Exploring the captivating landscapes of Vietnam’s Halong Bay is a must-do for many travelers. The "Halong Bay Day Cruise with Bamboo Boat Ride or Kayaking" promises an unforgettable experience, whisking guests away from Hanoi to enjoy the UNESCO World Heritage site’s stunning limestone cliffs and serene waters. Whether opting for a traditional wooden junk boat ride or the chance to kayak, visitors can enjoy a delectable lunch and snacks while discovering the bay’s natural wonders. With the tour departing daily, this comprehensive excursion offers an opportunity to witness Halong Bay’s breathtaking beauty firsthand. What secrets might this remarkable destination hold?
Key Points
- This day cruise offers a choice between a bamboo boat ride or kayaking to explore Halong Bay’s limestone cliffs and serene waters.
- The tour includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi hotels, a local guide, scenic boat trip, lunch, snacks, and entrance fees.
- The cruise is suitable for first-time visitors to the UNESCO World Heritage site and can accommodate up to 15 travelers.
- Vegetarian options are available, but the tour is not recommended for individuals with serious medical conditions.
- Travelers have reported mixed experiences, with concerns about theft and customer service, but overall satisfaction with the food quality and small group size.
Tour Overview
The tour is titled "Halong Bay Day Cruise with Bamboo Boat Ride or Kayaking" and lasts for 11 hours.
It departs daily at 7:15 am from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Intercontinental Westlake, Fraser Suites, Sheraton, Thang Loi, Hanoi Club, and Sofitel Plaza.
The tour has a maximum of 15 travelers and includes round-trip transportation, a local guide, a scenic boat trip on a traditional wooden junk, lunch, and snacks.
Entrance fees for Halong Bay and fees for either a bamboo boat ride or kayaking are included.
The tour allows visitors to explore Halong Bay and Tonkin Gulf, cruise past floating villages, and choose between a bamboo boat ride or kayaking.
Ready to set sail again? More boat adventures we've reviewed in Hanoi
Inclusions
The tour includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi hotels, a local guide, and a scenic boat trip on a traditional wooden junk.
Lunch and snacks are provided, and entrance fees for Halong Bay are included.
Participants can choose between a bamboo row boat ride or a kayaking expedition, both of which have an additional activity fee. Gratuities are also covered in the tour price.
Vegetarian options are available upon request.
Guests should note that the tour isn’t wheelchair accessible and may not be suitable for travelers with certain medical conditions.
Ensuring the correct hotel pickup option is important to avoid additional fees.
Experience Highlights
Explore Halong Bay and the Tonkin Gulf on this day cruise that offers a chance to glimpse Vietnam’s iconic floating villages.
Guests can choose between a tranquil bamboo boat ride or an invigorating kayaking expedition to fully enjoy the picturesque landscape. This tour is ideal for first-time visitors seeking to experience the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Participants will enjoy a scenic boat trip on a traditional wooden junk, taking in the breathtaking limestone cliffs and serene waters.
The experience provides a welcome respite from the city hustle, allowing travelers to fully appreciate the unique charm of Halong Bay.
Important Information
Regarding accessibility, this tour isn’t wheelchair accessible.
However, the tour location is near public transportation, making it convenient for travelers. Infants must sit on laps during the excursion.
The experience isn’t recommended for those with back problems, heart issues, or other serious medical conditions. Vegetarian options are available upon request.
Travelers should ensure they select the correct hotel pickup option to avoid additional fees.
While the tour provides a great opportunity to explore Halong Bay, individuals with certain physical limitations or dietary needs should consider these factors before booking.
Reviews and Feedback
Traveler reviews and feedback on this Halong Bay day cruise present a mixed picture.
While one reviewer praised the food and small group size, expressing a desire for a longer experience in the bay, another reported theft during the tour and dissatisfaction with customer service.
With an average rating of 3.5 out of 5 from only two reviews, the overall consensus remains unclear.
Key points from the feedback include:
- Mixed experiences, with both positive and negative reports
- Concerns over theft and poor customer service
- Desire for longer duration in Halong Bay
- Satisfaction with food quality and small group size
- Pricing from $30 per person
Here are more great tours and experiences we've reviewed in Hanoi
- Ha Long & Lan Ha Bays: 2-Day Cruise With Meals & Kayaking
- Hanoi: Halong Bay 5-Star Cruise With Lunch Buffet & Kayaking
- From Hanoi: 2-Day Ha Long Bay Cruise and Surprise Cave Kayak
- Hanoi: Islands & Caves Ha Long Cruise With Lunch & Kayaking
- From Lan Ha Bay: 3-Day 2-Night Cruise With Meals & Kayaking
- Hanoi: 1 Day Ha Long Bay Cruise / Cave, Titop Island, Kayak
Pricing and Cancellation
The Halong Bay day cruise is priced from $30.00 per person. This rate includes round-trip transportation from Hanoi hotels, a local guide, a scenic boat trip on a traditional wooden junk, lunch and snacks, and entrance fees to Halong Bay.
Travelers can also opt for additional activities like kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, which cost $5 per person. The tour allows for a maximum of 15 participants.
Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the experience starts. This policy provides flexibility for travelers who may need to alter their plans.
Departure and Return
The Halong Bay day cruise departs daily at 07:15 am from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as several upscale accommodations like the Intercontinental Westlake, Fraser Suites, and Sheraton.
After an approximately 3.5-hour drive, the tour returns to the original departure point in Hanoi, ensuring a convenient start and end to the excursion.
Travelers can look forward to:
- Scenic boat trip on a traditional wooden junk
- Cruising past floating villages in Halong Bay and Tonkin Gulf
- Choosing between a bamboo row boat ride or kayaking expedition
- Enjoying a delightful lunch and snacks throughout the day
- An ideal experience for first-time visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Transportation and Pickup
The Halong Bay day cruise provides round-trip transportation from select hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and major upscale accommodations.
Guests are picked up from hotels like the Intercontinental Westlake, Fraser Suites, Sheraton, Thang Loi, Hanoi Club, and Sofitel Plaza. The tour departs daily at 7:15 AM and returns to the original departure point.
Pickup is included, and there are no additional fees for this service. However, participants should ensure they select the correct hotel pickup option to avoid any additional charges.
The transportation isn’t wheelchair accessible, and infants must sit on laps during the journey.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?
Travelers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise, but the tour package includes a provided lunch and snacks. Bringing extra items is allowed, as long as they don’t disturb the overall experience for other participants.
Is Photography and Video Recording Allowed During the Tour?
Photography and video recording are generally allowed during the tour. Participants are encouraged to capture the stunning natural scenery and unique cultural experiences. However, it’s advisable to respect any restricted areas or requests from the tour guides.
What Is the Dress Code for the Cruise?
The dress code for the cruise is casual and comfortable. Guests should wear lightweight, breathable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for walking on the boat and exploring the bay. No formal attire is required.
Are Life Jackets Provided for the Boat Ride and Water Activities?
Life jackets are provided for the boat ride and water activities on this tour. The tour operator ensures the safety of participants by supplying the necessary equipment for the duration of the cruise and any water-based activities.
Can I Customize or Extend the Duration of the Tour?
The duration and inclusions of the tour cannot be customized. However, travelers have the option to book an extended Halong Bay cruise with more activities for a longer experience if desired.
Recap
The Halong Bay Day Cruise offers an unforgettable 11-hour experience, allowing travelers to explore the stunning UNESCO World Heritage site. With the choice of a bamboo boat ride or kayaking, guests can enjoy the natural beauty of the limestone cliffs and serene waters, complemented by a delicious lunch and snacks. This comprehensive tour provides an excellent opportunity to discover the wonders of Halong Bay.
More Kayak & Canoe Tours in Hanoi
- Alisa Cruise Review: Kayaking Adventure Awaits
- From Ha Noi: Ha Long Bay With Titov, Surprising Cave & Kayak
- Hanoi: Halong Bay Cruise, Amazing Cave, Titov Island & Kayak
- Halong Bay: Full-Day 4-Star Experience With Kayaking
- Halong Bay: Luxury Day Cruise With Buffet, Kayak, Swim
- Halong Bay Luxury Cruise: Kayak&Swim,Cave, Party BEST SELLER
More Boat Tours & Cruises in Hanoi
- Bai Tu Long Bay Deluxe Cruise 2d/1n: Kayaking, Swimmig, Full Meals & Best Prices
- Halong Full Day on Charming Cruise Kayaking Luon Cave Depart Hanoi Old Quarter
- Full-Day Discover Amazing Halong, Explore Stunning Caves on Kayak/Bamboo Boat
- The Utmost Luxury Halong Bay Cruise Full Day: Route Avoid Crowded
- Lan Ha Bay Luxury Cruise 2d/1n: Kayaking & Swimming at the Pristine Places
- TOP Luxury Day Cruise Jadesails Halong – Lan Ha Bay Full Day
More Tour Reviews in Hanoi
- From Hanoi: 4 Day Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour With Rider
- Hanoi: Long Bien Sunrise Photography Tour
- From Ha Long: 2 Day Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour With Rider
- Cao Bang & Ban Gioc Waterfall Day Tour by Motorbike
- Hanoi: Sapa 2-Days With Cat Cat and Fansipan Peak- Trekking
- Private Hanoi City Half Day With Guide, Train Street
Not for you? Here's more things to do in Hanoi we have recnetly reviewed
- 2 Days Customized Private Car Trip to BAN GIOC WATERFALL
- Mua Caves, Van Long Nature Reserve, Hoa Lu Private Day Trip
- Hanoi: 3D2N Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay by Le Journey Luxury Cruise
- From SaPa: 4 Day Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tour With Rider
- Hanoi: Luxury Lan Ha Bay Jade Sails Cruise With Buffet Lunch
- From Hanoi: 2-Day Pu Luong Nature Reserve Tour
- Hanoi: 3D2N Ha Long Bay by Hera Boutique Cruise
- From Ha Noi: Ha Giang Loop 4-Day Tour Self-driving/easyRider
- HANOI: EXPLORE CAT BA – LAN HA BAY (2DAY 1NIGHT)
- Hanoi: 2-Day Ha Long Bay 4-Star Cruise With Titov Cave
- Cao Bang: Cao Bang Loop Motorbike Tour : 3 Days 2 Nights
- Hanoi City Full Day Private Guided Tour