Last updated 6 October 2026 by the Ava Travel team in Hanoi, based on the itineraries of the 96 cruises we sell.
The short answer: for a 2 day 1 night cruise you need a small overnight bag, your passport (every guest is registered before the boat sails), shoes with grip for cave steps and wet jetties, swimwear from May to October, a warm layer from December to March, and some cash or a card for drinks, which are not included. Leave the big suitcase at your Hanoi hotel.
The essentials
- Passport (the original, not a copy) for every guest, including children.
- A small bag or backpack. You often reach the ship by a small tender boat; a big suitcase is awkward. Most Hanoi hotels will keep your luggage for a night.
- Comfortable shoes with grip. Sung Sot Cave and the Titop viewpoint have many steps, and jetties are wet.
- Sandals or slides for the deck, kayaking and swimming stops.
- Sun cream, sunglasses and a hat. There is little shade on the sundeck and in a kayak.
- Insect repellent for the evening on deck and island stops.
- Cash or a card for drinks, the bar and spa, which are extra on every boat.
- A phone charger and power bank. Vietnam uses 220V.
- Any medicine you need, including motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive, though the bay is sheltered.
What to pack by season
| Months | Weather | Pack |
|---|---|---|
| December – February | Cool, about 15-20°C, grey | Fleece or light jacket, long trousers, closed shoes |
| March – April | Warming, misty mornings | Layers, light rain jacket |
| May – September | Hot, humid, showers | Swimwear, quick-dry clothes, rain jacket, plenty of sun cream |
| October – November | Warm, dry, clear | Swimwear early October, a light layer for evenings |
Month by month detail in the best time to visit Halong Bay.
Pack for your bay and activities
- Lan Ha Bay: swimwear and a towel you do not mind getting wet. 33 of the 49 Lan Ha boats we sell have a swimming stop and 38 include kayaking.
- Halong Bay: good shoes for Sung Sot Cave and the Titop climb.
- Bai Tu Long Bay: a camera for the floating village; only 2 of 10 boats plan a swim.
- Kayaking: a waterproof phone pouch or dry bag.
What you do not need
- Bath towels and basic toiletries: cabins are set up like hotel rooms, so you only need your personal items.
- Food: all meals are included, from lunch on day one to brunch on day two.
- Formal clothes: dress is casual on every boat we sell.
Frequently asked questions
Slides or shoes for Halong Bay?
Both. Slides or sandals for the deck, kayaking and swimming; trainers or walking sandals with grip for the cave steps and island paths.
Can I bring my own drinks on board?
Policies differ: some boats charge a corkage fee for drinks brought on board. Ask us for your boat before you go.
Do I need my passport for a Halong Bay cruise?
Yes. Every guest is registered with the port authority before departure, so bring the original passport.
Ready to go?
Choose your boat on the 10 best Halong Bay cruises for 2026, add the Hanoi transfer at checkout and pay securely online; we confirm your cabin and pickup within one hour. More advice in our Halong Bay travel tips.
