Hanoi: Halong Bay Cruise With Lunch, Caves, and Kayaking

Exploring the breathtaking landscape of Halong Bay is an essential part of any visit to Northern Vietnam. This day-long cruise from Hanoi’s Old Quarter promises a memorable experience, blending stunning natural beauty with culture. From savoring a Vietnamese lunch on the boat to discovering hidden caves and islands, this tour offers a well-rounded adventure. Whether you’re captivated by the serene waters or eager to try your hand at kayaking, the day holds a delightful surprise around every corner.

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Key Points

Enjoy a 1-day tour of Halong Bay from Hanoi, including a boat cruise, lunch, cave exploration, and optional kayaking.
Pickup and drop-off from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with transportation by coach to and from Halong Bay.
Explore the stunning natural wonder of Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in the bay, with guided insights.
Savor a delectable Vietnamese lunch on board the boat, featuring fresh seafood, meat, and vegetable options.
Opportunity for an additional 1-hour kayaking activity at Luon Cave for an extra fee.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Hanoi: Halong Bay Cruise with Lunch, Caves, and Kayaking tour is priced at £34.76 per person and lasts for 1 day.

It offers free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and the option to reserve now and pay later.

Pickup and drop-off are available from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

The tour includes a boat cruise, lunch, cave exploration, and kayaking, with an additional fee for the kayaking activity.

Travelers can also expect a sunset party with wine overlooking Halong Bay.

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Itinerary and Activities

According to the information provided, the Hanoi: Halong Bay Cruise with Lunch, Caves, and Kayaking tour includes several activities throughout the day.

The tour begins with pickup from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter and a 2.5-hour bus/coach journey to Halong Bay.

Once there, travelers will enjoy a 1.5-hour lunch on board the boat. They’ll then explore Sung Sot Cave, the biggest cave in the bay, for 1 hour.

An optional 1-hour kayaking activity at Luon Cave is available for an additional fee.

The tour concludes with 1 hour of hiking and swimming at Ti Top Island before the 2.5-hour return trip to Hanoi.

Pickup and Transportation

Pickup and drop-off for the Hanoi: Halong Bay Cruise with Lunch, Caves, and Kayaking tour is available from hotels located in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

This convenient option allows travelers to start and end their day-long excursion directly from their accommodation in the historic district.

The tour includes transportation to and from Halong Bay by coach, which takes approximately 2.5 hours each way.

For those staying outside the Old Quarter, an extra fee of 200,000 VND (around $8 USD) per person applies for the bus transfer.

Passengers are advised to provide their hotel’s clear address to ensure a smooth pickup and return.

Lunch and Onboard Experience

During the Halong Bay cruise, passengers can look forward to a delectable Vietnamese lunch served on board.

The 1.5-hour lunch features a variety of local dishes, including fresh seafood, meat, and vegetable options. Travelers can enjoy the scenic views of Halong Bay while savoring the authentic flavors of Vietnamese cuisine.

The onboard experience also includes a sunset party with local fruits, cake, and wine, allowing guests to fully enjoy the beauty and culture of this renowned destination.

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Exploring Sung Sot Cave

As the cruise navigates through the stunning karst landscapes of Halong Bay, passengers are granted the opportunity to explore the magnificent Sung Sot Cave.

Also known as the "Surprising Cave," this massive grotto showcases a breathtaking display of stalagmites and stalactites formed over millions of years.

Guests can wander through the two main chambers, marveling at the intricate rock formations and the light filtering through the cave’s openings.

The experienced tour guide provides insights into the cave’s geological history and unique features, enriching the overall experience of discovering this natural wonder within Halong Bay.

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Kayaking at Luon Cave

Visitors are offered the opportunity to embark on a thrilling kayaking excursion within the captivating Luon Cave.

For an additional fee of 50,000 VND per person, adventurers can paddle through the tranquil waters, navigating the narrow passages and marveling at the dramatic limestone formations.

The kayaking activity lasts approximately one hour, providing ample time to explore the serene and picturesque grotto.

This optional experience allows guests to enjoy the natural beauty of Halong Bay, complementing the other activities included in the full-day tour.

Hiking and Swimming at Ti Top Island

After exploring the Sung Sot Cave, visitors have the opportunity to hike to the top of Ti Top Island for panoramic views of Halong Bay.

The hike takes about an hour and offers stunning vistas of the limestone cliffs and emerald waters.

The hike to the summit of Ti Top Island offers stunning vistas of Halong Bay’s limestone cliffs and emerald waters.

Once at the summit, guests can enjoy a refreshing swim in the bay or relax on the island’s white-sand beach.

The lush greenery and serene atmosphere provide a peaceful contrast to the active exploration earlier in the day.

This stop on the Halong Bay cruise allows travelers to fully enjoy the natural beauty of the region.

Sunset Party and Return to Hanoi

As the day draws to a close, the cruise participants gather on the deck to witness the sunset over the stunning Halong Bay.

The crew serves a selection of local fruits, cake, and wine, creating a festive atmosphere.

The passengers can:

Sip on a glass of wine while taking in the breathtaking scenery.
Mingle with fellow travelers and share their experiences from the day’s activities.
Capture the vibrant colors of the sunset with their cameras before the boat begins the return journey to Hanoi.

The 2.5-hour drive back to the city marks the end of this Halong Bay adventure.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, this tour can be booked for a private group. The tour operator offers private group options, allowing you to customize the experience to suit your group’s needs and preferences.

Is There Wi-Fi Available During the Cruise?

Unfortunately, there’s no mention of Wi-Fi availability during the Halong Bay cruise. The tour details focus on the cruise activities and amenities, but don’t seem to indicate if Wi-Fi is provided on board.

What Types of Dietary Restrictions Can Be Accommodated?

According to the tour details, vegetarian options are available. Specific dietary restrictions can likely be accommodated if requested in advance. Guests should provide any dietary needs when booking the tour.

Is There a Minimum Age Requirement for This Tour?

There is no minimum age requirement for this tour. Children of all ages are welcome to participate, though parental supervision is advised for young kids during the kayaking and hiking activities.

Can I Store My Luggage During the Day Trip?

Unfortunately, the tour information does not specify if luggage storage is available during the day trip. Travelers should check with the tour operator or their hotel about options for storing luggage while participating in the Halong Bay cruise excursion.

The Sum Up

This Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi offers a captivating day filled with natural wonders and cultural experiences. Travelers can expect a scenic bus ride, delightful Vietnamese lunch, exploration of the magnificent Sung Sot Cave, and optional kayaking. With hiking, swimming, and a sunset party, this UNESCO World Heritage site promises an unforgettable adventure for visitors to Vietnam’s northeast.