Kayaking is in most itineraries
Nearly every cruise or day tour includes kayaking among the karsts.
Worth knowing in Ha Long & Cat Ba
These 6 picks for worth knowing in Ha Long & Cat Ba are not a blog list. Each one is counted from what real travellers actually wrote; the ones a local checked in person are marked "local-checked". The number on each card is how many travellers mentioned it. Best time to visit: Mar–May & Sep–Nov.
Crowds and boat traffic on the bay
Popular stops fill with boats; expect company, not quiet.
Construction and land reclamation on Cat Ba
Building works cover the waterfront and can be noisy at night.
Weather swings by season
Winter can be cold and overcast; June brings rain and humidity.
Cruise itineraries are near identical
Most boats run the same route, so paying more adds little.
Crews expect tips at the end
Companies suggest tip amounts at checkout; some travellers find it pushy.