Hanoi: Roundtrip Halong Bay Islands, Caves, Kayaking & Lunch

Exploring the natural wonders of Halong Bay from Hanoi is a must-do adventure for any visitor to Vietnam. This comprehensive day trip offers a seamless blend of breathtaking scenery, engaging activities, and delectable cuisine. Guests can expect roundtrip transportation, a scenic boat cruise, the choice between kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, and a hike up the iconic Ti Top Island. With the UNESCO-recognized bay’s towering limestone cliffs and tranquil waters as the backdrop, this excursion promises to leave a lasting impression. What unfolds next on this captivating journey is sure to delight and inspire.

This experience made our list of the 25 Best Canoe And Kayak Experiences In Hanoi.

Key Points

• Comprehensive Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi with roundtrip transportation, boat cruise, and diverse activities like kayaking, hiking, and cave exploration.
• Choice between kayaking or bamboo boat ride to explore the mesmerizing Luon Cave, surrounded by towering limestone walls and lush greenery.
• Hike up the iconic Ti Top Island for panoramic vistas of the breathtaking Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
• Visit the impressive Sung Sot Cave and enjoy a set-menu seafood lunch served on the boat.
• Seamless transportation experience with pickup and drop-off services in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem District.

You can check if your dates are available here:

Overview of the Day Trip

This day trip offers a comprehensive Halong Bay experience, with roundtrip transportation from Hanoi, a boat cruise, and a variety of activities to explore the stunning natural landscapes of the bay.

Participants can look forward to kayaking or taking a bamboo boat ride through Luon Cave, hiking up Ti Top Island for panoramic views, and visiting the impressive Sung Sot Cave.

A set-menu seafood lunch will be served on the boat, allowing travelers to savor the fresh local cuisine.

With up to 50% savings compared to individual bookings, this day trip provides an excellent value for those seeking to discover the beauty of Halong Bay from Hanoi.

Activities Included in the Tour

The day trip to Halong Bay encompasses a diverse range of activities, allowing participants to fully enjoy the stunning natural wonders of the region.

Guests can choose between kayaking or taking a traditional bamboo boat ride through the serene Luon Cave, providing an intimate encounter with the bay’s picturesque grottoes and hidden waterways.

Plus, the tour includes a hike up the iconic Ti Top Island, where breathtaking panoramic vistas of the thousands of limestone islands dotting the emerald waters await.

The itinerary also features a visit to Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful and impressive in Halong Bay, and a set-menu seafood lunch served on the boat.

Roundtrip Transportation From Hanoi

The day trip includes roundtrip transportation from Hanoi, with pickup and drop-off services provided in the Old Quarter and Hoan Kiem District. Guests depart Hanoi at 12:00 AM and return to the city around 7:30 PM to 8:00 PM, allowing ample time to explore the natural wonders of Halong Bay. Upon arrival at the Tuan Chau international marina, travelers will meet their guide and begin the day’s activities.

Departure Time	Return Time
12:00 AM	7:30 PM – 8:00 PM

The roundtrip transportation ensures a seamless and convenient experience, allowing guests to focus on the stunning scenery and activities Halong Bay has to offer.

Breathtaking Views of Halong Bay

Upon arriving at the Tuan Chau international marina, guests embark on a captivating journey to explore the breathtaking natural wonders of Halong Bay.

One of the highlights of the day trip is the opportunity to hike up Ti Top Island, offering panoramic vistas of the iconic limestone formations dotting the sparkling emerald waters.

The hike rewards visitors with:

1. Sweeping views of the bay’s serene beauty
2. A chance to witness the dramatic contrast between the towering cliffs and the tranquil waters
3. Opportunities to capture stunning photographs that immortalize the experience
4. A sense of awe and appreciation for the sheer majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

More Great Thing To Do Nearby

Explore the Luon Cave

After exploring the sweeping vistas from Ti Top Island, guests embark on a serene kayak or bamboo boat ride through the mesmerizing Luon Cave.

Gliding along the tranquil waters, they marvel at the towering limestone walls that rise majestically on either side, casting dramatic shadows and creating a captivating interplay of light and shadow.

The cave’s lush, verdant surroundings and peaceful atmosphere offer a refreshing contrast to the grandeur of Halong Bay’s dramatic seascape.

Paddling through the narrow passage, visitors enjoy the cave’s serene ambiance, discovering hidden nooks and crannies along the way.

This intimate encounter with Luon Cave’s natural beauty is a highlight of the day trip, leaving guests with a deeper appreciation for Halong Bay’s enchanting wonders.

Hike up Ti Top Island

Next, guests ascend the 400 steps up Ti Top Island, where they’re rewarded with panoramic vistas of Halong Bay’s awe-inspiring seascape.

From the island’s peak, they gaze out over the dramatic limestone formations that dot the shimmering waters below, marveling at the bay’s natural splendor. The hike provides an elevated perspective on the region’s captivating geological wonders, offering visitors a chance to fully appreciate the majesty of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

The hike up Ti Top Island offers:

1. Breathtaking 360-degree views of Halong Bay
2. Opportunity to witness the bay’s stunning natural features from a unique vantage point
3. A moderate, yet rewarding, physical challenge
4. A chance to explore the island’s lush, tropical landscape

Visit the Sung Sot Cave

Descending from the island’s heights, guests are treated to an exploration of the Sung Sot Cave, one of Halong Bay‘s most captivating natural wonders.

Also known as the ‘Surprise Cave,’ this expansive grotto boasts towering ceilings, intricate stalactites and stalagmites, and a wealth of geological formations that have been sculpted over millennia by the region’s dynamic karst landscape.

As visitors venture deeper into the cave, they’ll discover chamber after chamber, each more awe-inspiring than the last. The sheer scale and beauty of this underground world is truly breathtaking, offering a glimpse into the remarkable natural processes that have shaped Halong Bay over countless centuries.

Seafood Lunch on the Boat

A set-menu seafood lunch is provided on the boat during the cruise, offering travelers a chance to savor the local flavors of Halong Bay. The freshly prepared meal typically consists of an assortment of regional seafood dishes, showcasing the bounty of the surrounding waters.

Diners can expect to enjoy a variety of grilled, steamed, or stir-fried seafood delicacies, accompanied by sides of rice, vegetables, and traditional Vietnamese condiments.

The lunch menu may include:

1. Grilled tiger prawns marinated in garlic and herbs
2. Steamed whole fish with ginger and scallions
3. Stir-fried squid with vegetables
4. A selection of pickled vegetables and dipping sauces

The seafood lunch is a highlight of the Halong Bay tour, providing a true taste of the region’s culinary specialties.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is the Tour Suitable for Children?

The tour is suitable for children. It includes activities like kayaking and hiking that children can participate in, and the roundtrip transportation and seafood lunch are family-friendly. However, the long day trip may be tiring for younger kids.

What Is the Maximum Group Size?

The maximum group size for this tour is not specified. However, it is a day trip that includes transportation, activities, and lunch, so the group size is likely limited to provide a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all participants.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Customers are generally not allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the Halong Bay tour. The package includes a set-menu seafood lunch served on the boat, and outside food and beverages are typically not permitted.

Do I Need to Bring Cash for Additional Expenses?

No, you don’t need to bring cash for additional expenses. The package includes roundtrip transportation, entrance fees, a guide, and a set-menu seafood lunch on the boat. Only optional purchases like souvenirs would require extra cash.

Is There Any Flexibility in the Tour Schedule?

The tour offers some flexibility in the schedule. Participants typically depart Hanoi at 12:00AM and return around 7:30PM-8:00PM, but the specific timing may vary depending on the group’s pace and activity preferences during the day.

Recap

The Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi offers a comprehensive and captivating experience. Travelers can enjoy roundtrip transportation, a boat cruise with diverse activities, and the choice between kayaking or a bamboo boat ride through the Luon Cave.

The tour also includes a hike up Ti Top Island, a visit to the Sung Sot Cave, and a delicious seafood lunch served on the boat, all while taking in the stunning natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.

You can check if your dates are available here: