ha long bay day cruise from hanoi

Local Halong Bay Cruise Agency – Local Price

• International Tour Operator License
• Halong tours
• Ninh Binh tours
• Halong Bay Cruise
• Lan Ha Bay Cruise
• Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise

Halong bay one day tour – Suggested Itineraries & Price [2024]

Halong Bay one day tour is a must-do experience when visiting Vietnam. With only a 2.5 hour transfer from Hanoi, you can visit Halong Bay on a day boat and back to Hanoi within 1 day. This one-day tour is a perfect option for travelers who have limited but still want to discover the stunning beauty of the World Natural Heritage Site. 

In this article, Vivu Halong will help you choose the best itinerary (4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours) with suitable cruising boat options (wooden boats, steel boats) at good prices. You also get to know which activities you will experience in a Halong Bay one-day tour.

 >> Vivu Halong is the #1 local travel agency specializing in tours, cruises, and transfers in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh, f ully licensed by the National Administration of Tourism. Want to know more about us? >> CLICK HERE or read our reviews on TRIPADVISOR

• Address : No 12, 461 Tran Khat Chan Str, Hai Ba Trung, Hanoi ( Map )
• Phone/WhatsApp/Zalo : +84.789.455.888
• Phone/WhatsApp/Zalo : +84 961 250 100
• Email : [email protected]
• FB : facebook.com/vivuhalong

Price of Halong Bay one day tour 

Halong Bay one-day tour is a group tour with a transfer from Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, and activities. The private tour is also available based on your request.  Here is the price list for the tour, please contact us for the best price and tour available when booking.

Inclusions & Exclusions 

• Lunch with Ha Long seafood dishes with a set menu or buffet meal depending on the tour.
• Shuttle bus / Limousine van from Hanoi to Ha Long
• Boat to visit the bay (4 hours – 6 hours – 8 hours), depending on the cruise you choose.
• Entrance ticket to visit Halong Bay for 1 day (VND 290,000/person)
• Tour guide to escort your trip 
• Not including drinks and personal expenses.

>> In case, you need a shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, check out this post for the schedule and rate: https://vivuhalong.com/en/transfer-hanoi-ha-long-bay/

[Deluxe] 6-HOUR Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi

Full-day Halong Bay tour from Hanoi, Limousine bus, Buffet lunch & Kayaking

[Small Group] Halong Bay Full day cruise from Hanoi

Bai Tu Long Bay Full day cruise, Off the beaten track

[8 HOUR] Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi (limousine transfer)

[Luxury] 8-Hour Halong Bay cruise

[Luxury] Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi

Which Halong Bay one day itinerary to choose? 

6-hour cruise tour with transfer from Hanoi

This 6-hour tour is the most popular Halong Bay one-day tour, with a shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi. On this tour, you will visit Amazing (Sung Sot) Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay, kayak in Luon Cave then get to Titop island for beach relaxation and hiking to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Halong Bay. 

• The tour starts at 8:30 am with a shuttle bus pick up at your hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter and ends at 08:30 pm
• Cruise from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, 5 – 6 hours boat cruising on Halong Bay 
• Itinerary following Route 2: Habour –  Surprise Cave – Luon Cave (kayaking) – Titop Island (beach & panoramic view) 
• Vietnamese lunch included
• Departure from Ha Long International Port or Tuan Chau International Port

>> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-one-day-tour-wonder-bay-cruise/ 

For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/ WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888 https://youtu.be/kvyplIXeCYU?si=4_oep3V21fRkWKdA

7- 8 hour cruise tour with transfer from Hanoi 

Halong Bay 7 – 8 hour tour is the longest journey to visit the bay during the daytime. You can have a lot of time to visit caves, and beaches, explore the islands and experience kayaking on the calm water of Halong Bay. 

Unlike other tours departing at noon, this tour departs early at 9:30 a.m., so you will depart from Hanoi at 06:30 a.m. It means you can have enough time for an 8-hour journey. Travellers can visit tourist attractions and experience no less than an overnight cruise. In the past, visitors used to rent a private boat for such long tours. But now there is such an interesting 8-hour tour to from choose. 

• The tour starts from Hanoi at 07:00 am with a shuttle bus pick up at your hotels and ends at 08:30 pm
• Cruise from 10:30 pm to 5:00 pm, 8 hours on the boat to visit the bay
• Itinerary following Route 2: Thien Cung Cave – Fighting cocks Islet – Amazing (Sung Sot) Cave – Titop Island – Afternoon tea 
• Tour includes lunch
• Departure from Tuan Chau International Port

>> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-cruise-8-hour/ For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/  WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888  

4-hour day cruise, ( depart from Halong City ) 

This traditional tour takes you to the most famous spots of Ha Long Bay. 4 hours is a suitable time if you don’t want to be on the boat for too long. The tour is suitable for travellers who stay in hotels in Halong City and want to see Halong Bay on a half-day tour. The tour includes a visit to Thien Cung cave, go kayaking in Ba Hang and a Vietnamese lunch. 

• The cruise schedule is from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the afternoon, or  from 08:00 to 12:00 in the morning
• 4 hours on the cruising boat to visit the bay.
• Itinerary following Route 2: Habour > Cho Da islet > Dinh Huong islet >  Thien Cung cave > Ba Hang fishing village (kayak or bamboo boat ride)
• Lunch included 
• Departure from HaLong International Port (Ha Long Road, Bai Chay, Halong City) 

Morning tour 

• 07:00 – 07:30: Pick up at your Hotel in the Bai Chay area
• 07:40: Arrive at Ha Long International Port to check in on the boat.
• 08:00 – 08:15: The cruise starts visiting Halong Bay – one of the New Seven Wonder world heritage
• 08:50: Passing through Stone Dog islet, Incense burner Islet – the image in the back side of Vietnam currency 200.000d.
• 09:00: Visit the Ba Hang area – where you can do kayaking or bamboo boat to explore the area.
• 09:50: Visit Fighting Cock Islet – a symbol of Halong Bay
• 10:10: Visit Thien Cung Grottos – one of the most beautiful areas of Halong Bay
• 11:10: Have lunch on the boat (Set Menu lunch,  6 person/table)
• 11:45-12:10: Back to Ha Long International Port.
• 12:30: A shuttle bus take you back to your hotel in Bai Chay

Afternoon tour 

• 11h-11h30: Pick up at your hotels in Bai Chay area, Halong City
• 11h40: Arrive at Ha Long International Port.
• 12h00 – 12h15: Ha Binh cruise starts to visit Halong Bay – the World Heritage Site
• 12h30: Have lunch on the boat (Set menu lunch,  6 person/table)
• 13h30: Visit Stone dog islet, Incense burner islet – the image in the Vietnam currency 200.000d
• 13h40: Visit Ba Hang area – where you can go kayaking or bamboo boat or relax on the cruise.
• 14h20: Visit Fighting Cock Islet – a symbol of Halong Bay
• 14h40: Visit Thien Cung grotto – one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay
• 16h30: The cruise arrives at Ha Long International Port
• 17h00: Shuttle bus takes you back to the hotels

> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-tour-4-hour-cruise/ For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/  WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888  

Which route to choose? 

There would be different routes for visiting Halong Bay in one day, you can choose to visit the route of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. All the routes have similar natural landscapes with limestone islets on green water. However, each cruising route has its own advantage.

Let’s check which route might suit you!

What you would experience in a Halong Bay one-day tour? 

Join a day tour to visit the bay, in addition to boarding the sightseeing boat, you will experience kayaking for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is so interesting to explore the different corners of the bay by yourself. Kayaking is the best way to get closer to the limestone islands in the bay. 

Exploring cave 

Halong Bay is home to many wonderful natural caves, such as Sung Sot Cave , Thien Cung Cave , Trinh Nu Cave, Thien Canh Son Cave … You can climb up the island to go inside the caves. Then you will admire such interesting landscapes bestowed by nature.

Bamboo boat with locals 

If not kayaking, you can choose to take a bamboo boat carried by locals, visit Luon cave , and enter the “lagoon” areas with beautiful scenery, covered by limestone mountains. 

Beach, swimming, hiking on mountain 

The beaches on the bay are not very big but beautiful. You can find a nice beach on Titop island and many small beaches dotted in the bay. On the island, you can relax on the beach, swim, or climb to the top of the mountain to see the whole view of Halong Bay, to save the best selfie photos.

Afternoon tea, cooking lessons

This experience is so relaxing that many travellers want to join in. You can use a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine to wait for the sunset on Halong Bay. It’s not easy to capture this moment so good luck.

Where to depart for the tour? 

There are two cruise ports in Halong Bay where you embark for cruising

Halong International Port 

Halong International Port is located on Halong Road, right in the centre of the Bai Chay tourist area, providing easy access for both domestic and international tourists coming to visit Halong Bay on a day cruise. You can visit Halong Bay on a day cruise departing from Ha Long International Port following a morning tour or afternoon tour.

• Direction to Halong International Port

Tuan Chau Marina 

Tuan Chau International Port is located on Tuan Chau island, the port is 12.5km from Ha Long city and 150km from Hanoi. Tuan Chau is a popular port for both domestic and international visitors taking a day cruise on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

• Direction to Tuan Chau Marina

• More details about Halong Bay Cruise Ports 

Food & Drinks 

On a day tour to Halong Bay, you will be served a Vietnamese lunch with some local seafood dishes, the set menu lunch will be served for 6 persons/table, joining the group. Some bigger boats will offer a Buffet lunch with more choice of food served. Check out the typical menu for lunch on a Halong Bay day tour. Drinks are served with beer, soft drinks, and water… at an extra fee.

Set Menu lunch 

• Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad
• French Fries
• Ha Long Grilled Squid
• Steamed Shrimp With Beer
• Grilled Oyster With Onion Fat
• Sea Bass with Sauces
• Stir-fried Vegetable
• Jasmine Rice
• Seasonal Fruits

Vegetarian Lunch Menu 

• Dumpling Cake
• Vegetable Spring Roll
• Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Vietnamese Egg Roll
• Seasonal stir-fried vegetable

Buffet menu (8-hour day cruise) 

• Asparagus soup with seafood
• Rice congee with pork meatballs
• French fries/ fried corn
• Green Papaya salad with dried beef
• Russian Salad
• Pomelo salad with shrimp
• Spring rolls
• Sushi rolls
• Stir-fried noodles with seafood
•  Sauté diced beef
• Grilled shrimp
• Crispy fried squid
• Stir-fried flower clams with basil leaves
• Grilled fish with chilli paste
• Grilled chicken wings
• Salt-roasted mantis shrimp
• Grilled oysters with scallion oil
• Vegetable stir fry
• Mixed fried rice
• Green beans sweet gruel
• Profiteroles
• Strawberry, orange Jam
•  Seasonal fruits
• Pure dumplings
• Pan-fried hot dog

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day tour enough for Halong Bay?

Yes, it is an option to admire the natural beauty of Halong Bay within one day (4-8 hours on a boat). The tour could be also arranged with a transfer from Hanoi  (2.5-hour transfer) and back. If you have longer time, the 1-night cruise and 2-night cruise are recommended.

Is Halong Bay a day trip from Hanoi? 

The Halong Bay day tour is the most popular day tour from Hanoi. The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is 150 km for 2.5 hour’s transfer time

How long do you need in Halong Bay?

You should visit Halong Bay for 1 night or 2 nights. A day tour to Halong Bay is an option if you do not have much time here.

Is the Halong Bay day trip worth it?

Yes, it worth visiting. The trip takes you to visit most highlights of Halong Bay including a cave, and island and experience kayaking or bamboo boat rowing…

Can you swim in Halong Bay?

Yes, swimming is an exciting activity when visiting Halong Bay. The water is calm and clean. You might swim from a small beach or in the middle of the bay. In winter (Nov – Feb), it is too cold for swimming.

What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?

April – September is the best time to visit Halong Bay, it is the summertime, with blue water & clear sky.

Is Halong Bay too busy?

Halong Bay is a must-visit so it attracts a lot of visitors during the year. However, the busiest time is in summer month (the peak season for domestic tourists)

How do I book a Halong Bay cruise?

You can book through travel agents, tour operators, and OTAs or book directly with cruise operators. Just check for the best price and trusted service provider 

Are there jellyfish in Halong Bay?

Yes, there are jellyfish in Halong Bay and it could be more jellyfish in the summer months.

With the above information provided by Vivu Halong, hopefully, you have enough information to choose a suitable day tour to visit Halong Bay. If you have any questions or need further advice, do not hesitate to contact Vivu Halong. 

Maybe you are interested

Best Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay cruise with Price & Reviews [Update 2023]

Ninh Binh 1 day tour – Suggested Itinerary & Local Price

How to choose the best 3 days 2 nights Halong Bay cruise

Hon Gai – Quang Ninh travel guide 

Bai Chay – Halong travel guide

The Ultimate Guide to the Best Halong Restaurants in Halong city

How to choose the best Halong Bay 2 days 1 night cruise

Titov island – The picturesque island of Halong Bay

Book your trip, vivu halong team.

BOOKING INFORMATION

Halong Bay Cruises

Top 10 Best Halong Bay Cruise Deals Recommended For You

The highly trusted collection of Best Halong Bay Cruises that is frequently updated by our Halong Cruise Experts depending much on the cruises' conditions: best facilities, unique experiences, best offers, high-end meals on board, professional staff, and especially excellent comments, feedback from our real valuable customers. We hope that you can select a suitable Halong bay cruise for your holiday and have unforgettable experiences beside your beloved ones. Save Time - Save Money - Travel more!

All Meals Included

Ambassador Signature Cruise

Style: Modern    Rooms: 39   

Step on board the elegant and opulent Ambassador Signature Cruise for an unforgettable journey as you discover Lan Ha Bay's magnificence. With 39 trendy and modern cabins and a capacity for 120 guests, this 5-star floating hotel has everything you need for a feel-at-home journey in the middle of the sea: air conditioning, private balconies, en-suite bathrooms, and bathtubs. Along with first-rate accommodation, Ambassador Signature also offers a premium Asian – European cuisine experience as well as a complete complement of modern facilities, including a luxury spa on board, a piano lounge, and a restaurant & bar.

Orchid Trendy Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 20   

Being a sister cruise of Orchid Classic Cruise, Orchid Trendy is also a luxurious overnight cruise accommodating 20 cabins on board with a private balcony on each cabin overlooking the World Heritage Site. Possessing the finest amenities with the most professional crew as her sister, Orchid Trendy Cruise is a promisingly great alternative of the luxury segment for those who wish to explore Lan Ha Bay with a first-class leisure trip.

Ambassador Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 46   

Launched in November 2018, Ambassador Cruise by now has been affirmed its notable reputation among Halong Bay luxurious cruises. Not only being the BIGGEST and NEWEST steel vessel in Halong Bay, but Ambassador Cruise also possesses distinctive highlights: signature Michellin menu with various options, finest amenities, one and only outdoor jacuzzi in Halong Bay Cruises, classy live music, and professional butlers; which make it exceptional to the others. Confidently proud as a top-notch cruise, Ambassador Cruise assures that every single moment of yours in Halong Bay would be the incredibly sumptuous experience ever. 

Orchid Classic Cruise

Style: Modern    Rooms: 14   

Being one of the best luxury 5-star cruises as well as the first cruise company to set up a newly overnight cruise itinerary throughout Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay, Orchid Cruise leads passengers to explore the pristine beauty of the Heritage Site which is less touristic and more wildly untouched. With only 14 spacious cabins, Orchid Cruise offers a really comfortable private space with an upgraded level of premium cruising services that make your discovery full of exceptional experiences.

Peony Cruise

Style: International & Boutique    Rooms: 20   

Peony Cruise is one of the luxury cruises of Big Bay Group launched in October 2018. Following the successful sister cruise ship,Mon Cheri Cruise, Peony Cruise brings to passengers the chances to explore the magnificent and pristine beauty of the cruising route through Lan Ha Bay. Housing 20 spacious luxury cabins artfully designed in the modern style, Peony Cruise promises to provide memorable voyages with a professional crew and premium cruising services.

Scarlet Pearl Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 23   

Being one of the newest and biggest 5-star cruises in Halong Bay, Scarlet Pearl Cruise guarantees passengers from all over the world the ultimately luxury experience from beginning until the end with spacious modern waiting lounge in Tuan Chau Port, luxurious and well-furnished steel main ship, as well as super-advanced Catamaran Sailboats used for day trip. Besides, with 2 days 1 night itinerary equivalent with that of 3 days 2 nights from other cruise lines and featuring unique route exploring untouched Lan Ha Bay, Scarlet Pearl Cruise confidently assures every single minute you experience onboard would be the most impressive moments in your lifetime.

Paradise Elegance Cruise

Style: Modern    Rooms: 31   

Managed by the pioneering cruising company in Halong Bay, Paradise Group, Paradise Elegance Cruise is an outstanding brand in Paradise Cruises Collection, which is renowned by its exquisite service and high-end professionalism among Halong Bay Fleets. This cruise is an ideal option for anyone seeking a luxurious experience to Halong Bay, which will definitely bring to guests the exceptional touch for their fantastic voyage amid the World Heritage Site.

Nostalgia Cruise

Style: Boutique    Rooms: 10   

Scheduled to set sail in December 2022, Nostalgia Cruise promises an exceptional voyage to amazing yet less touristy corners of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. With only 11 elegant cabins, this unique boutique cruise ship pays much attention to details of both interior and exterior, as well as always guarantee top-notch service. You will see traditional decor arts and well-designed wooden furniture that remind much of the royal Vietnamese architecture. If you are seeking serenity, peace and purity in the beauty of Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay, Nostalgia Cruise is surely the perfect option.

Mon Cheri Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 18   

Mon Chéri Cruise offers 18 stylish cabins alongside the elegant restaurant and bars, fitness facilities and spa service. The cruise provides 5-star standard services with professional staff to guarantee that can satisfy even the most demanding guests. In addition, we absolutely serve the Western and Asian cuisines, and Mon Chéri Cruises is the first cruise in Halong bay having a separated kitchen for Halal foods which are cooked by foreign Chefs with well equipped Halal Cooking Certification. Moreover, unlike the classic Halong bay tour, Mon Chéri Cruise departs from Hai Phong city, which is approximately 1.5 hours driving from Hanoi, thus the transferring time from Hanoi to the harbor is considerably reduced. 

Paradise Grand Cruise

Expected to join the luxurious cruise segment in Lan Ha Bay at the beginning of 2020, Paradise Grand Cruise welcomes passengers to explore and discover the pristine natural beauty here on newly distinctive itineraries. Proudly managed by one of the pioneering cruise companies owning one of the best fleets in Halong Bay – Paradise Vietnam, Paradise Grand promisingly creates the incredibly sumptuous voyage to a mystic and tranquil Lan Ha Bay – another charming beauty amid the Heritage Site.

Newest Halong Bay Cruises

Capella Cruise

Launched: 2020    Rooms: 30   

Launched: 2023    Rooms: 39   

Launched: 2023    Rooms: 10   

Orchid Premium Cruise

Launched: 2019    Rooms: 5   

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 46   

Luxury Halong Bay Cruises

Launched: 2016    Rooms: 14   

Grand Pioneers Cruise (Essence Grand Cruise)

Launched: 2023    Rooms: 55   

Launched: 2017    Rooms: 31   

Launched: 2017    Rooms: 20   

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 20   

Deluxe Halong Bay Cruises

Mila Lux Cruise

Launched: 2012    Rooms: 22   

Paradise Sails Cruise

Launched: 2009    Rooms: 17   

Sena Cruise

Launched: 2019    Rooms: 16   

Lily Cruise

Launched: 2023    Rooms: 20   

Renea Cruise

Launched: 2015    Rooms: 11   

La Regina Royal Cruise

Launched: 2015    Rooms: 20   

Budget Halong Bay Cruises

Mila Cruise

Swan Cruises

Launched: 2015    Rooms: 18   

Sapphire Cruise

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 21   

Halong Bay Day Cruises

Halong Maia Day Cruise

Launched: 2024    Rooms: 99   

Halong Symphony Day Cruise

JadeSails Day Cruise

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 48   

Serenity Luxury Day Cruise

Rooms: 60   

Cong Day Cruise

Launched: 2019    Rooms: 30   

L'Azalee Day Cruise

Rooms: 40   

Choose Your Halong Bay Cruises

Best Cruises

Halong Bay Cruise Destinations

Halong bay travel guide & news  .

Recent Reviews About Halong Bay Cruises

Fantastic experience

Fantastic service and very kind person named Rosie. Very detailed and observant and not to mention patient! Thank you so much for... Orchid Trendy Cruise

Magical time in Ha Long

Magical time in Ha Long Review of Inside Travel Reviewed today The experience was magical! The... Peony Cruise

Absolutely Marvelous

The cruise was absolutely lovely. The crew was friendly and provided outstanding service, the lodging was incredibly comfortable,... Orchid Trendy Cruise

Big thank you to Sophie and inside travel

Fantastic experience using inside travel , professional organised booked the cruise months ago a big thank you to Sophie for... Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise

Awesome Cruise - Thanks

We had an awseome time on our cruise. Inside Travel provided an excellent price compared to many other booking agents. Rosie was... Orchid Classic Cruise

Official website of Halong Bay Cruises - The Best Choice to discover Halong Bay

Situated on the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay - one of the World's New7Wonders of Nature is the perfect blend of aesthetic, geological and geomorphologic values. Experienced at least 500 million years in many different geological states, Halong Bay now is well-known as the paradise of sea and islands with thousand of lime-stone mountains and islets in various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, this is also a wonderful destination for cruising , kayaking and enjoying tropical charming beaches.

Coming to Halong Bay , one of the world's natural heritages and also among seven natural wonders, soon you will notice taking part in a Halong Bay cruise is the best way to completely explore the stunning beauty of this destination. The feeling of cruising through around 3,000 thousand islets of Halong Bay is definitely a fantastic experience to every tourist.

Being on Halong Bay cruises , along with embracing the wonders of nature , there is no doubt you will be indulge yourself in a strong sense a comfort - joint together by pleasant accommodations, dainty dishes as well as enthusiastic and dedicated services. Regardless whoever you are and how much money you have in your pocket, you still find your wishes fulfilled and your requirements met with a wide variety of Halong Bay cruises .

We are here to help you 24/7

Save Time - Save Money - Travel More!

We will send you the Best Deals what you can not find anywhere else. Best Price Guarantee!

Special Deals from 10% - 40%

Unbeatable Offers. Don't Miss Out!!!

Being Halong bay cruise experts with over 10 years of experience. Let us help you!

Halong Bay Cruises team is grateful to bring you a cruise vacation that will exceed your greatest expectations and offer you exceptional value. With the confidence and knowledge to find the right Halong bay cruise choice, we are always here to listen and arrange everything as your desire. Don't hesitate to send us your requests. We will send you the best offers shortly!

Wander-Lush

Hanoi to Halong Bay: The Definitive Travel Guide for 2024

Absolutely everything you need to know about visiting Halong Bay from Hanoi in 2023, including a comprehensive guide on how to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay on a day tour, overnight cruise, or DIY.

This post includes what to do in Halong Bay, recommended tour companies, and my top 3 Halong Bay alternatives based on my personal experience travelling to and living in Northern Vietnam.

Halong Bay (Hạ Long Bay) is Vietnam’s best-known and most-visited tourist attraction. More than 6 million people flock to the area every year to cruise around on wooden boats, known as junks .

What makes Halong Bay so unique is the 2,000-odd limestone islands and islets that emerge from the waters off the coast. These range from towering karsts with deep caves, to tiny formations ringed by white-sand beaches.

More from Vietnam

Discover the best city guides, itineraries, travel tips & hidden gems in my Vietnam Travel Guide.

In 1994, Halong Bay was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site . Ever since then, it’s featured near the top of every traveller’s bucket list.

Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city, is the jumping off point for Halong Bay. But figuring out how you’re going to visit Halong Bay from Hanoi can be confusing.

There are literally thousands of tour operators organising tours and packages. Fair to say they vary dramatically in quality.

When I moved to Hanoi , the very first piece of advice I received was ‘Don’t book the $12 Halong Bay cruise’ .

It was a good life lesson!

I’ve seen far too many travellers get sucked in by cheap deals and have their Halong Bay experience ruined as a result.

This guide is designed to help you tackle Halong Bay like a pro and have the best experience possible. It covers three main topics:

• Hanoi to Halong Bay day tours (great if you have limited time and are travelling on a budget)
• Halong Bay overnight cruises (the best way to see the bay, provided you have the time and funds)
• Halong Bay DIY trips from Hanoi (using bus, train, van or car)

A big thank you to my friend and Hanoi-based tour guide, Trang, who helped to ensure this guide is up-to-date and accurate!

Please note: This post contains affiliate links, meaning I may earn a commission if you make a purchase by clicking a link (at no extra cost to you). Learn more.

Halong Bay: The basics

In this section, I’ll run through the Halong Bay basics: What, where, when, and how. I’ll also throw in my two cents about whether or not Halong Bay is worth visiting.

Feel free to skip ahead if you’ve already done your research.

Where is Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is located off the coast of Northern Vietnam. It is part of Quảng Ninh Province, which borders on China. The nearest major city is Halong City (Thành phố Hạ Long).

Most boats and cruises depart from Halong Bay cruise port, also known as Tuan Chau Gateway . It is located on the island of Tuần Châu, 13km or a 20-minute drive from Halong City via land bridge.

The heart of Halong Bay, where boats cruise around the karsts and you get those amazing photos, is approximately 20 km off the coast from the port.

How far away is Halong Bay from Hanoi?

Tuan Chau island, the jumping off point for Halong Bay, is located roughly 153 km (95 miles) from Hanoi, Vietnam’s capital city.

How long does it take to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Hanoi and Halong Bay are connected by the 5B Highway, one of the newest and best highways in the whole country . The area has very good infrastructure, partly because of tourism, and partly because the nearby city of Hai Phong is Northern Vietnam’s main seaport.

It takes 2.5-3 hours on average to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by car or van. With a bathroom break half-way, the journey usually takes 3.5 hours.

By bus , it takes between 3.5 and 4.5 hours.

And by train , it takes 7 hours to get to Halong from Hanoi.

How long do you need in Halong Bay?

Typically, people visit Halong Bay for 1 or 2 nights. If you have the time and your budget allows for it, I recommend staying for 2 nights . This is the option I chose the first time I visited Vietnam.

If you have 2 nights on the boat, you naturally have one full day of cruising, which means a whole day without having to be on a bus or in a car. Having this day in between gives you a chance to relax and take in the landscape.

It also means your junk boat will travel further out into the bay. And the further you go, the less polluted and the more beautiful it gets.

Can you visit Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi?

Yes, it is possible to visit Halong Bay as a day trip from Hanoi . In this post, I’ll show you exactly how.

A day trip is a good way to go if you’re pressed for time or on a tight budget. Just be aware that a large chunk of your day will be spent in the car. You’ll miss out on the chance to wake up amongst the karsts, which was the highlight of Halong Bay for me.

Is Halong Bay worth visiting?

There’s an elephant in the room.

If you’ve read this blog before, you’ll know that I’m a big believer in travelling off the beaten track . So why am I writing about Halong Bay, Vietnam’s busiest tourist attraction?

Halong Bay is a bit like Sapa : It’s very touristy, it has a pollution problem, and very sadly, tourism development hasn’t been managed particularly well.

But Sapa is still Sapa, and Halong Bay is still Halong Bay.

It’s still a UNESCO Site. It’s still one of the ‘wonders of the world’. And it’s still one of the most majestic landscapes on planet Earth.

It’s still a huge employer of local guides, chefs, skippers and tourism professionals, and it’s still a major driver of the tourism economy in Northern Vietnam.

I’m not here to tell you you shouldn’t visit Halong Bay – that would be hypocritical. I have been to Halong Bay twice now, and both times I enjoyed it.

At the same time, I do want you to be aware that there are some great Halong Bay alternatives out there. Bai Tu Long Bay is one of them, and I’ve included a few tour providers that visit Bai Tu long in this guide.

At the end of this guide, you’ll find some of my favourite Halong Bay alternatives – or you can browse this separate guide for more ideas .

Just like you can still have an authentic experience in Sapa , I think it’s possible to have an enjoyable experience on Halong Bay. You just have to be prepared, well-informed, and manage your expectations.

Just don’t book the $12 cruise!

Is Bai Tu Long Bay the same as Halong Bay?

Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are two separate bays that sit side by side. If you look at the map, you’ll see that Bai Tu Long Bay wraps around the northern coast of Vietnam, just to the northeast of Halong Bay. A third bay, Lan Ha Bay, is located west of Halong Bay. It hugs a large forested island, Cat Ba.

In recent years, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay have become more popular as alternatives to Halong Bay. The landscape in all three bays is basically the same – dramatic karst rocks and caves. But each one feels very different.

As a general rule, there are more restrictions on how many boats can go out into Bai Tu Long Bay at any one time, so it can be significantly quieter. It’s also more remote and less polluted.

Lan Ha Bay attracts a particular crowd, mainly backpackers and budget travellers, and has additional activities on offer on Cat Ba Island.

Many Halong Bay cruises will take you through Bai Tu Long Bay as part of the itinerary. Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island can be visited separately from Hai Phong (refer to the section on Halong Bay alternatives for more details).

How to visit Halong Bay from Hanoi

Most people go to Halong Bay for one reason, and that’s to drift amongst the karsts on board a junk.

To go on a junk, you need to book a tour. You can either do that online before you arrive in Vietnam, or in person in Hanoi or Halong.

There are hundreds (literally) of tour operators working in this space, and they differ vastly in quality and price. I’ll say more on this later, but for now, all you need to know is that 95% of Halong Bay cruises include transfers between your hotel in Hanoi and Halong Bay . This will either be rolled into the price, or added on when you book.

In other words, if you book a tour package – which I recommend you do – your transportation to Halong will automatically be taken care of.

There are two basic tour options to choose from, depending on your budget and how much time you have:

• Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi
• Halong Bay overnight cruise from Hanoi (1 or 2 nights)

Under certain circumstances, you might want to travel to Halong Bay from Hanoi independently . Consider this option if:

• You prefer a private transfer rather than the standard transfer offered in your tour package (in which case, you can take a private car with driver)
• Your tour package has transport as an optional add-on and you want to find a cheaper option
• You are on a very tight budget and want to organise your cruise the cheapest way possible (in which case, you can use the limousine bus, public bus or train)
• You want to stay in Halong City
• You want to visit Sun World Park and the cable car before Halong Bay

If you do want to travel to Halong Bay independently, know that it’s going to take a bit more organising and a bit more effort. I will go over this in detail in Option 3 below.

Option 1: Halong Bay day tour from Hanoi

First let’s look at the easiest, quickest and most affordable way to see Halong Bay, and that’s with a Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi.

There are a bunch of Halong Bay one-day tour options that cater to travellers who are time-poor but still want to tick the UNESCO site off their list.

I’ll be honest: A Halong Bay day tour is a tightly packed schedule. It starts early, finishes late, and involves spending about 6 hours or more on the road. I probably wouldn’t recommend you attempt it with kids in tow.

It’s still the quickest way to get a taste for the bay. Tours usually include boat cruising, lunch on deck, and a couple of activities such as walking through caves, kayaking or swimming.

How to book a tour before you arrive in Vietnam

It’s possible to book a tour in person at one of the many agencies in Hanoi. However, I strongly recommend booking online.

Using a booking service such as Viator or Get Your Guide gives you the added safety net of a third party if anything goes wrong.

Online payment is secure, cancellation policies are usually quite relaxed if your plans change, and you can manage your booking on the app (no need to print anything).

Booking online also gives you time and space to properly research the options (and when it comes to travelling to Halong Bay from Hanoi, there are a lot). This reduces the likelihood of getting pressured into something you don’t want to do.

Get Your Guide list the tour provider for each itinerary, so you can do independent research to verify the company and the boat itself before you book.

I would recommend booking your day tour at least 3 weeks out if you’re travelling in low season or 6-8 weeks out if you’re travelling in high season .

If push comes to shove, you can usually find a tour with availability a few days out (or even the night before).

Recommended Halong Bay day tours

I’ve done the legwork for you and put together this list of reputable Halong Bay day tours from Hanoi. Each one follows a good itinerary, has great reviews, and is backed by a reputable company. All tours have an English-speaking guide.

Top choice: Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour

• Inclusions: Kayaking, short hike, lunch on the water, sunset drink on the boat
• Travellers love: Attentive staff, great organisation, excellent food
• From $56 per person
• Bookings through Viator

With more than 500 customer reviews and a five-star rating , this Vietnam Tonkin Travel tour is one of the best options out there.

The full-day tour of Halong Bay starts with pick up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. Transfer to the marina is by bus. You also have the option to organise your own transportation and meet the group at the pier. If you do this, the cost of the van transfer (around $20) will be subtracted from the price when you book.

On-board the air-conditioned junk, you’ll cruise both Halong and Lan Ha bays while enjoying a seafood lunch. The tour then visits Halong Surprise cave and Titop island for views. Activities include kayaking (included in the price), swimming , a gentle trek on Cat Ba Island , and a Vietnamese cooking demonstration .

The day ends with sunset on the boat before departing for Hanoi. At under $60 per person with transfers included, it’s excellent value for money.

Top choice: JadeSails Luxury Cruise of Ha Long Bay & Lan Ha Bay

• Inclusions: Kayaking/row boating, lunch, cooking demonstration, swimming, sunset drinks
• Travellers love: VIP limousine minivan transfers, beautiful boat design, focus on quieter Lan Ha Bay
• From $105 per person

This full-day cruise leaves Hanoi earlier and includes transfers by limousine van (8 pax), meaning you’ll be boarding the junk boat and sipping your welcome drink by 9.30am . This is a huge plus, giving you a full 7 hours on the water – much longer than most other day tours.

JadeSails is a luxe, modern vessel with tasteful lounge spaces and a big sun deck . It’s not too big, so you won’t feel like you’re packed in like a sardine as you do on some of the larger boats! I especially recommend this day cruise for couples .

Lunch is served on board, then you’re off to explore sea caves and secret lagoons by kayak or local row boat. In the afternoon, the boat docks in a quiet and clean spot on Lan Ha Bay for swimming .

The day wraps up with a cooking demonstration and sunset drinks on the deck . You’ll then be whisked to the marina by speed boat and head back to the city on the same highway, getting you home to Hanoi by 7.30pm.

Round-trip transfers from Hanoi by VIP van, welcome drinks, lunch, and all entrance fees and equipment hire are included in the price, which starts from just $105 per person.

Halong Dragonfly Boat Cruise

• Inclusions: Kayaking, Heaven Palace Cave, lunch on the water
• Travellers love: Variety of food, efficient itinerary, early return to Hanoi
• From $100 per person
• Bookings through Get Your Guide

Organised by Charming Vietnam Travel, this day cruise on the beautiful Dragonfly Boat includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi by coach.

You can opt for a private tour which includes private transfers from Hanoi and a one-on-one tour of the cave before joining the rest of the group (usually 20-30 people) on the boat.

First comes a generous lunch on the water, then you’ll have a chance to explore Thien Cung (Heaven Palace Cave), a massive limestone grotto.

45 minutes is set aside for kayaking (equipment hire is included in the price). Because transfer is by coach, this tour departs a little earlier to get you back to Hanoi by 7-8pm . This does eat into your time on the water, but it might be a good option if you have big plans for the next day and need your rest.

There are often great specials on this cruise. The advertised price is $100, but I’ve seen it for as low as $50.

Important things to know about Halong Bay tours

• When booking a Halong Bay tour, you’ll need to enter your details including your full name, passport number and visa expiry date. If you don’t yet have your Vietnam visa, you can note this down. Remember to bring your passport with you on the day! You’ll need it in order to check in at the dock.
• Some tour operators will only pick you up from a hotel, not an Airbnb. That doesn’t mean you have to organise your own transport, it just means you need to get yourself to the nearest hotel for the scheduled pick up.
• Similarly, most tour operators charge an additional fee (around $10) for pick up from a hotel outside of the Old Quarter.
• Most lunches are seafood-heavy, but can be customised. If you’re veg/vegan or you have dietary requirements, give the company plenty of advance warning.
• It’s customary to tip your guide provided you were happy with the service. How much you leave depends on you – and the size of the group, length of the tour, etc. A small tip for your skipper or driver is also appreciated. If you visit a floating village, you often have an opportunity to leave a donation at the local school or library, etc. Do not hand money straight to children.
• Most buses and vans will stop at ‘souvenir’ shops or craft workshops on the road from Hanoi to Halong. Don’t feel pressured to buy anything; it’s perfectly OK just to smile and walk through. Save your money for Hanoi’s shops instead!
• Be very careful to note what’s included in the tour price and what’s not. Most day tours include lunch, but some don’t include drinks. Equipment hire for kayaking is often an optional extra that you have to pay for in cash on the day.
• Overnight tours often have a holiday surcharge (around $20) for Christmas, International New Year and Tet (Lunar New Year). Some companies also add a peak season surcharge to the price for bookings between October 1 and April 30.
• Halong Bay tour itineraries are always subject to change. Boats will still sail if it’s raining, but if the weather is bad enough, there’s a chance your tour might be altered or even cancelled.

Option 2: Halong Bay overnight cruise from Hanoi

One of the best experiences you can have in Vietnam is spending the night on a Halong Bay junk cruise. I have vivid memories of taking a shower on our junk and looking out the round portal window as the karsts floated by. I will never forget that view!

Like day tours, most overnight cruises start from Hanoi and include transfer to and from your hotel in the price. (Some charge extra, however, so always check before you book!).

How to book a Halong Bay cruise

Again, I highly recommend booking through a third party website for secure payment and extra insurance. Hotel booking websites Agoda and Booking.com both have a big selection of boats available – especially Agoda, which is my preferred platform for Southeast Asia.

You can also book Halong Bay overnight cruises through Viator and Get Your Guide. Viator has a bigger selection and is my preferred booking site.

However – things have changed in the past few years and increasingly, cruises are being advertised on tour websites through agents such as Halong Bay Cruise Hunters. This makes it very difficult to do your research when you can’t view the name of the boat. For this reason, I highly recommend booking through Agoda , which is more transparent.

If you’re a solo traveller, note that some boats do charge a single supplement (up to 70 USD) for a single room.

Consider reserving overnight tours a little further in advance – 5-6 weeks out for low season or 10-12 weeks out for high season .

Best Halong Bay overnight cruises

Most (but not all) overnight cruises follow a very similar itinerary. The main difference between companies is the quality of the boat and the standard of the accommodation and food .

There are literally thousands of boats on Halong Bay. To make things easier for you, I’ve put together a shortlist of 9 reputable Halong Bay overnight cruises with excellent reviews.

Top choice: Genesis Regal Cruises (⭐ 9.3)

• Highlights: Outdoor hot tub, spacious rooms with clawfoot tubs, 5-course meals, great range of activities
• Best choice for: Couples & honeymooners
• Book online through Agoda or Viator (2D1N cruise)

With its turmeric-coloured sails and an impressive hot tub on its bow, Genesis Regal is certainly one of the flashiest boats on the bay! Their cruise itineraries cover both Halong and Lan Ha, with one of the highlights being a visit to the Dark and Light Caves by sampan boat.

Suites are positively palatial, with floor-to-ceiling windows for uninterrupted views of the water. Generously proportioned ensuites feature freestanding clawfoot tubs that also look out over the bay.

Transfers to/from Hanoi by limousine van are standard. 5-course meals (Vietnamese and French cuisine) come included. You can opt in for a range of great off-boat activities including kayaking, visiting floating villages, and cycling in Viet Hai village.

Top choice: Mon Cheri Cruises (⭐ 9.1)

• Highlights: Elegant rooms, attentive staff, on-board spa & in-room massage service
• Best choice for: Couples
• Book online through Agoda

This luxury cruise is a bit different from the others because it concentrates on Lan Ha Bay while incorporating a visit to Cat Ba Island on the last day. In addition to the regular kayaking and caving, you also get a chance to explore the national park by bicycle.

The package includes transfers from Hanoi by limousine bus and accommodation in superb 5-star cabins (full-size bath and private balcony included). This feels more like a couples’ boat, but there are interconnecting suites available for families.

In terms of ammenities, Mon Cheri is up there with the best. There’s a gym, outdoor pool , and a spa on board. From early morning Tai Chi classes on the top deck to sunset BBQs , staff will keep you entertained from dawn to dusk!

Ultralux Hera Cruise (⭐ 10)

• Highlights: Luxury rooms with king-size beds, exquisite design, terrific service
• Best choice for: Luxury travellers, honeymooners

Billed as the first ‘6-star boutique cruise on Halong Bay’ , Ultralux Hera is a great option for luxury travellers or honeymooners. The top suites even come with a private chef and butler service !

Suites (there are only 11 of them, making for an intimate experience ) are spacious and thoughtfully decorated with bespoke wood furnishings . The common areas, including the bars and Lotus Lounge where afternoon tea is served, are similarly lovely.

Hera’s 2D1N itinerary (more here ) has a relaxed pace, with lots of downtime to enjoy the on-board spa .

Eric from Travel Babbo took a Hera Cruise and had this to say:

“We did a two-day, one-night cruise with Hera Cruises on Ha Long Bay this past summer. Having sailed with a different company in the past, I was extraordinarily impressed with Hera.

Our cabin was huge with a private deck that took up half the back of the ship. (We enjoyed afternoon tea on the deck). Our bathroom and tub were large as well. The food was excellent, and there way too much of it.

Hera is more expensive than other companies, but we felt like it was worth it given how few others were on our ship (maybe 6?), the service and our cabin.”

Halong Paloma Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Neat & tidy rooms, rooftop deck, attentive staff
• Best choice for: Budget-conscious travellers

A popular choice for budget travellers, Halong Paloma Cruise primarily focuses on Bai Tu Long Bay .

Rooms are definitely more pared-back, but the deluxe ocean view cabins and family suites have floor-to-ceiling windows and enclosed balconies . The boat features two staterooms, a generous dining room, and an open deck bar. On-board activities include Tai Chi and traditional massage .

There’s plenty of time set aside for swimming, visiting floating villages in a sampan boat, and caving . On the last day, you’ll be treated to a traditional Vietnamese cooking class before heading back to Hanoi.

Lee and James, The Travel Scribes, booked their cruise with Paloma and had this to say:

“If you’re looking for a mid-range option for Bai Tu Long Bay, then Paloma Cruises is a cracking choice. One of the better operators in this breath-taking area, Paloma offers a 4 star experience that often feels closer to 5 star luxury than the price tag might suggest.  

Think crisp white linen, downy soft pillows, well-appointed rooms and – of course – a bathroom with a view of limestone karsts as you drift on past. The highlights of doing a Paloma Cruise? Undoubtedly, the food. Over your time on the boat you’ll be plied with deliciously pungent pumpkin soup, heavenly sweet and sour chicken and more gourmet food than you can shake a spring roll at.

Speaking of spring rolls, the crew do a great little exercise of ‘making’ your own spring roll – it’s activities like this, and the impeccable eye to detail and friendliness of the entire staff contingent that makes the Paloma experience so special.

Your activities while aboard are quite standard – tai chi in the mornings, a visit to the caves, kayaking in the bay, and a visit to the fishing village and pearl farm. It’s all wrapped up in a well-executed yet affordable package.”

Era Cruises Ha Long (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Large cabins, gym & cinema room onboard, 24-hour room service
• Best choice for: All travellers

Era Cruises offers 1-3 day itineraries with all the usual perks.

The 3-day schedule is particularly interesting because it charts a slightly different course, visiting Lan Ha Bay, Ba Trai Dao Beach, and Ba Ham Lake . Plenty of water and on-shore activities are available, including squid fishing and cycling.

Rooms are tastefully decorated – especially the Era Suite and King Terrace, which both have separate lounge spaces and private sun decks .

Alisa Premier Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Glamorous rooms with dark wood details, outdoor pool, excellent ammenities

This glamorous junk boat with typical red sails boasts a bow swimming pool and stately suites. Dark wood and quilted bedheads give the vessel a sense of old-world glamour , while you still get access to all the mod-cons you need for a comfortable passage.

Alisa Premier gets great reviews for both its food and customer service. Limousine shuttle bus transfers come included in the price.

La Regina Legend Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Outdoor jacuzzis, great value cocktails & nightly happy hour

This boat’s newly renovated suites are certainly regal, with wood panelling, separate sitting areas, and gorgeous ensuites with picture windows and bay views. I love the design on the common spaces which feature old-school pressed tiles and archival photos .

The 3-day cruise has some interesting stops including kayaking at Van Boi and an island driving tour to visit caves and the Quan Y War Hospital. One of the coolest features is that the boat anchors close to the fishing villages.

You’ll also be treated to sunset cocktails and BBQ buffets, plus a fun Indochine movie night with the crew.

Victory Star Cruise (⭐ 8.9)

• Highlights: Classy rooms, great buffet, friendly staff
• Best choice for: Families

This Bai Tu Long Bay cruise boat has classy rooms decorated with wood panelling, pressed tiled floors and Vietnamese artwork.

The boat has everything you might need, including a generous sundeck , a bar, and massage facilities.

Majestic Halong Cruise (⭐ 8.0)

• Highlights: Private balconies, generous meals, tons of off-board activities
• Best choice for: Budget travellers

If you want to make your budget stretch further, Majestic Halong offers the same sort of activities as other cruises but at a lower price . The rooms are not as luxurious as some of the other boats, and the shuttle transfer from Hanoi costs extra.

2D1N and 3D2N itineraries (more here ) both include the hike up Ti Top Mountain .

Julie from Ruhls of the Road cruised with Majestic and had this to say:

“Majestic Cruise is a great budget friendly option for cruising through Halong Bay. For our cruise, the boat fit about 20 people fully loaded which made for a more intimate experience than the larger capacity ships. Our room was fully equipped with a queen bed and our own balcony for morning coffee and relaxation.

The itinerary was filled with activities, including a cooking class, kayaking, squid fishing and Tai Chi as the sun came up! All meals came included in the cruise price and were delicious! Lastly, our guide was top notch, friendly, knowledgable and hilariously entertaining.

We chose Majestic Cruise mainly because this was an inexpensive option that still had a ton of excursions. We were very pleased with our experience and would recommend cruising through Halong Bay during a trip to Vietnam.”

Option 3: Hanoi to Halong Bay independently

If you want to travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay independently, there are several options available. In the next section, I’ll go through each transportation method in detail.

PRIVATE TAXI

• Flexible & pre-booked
• From 80 USD/car
• 3.5 hrs travel time

via 12GoAsia

VIP LIMO VAN

• Reliable & comfortable
• From 21.50 USD

via GetYourGuide

• Budget-friendly
• From 10 USD
• 2.5 hrs travel time (to the harbour only)
• Slow but scenic
• From 4.50 USD
• 6 hours travel time

[Buy tickets at the station]

Option A: Private car from Hanoi to Halong Bay

There are a few major advantages to booking a private car and driver from Hanoi. It’s a door-to-door service, you can stop whenever you want, and it’s a lot faster than the bus or van (a professional driver can get you from Hanoi to Halong Bay in as little as 3 hours with no stops).

Ouros Travel is one of many local companies that run SUVs, sedans and small vans between Hanoi and Halong. The quoted price is per vehicle, and depending on what model you choose, it will cost you between 80-120 USD for 2-9 people.

If you’re travelling with kids or a large group, this can work out as an economical alternative to the bus.

Private car from Hanoi Airport to Halong Bay

If you’re flying into Hanoi and you want to hit the ground running, you can pre-book a private transfer from Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi to Halong Bay .

The driver will meet you at the airport in Hanoi and drop you off either at the boat dock in Tuan Chau or at your hotel in Halong.

This is a particularly good option if you’re arriving mid-morning and want to get to Halong on the same day. I would also consider using this service to get back to the airport after your cruise.

Most tour companies will drop you at the airport, but a private car is a safer bet if you’re trying to make a tight connection.

Option B: Hanoi to Halong Bay by limousine van

I love limousine buses and used them regularly when I lived in Hanoi to get to Ninh Binh, Sapa, Thai Nguyen, and other locations around the north. The limousine van is a nice middle ground between hiring a private car and taking a public bus.

Basically, it’s a minivan fitted out with super comfy lazyboy-style recliner chairs. WIFI, power sockets and drinking water is all provided. It’s a door-to-door service.

A good budget limousine van is Rosa Eco Bus . They run 2 vans to Halong, starting from Hanoi at 7.30am or 11.30am.

Tickets start from $21.50 and can be reserved online through Get Your Guide or booked via 12GoAsia. Hotel pick up in Hanoi is included, and conveniently, the driver can either drop you at the boat jetty waiting hall or at your accommodation in Halong.

Option C: Hanoi to Halong Bay by local bus

There are several bus services between Hanoi and Halong. Some terminate at Tuan Chau Gateway (the boat dock), while others only go as far as Bai Chay Bus Station on the outskirts of Halong City. Make sure you check before you board.

Sapa Express is my top choice. The coaches have AC, and you can reserve tickets online in advance to avoid missing out .

There is a scheduled departure for Tuan Chau every day from Hanoi, with free pick-up available if you’re staying in the Old Quarter.

The bus leaves at 8.30am and arrives at the dock at 11am. Tickets cost $12 .

A cheaper option is local bus company Kumho Viet Thanh . They run 6 buses every day starting from around 6am and finishing at 6pm. Tickets cost 120K VND ( $5.20 ) and can be bought from the bus station in Hanoi or online here . Note that these buses terminate at Bai Chay Bus Station.

Hanoi has several bus stations. The one you want for Kumho Viet Thanh is My Dinh . A Grab car from Hanoi Old Quarter to My Dinh costs around 120K VND ($5.20).

At the other end, a Grab car from Bai Chay Station to the boat dock costs at least 110K VND ($5). This brings the total cost to approximately $15.40, making the Sapa Express bus a more affordable option overall.

Option D: Hanoi to Halong Bay by train

You can also travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay by train. BUT it’s a very long journey – around 6 hours – and because there are only hard seats available, it’s not terribly comfortable.

Bus or VIP van is a much better way to travel overall.

There is just one train daily, Vietnam Railways train 51501. It departs from Yen Vien Station bright and early at 4.55am, and pulls in at Halong Train Station (Ga Hạ Long) at 11.45am.

A ticket for the train costs $4.50 per person . A Grab car from Hanoi Old Quarter to Yen Vien Station in the city’s east costs at least 140K VND ($6). At the other end, a Grab car from Halong Train Station to the boat dock costs at least 110K VND ($5). This brings the total cost to approximately $14.50 .

If you’re taking this train or any other train in Vietnam, make sure you read my tips for what to pack for a long rail journey .

Things to do in Halong Bay & surrounds

Now that you have the logistics of your Halong Bay trip sorted, it’s time to start exploring the different attractions and activities on offer.

Not all tours follow the same prescribed itinerary, so having an idea of what you actually want to do on Halong Bay will help you choose one that’s right for you.

Note that anyone visiting Halong Bay must pay a compulsory 200,000-500,000 VND (8-20 USD) national park entrance fee.

Some attractions, including caves and fishing villages, also charge a small fee (typically 30,000 VND 50,000 VND).

The main things to do on Halong Bay include:

• Cruising the bay and overnighting on a junk boat
• Touring fishing villages (floating villages)
• Sun Sot (Surprise Cave) & other caves
• Kayaking, snorkelling and swimming
• Ti Top Island (that famous photo spot)

Extra things to do around Halong Bay include:

• Bai Chay Beach
• Halong Queen Cablecar
• Sun World Halong Park
• Poem Mountain
• Cat Ba National Park (Cat Ba Island) and Monkey Island

Halong City tips

Here are a few quick pointers for anyone travelling through Halong City.

How to organise a Halong Bay tour from Halong City

There are a couple of options here: Join a cruise coming from Hanoi that gives you the option to meet at the boat dock, book a boat cruise that includes pick from your hotel in Halong , or head down to the dock in the morning and join a boat tour.

Your hotel should be able to give you more advice on the latter.

To do a Halong Bay tour on the fly:

• Get yourself from Hanoi to Halong City using one of the transport methods above.
• Transfer to Tuan Chau boat dock (a car costs around 140K or a bike 70K when booked through Grab).
• Buy a cruise ticket at the dock in Tuan Chau (250,000 VND per person for 4-6 hours, plus an extra 200,000 VND for entrance to the UNESCO Zone).

Other things to do in Halong City

If you base yourself in Halong City, you have an opportunity to do other activities in the area. Popular spots include Sun World Park (a massive amusement park, great for kids ) and Queen Cable Car . You also have the option to hike up Poem Mountain for a nice view of the bay.

It’s also worth having a stroll around Halong City to visit the local market and Quang Ninh Museum . Like nearby Haiphong , Halong is a great example of a less-touristy city that has its own particular charms.

Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave can be visited on a short boat trip from Halong. Just head to the dock and ask around.

Where to stay in Halong City

Budget: BBQ Hostel (from $8) has free bikes and a popular on-site restaurant.

Mid-range: Beachfront Deja Vu House (from $24) has a gorgeous design and boutique-y feel. It’s close to the beach on the eastern side of town (other side of Bai Chay Bridge), and features a shared kitchen and free bikes.

Up-market: Novotel Halong Bay (from $50) is close to Bai Chay Beach and has a spectacular outdoor pool. Wyndham Legend (from $92) is located in the city. The high-rise has ultra-modern rooms and two cocktail bars.

Hanoi to Halong Bay: Summary

BEST OVERALL OPTION

OVERNIGHT HALONG BAY CRUISE

• From 120 USD including transfers from Hanoi

EFFICIENT OPTION

HALONG BAY DAY TRIP

• From 60 USD including transfers from Hanoi

DIY OPTION A

DIY OPTION B

• From 22 USD

DIY OPTION C

DIY OPTION D

What to pack when you visit Halong Bay

• Your passport. Most companies require you to present your documents when you check in for your cruise at the dock (even if it’s just a day trip).
• Motion sickness and/or sea sickness medication. Pack plenty for the boat and the bus/car if you suffer from motion sickness.
• Book or e-reader. Depending on what kind of tour you do, there may be some downtime. All boats have WIFI these days, but I recommend unwinding with a book. I travel with a Kindle and couldn’t live without it.
• A reusable water bottle. Absolutely essential for minimising plastic waste and staying hydrated. I love my S’Well water bottle – it’s vacuum insulated to keep water icy cold for the whole day, and it doesn’t sweat. Most boats have pure water refill stations.
• Rehydration tablets or sachets. I always travel with a tube of Hydralyte tablets .
• Rain jacket. It does get wet on the bay, so it’s good to have rain gear with you in case you get caught out when you’re kayaking or exploring the caves. I love the packable rain jackets by Lomon for women and EZRUN for men .
• Your swim kit. Don’t forget your bathers! Towels, snorkels and flippers and provided. If you want to bring your own instead, you can.
• Warm jacket or scarf. It can get chilly in the evening when you’re out on the water, so remember to pack something you can throw over your shoulders at night.

Tips for being a responsible traveller in Halong Bay

• Choose a locally owned company if you can.
• Don’t litter! Avoid single-use plastics when you’re out on the bay (and anywhere else in Vietnam or Southeast Asia, for that matter).
• Be respectful when visiting floating villages. Remember that these are people’s homes and communities. Never photograph children.
• Support a few of these Hanoi social enterprises when you’re back in the city – all do amazing work for the environment and Vietnamese people.

Halong Bay alternatives

If you decide that Halong Bay isn’t quite what you’re looking for, I can recommend these 3 alternative options:

• Bai Tu Long Bay & Yen Duc Village: This is definitely an option you should consider for a more ‘off-the-beaten-path’ experience. Some tours combine a boat trip and a homestay , so you get to experience the best of both worlds. Indochina Junk, one of the most reputable tour companies working on the bay, offers a great itinerary for this area.
• Cat Ba Island & Lan Ha Bay: I recently visited Cat Ba Island and did a boat trip around Lan Ha Bay. It was pleasant – much quieter than Halong, and the National Park offers some great outdoor activities including cycling tours and hiking. Unfortunately though Lan Ha Bay is quite polluted – plastic waste is a huge problem.
• Ninh Binh: ‘Halong Bay on Land’, as it’s known, also offers boat trips (although the waterways are very shallow), cool bungalow accommodation and other activities. It’s only 1.5 hours from Hanoi, making it a great day trip option. Here is my comprehensive Ninh Binh guide and itinerary .

Where to stay in Hanoi

If you’re going to Halong Bay, you’ll probably be staying in Hanoi on either side of your trip.

My favourite hotel in Hanoi is AIRA Boutique ( formerly Essence Hanoi ). The rooms are gorgeous, the on-site restaurant is one of the best in the city, and the service is unbeatable.

When we did our Halong Bay tour, this hotel stored our big luggage free of charge. When we got back, they allowed us to have a shower before our night train, even though we had already checked out.

TOP CHOICE: AIRA Boutique Hanoi Hotel & Spa (⭐ 9.4). Strategically located in Ba Dinh, a local area halfway between the Old Quarter and the Temple of Literature, AIRA has polished rooms, a gorgeous rooftop pool and an excellent restaurant-bar. This is where I stayed on my first visit to Hanoi.

SPLURGE: Sofitel Legend Metropole (⭐ 9.2). Set inside a heritage 1901 colonial building in Hanoi’s French Quarter, this luxe resort-hotel has stately rooms, beautiful gardens and pools, and a legendary buffet breakfast.

BOUTIQUE: Capella Hanoi (⭐ 9.8). Quite possibly the best designed hotel in Hanoi, Capella is located in a grand corner building in the heart of the Old Quarter. Every room features gorgeous heritage-style furnishings.

MID-RANGE: Hanoi Delica (⭐ 9.0). A great choice for budget-conscious travellers and families alike, this Old Quarter hotel has tidy, comfortable rooms and a complimentary breakfast.

BUDGET: Little Charm Hanoi Hostel (⭐ 9.4). This popular hostel offers 4, 6 and 8-bed dormitories. The property has a pool and several accommodating shared spaces for socialising.

If Airbnb is more your thing, here is my curated list of the best quintessentially Hanoian Airbnb apartments .

Still have questions, concerns about visiting Halong Bay? Leave a comment below and I’ll do my best to help out.

Vietnam essentials

Here are the booking sites and services I personally use whenever I travel to Vietnam .

FLIGHTS: Find affordable flights to Vietnam using Skyscanner .

VIETNAM VISA: Use iVisa to check if you need a tourist visa for Vietnam and apply for an expedited e-visa online. Use OneWayFly to obtain proof of onward travel/hotel reservation if required.

TRAVEL INSURANCE: Insure your trip with HeyMondo , my preferred provider for single-trip and annual travel insurance.

AIRPORT TRANSFERS: Pre-book a private hotel transfer from Hanoi Airport or Ho Chi Minh City Airport via Get Your Guide.

SIM CARD: Buy an eSIM and data package for Vietnam online before you go. My top choice is the Asia Link Regional eSIM by Airalo (10 GB for 30 days).

ACCOMMODATION: Find the best hotel deals in Vietnam on Agoda or book a Vietnam hostel .

TRAIN TICKETS: Reserve your Vietnam Rail tickets for the train to Sapa , Da Nang, Hue or Saigon via 12GoAsia.

BUS TICKETS: Buy your domestic bus or plane tickets in advance using 12GoAsia or Bookaway .

FOODIE EXPERIENCES: Find the best cooking classes and foodie experiences in Vietnam on Cookly. Here are my top 15 Vietnam food experiences to help you decide.

DAY TOURS: Find the best city tours and day excursions in Vietnam on Get Your Guide. Check out my top 10 best Vietnam day trips for more inspiration.

HALONG BAY: Consult my comprehensive Halong Bay guide to find the best cruises & tours.

VIETNAM GUIDEBOOK: Pick up a copy of the latest Lonely Planet guidebook for Vietnam .

Hanoi to Halong Bay: Pin it!

More Vietnam travel resources

• Off the beaten track in Northern Vietnam – hidden gems & local favourites
• Where to go in Southern Vietnam – 5 must-sees
• The best things to do in Dalat
• How to spend 3 days in Hoi An
• How to get from Danang to Hoi An – transport guide
• How to visit the abandoned dragon waterpark in Hue
• Where to buy authentic Vietnamese souvenirs in Hanoi
• The best national parks to visit in Vietnam – for trekking & more
• Waterwheels & rice fields in Pu Luong Nature Reserve
• Cycling the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Phong Nha
• Homestays in Da Bac village
• How to travel to Sapa from Hanoi – transport guide
• Where to stay in Sapa, Vietnam – best homestays & more
• Visiting Bac Ha Market near Sapa
• Guide to Ha Giang in far-northern Vietnam
• Guide to visiting Ninh Binh
• Exploring colonial architecture in Hai Phong city
• Day trip from Hanoi to Duong Lam Ancient Village

This is an incredible resource. So glad I found it. You’ve done a wonderful job. We’re planning a ~3 week trip to Vietnam in March 2026. I’ll be scouring your blog with a fine tooth comb. Thanks you Tony

Vietnam’s allure is beyond compare.

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

• Subscribe to future posts

• Day Trip from Cat Ba Island
• Day Trip from Hanoi

Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay 2 days 1 night

• Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay 3 days 2 nights
• Explore Halong Bay
• Plan your trip
• +84 97 695 1999
• +84 84 824 4999
• +84 243 672 2999
• Lan Ha Xanh Traval Zalo
• Cat Ba Express
• Lan Ha Xanh Travel
• Serenity Cruises

Serenity Premium Cruises

• Mr Hien - WhatsApp

Cruising 'Like a boss'

Treat you like Kings, just come and enjoy

Recommended by Tripadvisor

#1 for customer service

Support asap !

Answer quickly – Work our hearts out

No need to say more → Refund

Bad weather? no Happy after tour?

Serenity Explorer Cruises from Hanoi

Promotion 30% until December 31, 2023.

SERENITY DAY CRUISE ITINERARY

Lan Ha Bay Cruise full-day tour from Hanoi

Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay 3 days 2 nights

Serenity Explorer Cruises

• Orchid Trendy
• Orchid Classic
• Orchid Premium
• Things to do
• Orchid EXPERIENCE

EXCEPTIONAL EXPERIENCE

The first choice for domestic and international tourists.

PRIVATE AND FLEXIBLE

The most flexible booking policy, putting customers' needs first.

RESPONSIBLE TRAVEL

Support the local community, ensuring sustainable tourism.

BEST PRICE GUARANTEED

Affordable, informative, clear and precise rate.

NEW CRUISING art in Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay

Pioneering in cruising the wonderful northeast gateway of Vietnam: Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island , Orchid Cruises offers premium experiences with finest quality boats: Premium - Classic - Trendy.

Engage in a journey of sublimate emotions with Orchid Cruises, enjoy high-class services and experience the quintessence of Vietnamese cuisine in the heart of this charming world heritage.

ORCHID CLASSIC

14 private suites with large balcony

Steel boat with guaranteed security

Jaccuzi and open bar on sundeck

ORCHID TRENDY

20 private suites with balcony

ORCHID PREMIUM

5 private suites with large balcony

INSPIRATION

Sightseeing

Culinary tasting

Night squid fishing

Spa treatment

Tea ceremony

ENJOY THE HIGHEST LEVEL OF SERVICE with many INTERESTING ACTIVITIES and TOP ATTRACTIONS nearby

Special promotions, living blog with orchid.

A Moonlit Voyage in Ha Long – Lan Ha Bay: Mid-autumn Festival

Golden Season, Golden Moments: Autumn on Orchid Cruises

September – Summer’s sunset, autumn’s dawn

Testimonial.

12 Best Halong Bay Cruises from Hanoi

• 12 Pinterest

Are you looking for the best Halong Bay cruises from Hanoi? Well, you’ve come to the right place. Known for its emerald waters and limestone islands, Halong Bay is one of the most picturesque areas in Vietnam – and offers plenty of opportunities for a relaxing cruise along its waters.

There as so many available boat tours that it can be challenging to pick the one that’s right for you. But worry not, as we have listed the best Halong Bay Cruises. Read on, and enjoy.

1 – Halong Bay Deluxe Cruise (1-3 Days)

Choose your length of stay, from one day or two nights and three days, with this Halong Bay Deluxe cruise. The natural beauty of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is on offer, and you will marvel at the beautiful limestone islands.

The trip includes a visit to Cua Van Floating village, which is the largest fishing village in Halong Bay. Other features include famous islands such as Fighting Cocks and Stone Dogs. You’ll discover hidden beaches, where you can laze of the soft sands before dipping into the relaxing waters.

2 – Halong Bay Day Tour from Hanoi

Immerse yourself in the beauty of Halong Bay with this day tour from Hanoi. After being picked up from your hotel, you’ll journey along the Red River delta before arriving at Halong City harbour. From here, you will board a traditional wooden junk boat and head out into the bay.

Enjoy a spot of seafood for lunch, then take in Halong Bay and its surroundings. The tour includes a stop at Thien Cung Cave, a huge chamber filled with stalactites and stalagmites. There will also be an opportunity to kayak around the islands.

3 – 2-Day Oriental Sails Junk Cruise of Halong Bay from Hanoi

One of the best Halong bay cruises, this trip affords the opportunity to enjoy a stay on the ‘Oriental Sails’, a traditional-style junk boat featuring 18 deluxe cabins that are designed to provide maximum relaxation. They are the perfect starting point for your Halong Bay adventure. The two-day tour includes a visit to Tiptop Island, where you can enjoy a spot of hiking and swimming.

Next, kayak to Luon Cave and enjoy a tai chi morning exercise with a cooking lesson thrown in for good measure. From here, you will have the opportunity to relax at your own leisure and soak up the beauty of Halong Bay’s surroundings.

4 – Halong Bay Full-Day Deluxe Tours Including Cruise, Kayaking and Lunch from Hanoi

Experience an all-action adventure combined with the stunning sights of Halong Bay with this full-day deluxe tour. Your day will begin with a bus ride from Hanoi and lunch on the boat that will take you around the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay.

Discover the Sung Sot Cave, which is Halong Bay’s largest cave and features stalactites and stalagmites that serve as the folklore of the area. Once you have conquered the caves, enjoy a spot of kayaking and swimming in the soothing waters.

5 – Jadesails – Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay Luxury Day Tour

Turn your day trip to Halong Bay into a luxury one and incorporate a stop at Lan Ha Bay, the equally beautiful karst islands. This 12-hour day tour starts with a ride in a limousine to Halong Bay, where you will then board a luxury boat. There is also the opportunity to choose an overnight cruise option.

Your first experience is Halong Bay, where you will witness the UNESCO World Heritage Site while enjoying kayaking and swimming. Next, you will head to Lan Ha Bay and take in the local area of this less tourist, quieter bay.

6 – From Hanoi: Halong Bay One Day Escape Including Lunch on the Boat

Marvel at everything the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay has on offer with a one-day escape from Hanoi. From the Sot Cave to picturesque limestone islands, your day will be filled with spectacular sites.

The tour includes other prominent sites, such as rural and rustic villages of northern Vietnam, as well as sweeping scenery on offer. Lunch is also included, with a seafood buffet ready and waiting for you if you work up an appetite exploring the beauty of Halong Bay.

7 – Genesis: Halong Bay Luxury Day Tour with Premium Transport

Upgrade your Halong Bay visit with a high-class cruise. Start your 12-hour day trip with luxury transportation from Hanoi, before enjoying a welcome drink on the ship. Then get down to some major sightseeing with all of Halong Bay’s top attractions, including 2,000-plus limestone islands.

Back on the ship, a nine-dish Vietnamese lunch awaits you and offers a chance to sample local cuisine. After lunch, take part in some kayaking or hop on a rowboat and explore the relaxing waters of Halong Bay – all in the comfort of a luxury boat.

8 – Halong day tour islands caves kayak with dragonfly cruise Halong Day Tour: Islands, Caves, Kayak with Dragonfly Cruise

One of the best Halong Bay Cruises, this trip sees you enjoying everything on offer at this UNESCO World Heritage Site. The day starts with a journey from Hanoi to Halong Bay, where you make a short stop to see local craft workshops.

Once on the boat, experience a cruise that visits Heavenly Palace Cave, otherwise known as Thien Cung Cave. Other features include a local fishing farm, an idyllic floating village, and the famous James Bond Cave – the site of a scene in James Bond: Tomorrow Never Dies.

9 – Halong Bay, Thien Cung Cave & Kayak with Incredible Cruise

Sail amongst Halong Bay’s natural beauty with a day cruise that features some of the area’s best sites. Dog Stone and Burning Incense, some of Halong Bay’s most iconic islets, will be on view during your cruise.

So too will be local fishing villages, where you can take a moment to kayak in the waters and jump on a bamboo boat that’s rowed by the locals. Fighting Cock island and the Heavenly Palace cave round off your trip before heading back to the wharf.

10 – From Hanoi: 2-Day & 1 Night Halong Bay Tour

Hop on a four-star junk cruiser for the night and marvel at the wonders of Halong Bay, before and after sunset. The overnight tour sees you visiting the karst rock formations, which have been named after the shapes they form.

There will be a chance for kayaking around the Luon Cave area, while Titop Island provides the perfect opportunity to take in Halong Bay’s outstanding views. Other highlights of the tour include a visit to Surprise Cave, the largest on Halong Bay; cooking classes on the cruise; and an opportunity to see the sunrise at this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

11 – Hanoi: 2-Day & 1-Night Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay Luxury Cruise

Make the most of your Halong Bay adventure with an overnight stay on a luxury boat with 12 cabins. The trip will see you taking in the wonderful sites of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay – the quieter, less touristic area that features plenty of natural beauty.

Swim in the secluded and relaxing area of Lan Ha Bay’s Tra Bau, before heading back to the ship and learning how to make traditional Vietnam dishes. This trip is one of the best Halong Bay cruises around and provides you with a chance to enjoy a five-star experience of the area.

12 – Halong Bay Day Trip

Take a day trip to paradise! Start the day at the port of Tuan Chau island, which is nearby Halong Bay and was officially named as one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Here, you can witness the iconic formations of limestone rock that go all the way to the turquoise ocean waters.

Other points of interest on your Halong Bay day trip includes Hon Ga Choi, otherwise known as Fighting Cock. The stalactite and stalagmite rock formations inside Thien Cung cave will also be on the itinerary of things to see and do at Halong Bay.

How To Choose Your BEST Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise Tour

Tips for Your BEST Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise Tour

How can you get HaLong’s best excursions? Which piece of advice is most useful for your trip? Once answering these questions, you will be able to experience the most incredible 1-day cruise in Halong Bay ever. Please check the necessary preparations for your trip and let us know. We will make sure to give you all the details you need..

>>> You may like to read: Halong Bay Luxury Cruise – How To Choose The BEST ONE!

Table of Contents

Overview of Halong Bay

With more than 1600 islets and islands emerging from the turquoise water of the East Sea, Halong Bay is a stunning bay in northern Vietnam. This tourist attraction is almost listed in every itinerary of travelers to Vietnam.

Halong Bay was recognized as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO in 1994 and it is today one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Vietnam.

Why should visitors go on a one-day cruise in Halong Bay?

• Halong Bay is one of the most well-known tourist destinations in Vietnam and offers a wealth of activities to experience. For those who don’t have much time to travel in 2 or 3 days, going on a 1-day Halong Bay cruise will be the ideal option.
• And in order to make the most of one day, several factors, including where to go, what to eat, and where to book a tour, must be taken into account. We understand your worries and offer you some sound advice for an enjoyable trip to Halong Bay. So let’s go!

>>> Are you looking for a Best Travel Agency in Hanoi for Halong Bay and Ninh Binh Tour

How to Have Your Best Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise

Making a decent itinerary is essential to have the greatest one-day cruise on Halong Bay. This means that your itinerary needs to be specific about what you expect from the tour. Please carefully consider your responses so that we can assist you in planning the ideal trip to Halong Bay.

>>> EXPLORE MORE BEST DAY TRIPS FROM HANOI <<<

How long would you like to visit?

Tourists should first decide how long to visit before selecting a tour to save money and have a clear itinerary. A packaged tour to Halong Bay normally lasts for 1 day; 2 days 1 night or 3 days 2 nights. In this article, we will help you get the best preparation for your excursion. Three distinct 1-day itineraries are available for Halong Bay:

• 4 hours on boat
• 6 hours on boat
• 8 hours on boat

The boat you select will determine the itinerary. In fact, the majority of the boats we mention in the section below this provide three kinds of Halong Bay Tours above.

>>> Explore Best Deluxe Halong Bay Day Trip 6 Hour Cruise

• Duration: 1 Day
• Hot Deal: 48 USD
• Tour Type: Deluxe Cruise
• Transportation: Model Bus

• Hot Deal: 56 USD
• Tour Type: Deluxe Cruise & Small Group
• Transportation: Limousine Bus

What places are worth visiting?

The second thing that travelers should consider is where to go. Knowing the destinations you wish to visit will enable you to select the best boats, estimate the duration of the trip, and calculate the cost. Here are some suggested fantastic tourist attractions in Halong:

• Hon Ga Choi Islet (Fighting Cocks Islet): A special destination to visit
• Castaway Island
• Ti Top Island: A charming island to visit when you are in Halong
• Soi Sim Island
• Bai Chay Beach: a famous beach in Halong
• Bai Tu Long Bay: a beautiful beach in Halong
• Tuan Chau Island
• Mat Rong Island (Dragon Eye Island)
• Ngoc Vung Island
• Quan Lan Island

Since you only have one day to explore Halong, it is better to choose some well-known tourist destinations or select a few that are close to each other. These ways will enable you to save both time and money while still being able to enjoy a wealth of experiences.

What is the advice for selecting a boat?

Here are some advice for picking a boat that travelers should carefully read in order to select an appropriate boat:

• Avoid selecting a yacht that can accommodate more than 60 persons. Finding a spot to enjoy on a boat this size will be challenging because too many people will interfere with your pleasure. It is therefore advisable to reserve a boat with fewer than 40 passengers through a travel agency, which can assist you in finding the best boat at a good price.
• When you reserve a boat, a few additional services are already included to allow you experience Vietnam’s true adventure. The boats listed below offer a variety of options for tourists, including dining in the cave, kayaking,…
• Because each boat has a different route with different stops, you should choose a boat in accordance with your vacation itinerary experiences.

How to prepare the budget

• Cost is undoubtedly a factor to consider while selecting a day cruise in HaLong Bay. The cost of a day cruise typically includes lunch, entrance fees to some caves, the cost of kayaking, boating fees to the fishing village and often varies from $50 to $100 per day, depending on the length of the trip and the services offered.

What is included and not included in the schedule?

• Visitors should consult the itinerary for information on what is included, such as meals, transportation, and activities, as well as what is not included or requires an extra charge, such as drinks. To secure your money, you should also inquire if there will be any additional costs during the tour.
• Visits to floating villages, pearl farms, and cooking classes are among the most popular activities included in Halong Bay vacation packages. Keep in mind that your time is limited, so it is better to double-check the itinerary’s list of activities and pick the things that interest you the most.

Suggestion Price of Luxury Halong Bay One-day tour

Suggestions for an interesting 1-day halong bay cruise.

Without any guidance or suggestions, it can be challenging to locate a reputable travel agency for a one-day cruise across Halong Bay. The following is information about us, a reliable company that can assist you have a wonderful excursion:

• Hanoi Explore Travel is a local travel agency that helps travelers plan their itineraries and offers services for tours, hotels, cruises, and transportation. The ultimate goal is to give foreign tourists a more favorable impression of Vietnam.
• All of the tour guides are professional, well-trained, and knowledgeable about Vietnam and the Vietnamese people. Hanoi Explore Travel specializes in Northern Vietnam trips with excellent and expert services but at affordable rates
• We offer 1-day Halong Bay cruises that stop at three bays in Quang Ninh Province : Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay with the affordable price starting from $50 per person.
• The main itinerary of our one-day Halong Bay tour includes seeing stunning caverns, taking in the breathtaking scenery, and engaging in other exciting activities like visiting fishing villages, kayaking, discovering Vietnamese cuisine, and viewing the dawn from the cruise.
• Don’t hesitate to contact us right away if you need any help because we offer free itinerary planning advice as well as on- and offline support while you’re traveling.

>>> Check out more: TOP BEST Halong Bay Travel Agency

Detailed Sightseeing Itinerary for Ha Long 1 Day Tour Cruise

With the Halong 1-day tour, there are 3 options to visit the bays, including 2 routes in Halong Bay and 1 route in Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Island (Hai Phong province).

Despite being in different geographical locations, these bays are still a part of Halong Bay’s landscape.

In the morning:

• Around 8:00 to 8:30 in the morning, you will be picked up from your hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter and taken on a 2.5-hour drive to Halong. Along the way, there is typically a rest stop where you can have a cup of tea or coffee and see the local delicacies, arts, and crafts.

Have lunch on board

• Around lunch time, you will arrive at the Tuan Chau international cruise marina and board your ship to begin your full-day cruise across Halong Bay. Lunch with traditional Vietnamese dishes is provided on board when it departs from Tuan Chau International Cruise Marina for a wonderful cruise. Additionally, a meal with fresh seafood and vegetables is available here.
• While the boat is sailing to pass by thousands of limestone islands and islets in Halong Bay, you should be ready to take beautiful pictures of the bay’s magnificent landscape. (Hon Cho Da) Stone Dog islet, Hon Vit (Duck) islet, Hon Ga Choi (Fighting-cock islet), and Hon Lu Huong (Incense burner islet) are some of the notable names among the beautiful limestone islands, islets, and steep cliffs. Each small island has a unique legend that serves as a reminder to visitors that Halong Bay is a priceless treasure that needs to be passed to future generations.

Afternoon: Sightseeing & Activities

• Most Halong Bay day cruises depart for the Hoa Cuong area, one of the most picturesque hidden places in the bay. Coming here, tourists can enter a wild and mysterious world that is surrounded by the limestone mountains.
• The day cruise in Halong Bay will offer you a one-of-the-kind chance to discover the hidden charm of this world natural heritage site.
• The Ngon Tay islet (Thumb islet), a remarkable stone rock that juts out of the sea and resembles a sizable thumb, will catch your eye. The islet has been there for roughly 6,000 years as the result of variations in sea level.
• The following stop is Thien Cung Cave, also referred to as the Heaven Palace cave. Thien Cung is a dry cave created by limestone karsts with unusual formations, and associated with enigmatic tales and folklore concerning ancient Vietnamese culture. Let’s enter and spend some time admiring the magnificent system of stalactites that nature has bestowed upon us. You might get the feeling you’re in a unique art museum.
• Make sure your camera is ready for this day trip to Halong Bay so that you can preserve the most beautiful pictures and memorable memories.

Swimming and kayaking

• After visiting the caves, continue your trip toward Ba Hang fishing village, one of the best places in Halong Bay for kayaking. Visitors will have around 45 minutes to kayak and explore the lovely Ba Hang area here. Kayaking is the most engaging activity in a day cruise on Halong Bay. Most day cruises provide free kayaking, and if you’re new to the activity, you’ll be given instruction on how to kayak.

Joining a cooking class

• Continuing the day trip, you will have the opportunity to take part in an onboard cooking class. The chef will demonstrate and teach you how to make spring rolls when the cruise heads back to the harbor. In addition, you can enjoy a relaxing time to explore Vietnamese culture with Vietnamese tea served with a variety of biscuits on the way back to the harbor. Take advantage of the chance, in particular, to watch how to make tea the traditional Vietnamese way, if you’re interested.

Joining sunset party on the sundeck

• It’s time to take in the sundeck’s wonderful ambiance with the sunset party. Take your time and admire the stunning bay sunset. Following a full day of exploring Halong Bay, this is the ideal time to make new friends, share travel experiences, or just stand up and take in the sunset.

In the evening: Back to Hanoi

When the cruise docks at the harbor, the Halong Bay day cruise will come to an end. You will be driven back to Hanoi and arrive at your hotel around 20:00 – 20:30.

All in all, a day cruise in Halong Bay will be the best option if you just have a short amount of travel time. Let’s pack your bags and Hanoi Explore Travel will assist you have an unforgettable trip.

>>> Let’s visit our website for different types of cruises available for every budget, from backpackers to luxury. Check out for the best deals on Halong Bay’s full-day cruise.

Top Recommended Halong Bay Daily Cruises

Here are some cruises you can take a look at to prepare for your tour:

La Casta Daily Luxury Halong Bay Cruise – 8 Hours Cruising

• Luxrury cruise to visit Halong Bay in one day
• Departure: Tuan Chau International Port
• Type of cruise: 8-hour bay cruise
• Include Ha Long seafood buffet lunch
• Visit Surprise Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long
• Explore Titop Island, panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from the top of the mountain
• Kayaking at Luon Cave

Offering a fun-filled day trip of up to 8 hours with many activities, La Casta Daily Cruise is a new and ideal choice for travelers who have limited time to experience the best of Halong Bay, especially friends, couples, and family holidays.

During the journey, La Casta Daily Cruise will take you to the most beautiful landscapes of the World Heritage Site – Halong bay including Sung Sot Cave, Luon cave, and Titov Island which are included in a 2-day itinerary of other cruises.

Together with a dedicated team and a high-quality reliable service, your vacation with La Casta Daily Cruise will be a memorable experience that you won’t easily forget

Jade Sails – A luxury Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay 8 Hours Cruise

• Cruise type: Metal
• Year operated: 2018
• Itinerary: Tuan Chau Marina – Lan Ha Bay – Dark & Light Cave – Beach Area

Designed with the idea of an opulent open space, Jade Sails is a distinguished and distinctive sailboat. It not only provides high-end yacht services with the greatest levels of safety but also offers tourists one-of-a-kind experiences with attentive service, and delectable food, all of which are well-planned in advance. Your experience will be undoubtedly special and memorable.

Amethyst Cruise – A Most Luxury Halong Bay 7 Hour Cruise

• Launched in 2023
• Cruise type: Luxury Metal
• Itinerary: Tuan Chau Marina – Halong Bay – Surprise Cave – Luon Cave – Titop Island

With impeccable services, modern facilities, and interesting itinerary, Amethyst Day Cruise promises an unforgettable journey in one of the world’s most stunning natural wonders. So, if you’re looking for an elegant cruising experience in Ha Long Bay, look no further than our Amethyst Day Cruise.

• Enjoy Buffet Lunch
• Exploring Luon Caves by Kayaking / Bamboo boat
• Climbing / Swimming at Titop Island
• Sunset Party / Jacuzzi on Amethyst Sundeck

Wonder Bay Cruise 1 Day Tour (6 hours)

Wonderbay Cruise brings you the differences from other cruises in Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay as

• Time to discover Halong Bay: 6 hours
• Sightseeing route: route 2 (Surprise Cave – Titop Island)
• Travel from Hanoi only 2.5 hours by tourist bus
• Departure from Tuan Chau International Port
• Explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most beautiful cave in Halong Bay
• Kayaking or taking a bamboo boat to visit Luon cave
• Explore Titop Island, a panoramic view of Halong Bay

Luxury Ambassador Day Cruise – 7 Hours Cruising

Ambassador Day Cruise is the first and largest luxury day cruise in Halong Bay. The ship is elegantly designed and possesses unique twin sundecks, two luxurious restaurants with a capacity of up to 500 passengers, an open-air Jacuzzi pool with spectacular conveniences and entertainment activities, bringing passengers memorable experiences on the Heritage line.

• 7 hours on Cruise in Halong Bay
• Professional-experience Tour guide for whole trip
• Visit Sung Sot Cave OR climb to the top of Titov Island
• Visit Tung Sau Pearl Farm
• Shuttle bus round trip transfer Hanoi – Halong (book in advance)
• Enjoy a luxury buffet lunch
• Relax on spacious sundecks or outdoor Jacuzzi-pool

Alova Premium Day Cruise

• Cruise type:Wooden
• Year operated: 2017
• Itinerary: Tuan Chau Harbor – Thien Cung Cave

Alova Cruise is specially designed for couples, families, small groups due to its quite small but cozy space. A typical itinerary of Alova will begin at 8:45 in the morning (pickup time at a hotel in the Hanoi Old Quarter) and end at 9.10 in the evening (dropping off time at your hotel).

The Halong Catamaran Premium Cruise

• A Premium Yachting Experience
• Upscale furniture and elegant interior design
• A Mix of Elegance and Modern Comfort
• Enjoy the luxury buffet lunch with Vietnamese and Western dishes
• Fulfilling experience at Lan Ha Bay with the Catamaran and the slide of the ship

One day Lan Ha Bay tour on Serenity Boutique Cruise (7 hours)

• Special cruise on a 7-hour cruise to explore Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay
• Shuttle bus Hanoi – Ha Long, pick up guests at hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter area
• Only 2 hours by highway from Hanoi to Halong
• New, modern, and comfortable yacht
• Experience kayaking
• Explore Bright Cave, Dark Cave
• Visit Trung Trang cave on Cat Ba island
• Lunch buffet with traditional Vietnamese dishes
• Cooking demonstration on board.

Ha Long 1-day tour on Ha Binh wooden boat (4 hours)

• The journey is 3.5 -4 hours long
• Sightseeing route: route 1 (Ba Hang, Thien Cung Cave)
• Departure from Halong International Port (Sun Port)
• Attractions: Ba Hang, Thien Cung Cave
• Activities: visiting the caves, kayaking
• Group of guests: 30-40 guests

Ha Long Bay one day 6-hour tour, Queen – Vitamia cruise

• 8-hour journey – Route 2
• Newly-built cruise ship, beautiful & modern
• Include Buffet Lunch
• Explore Sung Sot Cave, the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay
• Kayaking in Hang Luon ,
• Visit Titop Island with beautiful beaches and mountain peaks that cover the beauty of the bay

Paradise Luxury Day Cruise

• Year operated: 2019
• Itinerary: Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Titop Island – Luon Cave

The one-day itinerary of the Paradise Luxury Day Cruise is suitable for adventurous travelers seeking fresh experiences and challenges. You may kayak around Luon Cave, the most breathtaking kayaking location in Halong Bay, explore the largest cave of the bay as well as swim or trek to the top of Ti Top Island.

L’Azalée Day Cruise

• Year operated: 2013
• Itinerary: Tuan Chau Marina – Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Luon Cave

L’Azalée, one of the top Halong Bay cruises right now, features wooden paneled small boats. Visitors can take a 4-hour trip to visit several caves and savor the scrumptious food served on board. With this opulent cruise, guests will definitely have a special day out.

Phoenix Halong Bay Day Cruise

• Cruise type: Wooden
• Year operated:2012
• Itinerary: Tuan Chau Marina – Ba Hang Floating Village – Thien Cung Cave

This cruise, which can accommodate a maximum of 40 guests, will make stops at the most well-known sites in Halong Bay. Phoenix Cruise’s reputation is boosted by its affordable price and attentive tour guide.

The 1-day itinerary includes round-trip transportation by minibus between Hanoi and Halong, a tour of Halong Bay, a seafood lunch, and an English-speaking tour guide.

Halong Bay Genesis Day Cruise

• Itinerary: Tuan Chau Marina –Luon Cave – Sung Sot Cave

The itinerary is meticulously planned and includes all services for individuals or small groups of travelers. The opulent limousine for round-trip transfer to Halong is equipped with 4G wifi, cold water, an LCD screen, musical instruments, and more.

Furthermore, it makes use of the new toll expressway in order to give you with the greatest comfort and save your time to explore the most popular sites in Halong Bay, such as Dinh Huong Islet, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Hoa Cuong Floating village, Frog Lake and so on.

Orchid Day Cruise

• Year operated:2018
• Itinerary: Got Pier – Lan Ha Bay – Dark & Bright Cave – Tra Bau area

The tour is planned with the most engaging activities, such kayaking at Tra Bau, exploring the magnificent caverns on a bamboo boat, and occasionally being able to encounter the white-headed langur, a type of rare animal in Cat Ba National Park.

Estella Premium Day Cruise

• Itinerary:Tuan Chau Marina – Lan Ha Bay – Dark & Bright Cave – Beach Area
• Activities: Stopover Tien Ong Cave, a natural karst cave to take photos and learn more about the cave’s cultural and historic values. Discover Cua Van Floating Village with traditional houses on a kayak or a bamboo boat.

What can you expect on a 1-day cruise?

Halong Bay literally means “A land of the descending dragon”. Today, it is a tourist hotspot which attracts more than 6 million tourists yearly. For those who are active travelers, HaLong Bay is a great choice because it provides a variety of outdoor activities such as trekking, climbing, kayaking, swimming, and even doing yoga on the beach.

Explore must-try activities in Halong Bay:

• Diving & Snorkeling in Halong Bay
• Halong Bay Rock Climbing
• Swimming in Halong Bay

Explore the amazing natural beauty in Halong bay

• Owning more than 2000 magnificent limestone islands and islets, Halong Bay is perhaps one of the world’s most captivating and spectacular natural attractions. Its natural beauty is a combination of the stunning and timeless fusion of the locals’ daily life with the surrounding seascape.
• It is estimated that about 1969 limestone pillars, hundreds of islands and some large sea caves are scattered in Halong Bay, forming its distinctive feature. This destination is regarded as one of the most alluring tourist sites in Vietnam as well as in Asia and renowned as one of the seven World Heritage Sites. For these reasons, you shouldn’t miss the chance to travel to such a fantastic destination.

Exploring caves

• On the Halong itinerary, exploring caves is regarded as one of the must-do activities. Visitors will definitely be in awe of the huge caves and hidden lagoons that are gifted by nature. A one-day schedule, however, should only involve exploring one cave to allow time for the subsequent activities.

>>> Read more: Halong Bay Caves – 10 Must-Visit Caves in Halong Bay

Paddling out in a kayak

• Tourists will have the chance to paddle out in a kayak and swim on pristine beaches or untouched areas to discover more of this well-known world heritage site in a single day. It typically takes an hour to paddle slowly between the emerald water and steep limestone pillars.

>>> Read more: Kayaking in Halong Bay – The Completed Guide to Explore Amazing Bay

Immersing yourself in the cool and crystal-clear water

• If you don’t want to miss this fantastic opportunity, don’t be afraid to jump in and immerse yourself in the cool sea and gentle waves of Halong Bay.
• Swimming is a great way to unwind your body and mind. The water at Halong Bay is exceptionally clean. Since Halong Bay was recognized as a World Heritage Site, the locals are more responsible and concerned about preserving the bay’s beauty. Summer is the ideal season to cool off in the water.

Viewing the sunset on the cruise

• Any sunset in Halong Bay is worth viewing when the sun falls to the horizon amid magnificent mountains and emerald coves. Witnessing this beautiful moment will undoubtedly stick in your memories as an amazing experience.

Best time to cruise across Halong Bay

• Halong Bay Cruise is available all year round. But from September to the beginning of November would be the ideal time to take a Halong Bay cruise. Tourists will be able to engage in outdoor activities because the weather is cool and not very sunny.
• From February to April (considered as Spring in Vietnam), it is sometimes foggy, so tourists can enjoy the amazing beauty of limestone islands in Halong Bay
• The hottest months in Halong Bay are from May through August, and this is also the time of year when there are the most discounts and special offers for Halong Cruises. The excursion may, however, occasionally be postponed due to bad weather, such as a rainstorm (in July and August)
• Halong Bay experiences its coldest months from November to January. This cruise excursion is still a great option if you simply want to take advantage of the amenities on board or engage in activities other than swimming.

The information provided above are all of our suggestions for your 1-day Halong Bay Cruise . We truly hope that it will be useful to you as you plan your ideal trip to Vietnam.

Furthermore, please contact us immediately if you need more details or have any questions about the tour. Our Hanoi Explore Travel Team is always here to assist you! Hotline/What’s app: + 84 974 805 797

RELATED Post

Top 12 Luxury Day Cruise in Halong Bay

TOP 12 Halong Bay Luxury Day Cruises If you wish to experience a Ha Long Bay Cruise but don’t have much time, a one-day Halong bay luxury day cruise offers engaging activities and emotional experiences that are comparable to those of an overnight cruise. There are often four, six, and eight-hour itineraries available for a […]

How to choose a best Halong Cruise in 2 days and 1 night

The Completed Guide to choice a Best 2 Days 1 Night Halong Bay Cruise! For all tourists, Halong Bay is a consistently alluring destination. Coming here, you may admire the stunning and majestic natural beauty, as well as enjoy the excellent utility services. And if you are still unsure of what activities, meals, and services […]

How to choose the Best 3 Days 2 Nights Halong Bay Cruise?

Ultimate Guide to a Best 3 Days 2 Nights Halong Bay Cruise! In this post, we provide 3-day, 2-night Halong Bay cruise itineraries that may be useful to those who plan to spend two nights on board in Halong Bay or who are still considering whether to stay one or two nights there. After you […]

Map of Halong Bay: Top 10 Destinations to satisfy your wanderlust

Map of Halong Bay: A detailed guide to top 10 most attractive tourist destinations for you! For decades, Halong Bay – a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam – has drawn large numbers of visitors as one of the country’s most well-liked travel destinations. But where is Halong Bay? What’s worth seeing there? See the […]

Seaplane Halong Bay: Enjoy Amazing View From The Top!

HaLong Bay Seaplane – Experience the true beauty of Vietnam If you’re looking for an exciting and unique experience in Vietnam, try the HaLong Bay Seaplane once! I can guarantee this experience is well worth your money. You’ll be astounded by the joy of landing on the water in addition to being able to take […]

Halong Bay Cruise with Kids. How to choice a Best Halong bay cruise for families?

Halong bay cruise with Kids – Best things to know when traveling with your Family Are you planning a family cruise around Halong Bay? One of the nicest things your family can do in Vietnam is perhaps take a Halong Bay cruise. Every member of your family will find an engaging experience while cruising to […]

How to get from Hanoi to Halong bay? Ultimate Guide – Maps, Tips, Route

Overview Located more than 163 kilometers from Hanoi, Halong Bay is a place not to be missed when visiting Vietnam. The excursion to Halong Bay from Hanoi will enable you to take in breathtaking natural beauty and engage in many intriguing experiences. As you prepare for this trip, it is necessary to find out how […]

Halong Bay Backpackers Cruise – Tips for Solo Travellers

Budget Halong Bay Cruises for backpackers – Tips for solo travelers When visiting Vietnam, Halong Bay is unquestionably a destination that all travelers should not miss. However, the well-known Ha Long Bay excursion is sometimes mistaken for a luxury journey on big cruise ships with pricey services. In actuality, some people, especially backpackers, cannot afford […]

Halong Phoenix Cruiser Day Tour

• See all photos

Skip the line: Thang Long Water Puppet Theater Entrance Tickets

Orchid Cruises 2Days/1Night 5 Star All included

Le Theatre Cruises 5 Star for 2Days/1Night All included

Venus Cruises Halong 2Days/1Night 6 Star All included

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Halong Phoenix Cruiser Day Tour - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2024)

Ask me about your trip!

AI Travel Planner

8-Day Adventure in Hanoi and Ha Long Bay Itinerary

Hanoi, Vietnam

Ha Long Bay, Vietnam

Exploring Hanoi's Historic Heart

Cultural immersion in hanoi, natural beauty & local markets, art & history in hanoi, historical insights & local flavors, artistic & cultural exploration, final day: relaxation & farewell, luxury cruise on ha long bay, adjacent cities, what others have been looking for.

• English (UK)
• Tiếng Việt (VN)

Tell us about your upcoming trip, and we'll help you create the perfect experience.

• We select only the finest and highest-quality cruises.
• Enjoy exclusive group discounts.
• Reputation, responsibility & competitive prices.

Heritage Cruises

Ambassador Cruise

Peony Cruise

Orchid Cruises

Stellar of the Seas

Best halong bay overnight cruises.

Embark on a journey of natural wonder and cultural discovery with our selection of the best overnight cruises in Halong bay area

• Choose Destination
• Cat Ba island
• Bai Tu Long Bay
• Sung Sot Cave
• Choose Prices
• Under 100 USD
• 100-150 USD
• 150-200 USD
• 200-300 USD
• Choose Option
• Free kayaking

Grand Pioneers Cruise (Formerly Essence Grand)

Catherine Cruise

Indochine Premium Cruise

Paradise Elegance Cruise

Emperor Cruise

Overview of halong bay.

The renowned UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay embraces an irresistible charm that enchants tourists with its breathtaking natural beauty. With a sublime landscape of impressive limestone karsts, limitless islands and islets, dreamy caves, and the serene flows of emerald waters, this destination is a true haven for nature enthusiasts. Its lovely rustic fishing villages also adds a cultural touch of idyllic allure, making the bay a must-visit place for any travel bucket lists in Vietnam.

Undoubtedly, cruising is the best way for you to fully immerse in the ethereal charm of this remarkable wonder of nature and culture. From the traditional wooden boats to the elegant contemporary steel ships, each cruise grants you a unique experience, an unforgettable adventure filled with authentic discoveries.

Check out detailed information about this breathtaking destination in the following guide on cruising in Halong Bay!

Top attractions 

• Ti Top island

Bearing a golden sandy beach shaped like a crescent moon, a majestic mountain adorned with lush greenery, Ti Top Island creates a perfect setting for different water sports and captivating exploring activities. The island offers an exhilarating climbing adventure up a grand 450-step mountain, rewarding you with a breathtaking panoramic bay view. This awe-inspiring vista serves as the perfect backdrop for capturing timeless moments in this picturesque splendor.

• Mesmerizing caves

Halong Bay unveils a wide collection of dreamy and mysterious caves and grottoes, from the sparkling Luon cave and Sung Sot Cave to the timeless beauty of Trinh Nu cave, Thien Cung Cave , Me Cung cave, and so on. Each one boasts its own unique allure that is waiting to be discovered. Some caves can be accessed by boat or kayaking, making the exploration even more captivating and memorable

• Cua Van fishing village

The unique floating village of Cua Van comprises more than 170 peaceful rustic houses on rafts, accessible exclusively by boat. Set against a marvelous scenic background, this poetic village presents a glimpse into the serene fishing lives and rich local historical significance, ensuring tourists a meaningful trip.

• Tung Sau pearl farm

This lovely pearl farm is the place where you can admire the meticulous and sophisticated art of cultivating pearls. This intricate process depends on many different factors and requires immense time and effort, making pearls even more valuable. Exploring the pearl farm provides a rich educational experience, revealing the inner workings of pearl growing, whilst also presenting a showroom of dazzling pearls at the end of the process.

Best things to do

When cruising, one should not miss the exhilarating activity of kayaking, an opportunity to freely glide through the pristine crystal-clear waters and immerse in the marvelous nature surrounding. Kayaking is also the exclusive way to explore hidden caves and marvel at the sheer magnificence of nature. With the calm and serene seas here, the kayaking adventure becomes a truly delightful and unforgettable experience.

• Bamboo boat riding

One alternative to kayaking is bamboo boating, a serene experience adding a cultural touch to a meaningful journey. Carrying around 4 to 6 people, these Vietnamese traditional boats are perfect for families or groups of friends yearning to create cherished memories together. Bamboo boat tours offer a tranquil ambiance, allowing tourists to slow down, embrace the present moment, and escape from the daily pace of life.

• Mountain climbing

Many cruises also take passengers to TiTop island, where the mountain climbing is a truly rewarding experience with the panoramic view of the bay. The hiking and climbing expedition not only allows you to embark on a fascinating exploration but also provides an opportunity to marvel at the stunning surrounding landscapes.

• Onboard activities

Thoughtfully-crafted itineraries ensure an enriching voyage and unforgettable moments on board. From cultural activities like Tai Chi and exploring the insight of Vietnamese cuisines through cooking classes to indulging in soothing spa and massages, every cruise strives to provide guests with a beautiful journey.

A plethora of interesting things await you but options can be overwhelming. To make it easier, here are the 10 best cruises you should consider for your overnight stays.

Best overnight cruises in Halong bay

Two major options for overnight cruises are 2D1N and 3D2N cruises. Whether you spend one night or two nights on the bay, you will feel like you are staying in a floating hotel with full modern facilities. Besides sightseeing trips during the day, overnight cruises are full of the port's offerings in the nighttime. Savoring gourmet dining, indulging in spa massages and nightlife entertainment programs are great activities you can experience onboard.

• Paradise Elegance cruise

Overnight is considered a signature of the Paradise Elegance cruise. With a robust nightlife program lasting until late at night, you might not have even a dull moment. This contemporary-design steel vessel has a piano bar with live music show in the sunset, a premium European-style dinner in the dim light, and night activities like squid fishing or drinking cocktails on the deck.

Overnight activities: Sunset party with Happy Hour "buy one get one free" in the bar, live music performances from an international band, a European-style dinner, squid fishing, relaxing.

Room information: 31 cabins with private balconies overlooking the bay. The average room space is from 25sqm to 35sqm. Well-appointed rooms are divided into 4 categories: deluxe balcony cabin, executive balcony cabin, elegance balcony suite, and captain's view terrace suite.

Why we like it:

• Rooms are designed in luxurious contemporary style with superior facilities.
• The cruise offers exciting night entertainment.
• All-inclusive packages cover almost all attentive services and meals in the Vietnamese-European fusion menu.
• Stellar of the Seas cruise

For a really special and romantic nighttime onboard, look no further than the Stellar of Seas cruise. This 5-star cruise is chock-full of the finest modern comforts for evening entertainment such as a panoramic bar, a spa, a wine and cigars cellar, and a 60-seat restaurant with both indoor and outdoor spaces. You and your beloved one can enjoy romantic dining in the restaurant with different styles or a BBQ dinner in the swimming pool area.

Overnight activities: Early evening, you can join a short cooking class, play golf, relax in a footbath with lemon grass and salt, and listen to live music. In the evening, after a sumptuous dinner, you can choose to drink in the wine cellar, or join activities like squid fishing and watching movies.

Room information: There are 22 elegant rooms divided into the junior suite, senior suite, executive suite, and president suite. Accommodations are comfortable and convenient for an indulgent night's sleep. Each room has a private balcony or a sun terrace with an expansive bay view.

• It likes a 5-star floating hotel with top-of-the-range facilities.
• Multiple overnight experiences that suit different types of guests.
• Contemporary-style rooms with superior services and amenities.
• Dining options are plentiful with both romantic indoor and outdoor settings.
• Elite of the Seas cruise

The high-end, luxurious Elite of the Seas cruise is another top choice in the bucket overnight cruise list. The 6-star modern cruise has almost everything you can expect for a wonderful night on the bay. The indoor and outdoor bar is best for a night cocktail. You can also sip premium wines in the wine and cigars cellar, and relax with sauna and spa massages.

Overnight activities: Admiring sunset in the late afternoon, playing golf, relaxing in the seasonal swimming pool, having a BBQ or set menu dinner, drinking in the wine and cigars cellar, taking part in onboard activities like squid fishing, watching movies, and playing board games.

Room information: Elite of the Seas cruise consists of 35 elegant rooms ranging from 23sqm to 60sqm. All rooms have private balconies or terraces, high-quality facilities, and complimentary services such as tea & coffee, fresh fruit, flowers, a bottle of Chile wine, and a 30-minute foot massage.

• Different room categories with complimentary services, suiting various types of guests.
• Fun-filled entertainment programs during the day and at night.
• Authentic dining restaurant with an open kitchen serving BBQ, buffet, and a la carte menu.
• Scarlet Pearl cruise

Featuring a modern Catamaran-yacht style, Scarlet Pearl cruise offers a one-of-a-kind cruise experience on Lan Ha bay and Cat Ba island. It is a nightlife-friendly cruise that you will have plenty of time relaxing in the sleeping area.

In the evening, after the sunset party, you will savor a hearty dinner and enjoy entertainment. There are a pampering spa, a classic bar and bistro, and a Pearl museum.

Overnight activities: Watching the sunset on the deck, joining Happy Hour "buy one get one free", sipping cocktails, and eating a delicious meal in a classic Vietnamese and international fusion style.

Room information: The cruise has a total of 23 cabins categorized into 4 themed suites including silver pearl rooms, golden pearl rooms, onyx pearl rooms, and scarlet pearl rooms. The largest room measures up to 150sqm. You can admire stunning views over the bay from the spacious balcony in each room.

• Well-appointed and luxurious rooms are generous and full of top-notch amenities.
• The restaurant serves both classic Vietnamese and international specialties.
• Akoya spa uniquely uses pearl powder in its treatment services and products.
• Heritage Line - Ylang cruise

Heritage Line - Ylang cruise looks like a sparkling piece of art at night on a far-flung corner of Lan Ha Bay. In addition to an action-packed itinerary, the cruise has a great reputation for night services and activities. There are an enormous spa with a steam bath and sauna area, a refined restaurant, and a Jacuzzi pool open late at night.

Overnight activities: Joining a tea tasting lesson in the early evening, indulging in a massage session, and having a great, multiple-course dinner.

Room information: There are three types of suites: signature suites, regency suites, and regency suites (premium) with sizes ranging from 40sqm to 54sqm. Suites are designed in traditional Vietnamese style with Indochina touches. The bedroom faces a large balcony with mesmerizing bay views.

• Very large and convenient suites for an upscale overnight stay. The architecture combines Vietnamese and Indochina styles.
• High-quality spa services for you to unwind all day long.
• Orchid Premium cruise

The 5-star Orchid Premium cruise has some of the largest cabins on Halong Bay, making it a top priority for an overnight cruise vacation. The cruise boasts Indochine architecture in combination with French elegance. The upscale cruise makes your overnight stay memorable with elegantly-designed cabins, 24/7 private butler service, cooking demonstration, and night entertainment activities.

Overnight activities: Cooking class, sunset party with Happy Hour "buy one get one free", squid fishing, watching movies at night, playing chess.

Room information: Orchid Premium cruise has five types of cabins: orchid premium suite, family premium terrace suite, premium terrace suite, family terrace suite, and terrace suite. Rooms are very large, from at least 45sqm to 96sqm.

• Extremely spacious rooms with top-of-the-range amenities just like in 5* resort.
• Varied onboard entertainment programs keep you entertained all day.
• Cuisines in both Asian and European flavors are suitable for different taste buds.
• Capella cruise

If you are looking for an overnight cruise with a full range of entertainment activities, you should choose the Capella cruise. Capella is a luxurious 5-star cruise with fabulous architecture blending Indochina ambiance with modern yacht style. The cruise has a variety of amenities namely an inflatable water slide, an Oasis and Ocean pool, a mini golf course, a Cigar & Poker Club, and Karaoke. All bring exciting experiences onboard, especially at night.

Overnight activities: Relaxing in Oasis and Ocean pool, playing golf, joining Happy Hour and sunset party, sampling a gourmet dinner, playing in Cigar & Poker club, night squid fishing, watching movies, board games, and singing karaoke.

Room information: 30 cabins on the Capella cruise follow the contemporary luxury concept with supreme indulgence.  Each room has a private balcony or terrace to unwind and breathe sea breezes. Your choices vary from oasis suite, harmony suite, sky suite, sky terrace suite, la suite de Capella, owner suite, harmony family suite, and sky family suite.

• The cruise offers a number of entertainment facilities such as playing cards, board games, singing karaoke, and squid fishing.
• There is a unique inflatable water slide and you can enjoy snorkeling or diving.
• It also has a generous deck for meetings and events.
• Genesis Regal Cruise

An overnight cruise vacation on Genesis Regal Cruise allows you to discover lesser-known parts of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba island . The cruise anchors in the Tra Bau area, a very tranquil and beautiful sleeping location.

For nightlife entertainment, you can relax in the swimming pool and Jacuzzi, in the spa with massage services, eat fruits and cakes while listening to music, and take part in onboard activities.

Overnight activities: Relaxing in the swimming pool or in the spa, enjoying sunset party, having a delicious dinner in the French-Indochine neo-classic restaurant, joining evening entertainment activities like squid fishing, singing karaoke, and watching movies.

Room information: En-suite cabins divided into 7 categories on Genesis Regal cruise are fitted with 5-star services and facilities and have the same size of 32sqm. From the private balcony, you will be able to admire the sweeping views of the bay.

• Luxurious rooms and facilities with different choices (7 categories). You can get support 24/7.
• Night entertainment onboard has a lot of fun with typical activities like singing karaoke, watching movies, and squid fishing.
• You will explore pristine areas on Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba island in the same journey.
• Heritage cruises Binh Chuan

Heritage Binh Chuan is one of the most luxurious and renowned cruises sailing to Lan Ha Bay . The ship features the design style of the ancient cruise ship. When it comes to evening programs, Heritage cruises Binh Chuan offers wonderful culinary experiences in different spots such as L’Indochine restaurant & bar, indoor and outdoor lounges, a wine cellar, and a pool bar.

Overnight activities: Enjoying sunset party over the bay, joining afternoon tea and cooking demonstration, having a gourmet dinner, squid fishing.

Room information: Heritage cruises Binh Chuan is home to 20 air-conditioned suites that feature authentic French-Indochina classical charms and Vietnamese touches. Regal suites are the largest rooms with 46sqm. Each room has  a private balcony with two sun beds.

• Heritage cruises Binh Chuan is an upscale cruise with a sophisticated design that brings a sense of ancientness.
• There are many cutting-edge amenities and entertainment programs.
• This is among a few cruises with long cruise itineraries up to 4 days and 3 nights.
• Sena Cruises

Sena is a luxurious featurinf traditional style and blends with modern comforts. An overnight cruise trip on Sena cruises brings back a lot of fun-filled experiences. You will take time relaxing in the spa, drinking on the sundeck, or taking part in evening entertainment at the end of the day.

Overnight activities: Sunset party and Happy Hour "buy one get one free", cooking class, sipping cocktails, squid fishing, and singing karaoke.

Room information: A total of 16 cabins are designed in traditional style. They are categorized into Sena terrace suite cabins, balcony deluxe cabins, balcony deluxe connecting cabins, balcony executive cabins, and balcony executive connecting cabins. The average room size ranges from 25sqm to 50sqm.

• Sena cruises has optional itinerary to either visit Dark & Bright cave  or Three Peaches area on the first day.
• Onboard entertainment is plentiful and interesting.
• There are many room types that are suitable for different groups.

Questions and Answers (0)

Be the first to ask a question on this page!

Frequently asked questions

1. when is the best time to visit halong bay.

The bay is a year-round destination with magnificent attractions. However, it is best to visit this place from October to December or from March to May. During these periods, the weather is cool and enjoyable, avoiding the scorching heat of summer as well as the rainy and humid conditions in the early months of the year.

2. What time and where do cruises pick up from Hanoi?

The pick-up for cruises is normally around 8:00 - 8:45 AM at tourists’ hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter.

3. Is a day cruise enough to visit the bay?

As there are many alluring attractions with different unique features, a day cruise will only showcase the most highlighting beauty of the bay but also an ideal option for those who have limited time.

However, to fully explore the natural and cultural wonders here and embark on an authentic journey, it is advisable to go on a 2-day or 3-day tour instead.

4. Do cruises have vegetarian meals?

Yes, all cruises can cater to vegetarians and other special food requirements (allergies, special diets, and so on) on requests.

5. Can I design my own cruise?

Yes, many cruises offer charter services that allow you to customize your own cruise experience. This option is normally popular for special occasions such as birthdays, weddings, anniversaries, and so on.

10 Reasons To Love Capella Cruise - Best Halong Bay Cruise For Families

T he choices are plentisome (and overwhelming) when it comes to cruising Ha Long Bay. As you walk down the port in Ha Long City, and then watch further into the bay, dozens and hundreds of boats and ships of all shapes and sizes, fill up the incredible landscape. So which one should you choose when traveling with children?

We have three kids and wanted to overnight several nights on Ha Long Bay. We went with Capella Cruise and we can’t recommend them enough! Here are 10 things to know about the best Ha Long Bay cruise for families on Capella Cruise:

1- Capella Cruise Has The Only Water Slide In Ha Long Bay!

Probably not your number 1 priority when shopping for an Ha Long Bay cruise, but hey, for all it’s worth, our family loved it and its spices up the cruise! Also… if your kids see it and you’re on another ship… good luck!

2- Capella Cruise Family Rooms

The family rooms are the first reason we considered Capella Cruise, amongst the hundreds of other choices!

On most other cruise lines, you get very small cabins, and when you travel with children, they sleep on narrow beds, hard mattresses, and the beds go up in the walls during the day. On Capella Cruise, however, the Family Suite is a very large, 2-room suite, with the parental room and its gigantic bed, and a kids’ room with three individual beds. The mattresses and the bedding are the very best!

Every bedroom has an en-suite bathroom with a standalone tub over viewing the bay! The Family Suite has a built-in tub, but the view is just as fantastic! And everyone has a large balcony as well!

In the room, you will find refillable water bottles, with water stations scattered around the ship, as well as Crocs for the whole family, to wear in the cabin or around the ship.

3- Daily Water Activities

Every day after lunch, Capella Cruise anchors in a beautiful bay, surrounded by some of the most gorgeous scenery our planet has to offer.

For a few hours, you are free to kayak anywhere in the bay. Our kids absolutely loved it – they even took naps on the kayak! We spotted locals’ graves on some of the islands, purple crabs, and giant jellyfish (they don’t sting and are a sight to see)!

The use of kayaks is free and included with your cruise – you will be given a life jacket. You can also rent stand-up paddle boards if you wish.

It is during water activities that the slide is open, and you are welcome to swim in the bay as well, enjoy the pool and hot tub, or just jump off the boat, if that’s what your active kiddos prefer to do!

4- All-Inclusive Excursions

Alright – the real reason you are coming to Ha Long Bay, Vietnam and what makes a good experience, great! The excursions are all included in the price of the Capella Cruise!!

You may be very happy to just cruise along the bay and take in the scenery – however, going out and experiencing the islands is the only way to fully take it in.

Depending on the the length of your cruise, you can experience the following excursions, with guides from the ship:

• Bicycle (or golf cart) tour on Cat Ba Island – the only inhabited island in Ha Long Bay: there you will partake in a foot fish massage, tasting of interesting local wines (think cobra wine!!), get a quick geography lesson, and cycle through gorgeous nature
• Three Peach Beach: a quick but sweet stop over at this golden sand beach. The water, a little cold for our liking, was beautiful, and our kids preferred to build a fort on the beach instead. Love that Capella Cruise brings all towels and water bottles on board the speed boat, so you don’t have to!
• Dry cave visit: after a quick speed boat trip, followed by a 15-minute car ride to another part of Cat Ba Island, visit this beautiful dry cave, accompanied by a guide from the ship. Dong Trung Trang is super fun, and unlike most caves, it is over ground, so the temperature is quite warm.
• On disembarkation day, board a bamboo boat to this ocean Dark & Bright Cave, where you can hope to spot one of only 80 langur monkeys left in the world. The government is trying to bring them all to this area of Cat Ba island, to help with conserving and growing the species, as it is one of the most endangered species on the planet. Quick tip – keep an eye out for moving foliage!

5- The Food!!!

We could not believe the gastronomic journey that was Capella Cruise. As with excursion, everyone has the same first dinner, second dinner, and so on. We sailed for 3 nights and all three dinners were incredible!

Dinner is a set menu, but before embarking, you will be asked about food allergies and preferences. From there, the chef will make the necessary changes. I am allergic to oysters and was brought other seafood when oysters were on the menu. We saw several vegetarians being served a totally different menu than ours.

Typically, breakfast and lunch are buffets, though we’ve had a sit-down lunch as well.

We loved being served lunch on embarkation day, as well as breakfast + brunch on disembarkation day. So no one went hungry between leaving the ship and getting back to Hanoi.

6- Different Lengths Of Stay Every Day

This one is a bit of a hard concept to grab, especially if you are used to cruising. With Capella Cruise, your family can choose to cruise 1, 2, or 3 nights (that is, until a new ship is added to the fleet). Because Ha Long Bay is fairly small, the ship anchors in the same anchorage every night, and moves back towards the port to pick up new passengers every day.

While the ship moves back closer to Ha Long City, if you are in between two nights, you will be away on your excursion. On any given day, day 1, 2, and 3 excursions are offered, and depending on which day of YOUR cruise it is, you will partake in that program. So everyone’s Day 1 is the same, no matter the day of the week you embarked.

Here’s the schedule, to help you decide on how many night work best for your family (if you ask me, 3 nights is a must!):

1 NIGHT – lunch and water activities upon embarking the ship, then happy hour en route to the night anchorage, dinner and squid fishing. The next morning, wake up early to visit the Dark & Bright Cave, before enjoying a brunch and disembarkation around 11AM

2 NIGHTS – Embarkation day is the same as for 1-nighters, but as you wake on your first morning, you will board a speed boat to Cat Ba island and enjoy the bike (or golf cart) tour and everything that visit entails, and some beach time at Three Peach Beach. Your second day will be the Dark & Bright Cave / brunch / disembarkation.

3 NIGHTS – Adding on to the 2-night itinerary from above, on your last full day, you will board a speed boat to Cat Ba island and visit Dong Trung Trang Cave! Disembarkation days is Dark & Bright Cave / brunch / disembarkation.

At the end of each excursion, the speed boat will take you back to the anchorage near the city, when you will have lunch shortly after the new guests embark. From there awaits a daily afternoon of water activities.

7- Squid Fishing

Depending on your level of comfort with fishing, this can be a really neat thing to experience. We had never even heard of squid fishing, but squid is plentiful in Ha Long Bay and every night, sailors can fish with the crew. The squid is prepared fresh the following day and it is a very cool experience offered by Capella Cruise, where the kids are more than welcome to join!

8- Getting To Ha Long Made Easy

While we did not use the premium shuttle offered by Capella Cruise, know that it is available. It will pick you up in Hanoi city and drop you off at the cruise terminal, and take you back again after the cruise.

9- Daily Snacks and Happy Hour

Between water activities and dinner, there is about an hour of sailing. We recommend hitting the top decks for a 360-view and for free snacks.

The tropical fruits are amazing and plentiful and Capella Cruise adds some other finger food. It is best enjoyed watching the sun set on this UNESCO World Heritage Site, cocktail in hand, during the buy-2-get-1-free Happy Hour.

10- Daily Cooking Demonstrations

Every night, between Happy Hour and dinner is a cooking demonstration. A member of the crew will teach guests how to make the famous spring rolls. Sailors can partake in the class and roll their own rolls, which are later fried and enjoyed as the night falls!

A really neat Capella Cruise experience!

Best Halong Bay Cruise For Families With Kids

While I am sure other cruise lines do a fine job at hosting families, we can’t recommend Capella Cruise enough when cruising overnight with kids on Halong Bay!

The crew is incredible, the Family Room is extraordinary, and the offerings are second to none. You will love the food, the kindness of the people, the included excursions, and all of the activities on board and in the water.

We have loved our 3 nights with Capella Cruise and can’t thank them enough for hosting us. All opinions are our own.

Pin this for later!

Related articles you will enjoy:

Best Way To See Most Of Fiji With Kids – 11 Reasons To Cruise With Captain Cook Cruises Fiji

5 Benefits of Cruising on Smaller Ships

Luxury Cruising onboard Seabourn

The post 10 Reasons To Love Capella Cruise – Best Halong Bay Cruise For Families appeared first on Frugal For Luxury .