Halong bay one day tour – Suggested Itineraries & Price [2013]

Halong Bay one-day tour is a must-do experience in Vietnam. With only 2.5 hours transfer from Hanoi, you can visit Halong Bay on a day boat and back to Hanoi within 1 day. This one-day tour is a perfect option for travellers who have limited but still want to discover the stunning beauty of the World Natural Heritage Site. 

In this article, Vivu Halong will help you choose the best itinerary (4 hours, 6 hours, 8 hours) with suitable cruising boat options (wooden boats, steel boats) at good prices. You also get to know which activities you will experience in a Halong Bay one-day tour.

> For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/ WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888 / +84 961 250 100

Vivu Halong is the #1 local travel agency specializing in tours, cruises, and transfers in Hanoi, Halong Bay, and Ninh Binh, contact us to plan your trip!

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Price of Halong Bay one-day tour 

Halong Bay one-day tour is a group tour with a transfer from Hanoi, lunch, entrance fee and activities. The private tour is also available based on your request.  Here is the price list for the tour, please contact us for the best price and tour available when booking.

Inclusions & Exclusions 

• Lunch with Ha Long seafood dishes with a set menu or buffet depending on the tour.
• Shuttle bus / Limousine van from Hanoi to Ha Long
• Boat to visit the bay (4 hours – 6 hours – 8 hours), depending on the schedule you choose.
• Entrance ticket to visit Halong Bay for 1 day (VND 290,000/person)
• Tour guide to escort your trip 
• Not including drinks and personal expenses.

>> In case, you need a shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, check out this post for the schedule and rate:https://vivuhalong.com/en/transfer-hanoi-ha-long-bay/

Price of hiring a private boat

For a private tour option, you can rent a private boat to explore the bay by yourself, the boat led by a local captain and staff.

Price applied for traditional boat, group max of 48 passengers. The tour does not include meals, kayaking an entrance ticket…

Which Halong Bay one day itinerary to choose? 

6-hour cruise  with transfer from Hanoi

This 6-hour tour is the most popular Halong Bay one-day tour, with a shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi. In this tour, you will visit Amazing (Sung Sot) Cave, the largest cave in Halong Bay, kayak in Luon Cave then get to Titop island for beach relaxing and hiking to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of Halong Bay. 

• The tour starts at 8:30 am with shuttle bus pick up at your hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter and ends at 08:30 pm
• Cruise from 12:00 pm to 5:30 pm, 5 – 6 hours boat cruising on Halong Bay 
• Itinerary following Route 2: Habour –  Surprise Cave – Luon Cave (kayaking) – Titop Island (beach & panoramic view) 
• Vietnamese lunch included
• Departure from Ha Long International Port or Tuan Chau International Port

Detailed Itinerary 

• 08:45 – 09: 15: The shuttle bus and tour guide pick you up from the hotel in Hanoi Old Quater to Halong Bay.
• 12:15 Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, welcome aboard, and safety briefing. Start the 6-hour journey to explore Halong Bay, passing through thousands of limestone islets, including Cock Fighting and Thumb, while enjoying mouth-watering Vietnamese lunch on the boat.
• 13:45  Arrive at Bo Hon archipelago, tour guide escorts you to visit Surprising (Sung Sot) Cave to see a lot of stalagmites and stalactites with different shapes of rock formation, then go kayaking or bamboo boat rowing in Luon Cave to discover a beautiful lagoon. Visit Titov Island, relax on the sandy beach or climb up to Titov Island peak for a panoramic view of the Bay.
• 16:30 – Return to the boat for Afternoon Tea and cruise back toward Tuan Chau Harbour. There is a lot of time for sunbathing on the upper deck with music and enjoying the great fun of group touring fellows among the world’s iconic natural scenery.
• 17:45 – Disembark and transfer back to Hanoi
• 20:30 – Drop off at your hotel, the trip ends.

> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-one-day-tour-wonder-bay-cruise/ 

For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/ WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888 

7 hour cruise with transfer from Hanoi 

Halong Bay 7 – 8 hour tour is the longest journey to visit the bay during the daytime. You can have a lot of time to visit caves, and beaches, explore the islands and experience kayaking on the calm water of Halong Bay. 

Unlike other tours departing at noon, this tour departs early at 9:30 am, so you will depart from Hanoi at 06:00 am. It means you can have enough time for an 8-hour journey. Travellers can visit tourist attractions and experience no less than an overnight cruise. In the past, visitors used to rent a private boat for such long tours. But now there is such an interesting 8-hour tour to from choose. 

• The tour starts at 06:00 am with shuttle bus pick up at your hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter and ends at 08:30 pm
• Cruise from 09:30 pm to 5:00 pm, 8 hours on the boat to visit the bay
• Itinerary following Route 2: Thien Cung Cave – Fighting cocks Islet – Amazing (Sung Sot) Cave – Titop Island – Afternoon tea 
• Tour includes lunch
• Departure from Tuan Chau International Port

Detailed Itinerary 

• 07:00 – 07:30: Pick up at hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter 
• 10:00 Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina and check in on the cruise.
• 10:30 The boat will take you around the bay to explore the most beautiful islets…such as Human Head, Stone Dog islet, Incense Burner Islet, Hoa Cuong Fishing Village, and Fighting Cock islet which is a symbol of Ha Long Bay. The cruise will stop for 5 minutes for you to take pictures to keep the beautiful moments here. After that, the boat continues to move to Sung Sot cave.
• 11:30  Enjoy a nice BUFFET (< 30 pax) or Set Menu (> 30 pax) lunch will be served with Vietnamese cuisines and fresh seafood while it is cruising to Ha Long Bay.
• 12:30 You will leave the boat and visit Sung Sot ( Surprising) cave which is the most beautiful and the widest cave in Ha Long Bay.
• 14:00 The boat will explore to Hang Luon ( three tunnels) area, a water cave for kayaking, rowing a bamboo boat or just staying on board for relaxing and the boat will move around slowly to sightsee more of the bay. You will discover the area’s tranquillity by kayaking – an indispensable water activity in Ha Long, for those who love challenging themselves or sitting on a bamboo boat, for those who love being gentle and sophisticated, to admire breathtaking scenes. This is the moment you get closer to Ha Long’s nature. If you do not join any of those activities, you can stay on sundeck for relaxing.
• 15:00 You will visit Titop Island, you can conquer Titop’s Peak to admire a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from above. You will go to the white sandy beach to swim.
• 15:45 Come back to the boat and enjoy a Sunset party with coffee and tea assorted homemade pastries, and fresh juices.
• 17:30 Disembarking at the harbour. Finishing Ha Long Bay 8 hours tour.
• 08: 30 Arrive in Hanoi. Trip ends.

> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-cruise-8-hour/

> For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/ WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888 

4-hour day cruise, (depart from Halong city) 

This traditional tour takes you to the most famous spots of Ha Long Bay. 4 hours is a suitable time if you don’t want to be on the boat for too long. The tour is suitable for travellers who stay in hotels in Halong City and want to see Halong Bay on a half-day tour. The tour includes a visit to Thien Cung cave, go kayaking in Ba Hang and a Vietnamese lunch included. 

• The cruise schedule is from 12:30 pm to 4:30 pm in the afternoon, or  from 08:00 to 12:00 in the morning
• 4 hours on the cruising boat to visit the bay.
• Itinerary following Route 2: Habour > Cho Da islet > Dinh Huong islet >  Thien Cung cave > Ba Hang fishing village (kayak or bamboo boat ride)
• Lunch included 
• Departure from HaLong International Port (Ha Long Road, Bai Chay, Halong City) 

Morning tour 

• 07:00 – 07:30: Pick up at your Hotel in the Bai Chay area
• 07:40: Arrive at Ha Long International Port to check in on the boat.
• 08:00 – 08:15: The cruise starts visiting Halong Bay – one of the New Seven Wonder world heritage
• 08:50: Passing through Stone Dog islet, Incense burner Islet – the image in the back side of Vietnam currency 200.000d.
• 09:00: Visit the Ba Hang area – where you can do kayaking or bamboo boat to explore the area.
• 09:50: Visit Fighting Cock Islet – a symbol of Halong Bay
• 10:10: Visit Thien Cung Grottos – one of the most beautiful areas of Halong Bay
• 11:10: Have lunch on the boat (Set Menu lunch,  6 person/table) 
• 11:45-12:10: Back to Ha Long International Port.
• 12:30: Shuttle bus take you back to your hotel in Bai Chay 

Afternoon tour 

• 11h-11h30: Pick up at your hotels in Bai Chay area, Halong City
• 11h40: Arrive at Ha Long International Port.
• 12h00 – 12h15: Ha Binh cruise starts to visit Halong bay – the World Heritage Site
• 12h30: Have lunch on the boat (Set menu lunch,  6 person/table) 
• 13h30: Visit Stone dog islet, Incense burner islet – the image in the Vietnam currency 200.000d
• 13h40:Visit Ba Hang area – where you can do kayaking or bamboo boat or relax on the cruise.
• 14h20: Visit Fighting Cock Islet – a symbol of Halong Bay
• 14h40: Visit Thien Cung grotto – one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay
• 16h30: The cruise arrives at Ha Long International Port
• 17h00: Shuttle bus takes you back to the hotels

> Tour details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/halong-bay-day-tour-4-hour-cruise/

> For booking, please send us an email or contact us via Phone/ WhatsApp: +84.789.455.888 

Which route to choose? 

There would be different routes for visiting Halong Bay in one day, you can choose to visit the route of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Lan Ha Bay. All the routes have similar natural landscapes with limestone islets on green water. However, each cruising route has its own advantage.

Let’s check which route might suit you!

Ha Long Bay route

• Departure: Ha Long International Port & Tuan Chau International Port
• Attractions: Sung Sot Cave, Thien Cung Cave, Trinh Nu Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, etc.
• Time to visit the bay: 4 hours, 6 hours, 7 hours, 8-hour cruise 

This route is the most popular day cruise itinerary when visiting Halong Bay. The tour starts from Halong Port or Tuan Chau Port. Following local authority, the route is named Route 1 and Route 2.

• Route 1 (4-hour cruise): Habour > Stone Dog islet > Ba Hang > > Thien Cung cave
• Route 2 (6-hour cruise): Habour > Stone Dog islet > Fighting Cocks islet > Sung Sot (Amazing) cave > Luon cave > Titov island

*This route has the most beautiful landscape of Halong Bay but it is crowded in the summer when domestic tourists are in high season 

Bai Tu Long Bay route 

• Route to visit Bai Tu Long Bay
• Departure: Ha Long International Port
• Attractions: Thien Canh Son Cave, Vong Vieng fishing village, Cong Do
• Itinerary: 6-hour cruise 

Itinerary (Route 4): Habour > Cong Do area > Thien Canh Son cave > Vung Vieng fishing village.

*This itinerary is less crowded but there are only some boats operating this tour, mainly for foreigners 

Lan Ha Bay  route 

This is a new route for travellers to visit Halong Bay. The tour starts at Tuan Chau Port in Halong city or Beo Pier in Cat Ba island (Hai Phong). The day cruise to Lan Ha Bay will include a trip to visit the cave on a bamboo boat, go kayaking and relax on the beaches. The longer trip might have the cycling to the forests. on Cat Ba island

• Departure: Tuan Chau International Port (Ha Long city) or Ben Beo (Beo Pier)  in Cat Ba island 
• Attraction: Bright Cave, Ao Ech (kayaking), floating village 
• Experience: kayaking, visiting caves, swimming 
• Time to visit the bay: 5 hours, 7 hours, 8 hours

What you would experience in a Halong Bay one-day tour? 

Kayaking

Join a day tour to visit the bay, in addition to boarding the sightseeing boat, you will experience kayaking for about 30 minutes to 1 hour. It is so interesting to explore the different corners of the bay by yourself. Kayaking is the best way to get closer to the limestone islands in the bay. 

Cave visiting

Halong Bay is home to many wonderful natural caves, such as Sung Sot cave, Thien Cung cave, Trinh Nu cave, Thien Canh Son cave… You can climb up the island to go inside the caves. Then you will admire such interesting landscapes bestowed by nature.

Bamboo boat 

 If not kayaking, you can choose to take a bamboo boat carried by locals, and visit Luon cave, and enter the “lagoon” areas with beautiful scenery, covered by limestone mountains. 

Beach, swimming, hiking on mountain 

The beaches on the bay are not very big but beautiful. You can find a nice beach on Titop island and many small beaches dotted in the bay. On the island, you can relax on the beach, swim, or climb to the top of the mountain to see the whole view of Halong Bay, to save the best selfie photos.

Afternoon tea, cooking lessons

This experience is so relaxing that many travellers want to join in. You can use a cup of coffee, a cup of tea, or a glass of wine to wait for the sunset on Halong Bay. It’s not easy to capture this moment so good luck.

Where to depart for the tour? 

Halong International Port 

Halong International Port locates on Halong road, right in the centre of the Bai Chay tourist area, providing easy access for both domestic and international tourists coming to visit Halong Bay on a day cruise. You can visit Halong Bay on a day cruise departing from Ha Long International Port following a morning tour or afternoon tour.

• Direction to Halong International Port

Tuan Chau Marina 

Tuan Chau International Port is located in Tuan Chau island, the port is 12.5km from Ha Long city and 150km from Hanoi. Tuan Chau is a popular port for both domestic and international visitors taking a day cruise on Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay.

• Direction to Tuan Chau Marina

Food & Drinks 

On a day tour to Halong Bay, you will be served a Vietnamese lunch with some local seafood dishes, the set menu lunch will be served for 6 persons/table, joining the group. Some bigger boats will offer a Buffet lunch with more choice of food served. Check out the typical menu for lunch on a Halong Bay day tour. Drinks served with beer, soft drinks, and water… at an extra fee.

Set Menu lunch 

• Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad
• French Fries
• Ha Long Grilled Squid
• Steamed Shrimp With Beer
• Grilled Oyster With Onion Fat
• Sea Bass with Sauces
• Stir-fried Vegetable
• Jasmine Rice
• Seasonal Fruits
• Ice Tea

Vegetarian Lunch Menu 

• Sweet and Sour Cucumber Salad
• French Fries
• Dumpling Cake
• Vegetable Spring Roll
• Tofu with Sweet and Sour Sauce
• Vietnamese Egg Roll
• Seasonal stir-fried vegetable
• Jasmine Rice
• Seasonal Fruits
• Ice Tea

Buffet menu (8-hour day cruise) 

• Asparagus soup with seafood
• Rice congee with pork meatballs
• French fries/ fried corn
• Green Papaya salad with dried beef
• Russian Salad
• Pomelo salad with shrimp
• Spring rolls
• Sushi rolls
• Stir-fried noodles with seafood
•  Sauté diced beef
• Grilled shrimp
• Crispy fried squid
• Stir-fried flower clams with basil leaves
• Grilled fish with chilli paste
• Grilled chicken wings
• Salt-roasted mantis shrimp
• Grilled oysters with scallion oil
• Vegetable stir fry
• Mixed fried rice
• Green beans sweet gruel
• Bread
• Profiteroles
• Cream cake
• Butter
• Strawberry, orange Jam
•  Seasonal fruits
• Pure dumplings
• Pan-fried hot dog

Recommended tour 

La Casta Daily cruise (7- 8 hours) 

• Luxury cruise to visit Halong Bay in one day 
• Departure: Tuan Chau International Port
• Type of cruise: 7-8 hour cruise
• Include Ha Long seafood buffet lunch
• Visit Surprise Cave, the largest cave in Ha Long
• Explore Titop Island, a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay from the top of the mountain
• Kayaking or rowing a bamboo boat at Luon Cave
• Tour price: from 1,900,000 VND/pax

Superior Tour on the traditional wooden boat (4-hour cruise, budget option)

• The journey is 3.5 -4 hours long
• Sightseeing route: route 1 (Ba Hang, Thien Cung Cave)
• Departure from Halong International Port (Sun Port)
• Attractions: Ba Hang, Thien Cung Cave
• Activities: visiting the caves, kayaking
• Group of guests: 30-40 guests
• Tour price: from 680,000 VND/pax

Deluxe Tour (6 hours)

• Time to discover Halong Bay: 6 hours
• Sightseeing route: route 2 (Surprise Cave – Titop Island)
• Travel from Hanoi only 2.5 hours by tourist bus
• Departure from Tuan Chau International Port
• Explore Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most beautiful cave in Halong Bay
• Kayaking or taking a bamboo boat to visit Luon cave
• Explore Titop Island, a panoramic view of Halong Bay
• Tour price: from 990,000 VND/pax

Halong Excursion Luxury cruise (6-hour cruise) 

• 6-hour journey / Route 2
• Newly-built cruise ship, beautiful & modern
• Buffet Lunch included 
• Explore Sung Sot Cave, the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay
• Kayaking / Bamboo boat  in Hang Luon
• Visit Titop Island with beautiful beaches and mountain peaks for a panoramic view of the bay 
• Departure from Tuan Chau International Port
• Price from 1.300.000đ/pax 

Lan Ha Bay day tour (7 hours)

• Boat: Catamaran Cruise / Jade Sails Cruise
• Special cruise on a 7-hour cruise to explore Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay
• Shuttle bus Hanoi – Ha Long, pick up guests at hotels in the Hanoi Old Quarter area
• Only 2 hours by highway from Hanoi to Halong
• Departure from Tuan Chau International Port
• New, modern, and comfortable yacht
• Kayaking in Lan Ha Bay 
• Explore Bright Cave, Dark Cave
• Lunch buffet with traditional Vietnamese dishes
• Cooking demonstration on board.
• Price: from 2.150.000đ/pax 

> Details: https://vivuhalong.com/en/tours/lan-ha-bay-day-tour-7-hour-cruise/

Frequently Asked Questions

Is one day tour enough for Halong Bay?

Yes, it is absolutely an option to admire the natural beauty of Halong Bay within one day (4-8 hours on a boat). The tour could be also arranged with a transfer from Hanoi  (2.5-hour transfer) and back. If you have longer time, the 1 night cruise and 2 night cruise are recommended.

Is Halong Bay a day trip from Hanoi? 

The Halong Bay day tour is the most popular day tour from Hanoi. The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is 150 km for 2.5 hour’s transfer time

How long do you need in Halong Bay?

You should visit Halong Bay for 1 night or 2 nights. A day tour to Halong Bay is an option if you do not have much time here.

Is Halong Bay day trip worth it?

Yes, it definitely worth visiting. The trip takes you to visit most highlights of Halong Bay including a cave, and island and experience kayaking or bamboo boat rowing…

Can you swim in Halong Bay?

Yes, swimming is an exciting activity when visiting Halong Bay. The water is calm and clean. You might swim from a small beach or in the middle of the bay. In winter (Nov – Feb), it is too cold for swimming.

What is the best month to visit Halong Bay?

April – Sept is the best time to visit Halong Bay, it is the summertime, with blue water & clear sky.

Is Halong Bay too busy?

Halong Bay is a must-visit so it attracts a lot of visitors during the year. However, the busiest time is in summer month (the peak season for domestic tourists)

How do I book a Halong Bay cruise?

You can book through travel agents, tour operators, and OTAs or book directly with cruise operators. Just check for the best price and trusted service provider 

Are there jellyfish in Halong Bay?

Yes, there are jellyfish in Halong Bay and it could be more jellyfish in the summer month.

With the above information provided by Vivu Halong, hopefully, you have enough information to choose a suitable day tour to visit Halong Bay. If you have any questions or need further advice, do not hesitate to contact Vivu Halong.