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

Hanoi’s Halong Bay tour offers an unparalleled opportunity to explore the natural wonders of Vietnam. For just $44 per person, travelers can embark on a roundtrip journey that showcases the bay’s breathtaking rock formations, the captivating Sung Sot Cave, and the chance to try kayaking. With a 5-hour boat cruise, a delectable seafood lunch, and a knowledgeable guide, this tour promises an unforgettable experience. However, the real question is whether the tour lives up to the hype…

Key Points

• Roundtrip tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay including a 5-hour boat cruise with activities such as kayaking and exploring iconic rock formations and caves.
• Set-menu seafood lunch provided during the cruise, with round-trip transportation by shuttle bus if selected.
• Tour guide, admission fees, and choice of bamboo boat or kayaking included in the package priced from $44 per person.
• Full refund available for cancellations up to 24 hours in advance, with no upfront payment required.
• Highly rated tour with an overall score of 4.6 out of 5 based on 432 reviews, praised for knowledgeable guides, excellent planning, and great value for money.

You can check availability for your dates here:

Tour Overview and Pricing

The roundtrip Halong Bay tour offers a full-day experience exploring the stunning natural landscapes of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

Priced from $44 per person, the tour includes a 2.5-hour bus ride from Hanoi, a 5-hour boat cruise, and activities like kayaking and hiking.

Guests can cancel up to 24 hours in advance for a full refund, and they don’t need to pay upfront.

The tour covers transportation, boat ride, lunch, guide, and admission fees.

Exclusions include drinks, tips, and a $8 surcharge during Lunar New Year.

Itinerary and Experience

After pickup from their hotel in Hanoi, guests depart for Halong Bay via a 2.5-hour bus ride.

The boat cruise includes 5 hours of exploring Halong Bay, where they can:

1. Visit iconic rock formations like Dog Rock, Incense Burner, and Fighting Chicken Rock.

2. Explore the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the region.

3. Enjoy kayaking in Luon Cave and hiking to the top of Ti Top peak for panoramic views.

A set-menu seafood lunch is served during the cruise.

Guests return to Tuan Chau Port around 6:00 PM, arriving back in Hanoi between 7:30 PM – 8:00 PM.

Inclusions

The tour includes round-trip transportation by shuttle bus from Hanoi’s Old Quarter to Halong Bay, if that option is selected. The boat cruise provides 5 hours of exploration in Halong Bay, and a set-menu seafood lunch is served during the cruise. Plus, the tour includes a guide, Halong Bay and Tuan Chau admission fees, and a choice of either a bamboo boat or kayaking.

| Inclusions | Exclusions |

| — | — |

| Return transportation (if selected) | Drinks |

| Boat cruise | Personal expenses |

| Lunch | Tips |

| Guide | Surcharge during Lunar New Year |

| Admission fees | |

| Bamboo boat or kayaking | |

Exclusions

While the tour includes an array of offerings, it excludes certain expenses. Specifically, the tour doesn’t cover:

1. Drinks during the cruise

2. Any personal expenses incurred by the traveler

3. Gratuities for the guide and crew

Plus, there’s a surcharge of $8 per person during the Lunar New Year period from January 28 to February 02, 2025.

Travelers should ensure they’ve sufficient cash on hand to cover these excluded costs and any additional expenses they may incur during the trip.

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Recommendations

To make the most of the Halong Bay tour, travelers should bring a few essential items. Comfortable shoes are a must for hiking and exploring the caves.

Sunglasses and sunscreen protect against the bright sun, while a towel comes in handy after kayaking. Insect repellent helps ward off bugs.

It’s also wise to bring some cash for any personal expenses on the boat. The weather can be unpredictable, so layering with warm clothes is recommended during the cooler months from December to March.

Customer Reviews and Ratings

Travelers have overwhelmingly praised the Halong Bay tour, with an impressive overall rating of 4.6 out of 5 based on 432 reviews.

Highlights include:

1. The knowledgeable guide who provided "interesting information" and "excellent planning" for the well-organized activities.

2. The fantastic value for money, with one reviewer describing it as a "great fun" experience.

3. The seamless transportation, with the shuttle bus service and timely departures and arrivals receiving a 4.6/5 rating.

Pickup and Transportation

The tour includes roundtrip transportation by shuttle bus from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, if that option is selected.

The bus ride to Halong Bay takes approximately 2.5 hours. Upon arrival at the port, guests board a boat for a 5-hour cruise exploring the bay’s highlights.

The boat trip features visits to iconic landmarks like Dog Rock, Incense Burner, and Fighting Chicken Rock, as well as a stop at the picturesque Sung Sot Cave.

Activities like kayaking and hiking Ti Top Peak are also included. At the end of the day, the group returns to Tuan Chau Port and transfers back to Hanoi, arriving between 7:30 PM and 8:00 PM.

Cruise Highlights

During the 5-hour boat cruise, guests will explore Halong Bay’s highlights, including popular landmarks like Dog Rock, Incense Burner, and Fighting Chicken Rock.

The journey also includes a visit to Sung Sot Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the area. Guests can look forward to:

1. Kayaking through the serene Luon Cave.

2. Hiking to the top of Ti Top peak for panoramic views of Halong Bay.

3. Enjoying a set-menu seafood lunch served during the cruise.

The day concludes with a return to Tuan Chau Port around 6:00 PM, followed by the transfer back to Hanoi.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Life Jackets Provided During the Cruise?

Yes, life jackets are provided during the cruise. The tour company ensures all safety equipment, including life jackets, are available and mandatory for participants throughout the Halong Bay boat trip.

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

Passengers are allowed to bring their own food and drinks on the boat. However, it’s recommended to take advantage of the set-menu seafood lunch included in the tour package for a more complete and enjoyable experience.

Is the Cruise Suitable for Children?

Yes, the cruise is suitable for children. The itinerary includes activities like kayaking and hiking, which can be enjoyed by families. Children’s life jackets are provided, and the set-menu lunch caters to different dietary needs.

Is There an Option to Extend the Duration of the Cruise?

Yes, there is an option to extend the duration of the cruise. Customers can upgrade to a full-day tour that includes more time exploring Halong Bay’s caves, islands, and activities like kayaking.

Can I Book a Private Tour Instead of a Group Tour?

Yes, you can book a private tour instead of a group tour. Many tour providers offer private Halong Bay tours, which allow you to personalize the itinerary and enjoy a more exclusive experience.

The Sum Up

This roundtrip tour from Hanoi to Halong Bay offers an exceptional value at just $44 per person. Travelers can enjoy the breathtaking natural beauty of the bay, explore the Sung Sot Cave, and enjoy kayaking and a seafood lunch, all with the guidance of a knowledgeable tour guide. With positive reviews highlighting the tour’s excellent organization, it’s an opportunity not to be missed for anyone visiting Vietnam.

You can check availability for your dates here: