Afternoon Cruise Tours in Halong Bay, Itinerary & Tour Options

Exploring Halong Bay on an afternoon tour is a popular option for visitors. Halong Bay. If you’re planning a trip to this UNESCO World Heritage Site, consider embarking on an afternoon cruise tour. Not only will you have the opportunity to witness a breathtaking sunset over the bay, but you’ll also get to explore its magnificent landscapes and captivating attractions. In this article, we’ll delve into the different types of afternoon Halong Bay cruise tours, their itineraries, and the highlights of each program.

Types of Afternoon Halong Bay Cruise Tours

When it comes to afternoon Halong Bay cruise tours, there are several options to choose from. Whether you prefer a full package tour, purchasing tickets at the harbor, or even renting a private boat, there’s a tour that suits every traveler’s preferences.

The full package tours offer a comprehensive experience, including pick-up transportation, lunch on board, English speaking tour guide, and a boat tour to explore the bay. There are two program options available: the 4-hour program and the 6-hour program.

4-hour cruise tour

• Departs at: Halong International Port or Tuan Chau Marina
• Timing: 12:00 – 16:00
• Price: from 750.000đ/person
• Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-tour-4-hour-cruise/

The 4-hour program departs at 12:00 PM and ends at 4:00 PM. It starts from Halong International Port and takes you on a journey to explore the bay aboard traditional 2-deck wooden or iron boats. The tour highlights include visits to Thien Cung Cave, Ba Hang Fishing Village, Fighting Cocks Island (Hon Ga Choi), and Incense Burner Islet (Hon Dinh Huong). The full package tour price for the 4-hour program starts from 680,000 VND per person.

6-hour cruise tour

• Departs at: Halong International Port or Tuan Chau Marina
• Timing: 12:00 – 18:00
• Price: from 820.000đ/person
• Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/6-hour-halong-bay-cruise-ha-long-city/

For a more relaxed and immersive experience, the 6-hour program is the preferred choice. Departing at 12:00 PM and ending at 6:00 PM, this program offers an extended sightseeing time and includes informative commentary by a tour guide.

The itinerary for the 6-hour program includes visits to Rooster Fighting Island, Amazing Cave (Hang Sung Sot), Luon Cave (Hang Luon), and Titop Island (Dao Titop).

Purchase Tickets at the Harbor

If you prefer a more flexible approach to your afternoon Halong Bay experience, you can choose to visit the harbor and buy tickets for sightseeing and boat tours separately.

However, the ticket only covers the tour program for 4 hours or 6 hours without other services and limited English-speaking staff.  Please note that you need to buy an entrance ticket of 290.000d/person to join the cruise tour.

Private Charter

For those seeking a more exclusive and personalized experience, renting a private boat is an excellent choice.

With a private charter, you have the freedom to design your own itinerary and explore the bay with your group. This option is perfect for families, friends, or couples looking for a unique and intimate Halong Bay experience.

Itineraries for Afternoon Halong Bay Cruise Tours

Now that we have explored the different types of afternoon Halong Bay cruise tours, let’s dive into the detailed itineraries for each program.

4-Hour Cruise Tour Itinerary

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM: Shuttle pick-up from hotels located in the Bai Chay area.

12:15 PM: Arrive at Halong International Port and check in on the boat.

12:30 PM: The journey begins, visiting Halong Bay and nearby attractions such as Incense Burner Islet (Hon Dinh Huong), Rooster Fighting Island (Hon Ga Choi), and more.

2:00 PM: Continue to explore Thien Cung Cave, one of the most beautiful caves in the bay.

3:15 PM: Move to the Ba Hang area, where guests can participate in kayaking or bamboo boat sightseeing.

4:00 PM: Boat docks, concluding the journey.

Please note that the times mentioned in the itinerary are approximate and may vary depending on various factors. The tour guide and tour operator will provide the exact schedule.

6-Hour Cruise Tour Itinerary

11:00 AM – 11:30 AM: Pick-up from your hotel in the Bai Chay area. If you are staying in a different area, please arrive at Halong International Port before 11:45 a.m.

11:40 AM: Transfer to Halong International Port and board the boat.

12:00 PM – 12:15 PM: Departure from the port for the Halong Bay excursion, one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World.

12:30 PM: Enjoy lunch on board with shared dining arrangements.

1:00 PM: Visit Fighting Cocks Island (Hon Ga Choi), an iconic landmark of Quang Ninh tourism.

1:15 PM: Explore Finger Islet (Hon Ngón tay) and Heaven Gate Islet (Hon Thiên Nga Long).

1:45 PM: Discover Amazing Cave (Hang Sung Sot), one of the largest caves in Halong Bay.

2:45 PM: Visit Luon Cave by Kayak or bamboo boat to experience the beauty of Halong Bay on your own.

3:45 PM: Stop at Titop Beach, where you can swim or hike to the top of the hill for panoramic photos of Halong Bay.

4:45 PM: Return to the cruise ship.

5:45 PM – 6:00 PM: Arrive back at Halong International Port.

6:30 PM: Transfer back to your hotel in the Bai Chay area.

Sightseeing Spots in Halong Bay cruise tour

During your afternoon Halong Bay cruise tour, you’ll have the opportunity to visit several prominent sightseeing spots that showcase the beauty and uniqueness of the bay. Let’s explore some of these highlights:

Fighting Cocks Islet

Fighting Cocks Islet, also known as Trống Mái Island, is a captivating island located within the archipelago and caves of Halong Bay. The island gets its name from the rock formations that resemble a pair of fighting roosters. This iconic landmark is often featured in promotional images of Halong Bay and is a must-visit spot for tourists.

Thien Cung Cave

Thien Cung Cave is one of the top tourist attractions in Halong Bay. As you venture deeper into the cave, you’ll be mesmerized by the hundreds of unique and intricately shaped stalactites and stalagmites. The cave also features a skylight opening to the sky, which creates a dazzling brilliance when the sun shines, leaving visitors truly enchanted.

Ba Hang Area

Ba Hang Village offers a unique cultural experience for visitors. This former fishing community allows you to learn about the traditional way of life in Halong Bay. You can also engage in activities such as kayaking and exploring the picturesque natural scenery surrounding the village.

Titop Island

Titop Island is another must-visit destination during your Halong Bay journey. This island offers a range of attractions, including Titop Beach, Titop Stream, and the Love Tower. Whether you want to relax on the beach, take a refreshing swim, or hike to the top of the hill for panoramic views of Halong Bay, Titop Island has something for everyone.

Amazing Cave

Just like its name suggests, Amazing Cave is a stunning natural wonder in Halong Bay. This cave is known for its captivating rock formations that nature has shaped over time. It is also associated with the legendary tale of Thanh Giong, a Vietnamese mythical hero. Inside the cave, you’ll find small ponds believed to be formed by the hoofprints of Thanh Giong’s heroic horse.

Luon Cave

Last but not least, Luon Cave is a significant stop on the afternoon Halong Bay tour. This cave is famous for a small river that runs through the bay area, providing opportunities for kayaking and bamboo boat rides. The cave is surrounded by limestone hills with whimsical rock formations, making it a perfect spot for capturing memorable photos.

Embarking on an afternoon Halong Bay cruise tour is an unforgettable experience that allows you to explore the breathtaking beauty. Whether you choose the 4-hour cruise, the 6-hour cruise, or even opt for a private charter, you’ll have the opportunity to witness stunning landscapes, and visit prominent sightseeing spots on Halong Bay.