Cruise among limestone karsts in Ha Long Bay
Experience a scenic cruise through Ha Long Bay's UNESCO-listed seascape of towering limestone karsts and emerald water. Options range from short day cruises to overnight junk-boat stays, combining sightseeing, cave visits, kayaking, swimming and freshly prepared seafood on board. Ideal for photography, nature lovers and anyone who wants a relaxed maritime escape from Hanoi or nearby cities.
Location
Ha Long Bay (including areas around Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, and floating villages), Ha Long, Vietnam
Duration
Options: half-day (2–4 hours), day cruise (4–6 hours), overnight (1–2 nights); typical recommended: 1 night / 2 days for fuller experience.
Best Time to Visit
October to April (cooler, drier) is ideal. March–May and September–November are also pleasant. Avoid peak monsoon months (July–August) for heavy rain and potential storms.
Pricing
- Day cruise (4–6 hours): US$25–60 per person (shared, basic to mid-range).
- Half-day cruise: US$20–40 per person.
- Overnight cruise (1 night): US$80–200 per person depending on boat class and inclusions.
- Premium/Deluxe 2-night cruise: US$200–500+ per person with private cabins and guided activities.
- Private charter: prices vary widely (US$300–1,500+) depending on vessel and season. Prices depend on season, boat quality, meals and included activities.
Activity Type
Coordinates
Highlights
Sailing among thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets
Exploring famous caves such as Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave and Thien Cung
Kayaking or bamboo boat rides through sea caves and lagoons (e.g., Luon Cave)
Swimming at quiet beaches (weather permitting)
Visiting floating fishing villages and learning about local life
Sunset and sunrise views from the sundeck
Fresh seafood and Vietnamese-style meals on board
Overnight on a traditional-style junk or modern cruise ship
Itinerary
Transfer from Hanoi or local pick-up to Tuan Chau / Bai Chay wharf and embarkation.
Allow extra time for hotel pickups; traffic from Hanoi ~2.5–3.5 hours.
Cruise through Ha Long Bay, introductory safety briefing and route overview.
Crew will point out major karsts and photo spots; relax on deck.
Lunch served on board — fresh seafood and Vietnamese dishes.
Vegetarian options usually available if requested in advance.
Shore visit: explore Sung Sot Cave or row to lagoons/visit floating villages; optional kayaking or swimming.
Activities depend on itinerary and weather; swimming suits, water shoes recommended.
Cruise to quieter islets, sunset viewing on deck, evening activities (cooking demo, squid fishing).
Bring a light jacket after sunset; seas can be cooler.
Dinner on board (for overnight cruises), social time and optional night fishing.
Overnight guests stay in private cabins with en-suite or shared facilities.
Optional Tai Chi session on deck, sunrise photography, breakfast.
Early morning light is excellent for photos; gentle exercises offered by many operators.
Final short cruise, visit to a beach or cave, disembark and transfer back to wharf/Hanoi.
Typical arrival back at harbor late morning; return transfer times vary.
Safety Requirements
Wear life jackets during transfers, kayak trips and anytime the crew instructs.
Be aware of motion sickness — bring remedies if prone to seasickness.
Follow crew instructions for boarding, disembarking and on-deck safety.
Check weather and itinerary changes — activities can be canceled in bad weather.
Strong swimmers recommended for independent swimming; use provided safety gear for water activities.
Passengers with serious medical conditions should notify operator in advance and carry necessary medication.
Tips
Book in advance during high season (Oct–Apr) to secure preferred boat and cabin type.
Choose an overnight 1–2 night cruise if you want a relaxed pace and better access to quieter spots.
Bring a photocopy of your passport (required by many operators) and original for check-in.
Pack sunscreen, hat, light rain jacket, swimwear, waterproof phone case and comfortable non-slip shoes.
Carry some Vietnamese đồng (VND) cash for tips, small purchases in floating villages or extra snacks.
Ask about included excursions (kayak, cave entry) so you can bring appropriate gear.
Respect local floating village communities — ask before photographing people and dispose of trash responsibly.
If prone to seasickness, select a larger, more stable modern boat rather than a small junk or wooden vessel.
Tipping: not mandatory but appreciated; guideline ~USD 5–10 per person per day for shared cruises, more for private charters.
