Halong Bay Day Cruises: Compare Routes, Times and Prices

See Ha Long Bay in a day, with a cruise that fits your schedule. Choose a four-hour introduction, a classic six-hour sightseeing trip, or a longer journey with more time for kayaking, beaches and lunch. Cruises depart from Ha Long International Cruise Port, Tuan Chau Marina or Cat Ba, depending on the route.

Compare the options below by bay, time on the water, departure point and starting price. Our local team can check the latest sailing time and availability for your date.

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Which day cruise is right for you?

• Short on time: A four-hour Ha Long Bay trip suits a late arrival or a cruise-ship port call. Check that boarding and return times fit your schedule.
• First visit: A six-hour route offers more time for well-known sights such as Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Titop Island. Exact stops vary by operator.
• Quieter scenery: Choose La Muse for Bai Tu Long Bay, a small-group six-hour trip through a less visited area.
• Kayaking and Cat Ba: Compare Tropical, Catamaran, Jade Sails and Serenity Grandeur for Lan Ha Bay. Activities and boarding points differ.
• More facilities on board: Ambassador and Sea Octopus President are large ships with spacious dining and sundeck areas. Ask us which sailing works best for your date.

Compare Halong Bay day cruises

Starting prices are per person in VND, based on the product pages checked in October 2026. Child rates and package terms vary. Sailing times, inclusions and final prices vary by date; ask us to confirm before booking. “Ask us” means the published product page does not show a current price.

Choose a 4, 6 or 7–8 hour day cruise

Four hours gives you a compact look at the limestone islands and selected stops. Six hours is a popular choice for first-time visitors who want time for a cave and a water activity. Seven to eight hours gives you a slower day, often with more time for lunch, kayaking or a beach stop. The exact route matters more than the hour count, so check each cruise itinerary.

If you start in Hanoi, allow about 2.5–3 hours each way by road in addition to the cruise and boarding time. A full day out can take 12 hours or more.

Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay?

• Ha Long Bay: Choose this for the classic sights, including Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island on routes that include them. It has the widest range of boats and departure times.
• Bai Tu Long Bay: A good fit if you prefer a quieter route. La Muse visits Thien Canh Son Cave and offers kayaking around Hon Co on its published itinerary.
• Lan Ha Bay: Choose this for kayaking, lagoons, beaches and Cat Ba scenery. Check whether your trip boards at Tuan Chau or Cat Ba.

Boat size and departure port

A smaller boat can feel more personal, while larger ships offer more deck space, dining areas and facilities. For example, Wego carries 48 guests; Iris and Apollo advertise 99; Sea Octopus President advertises 400; Ambassador advertises up to 500. Capacity is not the same as the number of guests on your sailing.

Most listed cruises board at Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay or Tuan Chau Marina. The ports are separate, so confirm your terminal before arranging a transfer. Boarding and return times can change with the operator, season and weather; we will confirm the exact schedule when you enquire.

What is included in the price?

Many day cruises include the boat trip, lunch, sightseeing fees and a guide. Kayaking, bamboo boats and beach stops depend on the route and package. Drinks, tips and Hanoi transfers are commonly extra. Check the inclusion list on your chosen cruise page and ask us to confirm any activity that matters to you.

Book your day cruise with a local team

Tell us your travel date, number of guests, where you are staying and whether you prefer famous sights, quieter water or more time for activities. Vivu Halong will compare suitable sailings, confirm the departure port and total price, and help you arrange a transfer if needed.

Ask us on WhatsApp: +84 789 455 888

Halong Bay day cruise FAQs

What is the best Halong Bay day cruise?

For a first visit, a six-hour Ha Long Bay cruise is a practical choice. Choose Bai Tu Long Bay for a quieter route, or Lan Ha Bay if kayaking and Cat Ba scenery matter most. The best boat also depends on your date, departure point and budget.

How much does a Halong Bay day cruise cost?

The options above start at 770,000 VND per adult for a four-hour trip. Many six- and seven-hour cruises are listed from 800,000 to 1,500,000 VND; premium options cost more. Prices can change by date, and a Hanoi transfer may be extra.

Is a four-hour or six-hour cruise enough?

Four hours works when your time is limited. Six hours leaves more room for sightseeing and an activity, making it a better fit for most first-time visitors.

Can I take a day cruise from Hanoi?

Yes. Allow roughly 2.5–3 hours of road travel each way, plus boarding and the cruise. Ask us to add a shuttle or private car if needed.

Which route is least crowded?

Bai Tu Long Bay generally has fewer sightseeing boats than the central Ha Long Bay route. Crowds also depend on the season, day and departure time.

Where do day cruises depart from?

Common departure points are Ha Long International Cruise Port in Bai Chay and Tuan Chau Marina. Some Lan Ha Bay trips board from Cat Ba. Always use the port named in your booking confirmation.

Are entrance fees and kayaking included?

Inclusions vary by cruise and package. Many include sightseeing fees and lunch, while kayaking or a bamboo boat may be included or charged separately. We can confirm the full list before you pay.

Is a day cruise suitable for children or older travellers?

Many are. Some cave visits involve steps and small boats require boarding care. Tell us about mobility needs or children’s ages so we can suggest a suitable itinerary.

Can I request vegetarian or halal food?

Request any dietary needs when booking so the operator can confirm what it can prepare. Ask our team about suitable options.

What happens if bad weather stops the cruise?

The port authority may suspend sailings when conditions are unsafe. If that happens, contact our team for the date-change or refund options that apply to your booking.

Can I swim on a day cruise?

Only when the itinerary includes a suitable beach stop and conditions allow it. Check the exact route if swimming is important to you.