Halong Bay Full Day Tour – 6 Hours on Deluxe Cruise: Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking

Exploring the mesmerizing natural wonder of Halong Bay is an unforgettable experience. This full-day tour from Hanoi promises an immersive journey through the bay’s iconic limestone karsts and picturesque grottoes. Embarking on a 6-hour deluxe cruise, visitors will have the opportunity to kayak, swim, and hike, while savoring a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies. With hotel pickup and drop-off, and an English-speaking guide providing valuable insights, this tour offers a personalized and seamless adventure. What makes Halong Bay truly captivating, however, is the sheer scale and beauty of its natural landscape, which continues to captivate and inspire all who witness it.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Cruises And Boat Tours In Hanoi.

Key Points

• Explore the stunning natural wonders of Halong Bay on a 6-hour deluxe cruise, including opportunities for kayaking, swimming, and hiking.
• Experience the bay’s picturesque grottoes and caves, such as the Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, and Dau Go Cave.
• Visit Ti Top Island, offering a beautiful beach, hiking trails, and panoramic vistas of the surrounding landscape.
• Savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies, served on the boat.
• Enjoy personalized service with hotel pickup and drop-off within Hanoi’s Old Quarter, as well as an English-speaking guide.

Tour Overview

This full-day tour from Hanoi takes travelers on an immersive exploration of the stunning natural wonder of Halong Bay.

Guests will embark on a 6-hour cruise through the bay’s iconic limestone karsts and picturesque grottoes and caves, with opportunities to kayak or ride in a traditional bamboo boat.

The tour also includes a visit to Ti Top Island, where travelers can enjoy the beach and panoramic vistas, as well as a delicious traditional Vietnamese and seafood lunch served on the boat.

Hotel pickup and drop-off, an English-speaking guide, and all entrance fees are included, ensuring a seamless and enriching experience in this UNESCO-listed natural paradise.

Pickup and Drop-off

The tour includes hotel pickup and drop-off in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, ensuring a hassle-free start and end to the day’s adventure.

Travelers outside the Old Quarter can also be picked up at the company office at 8:25 AM. This convenient transportation service allows guests to focus on enjoying the tour without worrying about logistics.

Key benefits of the pickup and drop-off include:

1. Seamless start to the day, with no need to arrange your own transportation.
2. Personalized service, as the guide will collect you directly from your hotel.
3. Worry-free return to your accommodation after a full day exploring the stunning Halong Bay.

Cruising on Deluxe Boat

Guests embark on a 6-hour cruise across the serene waters of Halong Bay aboard a deluxe boat, providing ample time to admire the stunning karst landscapes that dot the UNESCO World Heritage site.

The boat is equipped with comfortable seating areas, allowing travelers to sit back and soak in the breathtaking views.

During the cruise, guests can savor a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh seafood and local delicacies.

They’ll also have the opportunity to explore the bay’s picturesque grottoes and caves, either by kayak or traditional bamboo boat, offering a unique perspective of this natural wonder.

The cruise culminates with a visit to Ti Top Island, where travelers can swim, hike, and capture panoramic vistas of the entire bay.

Visiting Picturesque Grottoes and Caves

During the cruise, visitors can explore several of Halong Bay’s picturesque grottoes and caves, each offering a unique glimpse into the region’s geological wonders. These natural formations, carved out over centuries by wind and water, feature stunning stalactites, stalagmites, and other captivating rock formations that captivate travelers.

Some of the most popular grottoes include:

Sung Sot Cave: Also known as ‘Surprise Cave,’ this massive grotto boasts impressive cathedral-like chambers and intricate rock structures.

Thien Cung Cave: Situated on a small island, this cave is renowned for its colorful, illuminated stalactites and stalagmites.

Dau Go Cave: Accessible by boat, this grotto showcases unique, contorted rock formations that resemble ancient wooden sculptures.

Kayaking and Bamboo Boat Exploration

Along with the cruise, visitors can explore Halong Bay’s stunning landscapes by kayak or traditional bamboo boat.

These intimate modes of transportation allow travelers to venture into the bay’s secluded coves and grottoes, providing a unique perspective on the region’s natural wonders.

Paddling through the serene waters, guests can get up close to the towering limestone cliffs, lush green islands, and diverse marine life that characterize this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The kayaks and bamboo boats offer a more active and immersive way to experience Halong Bay, complementing the leisurely cruise and giving visitors a chance to discover hidden gems and appreciate the area’s breathtaking scenery from a different vantage point.

Exploring Ti Top Island

One of the highlights of the Halong Bay full-day tour is the visit to Ti Top Island, where travelers can enjoy the island’s beautiful beach and take in the panoramic vistas of the bay.

Upon arrival, visitors can indulge in a refreshing swim in the crystal-clear waters or simply relax on the sandy shores. For the more adventurous, there’s an option to hike up the island’s viewpoint, which offers stunning 360-degree views of the surrounding karst formations and emerald waters.

Afterward, travelers can explore the island’s small village, interact with the local residents, and even sample some traditional Vietnamese delicacies before continuing the journey through the breathtaking landscape of Halong Bay.

Traditional Vietnamese Lunch

The traditional Vietnamese lunch served on the Halong Bay full-day tour showcases the diverse flavors and culinary traditions of the region. Guests can expect a spread of authentic Vietnamese dishes, including fresh seafood, fragrant rice, and an array of colorful vegetable-based offerings. The lunch is typically served on the boat, allowing travelers to savor the flavors while taking in the stunning natural scenery of Halong Bay.

Dish	Description
Seafood	Fresh fish, shrimp, and squid, often grilled or steamed
Phở	Vietnam’s iconic noodle soup, with beef or chicken
Bánh Mì	Vietnamese baguette sandwiches with savory fillings
Spring Rolls	Crispy rolls filled with vegetables, shrimp, or pork

Additional Information

This full-day Halong Bay tour includes several additional features that enhance the overall experience. Guests can expect hotel pickup and drop-off within the Hanoi Old Quarter, ensuring convenient transportation to and from the tour.

Plus, an English-speaking guide accompanies the group, providing valuable insights and information throughout the day. The tour also includes the use of kayaks or bamboo boats, allowing travelers to explore the bay’s serene waters up close.

The tour is designed for a maximum of 38 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience. It’s also conveniently located near public transportation, making it accessible for those not staying in the Old Quarter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Cancel or Reschedule the Tour if Needed?

Customers can typically cancel or reschedule the tour, though fees may apply. It’s best to check the tour provider’s policies before booking. Flexible options allow travelers to adjust their plans if needed.

Is There a Minimum or Maximum Group Size for the Tour?

The tour has a maximum group size of 38 travelers. There is no specified minimum group size, so the tour can operate with as few as one participant.

Are There Any Age Restrictions or Requirements for the Activities?

The tour has no age restrictions, but participants must be able to engage in the activities like kayaking and swimming. Children are welcome, though parental supervision is required for younger ones during the boat cruise and on-shore excursions.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Cruise?

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise, though the tour includes a traditional Vietnamese lunch. Alcoholic beverages may be purchased on board. Any outside drinks or meals won’t be provided by the tour operator.

Is There a Dress Code or Any Special Clothing Required for the Tour?

There’s no strict dress code for this tour, but casual, comfortable clothing is recommended. Wear lightweight, quick-drying fabrics suitable for water activities and hiking. Bringing a swimsuit and sun protection is also advised.

Recap

Exploring the breathtaking natural wonder of Halong Bay on this full-day tour from Hanoi offers an immersive and personalized experience.

Cruising for 6 hours through the bay’s iconic limestone karsts, visitors can kayak, swim, and hike on Ti Top Island, while savoring a traditional Vietnamese lunch featuring fresh seafood.

With hotel pickup and drop-off and an English-speaking guide, this tour provides valuable insights into the stunning scenery of this natural marvel.