1. All Inclusive 1 day or 2D1N cruise trip with meals, kayaking and caving. There are really a lot of different packages, varying from normal boat for day trip to 5 stars cruise with private balcony and bathtub.

2. Kayaking. Most of the packages will include kayaking as this is the most common and fun thing to do in Halong Bay. The boat will bring you to the spot and you just need to wear your life jacket, team up, and start kayaking. You just need to simply follow the route and enjoy your time there.

3. Visit Cat Ba Island. The largest island in Halong Bay and home of the Cat Ba notional park, it also has some hotels on it. You can hike through the national park and do some rock climbing here. Cat Ba also has 3 own beaches so you can swim here before the boats arrive. Between May and September, you can also do snorkelling here. 

4. Snorkel and Dive near Cong Do Island. It is a favourite snorkelling destination because it has its own system of 5 lakes that are hidden among limestone peaks, but still connect to sea, offering a unique and diverse ecosystem. The islands also offer some hiking opportunities once you are off the water.

4. Sun World Halong Park. The Vietnam's largest amusement park. It is divided into two sections which are connected by Queen Cable Car, which gives you many photo opportunities during the trip over the bay and island for 2 kilometers.

Normally one day trip from Hanoi should be sufficient as you will get chance to cruise and do kayaking when enjoying the sceneries. This is also the most common itinerary that people will choose. If you want to fully experience Halong Bay and do more activities, you may choose 2D1N or even 3D2N packages that you can stay on the cruise or hotel on the islands.

The easiest way is to get a packaged cruise that comes with transport to and from Hanoi. Buy here. You can purchase the package in Hanoi, via travel agents or hotels. Alternatively, you can take bus to Ha Long city or Hai Phong and take a taxi to the port. it is also possible to charter a seaplane for a 45-minutes ride from Noi Bai International Airport.

October to December is the best time to visit thanks to the pleasant weather and low chance of rain, but expect double the crowd as it is also peak travel season. June to September is the low season and has a higher chance of storms and typhoons.