Why take a day trip to Ha Long Bay?

A day trip from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay is one of the most popular experiences in northern Vietnam, and for good reason. In just a few hours, you travel from the capital’s bustling streets to a dramatic seascape of limestone karsts, caves, and emerald waters.

With guided cruises, logistics are effortless. Transfers, boarding, sightseeing stops, and lunch are all handled for you, allowing you to focus on the experience rather than planning. Even with limited time, a full-day cruise covers Ha Long Bay’s top highlights comfortably.

Hanoi/Ha Long City to Ha Long Bay at a glance

DetailsHanoiHa Long city

Distance

173 km

29km

Travel time (one way)

2.5–3.5 hours

42min

Typical duration

10–12 hours (round trip)

7-8 hours

Best transport

Guided cruise with transfers

Guided cruise with transfers

Ideal for

First-time visitors, short stays

First-time visitors, short stays

How to get to Ha Long Bay

Airport Pick Up

The easiest and most popular option.

  • Hotel pickup in Hanoi
  • Coach or limousine transfer
  • Full-day cruise with activities and lunch
  • Fixed return time

Best for: Stress-free travel and first-time visitors.

Tourists seated inside a bus touring Washington D.C. monuments.

A budget-friendly but less flexible option.

  • Bus from Hanoi to Ha Long City
  • Separate marina boarding
  • Limited time buffer

Best for: Independent travelers on tight budgets.

Underground parking area at Piazzale Roma, Venice with parked cars.

Offers flexibility but requires planning.

  • Self-arranged marina access
  • Parking and timing considerations

Best for: Groups or travelers staying in the Ha Long city.

What you’ll see on a Ha Long Bay cruise

Cruise ships sailing among limestone islands in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Towering limestone islands & emerald waters

  • Cruise past dramatic limestone karsts and cliffs rising straight from the sea.

  • Sail through serene green waters that reflect the sky and cliffs around you.

Halong Bay cave interior with illuminated stalactites on Dragonfly Cruise tour.

Hidden caves, secret lagoons & iconic islets

  • Route 1 takes you to Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave, plus spots like Fighting Cock Islet.

  • Route 2 offers a visit to Titop Island alongside caves like Sung Sot and Luon.

Kayakers paddling through Halong Bay's limestone cliffs on a Dragonfly Cruise tour.

Kayaking, hiking & panoramic viewpoints

  • Kayak through hidden caves or hike to panoramic viewpoints.

  • Simply relax on deck and enjoy the views and fresh sea breeze.

traditional Vietnamese seafood

Buffet lunches, music & 5-star extras

  • All cruises include a Vietnamese buffet/seafood lunch and an English/Vietnamese speaking guide.

  • 5-star options add extras like live music, Jacuzzi pools, and sunset snacks.

Ha Long Bay cruise route map

Ha Long Bay cruise route map highlighting key stops and scenic views in Vietnam.

Route 1 vs Route 2: What’s the difference?

Explore different parts of Ha Long Bay depending on the route you choose. Both are full-day cruises, but each has its own unique stops.

Thien Cung Cave interior with stalactites and stalagmites in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Route 1

Your experience

  • A scenic cruise with a focus on Ha Long Bay’s quieter, less crowded areas.

  • Great for those who prefer a relaxed pace and rich legends.

Explore

  • Thien Cung Cave: A stunning grotto with towering ceilings and dramatic stalactites.

  • Dau Go Cave: Steeped in history, this large cave once hid wooden stakes used against Mongol invaders.

See

  • Fighting Cock Islet: An iconic rock formation resembling two roosters mid-fight.

  • Stone Dog Islet & Dinh Huong Islet: Unique shapes with local myths attached, best seen from the deck.

Not to miss

  • Storytelling from your guide about ancient battles and legends tied to each cave and islet.
Dao Titop Island in Halong Bay with boats and limestone karsts in the background.

Route 2

Your experience

  • The most popular route with a mix of sightseeing and outdoor activities.

  • Ideal for travellers who want to swim, hike, and kayak in one day.

Explore

  • Sung Sot Cave: The bay’s largest and most impressive cave, featuring dramatic formations and twin chambers.

  • Luon Cave: Paddle or ride through a low arch into a hidden lagoon surrounded by cliffs.

See

  • Titop Island: A beach stop with optional hiking to a panoramic lookout point.

  • Limestone islets scattered throughout the journey, offering endless photo ops.

Not to miss

  • A kayak or bamboo boat ride into Luon’s secret lagoon—one of the bay’s most peaceful corners.

Which Ha Long Bay cruise ticket is ideal for you?

Ticket typeDurationInclusionsActivitiesIdeal forBook here

Standard

4–5 hrs

Round-trip transfer, Vietnamese lunch

Scenic cruise, photo stops

Budget travelers, first-time visitors

Book Standard Cruise

Deluxe

6 hrs

Transfer, upgraded buffet, drinks

Cave visits, kayaking, sunset views

Couples and families wanting comfort

Book Deluxe Cruise

Premium

6–7 hrs

Transfer, premium buffet, welcome drinks

Kayaking, cave exploration, beach stop

Those who want more space & variety

Book Premium Cruise

Luxury

7–8 hrs

Transfer, fine dining buffet, cocktail

Kayaking, beach visit, sunset party

Families, honeymooners, luxury seekers

Book Luxury Cruise

Ultra-Luxury

8–9 hrs

Transfer, gourmet meals, bar service

Multi-island cruise, live entertainment, pool

VIP experience, large groups

Book Ultra-Luxury Cruise

Things to know before booking your Ha Long Bay cruise

  • Pricing: All cruises include a scenic route through Ha Long Bay, cave visits, a local lunch, and an English/Vietnamese-speaking guide. The Standard cruise starts at ₫649,998, perfect for essential sights and activities. Most of the cruises come with luxury perks like a welcome drink, towel service, live music, and Jacuzzi access
  • Choice of cruise: Choose from Standard, Deluxe, Premium, Luxury, or Ultra-Luxury day cruises. Each tier offers a different level of comfort, onboard space, dining quality, and entertainment, allowing you to match the experience to your budget and travel style.

  • Hotel transfers: Hotel transfers are not included in all cruises. Please check your tickets carefully and confirm whether your selected cruise includes hotel transfers.

  • Meals on board: All cruises offer lunch on board. The cruises serve a Vietnamese or seafood lunch, with vegetarian and halal options available on request. The Standard star cruise features a Vietnamese buffet, and guests can opt for an Indian set menu if preferred.

Your Ha Long Bay cruise options

Halong Bay cruise ship sailing past limestone karsts in Vietnam.

Standard Day Cruises

Boarding point: Tuan Chau International Marina or Ha Long International Cruise Port

Food and drinks: Vietnamese set lunch or basic buffet, 1 bottle of water

Duration: 4–5 hours

Route covered: Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Stone Dog Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Fighting Cock Islet

Activities: Cave exploration and a 30–45 minute kayaking or bamboo boat ride

Transfers: Shared hotel transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter or self-transfer to the marina

Couple kayaking among limestone karsts in Halong Bay, Vietnam.

Premium Day Cruises

Boarding point: Tuan Chau International Marina

Food and drinks: Premium buffet lunch with Vietnamese and international dishes, welcome drink

Duration: 5–6 hours

Route covered: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Fighting Cock Islet

Activities: Kayaking or bamboo boat ride, swimming or hiking at Titop Island, guided cave visits

Transfers: Shared AC bus or limousine transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter

Dining table with Vietnamese dishes on Ha Long Phoenix Cruise, Halong Bay tour from Hanoi.

Luxury Day Cruises

Boarding point: Tuan Chau International Marina

Food and drinks: Fine-dining buffet or set menu, welcome drink, afternoon tea or sunset cocktails

Duration: 6–7 hours

Route covered: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titop Island, scenic limestone formations

Activities: Kayaking, swimming, sundeck relaxation, sunset party with live music or DJ

Transfers: Round-trip limousine transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter

Recommended experience:

Luxury cruise ship on calm waters at sunset in Halong Bay.

Ultra-Luxury Day Cruises

Boarding point: Ha Long International Cruise Port

Food and drinks: High-end buffet with 100+ dishes, welcome drink, free-flow soft drinks, bar service available

Duration: 6–8 hours

Route covered: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, extended scenic cruising route

Activities: Kayaking or bamboo boat ride, swimming pool access, live entertainment, sunset party, premium lounge access

Transfers: Luxury limousine or optional private transfers from Hanoi

Cruise ship "DRAGON KING CRUISE" sailing in Ha Long Bay near a beach.

Deluxe Day Cruises

Boarding point: Tuan Chau International Marina

Food and drinks: Upgraded Vietnamese buffet or set menu, welcome drink

Duration: 5–6 hours

Route covered: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Fighting Cock Islet

Activities: Kayaking or bamboo boat ride, guided cave visits, light swimming stop

Transfers: Shared AC bus or limousine transfers from Hanoi Old Quarter

Best time for a Ha Long Bay day trip

  • The best time to cruise Ha Long Bay is during the high season, from June to mid-September and mid-December to late December, when the weather is warm, skies are clear, and waters are calm—perfect for outdoor dining, kayaking, and sunset views. Cruises fill up fast during this period, so booking in advance is recommended
  • The shoulder and low seasons can be quieter with cooler weather and occasional showers, which some travelers enjoy for a more peaceful experience, but swimming and some activities may be limited.

Your visual guide to Ha Long Bay cruises: karsts, cabins & coastal charm

Dragonfly Cruise boat with tourists in Halong Bay, limestone karsts in background.

Scenic sundeck views

Enjoy uninterrupted views of Ha Long Bay’s towering limestone cliffs from your cruise's open-air sundeck.

Emotion Cruise ship on Halong Bay with limestone karsts in the background.
Kayakers explore limestone arch in Halong Bay on Dragonfly Cruise tour.
Woman floating in clear turquoise sea
Ha Long Bay cruise boat on emerald waters with limestone karsts, Vietnam.

Top landmarks to spot on your Ha Long Bay cruise

Thien Cung Cave interior with stalactites and stalagmites, Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Thien Cung Cave

One of the most impressive caves in Ha Long Bay, Thien Cung features beautiful stalactites, colourful lighting, and winding pathways through ancient limestone chambers.

Dinh Huong Islet in Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam, surrounded by emerald waters and limestone formations.

Dinh Huong Islet (Incense Burner Islet)

This solitary rock formation shaped like an incense burner is a national symbol of Vietnam and appears on the 200,000 VND note.

Kissing Rocks in Halong Bay, Vietnam, iconic limestone formations in emerald waters.

Fighting Cock Islets

These twin limestone rocks jutting from the water resemble two roosters in mid-battle. A favourite for photos, they’re one of the most recognisable sights in the bay.

Ba Hang Fishing Village boats on tranquil waters with limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Ba Hang Fishing Village

A small floating village surrounded by limestone cliffs. It offers a glimpse into traditional fishing life, with the option to explore the calm waters on a rowed sampan.

Tourist kayaking through Luon Cave in Halong Bay, Vietnam, surrounded by limestone cliffs.

Luon Cave

A low cave arch leading into a tranquil lagoon. Reachable only by kayak or sampan, it’s a serene spot where you’re surrounded by towering cliffs and lush greenery.

Titop Island view with tourists kayaking in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam.

Titop Island

Famous for its panoramic viewpoint. After a short but steep climb, you’ll be rewarded with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay. There’s also a small beach at the base for swimming.

Frequently asked questions about Ha Long Bay cruises

What should I carry for my Ha Long Bay Cruise?

Pack light, comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, a hat, and sturdy shoes for excursions. A light jacket is useful for cooler evenings on the water.

Are Ha Long Bay cruises family-friendly?

Yes, many cruises offer activities suitable for families, such as kayaking, swimming, and cultural visits, making them enjoyable for all ages.

What if I have seasickness?

Most cruise operators recommend bringing motion sickness medication if you’re prone to seasickness. The bay’s waters are usually calm, but it’s best to be prepared.

Can I customize my Ha Long Bay cruise itinerary?

Some cruises offer flexible itineraries or private charter options, allowing you to customize stops and activities. It’s best to check with the cruise operator when booking.

What is included in the price of most Ha Long Bay cruises?

Prices typically cover accommodation, meals, onboard activities, entrance fees to attractions, and some transfers. Always check your specific package details.

Are the cruises safe for solo travelers?

Absolutely. Solo travelers are common on Ha Long Bay cruises. Many cruises provide social dining and group activities, making it easy to meet others.

When is the best time to book cruises for the best deals?

Booking in advance during the shoulder season (April-May, September-November) often secures better prices and availability while avoiding peak crowds.