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

Hanoi’s iconic Halong Bay is a world-renowned natural wonder, and a day cruise through its serene waters is a must-do activity for any visitor to Vietnam. At just $49 per person, this comprehensive tour offers a chance to experience the bay’s breathtaking karst landscapes, explore its picturesque caves, and even try your hand at kayaking or bamboo boating. With convenient hotel pickup and a delectable seafood lunch included, it’s an adventure that ticks all the boxes.

Key Points

• The Halong Bay cruise tour includes a Vietnamese seafood lunch, visits to Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave for kayaking or bamboo boat rides, and a stop at Titop Island.
• The tour is priced from $49.00 per person, with a $8 additional fee for bus transfer back to Hanoi, and has a duration of 1 day with free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance.
• The tour includes hotel pickup, an experienced guide, entry fees, and a sunset party with wine, cake, and fresh fruit.
• Vegetarian options are available, and it is recommended to bring a passport, comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, cash, and weather-appropriate attire.
• The tour typically departs from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, with a scenic 2-hour bus ride to Tuan Chau Island where the boat awaits.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The Halong Bay Cruise tour offers a comprehensive day trip from Hanoi, priced from $49.00 per person.

The tour lasts 1 day and includes free cancellation up to 24 hours in advance. Guests can secure their spot with no upfront payment, paying later.

The itinerary covers key highlights like visiting Sung Sot Cave, kayaking or rowing a bamboo boat at Luon Cave, and exploring Titop Island.

Lunch, entry fees, and a sunset party with wine are included.

Pickups are available from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. An additional $8 fee applies for the bus transfer back to Hanoi.

Itinerary and Activities

The Halong Bay Cruise tour begins with pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter or a central meeting point.

Travelers then journey to Tuan Chau Island, where they’ll enjoy a Vietnamese seafood lunch on board the boat.

The itinerary includes:

1. Exploring the Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay.

2. Kayaking or rowing a traditional bamboo boat through the Luon Cave.

3. Visiting and swimming at Titop Island, with the opportunity to trek to the top for panoramic views.

After the activities, the tour concludes with a sunset party featuring wine, cake, and fresh fruit before the return trip to Hanoi.

Highlights and Experiences

One of the highlights of the Halong Bay Cruise tour is the opportunity to kayak inside Luon Grotto or row a traditional bamboo boat. Guests can also trek to the top of Titop Island for panoramic views of the stunning bay. Plus, the tour includes exploring the interior of Sung Sot Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay. Lastly, guests can enjoy a sunset party with fresh fruit, cake, and wine while watching the sun dip below the horizon.

| Experience | Duration | Highlights |

| — | — | — |

| Kayaking or Bamboo Boat | 1 hour | Explore Luon Grotto |

| Titop Island Trek | 1 hour | Panoramic bay views |

| Sung Sot Cave Exploration | 1 hour | Largest cave in Halong Bay |

| Sunset Party | – | Wine, cake, fresh fruit |

Inclusions and Exclusions

As part of the Halong Bay Cruise tour, the package includes a hotel pickup from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, an experienced tour guide, all entry fees, the boat tour, a Vietnamese seafood lunch, a bottle of water, kayaking or a bamboo boat ride, and a sunset party with red wine, tea, cake, and French fries.

However, there are some exclusions:

1. An additional $10 per person charge for Christmas, New Year, and Lunar Tet holiday periods.

2. Drinks orders beyond the included items.

3. Tips for the tour guide and staff.

Travelers should also be aware that the tour isn’t suitable for those over 95 years old.

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Important Information and Recommendations

Passport, comfortable shoes, a change of clothes, cash, and weather-appropriate attire are recommended items to bring on the Halong Bay Cruise tour.

The tour isn’t suitable for people over 95 years old. Pickup and drop-off are only from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, so provide a clear address if staying at an Airbnb or private accommodation.

Vegetarian options are available. Wear or bring slippers for kayaking, and consider packing an extra set of clothes in case you get wet during the tour.

Vegetarian options are available. Wear or bring slippers for kayaking, and consider packing an extra set of clothes in case you get wet.

This 1-day cruise offers a memorable experience exploring Halong Bay’s natural wonders.

Getting to Halong Bay

To get to Halong Bay, visitors typically depart from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. The journey takes approximately 2 hours by bus or private transfer.

Some key considerations for getting to Halong Bay include:

1. Transportation: Travelers can opt for a shuttle bus, private car, or even a seaplane to reach Halong Bay.

2. Departure point: Most tours depart from Hanoi’s Old Quarter, although some may offer pickups from other central locations.

3. Timing: Visitors should plan to arrive at Halong Bay in the morning to maximize their time on the water and enjoy the stunning scenery.

What to Expect on the Cruise

What can one expect on the Halong Bay cruise? The full-day excursion begins with a scenic bus ride from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Island, where the boat awaits. Onboard, guests will enjoy a Vietnamese seafood lunch as the boat navigates the magnificent limestone islands and pristine waters of Halong Bay. After lunch, the group will explore the Sung Sot Cave, the largest in the area, then have the opportunity to kayak or row a bamboo boat within the Luon Cave. The day concludes with a visit to Titop Island and a sunset party before the return to Hanoi.

| Activity | Duration |

| — | — |

| Lunch on Board | 1 hour |

| Sung Sot Cave Exploration | 1 hour |

| Kayaking/Bamboo Boat | 1 hour |

| Titop Island Visit | 1 hour |

| Sunset Party | – |

Exploring the Natural Wonders of Halong Bay

Although Halong Bay is renowned for its captivating natural scenery, the true wonder lies in the opportunity to explore its hidden gems.

Halong Bay’s true wonder lies in exploring its hidden gems beyond its captivating natural scenery.

On this cruise, guests can:

1. Venture into the massive Sung Sot Cave, where they’ll discover a cathedral-like interior and witness dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.

2. Paddle a kayak or row a traditional bamboo boat through the serene Luon Cave, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs.

3. Hike to the top of Titop Island for panoramic views of the bay’s iconic islands and emerald waters.

These experiences offer a chance to take in Halong Bay’s breathtaking natural beauty.

Frequently Asked Questions

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

Passengers can bring their own food and drinks on the cruise, but the tour operator provides a complimentary Vietnamese seafood lunch and sunset party with drinks. Outside food and beverages may be subject to an additional fee.

Is There Wi-Fi Available on the Boat?

There’s no mention of Wi-Fi availability on the boat in the provided information. It’s best to assume there’s no Wi-Fi and plan accordingly. Guests should come prepared with alternative entertainment or communication methods during the cruise.

Can I Cancel the Tour After the 24-Hour Window?

No, the tour does not allow cancellations after the 24-hour window. The policy states that cancellations must be made up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund. Beyond that period, the tour is non-refundable.

Are There Any Age Restrictions for Children?

The tour is not suitable for people over 95 years old, but there are no explicit age restrictions for children. Families with young children can participate, though parents should consider the boat ride and activities when deciding if it’s appropriate.

Can I Book the Tour for a Private Group?

Yes, you can book this tour for a private group. The tour operator offers private group options, allowing you to customize the experience and enjoy the cruise with just your party.

The Sum Up

Experience the breathtaking beauty of Halong Bay on a day cruise from Hanoi. For just $49 per person, you’ll enjoy a delicious Vietnamese seafood lunch, visit stunning caves, and have the chance to kayak or take a bamboo boat ride. With convenient hotel pickup, free cancellation, and an array of natural wonders, this adventure is not to be missed.

You can check availability for your dates here: