Getting around Ha Long Bay is almost entirely by boat — the bay is too large and the islands too numerous for any other mode of transport to be relevant.
Overnight cruises: The best and most popular way to experience the bay. Boats range from budget wooden junks with shared dormitories to luxury vessels with private cabins, bars, and swimming platforms. A two-night cruise gives enough time to reach the quieter parts of the bay beyond the day-trip crowds. Three nights allows access to Bai Tu Long Bay, which receives far fewer visitors. Book ahead in peak season; last-minute deals are available in the wet season. Read reviews carefully — the range in quality between operators is enormous.
Day trips: Leave from Ha Long City each morning and return the same evening. They cover the main heritage zone around Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave. The experience is crowded and rushed compared to overnight cruises, but it is a legitimate option if you have limited time or budget.
Cat Ba-based trips: Boats also depart from Cat Ba Island for excursions into Lan Ha Bay (the southern extension of Ha Long, with much lighter traffic) and the northern parts of the heritage zone. Cat Ba offers a slightly less packaged alternative to the Ha Long City cruise industry.