not Quang Ninh. Its Decision 26/2020 listed four routes: two loops from Ben Beo pier past Monkey Island, one from Got port on Cat Hai, and one from the Cat Ba tourist pier to Cat Ong Island. Decision 253/2025, in force since 12 January 2026, replaced it and lists no routes: they are those announced by the competent authority under current rules, and no newer list has been published. The table keeps the 2020 routes muted, as history. The fee, set by the Hai Phong City People's Council in Resolution 47/2025 and in force since 1 January 2026, does not depend on the route:

The Lan Ha Bay guide covers how the bay is reached and run.

Cat Ba bays (Lan Ha Bay) sightseeing feeHai Phong City People's Council, Resolution 47/2025; a fee with nights replaces the day fee
VisitFee per personIn your currency (adult)
Day visit, adultVND 120,000 per adult per visitabout US$4.7, AUD 6.8 or GBP 3.5
Day visit, child aged 6 or overVND 60,000 per child per visitabout US$2.3, AUD 3.4 or GBP 1.8
With 1 night on the bays (adult / child)VND 400,000 / 300,000 per personabout US$16, AUD 23 or GBP 12
With 2 nights on the bays (adult / child)VND 600,000 / 500,000 per personabout US$23, AUD 34 or GBP 18
With 3 nights on the bays (adult / child)VND 650,000 / 550,000 per personabout US$25, AUD 37 or GBP 19

before you book

How to match your cruise to a route

  1. Find the code. Many listings name the route (VHL3, "route 4"). If yours does not, compare its stops with the table: Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island mean VHL2, Cua Van and Tien Ong Cave VHL3, Vung Vieng and Cong Do VHL4.
  2. Check the nights. Only VHL2, VHL3 and VHL4 carry an overnight fee on Halong Bay. A cruise on another Halong route that spends a night on board is crossing to Lan Ha Bay; a night in a hotel is not a night on board.
  3. Check the fee line. The listing should say whether the sightseeing fee is included; the fee table above gives the amount for your route and nights.
  4. Check the bay as sailed. A cruise sold as Lan Ha Bay that leaves from Tuan Chau crosses on VHL3 to VHL6 and has to stay the night. The data page has the route list as a file.

questions

Questions about the official routes

How many official cruise routes does Halong Bay have?

The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists 8 routes on Halong Bay, coded VHL1 to VHL8. Five are the old routes 1 to 5, renamed by Resolution 51/2025; VHL6, VHL7 and VHL8 were added with their own fees. Bai Tu Long Bay has 10 routes of its own, and three connecting routes run from Halong Bay to it.

What is the Halong Bay entrance fee?

The day fee is VND 250,000 per visit per person on VHL1, VHL2 and VHL5 and VND 200,000 per visit per person on VHL3 and VHL4, set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council. With nights on board it rises to VND 750,000 per visit per person for two nights on VHL2. Children under 7 years old enter free.

Which Halong Bay routes allow overnight stays?

Only routes 2, 3 and 4, which the board prices for one or two nights. Boats anchor in the areas it names, such as the Cong Do area on VHL4. The connecting itineraries into Lan Ha Bay on VHL3 to VHL6 are also overnight cruises, as the Ministry of Construction states.

Do Bai Tu Long Bay routes have a fee?

Decision 2119/QD-UBND, which lists the Bai Tu Long Bay routes, sets no fee, so the table on this page leaves the fee open for those routes. Check the cruise listing for what the operator charges and includes.

Can a Halong Bay cruise visit Lan Ha Bay?

Yes, since 20 April 2026, on routes VHL3, VHL4, VHL5 and VHL6. These connecting itineraries are overnight cruises only, as the Ministry of Construction states. Lan Ha Bay is a separate bay run by Hai Phong, with its own fee of VND 120,000 per adult per visit for a day visit.

Sources

  1. Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024 announced this many sightseeing routes on Bai Tu Long Bay 10 routes. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  2. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 1 as Ao Tien port - Tay Hoi island - Meo May Man (Meo Luoi) islet - Ban Sen island - Nha Tro Cave. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  3. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 2 as Ao Tien port - Phat Co Cave - pearl farm (Da Den islet) - Lao Vong sluice - Dua (Du) islet - Minh Chau island. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  4. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 3 as Ao Tien port - Hon Xep park. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  5. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 4 as Ao Tien port - Lao Vong fishing village - Tra Ngo Lon island - Thien Nga islet. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  6. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 5 as Ao Tien port - Cai De area - Mang Ha overnight anchorage. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  7. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 6 as Ao Tien port - Tra Than inlet (Tra Ngo Lon) - Cai Lim beach - Mang Ha overnight anchorage - Cai De area. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  8. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 7 as Cam Pha port - Luong Ngoc beach - Vung Duc - Ong Cu island - Reu island - Cua Ong. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  9. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 8 as Cam Pha port - Luong Ngoc beach - Vung Duc - Ong Cu island - Reu island - Cua Ong - Tay Hoi island - Ban Sen. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  10. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 9 as Cam Pha port - Cua Ong - Reu island - Ong Cu island - Vung Duc - Luong Ngoc beach - Ngoc Vung - Thang Loi - Quan Lan - Minh Chau. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  11. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) lists Bai Tu Long Bay route 10 as Cam Pha port - Vung Duc - Hon Xep park. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  12. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND lists connecting route 1 between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay as Halong route 4 sights (Hang Co, Hang Thay, Cap La, Vung Vieng, Tung Ang, Cong Do, Hon Xep) - Thang Loi - Ngoc Vung - Quan Lan - Minh Chau. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  13. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND lists connecting route 2 between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay as Halong route 4 sights - Ban Sen island - Nha Tro Cave. Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  14. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND lists connecting route 3 between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay as Halong route 4 sights - Dua islet - Vung Duc - Ong Cu island - Reu island - Cua Ong (Cam Pha). Lao Dong (state press), 24 Jul 2024, reporting Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024, 19 July 2024.
  15. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for day route VHL1 (Thien Cung, Dau Go, Ba Hang, Trong Mai), set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by Ha Long Bay Management Board (now named the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board), is VND 250,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  16. The Halong Bay sightseeing fee for day route VHL3 (Cua Van, Tien Ong Cave, Ho Ba Ham), set by the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council and collected by Ha Long Bay Management Board (now named the Ha Long Bay - Yen Tu World Heritage Management Board), is VND 200,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  17. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the overnight sightseeing fee for Halong Bay route 2 with 2 nights as VND 750,000 per visit per person. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  18. For Halong Bay overnight fees, the Ha Long Bay Management Board counts one night as 24 hours from departure (2 nights = 48 hours). Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  19. Resolution 51/2025/NQ-HĐND of the Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council took effect on 8 March 2025. Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council, Resolution 51/2025/NQ-HĐND of 26 Feb 2025 (14th term, 25th session), 26 February 2025.
  20. Resolution 51/2025/NQ-HĐND renamed the Halong Bay fee routes 'Tuyến 1-5' to Hành trình VHL1 to VHL5 route codes. Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council, Resolution 51/2025/NQ-HĐND of 26 Feb 2025 (14th term, 25th session), 26 February 2025.
  21. The Ha Long Bay Management Board waives the Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay sightseeing fee for children (Vietnamese or foreign) shorter than 1.2 m or under age 7 years. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Miễn, giảm phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', applying Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 131/2018/NQ-HĐND, 2 November 2024.
  22. The Ha Long Bay Management Board reduces the Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay sightseeing fee for children of any nationality aged 7 to under 16 by 20%. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Miễn, giảm phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', applying Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 131/2018/NQ-HĐND, 2 November 2024.
  23. The Ha Long Bay Management Board reduces the sightseeing fee by 50 percent for elderly visitors aged 60 or over who are Vietnamese citizens only. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Miễn, giảm phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', applying Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 131/2018/NQ-HĐND, 2 November 2024.
  24. The Ha Long Bay Management Board waives the sightseeing fee for persons with especially severe or severe disability (Decree 28/2012/NĐ-CP). Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Miễn, giảm phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', applying Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 131/2018/NQ-HĐND, 2 November 2024.
  25. Fee exemptions and reductions on Halong Bay are issued at the Ha Long Bay Management Board ticket counters in the tourist ports. Ha Long Bay Management Board, 'Miễn, giảm phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', applying Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 131/2018/NQ-HĐND, 2 November 2024.
  26. Hai Phong City People's Committee Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND (replaced on 12 January 2026 by Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND, which lists no routes or overnight areas) listed day sightseeing route 1 on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago (Lan Ha Bay) as Ben Beo - fishing village - Monkey Island - Ben Beo. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND of 2 Oct 2020 (in force 15 Oct 2020), Regulation on tourism on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Annex II, 2 October 2020.
  27. Hai Phong City People's Committee Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND (replaced on 12 January 2026 by Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND, which lists no routes or overnight areas) listed day sightseeing route 2 on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago (Lan Ha Bay) as Ben Beo - fishing village - Monkey Island - Hon Rua - Cua Viet Hai - Quai To - Ba Trai Dao - Hang Toi - Hang Sang - Ben Beo. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND of 2 Oct 2020 (in force 15 Oct 2020), Regulation on tourism on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Annex II, 2 October 2020.
  28. Hai Phong City People's Committee Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND (replaced on 12 January 2026 by Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND, which lists no routes or overnight areas) listed day sightseeing route 3 on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago (Lan Ha Bay) as Got port - Gia Luan - Tra Bau - Ang Ong Cam - Hang Toi - Hang Sang - Gia Luan - Got port. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND of 2 Oct 2020 (in force 15 Oct 2020), Regulation on tourism on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Annex II, 2 October 2020.
  29. Hai Phong City People's Committee Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND (replaced on 12 January 2026 by Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND, which lists no routes or overnight areas) listed day sightseeing route 4 on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago (Lan Ha Bay) as Cat Ba tourist center pier - Cat Ong island - Thien Ung pagoda - Cat Ba tourist center pier. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND of 2 Oct 2020 (in force 15 Oct 2020), Regulation on tourism on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Annex II, 2 October 2020.
  30. Hai Phong Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND (replaced on 12 January 2026 by Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND, which lists no routes or overnight areas) named the overnight areas for Cat Ba bay routes 1, 2 and 4 as Ang Vem; Quai To - Tung Gau; Tung Trang overnight areas. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND of 2 Oct 2020 (in force 15 Oct 2020), Regulation on tourism on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Annex II, 2 October 2020.
  31. Hai Phong Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND (replaced on 12 January 2026 by Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND, which lists no routes or overnight areas) named the overnight areas for Cat Ba bay route 3 (from Got port) as Thoi Quyt; Tung Trang overnight areas. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND of 2 Oct 2020 (in force 15 Oct 2020), Regulation on tourism on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago, Annex II, 2 October 2020.
  32. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states the number of sightseeing routes (hành trình) on Halong Bay as 8 routes. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  33. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL1 as port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Cho Da islet - Ba Hang - Dinh Huong islet - Trong Mai islet. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  34. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL2 as port - Soi Sim beach - Ti Top Island - Sung Sot Cave - Tung Sau inlet - Me Cung Cave - Bo Nau Cave - Luon Cave - Trong Cave - Trinh Nu Cave - Ho Dong Tien. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  35. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL3 as port - Cua Van floating cultural center - Tien Ong Cave - Ho Ba Ham lagoon - Ba Men temple - Ang Du - Bamboo Forest. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  36. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL4 as port - Hang Co (Thien Canh Son) - Hang Thay - Cap La Cave - Vung Vieng - Tung Ang ecological area - Cong Do island - Hon Xep park. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  37. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL5 as port - Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave - Cho Da islet - Ba Hang - Dinh Huong islet - Trong Mai islet - Gia Luan pier (Cat Ba, Hai Phong). Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  38. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL6 as port - Hon Chan Voi - Vung Ba Cua - Tung Lam island - Hon Cap Bai (end point borders Gia Luan, Lan Ha Bay). Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  39. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL7 as routes VHL1, VHL2, VHL3 and VHL4 combined, for explorer yachts only. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  40. The Ha Long Bay Management Board lists the stops of Halong Bay route VHL8 as Tuan Chau International Marina - Ha Long International Cruise Port - Nam Cau Trang (coastal route). Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), fee page listing the 8 Halong Bay routes, 31 March 2025.
  41. The Ha Long Bay Management Board states that day routes depart from Tuan Chau International Marina or Ha Long International Cruise Port. Ha Long Bay Management Board, route pages 'Ha Long Bay Itinerary 1-5' (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  42. The Ha Long Bay Management Board's fee page prices overnight stays on Halong Bay only for routes 2, 3 and 4. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  43. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names the overnight areas on Halong Bay route 2 as Trong Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Ho Dong Tien, Hon Lat 690, Ti Top Island 587 overnight areas. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  44. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names the overnight area on Halong Bay route 3 as Tien Ong Cave area. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  45. The Ha Long Bay Management Board names the overnight area on Halong Bay route 4 as Cong Do area. Ha Long Bay Management Board (halongbay.com.vn), 'Mức phí tham quan vịnh Hạ Long', citing Quang Ninh Provincial People's Council Resolutions 62/2017/NQ-HĐND and 51/2025/NQ-HĐND, 31 March 2025.
  46. The Ha Long Bay Management Board's itinerary for route 1 gives its sightseeing time (port departure to last islet) as about 7:00 to 12:00 time window. Ha Long Bay Management Board, route pages 'Ha Long Bay Itinerary 1-5' (halongbay.com.vn/en/tours).
  47. Quang Ninh PPC Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND of 19 Jul 2024 announced, in force from signing, this many routes (Halong Bay / Bai Tu Long Bay / connecting) 8 / 10 / 3 routes. Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (19 Jul 2024) on sightseeing routes on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 19 July 2024.
  48. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) names as the overnight anchorage on Bai Tu Long Bay routes BTL5 and BTL6 Mang Ha overnight anchorage (Điểm neo đậu nghỉ đêm Máng Hà). Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (19 Jul 2024) on sightseeing routes on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 19 July 2024.
  49. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) states that sights and service points on the announced Halong and Bai Tu Long routes may be used only when recognized as meeting operating conditions by the competent authority. Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (19 Jul 2024) on sightseeing routes on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 19 July 2024.
  50. Hai Phong City People's Council Resolution 47/2025/NQ-HĐND, which sets the Cat Ba bays (Lan Ha Bay) sightseeing fees, took effect on 1 January 2026. Hai Phong City People's Council, Resolution 47/2025/NQ-HĐND (10 Dec 2025), full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 10 December 2025.
  51. Under Hai Phong Resolution 47/2025/NQ-HĐND (from 1 Jan 2026) the day sightseeing fee for the route on the bays of the Cat Ba Archipelago (Lan Ha Bay) is, per adult per visit, VND 120,000 per adult per visit. Hai Phong City People's Council, Resolution 47/2025/NQ-HĐND (10 Dec 2025), full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 10 December 2025.
  52. Hai Phong Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND, which replaced Decision 26/2020/QĐ-UBND as the rulebook for tourism on the Cat Ba bays (Lan Ha Bay), took effect on 12 January 2026. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND (31 Dec 2025), Regulation on tourism and tourist boats on the Cat Ba bays, full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 31 December 2025.
  53. Hai Phong Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND does not itself list Cat Ba bay routes; routes and overnight anchorages are those announced by the competent authority under current rules. Hai Phong City People's Committee, Decision 253/2025/QĐ-UBND (31 Dec 2025), Regulation on tourism and tourist boats on the Cat Ba bays, full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 31 December 2025.
  54. Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (Quang Ninh PPC, 2024) defines Halong Bay route VHL7 as routes VHL1-2-3-4 combined, applying only to exploration cruise boats (du thuyền khám phá). Quang Ninh Provincial People's Committee, Decision 2119/QĐ-UBND (19 Jul 2024) on sightseeing routes on Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, full text as reproduced by thuvienphapluat.vn, 19 July 2024.
  55. Ha Long Bay to Lan Ha Bay connecting cruises (itineraries VHL3, VHL4, VHL5 and VHL6 to Lan Ha Bay) are all overnight cruises with no day tours, according to the Ministry of Construction, and started on 20 April 2026. Ministry of Construction news, 'Chính thức vận hành tàu chạy tuyến kết nối Vịnh Hạ Long - Vịnh Lan Hạ', 21/04/2026, 21 April 2026.
  56. Cruise boats began crossing between Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay on four connecting itineraries (VHL3, VHL4, VHL5, VHL6 to Lan Ha Bay); the first two sailings left Tuan Chau International Marina and the Sun Group inland pier at Ha Long International Cruise Port on 20 April 2026. Ha Long Bay Management Board website, post 698 (2026-04-20), 20 April 2026.
  57. Exchange rates. VND per unit of each currency. USD: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 14 November 2026; AUD: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 12 November 2026; GBP: State Bank of Vietnam (Ngân hàng Nhà nước Việt Nam), Tỷ giá page, 12 November 2026

Photographs

  1. Ti Top Island beach and viewpoint. Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
  2. Trong Mai Islet (Fighting Cocks Islet). Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0
  3. Luon Cave (boat or kayak through the arch). Photo: Jakub Hałun / Wikimedia Commons, CC BY 4.0