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Halong Bay, one of Vietnam’s most iconic and stunning natural wonders, is a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its emerald waters, towering limestone karsts, and thousands of islets. A day trip to Halong Bay offers a quick yet fulfilling escape into nature, making it an ideal option for travelers short on time.
Ha Long Diamond Cruise – Halong Bay Day Trip Guide 2
Getting to Halong Bay
Most visitors start their Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi, which is around 160 kilometers away. There are several transport options available:
- By Bus/Van: Many travel agencies and tour operators offer shuttle buses that pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. The journey takes about 3 to 3.5 hours, depending on traffic.
- By Private Car: For a more comfortable and flexible experience, private car rentals are available, providing a more personalized and timely service.
Choosing a Day Cruise
There are numerous day cruise options available, each offering a variety of activities and itineraries. Here are a few things to consider:
- Itinerary: Most day cruises last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the tour operator. Popular stops include the following:
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): A large and impressive cave with stalactites and stalagmites.
- Titop Island/ Titov Island: Known for its scenic views and a small sandy beach where you can swim.
- Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride: Explore the hidden lagoons and floating villages up close.
- Boat Types:
- Traditional Junk Boat: Offers a classic, authentic experience with wooden interiors and panoramic decks.
- Luxury Cruises: Modern, comfortable boats with air-conditioned cabins and high-end amenities, perfect for a more relaxed and upscale experience.
Activities for Halong day trip
While on your day trip to Halong Bay, you’ll have the opportunity to engage in several activities, such as:
- Sightseeing: Cruise past iconic limestone islets like Fighting Cock Islet, Stone Dog Islet, and the human-head-shaped Dinh Huong Islet.
- Swimming: Many cruises stop at beaches like Titov Island, where you can swim in the calm waters.
- Kayaking: Paddle your way through hidden caves and peaceful lagoons for a more intimate experience with the bay.
- Visiting Caves: The breathtaking Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) and Thien Cung Cave are highlights that showcase the geological beauty of Halong Bay.
Ha Long Diamond Cruise – Halong Bay Day Trip Guide 3
What to Bring for HaLong bay
For a comfortable and enjoyable trip, don’t forget to pack the following:
- Sunscreen and Hat: Protect yourself from the strong sun, especially during the summer months.
- Swimwear and Towel: If you plan to swim or kayak, make sure to bring your swimsuit.
- Comfortable Clothing: Light, breathable clothing is best for a day on the water.
- Camera: Halong Bay is incredibly photogenic, so bring your camera or smartphone to capture the beauty.
Best Time to Visit HaLong bay
The best time to visit Halong Bay is from October to April, when the weather is cool and dry. However, summer months (May to September) can also be a great time for swimming and kayaking, though it can be more humid and rainy. Always check the weather forecast before your trip, as cruises may be canceled during storms or heavy rain.
Suggested Itineraries & Price for Halong bay day trip
Halong Bay one-day tour is a group tour with a transfer from Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee, and activities. The price for one-day tour from 40$ to 110$/ per person.
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
- Cruising boat to visit the bay (4 hours – 6 hours – 8 hours),
- Entrance ticket to visit Halong Bay for 1 day (VND 310,000/person)
- English-speaking tour guide to escort your trip
- Not including drinks and personal expenses.
Ha Long Diamond Cruise – Halong Bay Day Trip Guide 4
Halong 6-hour cruise tour
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
Halong 7- 8 hour cruise tour
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 that you will depart from Hanoi at 06:30 a.m. It means you can have enough time for an 8-hour journey. Travelers 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 choose from.
- 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
Halong 4-hour day cruise
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 travelers who stay in hotels in Halong City or depart from Hanoi in the morning and want to see Halong Bay on a half-day tour. The tour includes a visit to Thien Cung cave, kayaking in Ba Hang, and a Vietnamese lunch.
- The cruise schedule is from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm, or from 08:00 to 12:00 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)
Which Halong sightseeing route to choose?
There would be different routes for visiting Halong Bay in one day, you can choose to visit the route of Ha long 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 advantages. Let’s check which route might suit you!
Ha Long Diamond Cruise – Halong International Port
Ha Long Bay route |
Bai Tu Long Bay route |
Lan Ha Bay route |
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| General |
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| Route/ Itinerary |
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Itinerary (Route 4): Habour > Cong Do area > Thien Canh Son cave > Vung Vieng fishing village. | Habour > Fishing village > Bright cave > Ba Trai Dao beach |
| Pros & Cons | This route has the most beautiful landscape of Halong Bay with many boat options, but it is crowded in the summer when domestic tourists are in high season | This itinerary is less crowded but there are only some boats operating this tour, mainly for foreigners | This is a new route for travelers to visit, offering many interesting experiences, only for a 7-8 hour cruise. |
A day trip to Halong Bay offers a glimpse into one of Vietnam’s most beautiful landscapes. Whether you’re cruising between limestone karsts, swimming in the bay’s warm waters, or exploring hidden caves, you’ll leave with unforgettable memories of this natural wonder. While a day trip is brief, it captures the essence of Halong Bay, and you may find yourself eager to return for a longer stay in the future.
