Exploring the stunning Halong Bay in northern Vietnam is a bucket-list experience. This full-day 5-star cruise from Hanoi offers an affordable and comprehensive way to discover the bay’s natural wonders. With round-trip transportation, a delectable buffet lunch, and engaging activities like cave exploration and kayaking, it’s an opportunity to take in the region’s breathtaking scenery. The cruise’s high customer ratings and flexible booking options make it an enticing choice for those seeking an unforgettable adventure in one of Vietnam’s most captivating destinations.
Key Points
- Full-day Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi priced at $46.76 per person, including round-trip transportation, lunch, and activities like cave exploration, kayaking, and hiking.
- Itinerary includes a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi, exploration of Sung Sot Cave, kayaking at Luon Cave, and hiking on Ti Top Island.
- Buffet lunch, round-trip bus transfer, kayaking, speed boat transfers, entrance fees, and English-speaking guide are all included in the package.
- Pickup and drop-off locations are available in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, Tuan Chau International Marina, and Hoàn Kiếm, ensuring smooth transportation coordination.
- The cruise has an overall rating of 4.9/5 based on 9 reviews, with travelers praising its cost-effectiveness and the stunning natural beauty of Halong Bay.
Overview and Pricing
This full-day Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi offers a comprehensive 5-star experience, priced from $46.76 per person.
The 1-day excursion includes round-trip transportation, lunch on board, and a range of activities such as cave exploration, kayaking, and hiking.
Guests can conveniently reserve their spot without upfront payment, with the option to cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund.
The cruise’s value proposition is its cost-effectiveness compared to longer 2-day/1-night options, making it an appealing choice for travelers seeking a full Halong Bay experience within a single day.
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Itinerary and Activities
The full-day Halong Bay cruise begins with a scenic 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi Old Quarter to the iconic limestone landscapes of Halong Bay.
A scenic 2.5-hour drive from Hanoi Old Quarter to the iconic limestone landscapes of Halong Bay marks the start of the full-day cruise.
The itinerary includes:
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Exploring the Sung Sot Cave for one hour, marveling at the stalactites and unique rock formations.
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Kayaking for one hour at Luon Cave to discover the hidden bay.
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Hiking and swimming at Ti Top Island for one hour, with the option to trek to the summit for panoramic views.
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Enjoying a sunset party on the boat, complete with red wine, cake, and fruits.
Inclusions
The full-day Halong Bay cruise package includes a buffet lunch served on board the boat.
Round-trip bus transfer via high-speed tollway is provided, with welcome drinks and complimentary water on the bus.
Kayaking and speed boat transfers to/from activities are included.
Entrance and sightseeing fees, as well as the services of an English-speaking guide, are covered.
Guests can also enjoy a hot steam stone sauna and onboard insurance.
The cruise operator ensures a seamless and inclusive experience, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the beauty of Halong Bay.
Meeting Points and Drop-off Locations
Pickup for the full-day Halong Bay cruise is only available from Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
For those outside the area, designated meeting points are provided.
The cruise drops off passengers at two locations:
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Tuan Chau International Marina
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Hoàn Kiếm
To ensure a smooth experience, customers are advised to contact the operator to specify their preferred pickup address or meeting point.
This allows the operator to arrange transportation and coordinate the group’s arrival and departure efficiently.
More Great Thing To Do NearbyCustomer Reviews and Ratings
Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the full-day Halong Bay cruise, awarding it an exceptional 4.9/5 rating based on 9 reviews. Reviewers noted the cruise as a "busy but enjoyable experience," while highlighting the cost-effectiveness of the 1-day excursion compared to multi-day options. The stunning views from Ti Top Island and the exceptional cave visit were cited as highlights. The table below provides a summary of the key review insights:
| Metric | Rating |
| — | — |
| Overall | 4.9/5 |
| Value | Excellent |
| Activities | Fantastic |
| Scenery | Breathtaking |
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Scenic Drive to Halong Bay
A 2.5-hour scenic drive takes travelers from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to the breathtaking Halong Bay.
The journey offers:
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Mesmerizing views of the lush Vietnamese countryside.
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Glimpses of traditional villages and rice paddies.
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A chance to witness the daily life of the local people.
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A comfortable, high-speed tollway ride that minimizes travel time.
The drive sets the stage for the captivating Halong Bay experience, allowing guests to sit back, relax, and prepare for the adventure that awaits.
Exploring Sung Sot Cave
After departing from the boat, visitors venture into the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, also known as the "Surprise Cave."
This sprawling grotto boasts an array of captivating stalactites and stalagmites, showcasing the remarkable sculpting power of nature.
Tourists explore the cave’s impressive chambers, marveling at the intricate formations that have taken thousands of years to evolve.
The guide provides insightful commentary, highlighting the cave’s unique geological features and the legends that surround this natural wonder.
Visitors emerge from the cave with a newfound appreciation for the beauty and complexity of Halong Bay’s underground landscapes.
Kayaking at Luon Cave and Hiking at Ti Top Island
From the awe-inspiring Sung Sot Cave, the adventure continues as guests hop into kayaks and explore the serene Luon Cave. For 1 hour, they’ll glide through the tranquil waters, surrounded by the towering limestone cliffs.
Next, it’s time to stretch their legs at Ti Top Island:
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Hike to the summit for panoramic views of Halong Bay.
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Swim at the island’s pristine beach.
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Relax and enjoy the sunset party on the boat.
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Indulge in a delectable lunch buffet with local specialties.
This full-day cruise offers an unforgettable blend of natural wonders and immersive activities.
Since You Asked
What Is the Maximum Group Size for This Cruise?
The activity does not specify a maximum group size. However, as it’s a shared cruise experience, the group size is likely limited to maintain an enjoyable and comfortable journey for all participants.
Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks Onboard?
Passengers are not allowed to bring their own food and drinks onboard. The cruise includes a buffet lunch and complimentary drinking water, ensuring a seamless dining experience for all guests.
Is There a Dress Code for the Cruise?
There is no formal dress code for the cruise, but comfortable, casual attire is recommended. Swimwear is suitable for swimming and water activities. Guests are advised to bring appropriate clothing for the weather and boat conditions.
Can I Extend My Stay in Halong Bay After the Cruise?
The cruise doesn’t offer the option to extend one’s stay in Halong Bay. Guests are typically dropped off at the end of the day tour. To extend the stay, travelers would need to book additional accommodations separately.
Do I Need to Bring Any Special Equipment for Kayaking?
No special equipment is needed for the kayaking activity. The cruise package includes all necessary kayaking gear, such as life jackets and paddles. Participants only need to bring comfortable clothing and closed-toe shoes suitable for water activities.
Final Words
The Halong Bay 5-star cruise from Hanoi offers an exceptional value at just $46.76 per person. This all-inclusive package provides round-trip transportation, a delicious buffet lunch, and exciting activities like exploring Sung Sot Cave, kayaking at Luon Cave, and hiking at Ti Top Island. With high customer ratings and flexible booking options, this cruise is a must-do for anyone seeking to experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay.
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