Travel Budget for Halong Bay Visit Halong Bay on a Budget or Travel in Style

Halong Bay, Tinh Quang Ninh, Vietnam
Asia / Vietnam / Northern Vietnam /
Jump to  down-arrow

Halong Bay is a stunning bay known for its stunning limestone mountains, dramatic water caves, peaceful fishing villages, and unique liveaboard boat trips. In this travel cost guide, we'll cover everything you need to know to plan your travel budget and have an amazing trip without spending too much. This guide includes average trip costs from previous travelers, typical hotel prices, food and dining costs, entertainment and sightseeing prices, and information about transportation. Whether you're relaxing on the beaches, hiking in nature, or taking in the beauty, we'll help you plan the ideal trip to Halong Bay that stays within your budget.

How much does it cost to travel to Halong Bay?

A typical traveler spends $66 (d1,734,833) per day on a trip to Halong Bay. This is the average daily price for a vacation in Halong Bay based on the expenses of other visitors.

Past travelers have spent, on average for one day:

  • $26 (d694,763) on meals
  • $13 (d352,489) on local transportation
  • $53 (d1,406,138) on hotels

A one-week trip to Halong Bay for two people costs, on average, $921 (d24,287,662). This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

All of these average travel prices have been collected from other travelers to help you plan your own travel budget.

  • Average Daily Cost Per person, per day
    $66
    d1,734,833
  • One Week Per person
    $460
    d12,143,831
  • 2 Weeks Per person
    $921
    d24,287,662
  • One Month Per person
    $1,973
    d52,044,990
  • One Week For a couple
    $921
    d24,287,662
  • 2 Weeks For a couple
    $1,841
    d48,575,324
  • One Month For a couple
    $3,945
    d104,089,980
This data comes from the travel budgets of real travelers - How it works. Put these numbers on your website.


How much does a one week, two week, or one month trip to Halong Bay cost?

A one week trip to Halong Bay usually costs around $460 (d12,143,831) for one person and $921 (d24,287,662) for two people. This includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

A two week trip to Halong Bay on average costs around $921 (d24,287,662) for one person and $1,841 (d48,575,324) for two people. This cost includes accommodation, food, local transportation, and sightseeing.

Please note, prices can vary based on your travel style, speed, and other variables. If you're traveling as a family of three or four people, the price per person often goes down because kid's tickets are cheaper and hotel rooms can be shared. If you travel slower over a longer period of time then your daily budget will also go down. Two people traveling together for one month in Halong Bay will often have a lower daily budget per person than one person traveling alone for one week.

A one month trip to Halong Bay on average costs around $1,973 (d52,044,990) for one person and $3,945 (d104,089,980) for two people. The more places you visit, the higher the daily price will become due to increased transportation costs.




Is Halong Bay expensive to visit?

In Halong Bay, budget travelers spend $27 (d703,353) per day on average, mid-range travelers spend $66 (d1,734,833) per day, and luxury travelers spend around $156 (d4,125,469) per day. These costs are calculated from the reported expenses of previous travelers to Halong Bay.

Halong Bay is a popular bay among visitors with a wide range of travel styles and spending habits. Budget-conscious travelers will find suitable hotel options, but there are also high-end hotels for those seeking luxury, plus mid-range accommodations for families or couples.

Halong Bay can be very expensive if you want it to be, but there are ways to cut down on your costs, like eating at less expensive restaurants and enjoying the free hiking trails.

Within Asia, Halong Bay is a moderately priced destination compared to other places. The overall cost of travel here is fair for the region and comparable to Lahore or Can Tho.

For more details, and to find out if it's within your travel budget, see Is Halong Bay Expensive?

How much money do I need for a trip to Halong Bay?

The average Halong Bay trip cost is broken down by category here for independent travelers. All of these Halong Bay travel prices are calculated from the budgets of real travelers. Also, you can see more details at How much does a trip to Halong Bay cost?

Halong Bay on a Budget
Category Budget Mid-Range Luxury
Accommodation1
For 1 person in double occupancy 		$12
(d308,938) 		$27
(d703,069) 		$50
(d1,323,767)
Local Transportation1 $5
(d134,148) 		$13
(d352,489) 		$37
(d965,894)
Food2 $10
(d258,760) 		$26
(d694,763) 		$75
(d1,986,107)
Entertainment1 $7
(d176,475) 		$16
(d410,873) 		$32
(d832,875)
Alcohol2 $2-7
(d60,844-182,532) 		$6-18
(d155,176-465,528) 		$15-45
(d399,159-1,197,477)

Realistic Expectations for Your Travel Budget

It's important to set realistic expectations for your travel budget in Halong Bay. While many think they can cut costs for many things, the reality is that most people won't enjoy such a low-budget experience. Consider your preferences and travel style. Do you like resorts, hotels, vacation rentals, or hostels? Are activities and dining out a big part of your travel plans? Your answers will shape your budget and itinerary.

What is a budget traveler, anyway?

You might think that you're a budget traveler. But unless you're willing to eliminate a lot of comforts from your trip, prepare to spend a lot more than the daily average of $27 that backpackers often get by on.

Young backpackers often get away with this shoestring budget, but it usually involves staying in hostel dorms, eating at the cheapest restaurants or fast food places, taking public transit or walking, and only visiting free attractions.

Are You Considered an Average Traveler?

Couples and families on a fun trip will likely choose a mid-range hotel, enjoy meals at popular dining spots, and visit significant museums and attractions that have entry fees. When visiting Halong Bay, most people will want to check out the major attractions, museums, and iconic landmarks. After all, most activities are not free. So, it's realistic to expect your actual daily budget to be about $66 per person, per day.

Dreaming of a Stylish Getaway?

If you're looking for an all-encompassing vacation filled with luxurious amenities and higher-level service, prepare your budget for around $156 per day. Selecting nicer hotels, savoring meals at award-winning establishments, indulging in lavish adventures, and traveling around the bay with taxis or private drivers will call for a luxury budget. Also, higher-end tours are common with luxury travelers, such as Official Jade Sails Luxury Day Tour in Halong Lanha Bay - offered by Viator.



Accommodation Budget in Halong Bay

The cost of hotels in Halong Bay can be surprisingly wide-ranging. Some hotels charge a lot more because they offer extra luxury and amenities. Prices are also much higher during peak season. Off-season rooms average $, but the demand in peak winter season pushes that average to around $. Budget hotels range from $ to $, and hostels provide a cheaper option, especially in dorms. Booking early, traveling off-season, or finding special deals can help save money.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

The average price paid in Halong Bay for two people for a typical double-occupancy hotel room is $53 (d1,406,138). For one person sharing a room, the average price paid for a hotel room is $27 (d703,069) per night. These costs are from the reported spending of actual travelers.

  • Accommodation1 Hotel or hostel for one person
    $27
    d703,069
  • Accommodation1 Typical double-occupancy room
    $53
    d1,406,138

Hotels in Halong Bay

Looking for a hotel in Halong Bay? Prices vary by location, date, season, and the level of luxury. See below for options.

Find the best hotel for your travel style.

Kayak helps you find the best prices for hotels, flights, and rental cars for destinations around the world.

Tips to Save Money on Accommodation in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a very family-friendly place, and when traveling with children, it's important to find accommodations with extra space.

Traveling during the shoulder or low season (instead of winter) means you'll get lower prices on accommodations and have fewer crowds to deal with.



Transportation Budget in Halong Bay

In Halong Bay, the public transit system is not very good. An organized tour is essential for exploring the bay. Most visitors arrange an overnight boat tour, often aboard a Chinese Sail Boat or 'Junk'.

Regrettably, the bay lacks walkability. This is a place that requires an organized tour to visit, as you need a boat to explore.

Public Transit:  starstarstarstarstar (poor)
Walkability:      starstarstarstarstar (poor)

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • On average, past travelers have spent $13 (d352,489) per person, per day, on local transportation in Halong Bay. The cost of a taxi ride or rideshare service (Uber/Lyft) in Halong Bay is significantly more than public transportation.

  • Transportation1 Taxis, local buses, subway, etc.
    $13
    d352,489

Most cruises leave from Hanoi and Ha Long City and can last from one to four days. There are several modes of transport to get to Ha Long Bay.

The cheapest option is to take a 4-5 hour ride on a minibus from Hanoi, which will make stops to pick up additional passengers.

For a quicker and more comfortable ride, take a bus from My Dinh Bus Station in Hanoi. It will cost more, but what you spend in money, you'll make up in time. Once at My Dinh Bus Station, take a motorbike to the Tuan Chau Wharf.

You can also take the cargo train from Hanoi to Gia Lam and then to Quang Ninh. The ride will take about 6.5 hours and starts at 4:30 a.m. You'll arrive near the Bai Chay bus station in Ha Long City,just 5 km away from the harbour. However, trains are often delayed and cancelled without notice, so you may want to opt for the train on the day of, just to be sure.

If you're coming from the airport or simply prefer a more flexible means to get to Ha Long Bay, hire a private car or a taxi. It is much more costly, but will afford you a comfortable ride at your own pace.

If you're coming from Noibai, you can opt to take the seaplane to Halong, which will take just 45 minutes and you'll experience a water landing right on the Tuan Chau Island Marina. You can also request and extra 15-minute scenic tour to check out the area.

Some of the standard hotel transfers and transport options include:

  • Oasis Bay Party Cruise for Young Travelers with Transfer Included for $170 details
  • Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking,Swimming,Highway Transfer for $49 details
  • Cozy Premium 5 Star Halong Bay Day Tour By Expressway Transfer for $55 details

Recommended Services


Flights to Halong Bay
How much does it cost to go to Halong Bay? Naturally, it depends on the dates. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all airlines.

Rental Cars in Halong Bay
The price of renting a car in Halong Bay will depends on dates, the type of car, the location, and your age. We recommend Kayak because they can find the best deals across all car rental companies.



Food Budget in Halong Bay

The food scene in Halong Bay is solid, but it's not usually the main tourist attraction. However, there are some charming eateries in the bay that you should check out. Because most visitors travel to Halong Bay as part of an overnight boat tour, meals are usually included in the package. The dishes are usually local Vietnamese dishes, and the luxury level varies depending on the tour you book.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • While restaurant and meal prices in Halong Bay can vary significantly, the average cost of food in Halong Bay is $26 (d694,763) per day, per person, based on the spending habits of previous travelers.

  • Food2 Meals for one day
    $26
    d694,763

When dining out, the average daily cost for food in Halong Bay is around $26 (d694763) per person, with previous travelers spending from $10 to $75. Generally, breakfast and lunch cost less than dinner, but this will depend on the type of restaurant and what you order.

Typical meal prices in Halong Bay are as follows:

  • Breakfast: $3 to $8
  • Lunch: $4 to $11
  • Dinner: $8 to $18
  • Coffee: $2
  • Fast Food or Street Food: $4

When it comes to traveling through Halong Bay, your fine or humble dining and cuisine will ultimately depend on your cruise boat. However, if you have the opportunity to find a restaurant on land or are simply feeling adventurous, there are a number of local specialties you may be interested to try.

Tu Hai is a rare shellfish and is the regional specialty of Van Don Island. Also known as "snail spout," it can be enjoyed steamed, baked, or in a soup or salad. Sa Sung, a sandworm, is another Ha Long delicacy you can expect to pay a pretty penny for. Enjoy it stir-fried with leeks and celery or fried, as a snack alongside your beer. The Gieng Don and Cao Xanh districts in Ha Long are well-known for Sam, an arthropod crustacean which are deliciously prepared in a variety of different ways: steamed, fried, grilled and stir-fried, to name a few.

Food & Dining Tips

When you have kids in tow, look for eateries that feature a kids' menu. This can save you a lot, as those meals are usually priced lower. Keep in mind that some restaurants may not list kids' options, so it's a good idea to ask your server before placing your order.

Some hotels include breakfast in the overall cost, while others add it as an extra charge. The quality and price of breakfast can vary greatly depending on the hotel. Being informed beforehand can help you determine if you need to set aside additional funds. The hotel's buffet may be worth it, or you might consider visiting a local bakery or cafe for a more budget-friendly option.

Enjoying the scenery while saving money is easy with a picnic. Head to a local grocery store or market, pick up some fresh food, and find a charming park or picturesque location for your meal.

Bring a water bottle along to avoid the need to buy drinks. It's also good for Mother Earth.

If you're going to take a tour, make sure you understand which meals are included. You could end up paying for some food yourself, which might affect your budget.

If you want to experience the culture in Halong Bay, a food tour or cooking class is a great way to do it. After all, cuisine is one of the reasons why so many people visit. A few of the best culinary activities here include:

  • Halong's Hidden Gem: Dragon Pearl Cave Tour with Dinner for $47 details
  • Halong Bay Luxury Dinner Cruise - Ambassador for $51 details
  • Cat Ba Paradise Cave Experience with Dinner and Live Music for $41 details

Recommended


Sightseeing and Activities Budget in Halong Bay

Travelers flock to Halong Bay because it is well-known for its romance, beaches, hiking, and family-friendly activities.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • Sightseeing activities, entertainment, and entrance tickets in Halong Bay typically cost an average of $16 (d410,873) per person, per day based on the spending of previous travelers. This includes fees paid for admission tickets to museums and attractions, day tours, and other sightseeing expenses.

  • Entertainment1 Entrance tickets, shows, etc.
    $16
    d410,873

Cat Ba Island is the largest in Ha Long Bay and known for its national park, where the endangered langur lives. If you decide to visit, be ready for crowds. Hiking, mountain biking, and exploring Monkey Island are just a few of the many activities on Cat Ba Island. Visitors can also relax on the private beaches at the Monkey Island Resort, climb the karsts, or go spelunking in the numerous nearby caves.

Even if you don't visit Cat Ba, there are plenty of other islands for you to explore caves, climb rocks, kayak, and even swim in hidden lagoons. Sung Sot Cave and Dau Go Cave are well-lit with colored lighting. Visit the Cua Gan, the largest of the four floating Villages, to get a glimpse into the life of local fishing families.

Check with tour companies to find out which islands they will visit to plan your activities. Some popular islands include Dau Be Island, which is on the cruise to Cat Ba and great for swimming and diving, Bo Hon Island, known for the famous Virgin Cave containing a shrine to a woman who committed suicide, and Quan Lan, a historical island featuring lovely beaches. Check out Tung Sau to visit the oyster farm and learn about the pearl industry in Vietnam.



Sightseeing Tips

Beaches:
Beaches in Halong BayPlenty of travelers choose Halong Bay as their beach retreat. Many boat tours spend a day or half day hanging out on a beach. The setting is stunning with emerald blue water and dramatic limestone karsts climbing out of the water.

Hiking:
Hiking in Halong BayAdventurers will find the hiking around Halong Bay to be excellent. Most tours stop off at Cat Ba Island and lead travelers through spectacular hikes. You'll take a guided walk through jungles and reach spectacular viewpoints.

Local tours that last a few hours can be a great way to explore Halong Bay. Prices vary by the type of activity or tour, the dates, and the size of the group. Here are a few of the highest rated tours by previous visitors:

  • Halong Bay Deluxe Day Cruise for $55 details
  • Ha Long Bay Day Tour with Lunch, Kayak, Cave explore for $82 details
  • Cat Ba National Park Full Day Trekking Tour to Viet Hai Village for $39 details

Recommended Activities


Nightlife Budget in Halong Bay

In Halong Bay, you won't find much of a nightlife scene at all. Many tours, particularly those that cater to the backpacker crowd, have a social atmosphere, but there isn't a nightlife scene and this area isn't a trip that's known for its party atmosphere. Most tourists stay up in the evening swapping travel stories with their fellow boatmates.

Average Daily Costs

Calculated from travelers like you

  • The average person spends about $12 (d310,352) on nightlife and alcoholic beverages in Halong Bay per day. The more you spend on alcohol, the more fun you might be having despite your higher budget.

  • Alcohol2 Drinks for one day
    $12
    d310,352
Nightlife Tips

Nightlife is a blast when traveling, but scaling back on drinks can really help stretch your travel budget.



Travel cost data last updated: Aug 13, 2025

Budgeting and Travel Tips for Halong Bay

  • Peak winter season brings higher prices and more people to the bay. To avoid the chaos and save some money, consider a trip during the shoulder or low seasons.
  • By opting for a more leisurely travel pace, you can save money while enjoying the area's beauty. If you try to squeeze too many activities into your schedule, expenses can climb quickly. On the other hand, slowing down often allows for a more enjoyable and cost-effective experience.

Budgeting Challenges

  • Halong Bay offers limited public transit options. Having a pre-arranged ride, such as a private driver or tour, could be a wise choice. Just remember, this might take a toll on your budget in other areas.
  • Halong Bay isn't exactly a hotspot for hostels, so if you're expecting to stay in a cheap dorm to save money, you might want to adjust your plans. Instead, find a cheap hotel or apartment rental.
Expert Advice from Local Travelers

We're asking our community members and registered users to contribute their experiences about Halong Bay.

Why would you recommend Halong Bay to budget travelers? Or, why not?

The scenery here is gorgeous but we almost ended up spending a ton of money. We had booked a boat tour for a few days and only later realized that some of the tours are much different in price and luxury than others. So we changed to a more budget-friendly boat that didn't have all of the fancy stuff, but it was still really fun and the food was great, too. I guess if you want to do a more high-end tour then they are easy to find.

katrina
-
Feb 7 2024
Related Articles
HanoiSapaNinh BinhCat BaHo Chi Minh CityDa Nang
Traveling in Halong Bay
Halong Bay Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the north of Vietnam, near the Chinese border. Known for its thousands of beautiful limestone karsts and stalactite-filled caves, it is one of the most visited destinations in Vietnam. If you appreciate natural scenery and want an adventure at sea, you'll love cruising among more than 1,900 islands in Ha Long Bay.

The best time to visit Ha Long Bay is between March and June, but if you want to skip the crowds, go from June to September, which is low season for travel so you'll be able to save some cash. High season hits again between October and November. December through February is another low travel season to avoid crowds, but be prepared for cloudy, cold, and rainy weather, which may likely obstruct optimal views of the karsts and bay.



Related:

Looking for a hostel in Vietnam or Cambodia? Find party hostels in Vietnam or Siem Reap or find the best place to stay if you're traveling alone to Ho Chi Minh City.

More Related Articles
HueNha TrangCan ThoPhu QuocDalatHoi An

We've been gathering travel costs from tens of thousands of actual travelers since 2010, and we use the data to calculate average daily travel costs for destinations around the world. We also systematically analyze the prices of hotels, hostels, and tours from travel providers such as Kayak, HostelWorld, TourRadar, Viator, and others. This combination of expenses from actual travelers, combined with pricing data from major travel companies, gives us a uniqe insight into the overall cost of travel for thousands of cities in countries around the world. You can see more here: How it Works.



1 Categories averaged on a per-item basis.
2 Categories averaged on a per-day basis.
For example, the Food2 daily average is for all meals for an entire day, while Entertainment1 is for each individual purchase. Thus, the overall daily average cost is not a summation of the individual categories.


Budget Your Trip is all about finding out how much everything costs so that you can travel cheaper and longer. Created by avid travelers Laurie and Bryan, our goal is to help you plan your next trip on the right budget. With average daily travel costs that are calculated from the budgets of real travelers, plus an analysis of hotel and tour prices, you can find out how much money you need to plan your next adventure. We also have plenty of travel advice, accommodation reviews, and activity suggestions.
About BudgetYourTrip.com

Search for Travel Costs


All Countries
Tour Search

Some of the links on this website are sponsored or affiliate links which help to financially support this site. By clicking the link and making a purchase, we may receive a small commission, but this does not affect the price of your purchase.