Around 1,600 towering karst pillars and forested islets spring from the emerald bays off Vietnam’s northeastern coast. Traditional sailing junks, cabin cruises, and yachts drift through the Ha Long, Lan Han, Bai Tu Long bays, and the Cat Ba Archipelago. Most travelers spend at least one night aboard with kayaking, climbing, and short yet steep hikes immersing you further in this spectacular landscape.

In terms of where to stay near Ha Long Bay, the first option is to book an all-inclusive tour with transfers to and from Hanoi. The Vietnamese capital is a three-hour drive from the city of Ha Long and there is a healthy supply of hotels and Airbnbs in Hanoi.

Ha Long is a bustling resort custom-made for visiting the natural wonder with restaurants, beaches, an amusement park, and an international cruise port. Accommodation near the Bai Chay, Hong Gai, and Tuan Chau Island docks is practical for bookending a cruise.

Cat Ba is an appealing place to stay near Ha Long Bay for nature, wildlife, and authentic Vietnamese culture. Besides touring the Lan Ha and Ha Long bays, a national park inhabited by langur monkeys is the centerpiece of this large island. Hiking, climbing, kayaking, and cycling are the best ways to experience the island.

These Airbnbs near Ha Long Bay are concentrated around the lively Bai Chay and the tranquil Cat Ba Island – or directly on the water.

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We hope you love these Airbnbs near Ha Long Bay! Just so you know, Matador may collect a small commission from the links on this page if you decide to book a stay. Listed prices are accurate as of the time of publication.

Luxury Airbnb with a spa near Ha Long Bay

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Ease yourself into vacation mode at this large villa near Hong Gai Harbor. Panoramic windows allow the natural light to circulate while the hot tub suite is partially open to the elements. Wellness-minded travelers will appreciate two other deluxe bathtubs perfect for unwinding with a book. The kitchen is fully-equipped and there’s a garage for parking rental cars or motorcycles.

Eight guests, four bedrooms
Price: $125 per night

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Boho apartment with sea views

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Just across the water from Bai Chay and the cruise terminal, this Hong Gai Airbnb has million-dollar views over Ha Long Bay. Let the sunrise wake you up naturally and spend a meditative morning on the balcony watching boats come and go. The hanging daybed, rattan trinkets, and warm lighting evoke all the elements.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $37 per night

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Tuan Chau Airbnb with yacht for rent

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A rare find on the island of Tuan Chau, this cutting-edge villa supplies epic views toward Ha Long Bay and luxury amenities. It has a private swimming pool and staggered terraces to enable guests to spread out. Security and housekeeping are part and parcel whereas private chefs, yacht charters, scenic flights, and transfers are provided upon request.

Fourteen guests, six bedrooms
Price: $556 per night

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Rural France-inspired loft near Ha Long Bay harbors

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This boutique duplex is handy for Bai Chay Harbor and the Ha Long International Cruise Port. The Little Colmar Homestay is modeled on its namesake French town and wraps around a storybook garden. This is shared with other guests but the apartment is designed for self-catering. Pottery classes take place on the premises and the hosts can help with tours and onward travel.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $40 per night

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Ancient Vietnamese house on Cat Ba Island

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Experience the raw beauty of Cat Ba and the kindness of its residents at the homestay Airbnb on Ha Long Bay’s largest island. The property does require effort to reach although the payoff is a tranquil stay amid the national park and homecooked meals. The unit is simple yet comfortable. You’ll wake up to nothing but the sound of birdsong and the flutter of butterflies.

Five guests, two bedrooms
Price: $65 per night

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Large Airbnb for families in Ha Long

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This beautiful modern home with multiple patios is conveniently located for Bai Chay, Tuan Chau Harbor, and the ferry to Cat Ba Island. The kitchen is well-equipped for cooking and the bedrooms are spacious enough to consider a longer stay. There is a children’s playground close by plus a pool and gym for a small fee. The host can arrange an overnight cruise.

Sixteen+ guests, five bedrooms
Price: $137 per night

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Condo overlooking Ha Long Bay

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Minutes from Tran Quoc Nghien Temple, this Hong Gai Airbnb offers refuge from the busy tourist center. The minimalist decor diverts your full attention to the sea views which are truly magical at sunset. There’s a kitchen and laundry facilities – which you’ll appreciate after a day in the water. The Superhost is available to help arrange boat trips and other activities locally.

Six guests, two bedrooms
Price: $38 per night

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Whole hostel in Bai Chay with hot tub and sauna

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This contemporary hostel near Ha Long Bay is available for exclusive hire on Airbnb. The property manager is on hand to arrange tours and local tips. All bedrooms are made up as double or twin rooms and work out as having a private bathroom each, making this an epic pick for families or friendship groups. The hot tub and sauna are onsite and the infinity pool is a short walk from the property.

Sixteen+ guests, eight bedrooms
Price: $166 per night

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Little Cat Ba houseboat charter in Lan Ha Bay

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This floating home is available for private charter and comes with a captain to navigate the limestone bays. After boarding at Ben Beo, you’ll paddle kayaks through Lan Ha Bay and cruise past floating villages and formidable islets. Take in the scenery (and the stars) from the cozy cabin or on the landscaped deck. Breakfast is included whereas a seafood supper is an optional extra. Otherwise, you’re welcome to cook in the boat’s kitchen.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $258 per night

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Tiny wooden homestay cabin on Cat Ba Island

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This wholesome bolthole is only a mile from Cai Bao Harbor and the floating villages. It’s furnished with a loft bedroom, private bathroom, and den although if you sit out in the backyard oasis you’ll earn the company of the resident dogs and cats. The hosts provide a complimentary breakfast and offer Vietnamese coffee and scooter/bicycle rentals. A grounding experience between cruising the bay and roaming Hanoi Old Quarter.

Two guests, one bedroom
Price: $45 per night

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Private traditional junk cruise in Ha Long Bay

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Avoid small talk with strangers and book this exclusive junk boat overnight Airbnb experience in Ha Long Bay. The ship sets sail from Ben Beo on Cat Ba Island before stopping for snorkeling, swimming, kayaking, and biking excursions. Dinner is included in the nightly rate which means you can give your full attention to the onboard karaoke booth or learn how to fish for squid.

Ten guests, three bedrooms
Price: $286 per night

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