You do not need to bring your entire suitcase onto every Ha Long boat trip. For day tours, a small day bag is usually much more practical than a large backpack because you will need to:
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Board and disembark from boats.
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Walk along piers.
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Explore caves.
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Climb stairs.
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Possibly paddle a kayak or rowboat.
What should you pack for a day tour?
A small bag containing:
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Phone.
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Power bank.
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Water.
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Sunscreen.
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Hat.
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Sunglasses.
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Light windbreaker.
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Personal medication.
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Tissues.
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A waterproof pouch.
No need to bring:
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Two spare sets of clothes.
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Laptop.
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Large toiletry or cosmetic bag.
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All your travel documents for the entire trip.
If kayaking is included
Separate an ultra-compact pouch for water activities. Only take:
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Phone, only if truly necessary.
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A waterproof pouch that has been tested.
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Glasses strap if needed.
Wallets, passports, and hard-to-replace items should be kept in a safer place.
Where to store luggage during a day tour?
If you have checked out of your hotel but want to visit the Bay before leaving Ha Long:
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Ask your hotel to store your luggage.
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Ask your tour operator if luggage storage is available.
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Agree on a specific time to return and retrieve it.
Do not haul large suitcases onto the boat if it is not necessary.
Overnight cruise
In this case, your suitcase can come with you, but you should still have a separate small day bag.
Use the day bag for:
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Caves.
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Ti Top Island.
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Kayaking.
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Visiting fishing villages.
This way, you will not have to unzip your suitcase every time you need sunscreen or medication.
A spare set of dry clothes
If your itinerary includes kayaking or activities where you might get wet, a light shirt and change of clothes can come in handy. However, do not pack your whole wardrobe.
What shoes to wear?
A pair of shoes or sandals that:
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Have good grip.
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Make climbing stairs easy.
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Are not overly slippery when wet.
is usually much more worthwhile than “photogenic” shoes that are difficult to hike in.
Medication you must keep on your person
If you take medication on a strict schedule, never leave it in a suitcase stored elsewhere.
Day bag checklist
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Phone.
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Power bank.
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Waterproof pouch/dry bag.
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Sunscreen.
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Hat.
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Water.
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Light jacket.
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Personal medication.
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Shoes with good grip.
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