Halong Bay Day Cruise: Top-Rated Itineraries & Insider Tips

Halong Bay Cruise

Cruise packages have been considered the ultimate travel goal for international and local elite visiting Halong City. However, for travelers with limited time or budget, a Halong Bay one-day tour is a better and more affordable alternative. It paves the way for a thorough dive into the bay’s most selective tourist destinations while still keeping expenses within the lines. The following guidelines will discuss the essentials to keep in mind when booking a Halong Bay day trip, including available tour packages, destinations to visit, and more.

Best Halong Bay day cruises

Paradise Explorer and Paradise Delight from Paradise Vietnam Group are among the best day tour options around Halong Bay. 

The Paradise Explorer does not disappoint for a one-day Halong Bay cruise

Paradise Delight
 

Paradise Delight, a floating restaurant super cruise, stands as the largest restaurant cruise on Ha Long Bay. With four decks and a capacity of up to 360 guests, it features infinity glass walls that offer spectacular panoramic views of the entire bay. Paradise Delight is the most anticipated masterpiece for a resort stay in Halong Bay.

The cruise has outstanding features such as:

• Live Music

• Most extensive drink lists with premium wines and cocktails
• Finest seafood buffet in town
• 04 decks with 02 different restaurants
• The spacious Girasol sundeck & large terrace
• State-of-the-art meeting and event facilities
• The exclusive spectacle

Coming to Paradise Delight Cruise, besides enjoying the quintessential cuisine, you will be utterly amazed by the unprecedented cruise that brings together famous landscapes in the world nature heritage region.

Paradise Explorer

Paradise Explorer is the most luxurious wooden cruise in Ha Long Bay. Distinguished by its exquisite Asian-European fusion menu, it caters to every discerning palate. The cruise includes amenities such as an indulgent spa, an innovative sundeck, a jacuzzi, butler service, room service, the finest cuisine menu, and a cinema by the sea.

By joining the trip, besides enjoying a hearty lunch and freely capturing impressive photos on Paradise Explorer, you can also take in the famous landscapes of Trong Mai islet and Titov Island to see the panorama of the bay.

A Halong Bay 1-day tour is convenient and cost-effective

Day cruise in Halong Bay: Top day tour itineraries

Below are some of Halong’s popular day tour options for tight-budget travelers. Remember that these schedules are still subject to changes depending on the actual weather, safety conditions, and decisions from Halong Bay Management Boards.

Top Halong Bay day trip itineraries

1. 4-hour day itinerary (departure from Halong City)

Despite its short length, a 4-hour Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi will work well for ambitious travelers who want to balance adventures and time limits. The cruise’s itinerary includes visits to some of the most classic sites, such as Ba Hang Village and Thien Cung Cave. Embarking on the Paradise Delight dining cruise from Paradise Vietnam, you can:

• Start your voyage from 9.30 a.m. to 2.00 p.m or 5 p.m to 10 p.m.
• Once getting off the port, the cruise will travel through Thien Cung, Dau Go Cave, the Reu island - the mini Dubai in Halong, Hang Dinh islets, Vung Oan, and Hang Ma. All are enough to take a glimpse into the charm of Halong Bay.
• Beside a refreshing welcome drink, a canapé party with cocktails or wine is ready to serve during the Halong Bay 1 day tour, allowing you to indulge in delightful refreshments while taking in the beauty of the landmarks in the bay.
• For lunch, you can either indulge in a diverse buffet feast with over 100 dishes on the 1st floor or savor the fine-dining set menu from world-class chefs on the 2nd floor.
• An exclusive spectacle show with cutting-edge equipment (large 3D screen, high-quality sound and lighting) also offers a visual feast so that you can fully pamper yourself onboard.

This day cruise is a perfect venue for conferences, meetings, seminars, gala dinners, incentive tours, or even weddings to make your events even more memorable.

Explore Thien Cung Cave during your Halong Bay cruise tour

2. 6-hour journey with transfer from Hanoi

This package is one of the most common options due to the inclusion of Hanoi-departing bus transfers. Passengers also have the chance to:

• Engage in hours-long kayaking sessions across Luon Cave (you can still opt for a local bamboo boat, if desired, to get to the mouth of the cave)
• Dive into the magnificent internals of Surprise/Sung Sot Cave (Halong’s biggest cave to date)
• Embark on a captivating Halong Bay cruise tour that includes hiking on Titop Island and leisurely lounging around the beach. 
• Climb to the mountain peak for the best panoramic views of the bay.

The trip from Hanoi will last about 2.5 to 3 hours, starting early at the Old Quarter after all passengers have been picked up. After a 6-hour cruise till late afternoon, cruisers get onto the tour bus to return to Hanoi and arrive at their hotels at exactly 8.30 p.m.

Read More: Halong Bay Half-Day Cruise - Discover the Beauty in 4 Hours

Kayaking is included in Halong Bay full day boat cruise

3. 7-hour cruise with transfer from Hanoi

One of the longest tour options, this package offers ample opportunities to relax on serene beaches, kayak on the waters, row a bamboo boat, and explore the stunning caves and islands.

• The bus transfer sets off early at 6 a.m. to ensure passengers can begin their sightseeing trips at 9.30 a.m.
• From 9.30 a.m. to 5 p.m., the boat rides will bring you past the bay’s iconic destinations and onboard activities in the following order: Thien Cung Caves - Cock Fighting Islets - Sung Sot/Surprise Cave - Titop Island - Tea Break in The Afternoon - Cooking Class. Lunch and bamboo boat rowing are also included.
• Passengers leave Halong and arrive in their Hanoi hotels at 8.30 p.m.

You can enjoy a cooking class in Halong Bay full day boat cruise

General Note: Between every stop is the sumptuous cuisine feast served 24/7 onboard; passengers may break from their water-based activities to return here anytime for a quick energy boost. The cruise also organizes a special Happy Hour (buy 1 get 1) session and light canape European-style sunset party - a great opportunity to sit down, unwind, or make friends with other cruisers during the last hours of the amazing trip.

On another note, the spacious deck is a must for photography and nature enthusiasts. As the sun sets, all the islands and islets glow brilliantly, creating a breathtaking scene that guarantees stunning photos to impress your loved ones at home.

Places worth visiting on a 1-day Ha Long Bay cruise tour

A 1-day Ha Long Bay cruise tour is a perfect way to experience the natural beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Here are some places should to visit on your tour:

Sung Sot Cave

Sung Sot/Surprise Cave impresses all visitors with its majestic rock shapes and gigantic, spectacularly illuminated chambers. Situated on Bo Hon Island, Sung Sot Cave beckons travelers to climb up long stairs before entering the cave mouth. From here, you may either stop for a few minutes to capture the bay’s marvelous views or head straight inside toward the cavernous interior. 

Read more: Plan Your Perfect Halong Bay Itinerary - Explore the Best Sights

Sung Sot Cave - Interaries in Halong Bay day tours

Bai Tu Long Bay

Due to the considerable distance between Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay, the latter doesn't experience as many tourist crowds, making it an ideal choice for those seeking an off-the-beaten-path experience. The bay boasts secluded villages open for exploration, stunning beaches, and impressive caves, providing ample opportunities for hiking, snorkeling, or rock climbing. Taking leisurely tours around these parts of the land will be a memorable experience for nature lovers.

Bai Tu Long Bay is a spectacular natural wonder that should not be missed

Cannon Fort (on Cat Ba Island)

Cannon Fort (the southern part of Cat Ba Island, northern Vietnam) is a must-see destination if you wish to admire the island from a higher viewpoint. From the forts, you can see jungle-covered islands and hills dotting the crystal, twinkling water down to the horizon, coupled with fishing boats and little villages to manifest stunning scenery.

Don't miss the opportunity to explore the underground tunnels beneath the forts. The museums also feature an intriguing exhibition collection that houses numerous important documents detailing the fort's long history. The soldier-like toy mannequins stationed at the gun emplacements will vividly depict how these forts were utilized by both Vietnamese and French troops.

Read More: Paradise Elegance - Experience Halong Bay Cruise 2 days 1 night

Thien Cung Cave

An arm away from Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung Cave easily outperforms its neighbors with spectacular stalagmites and stalactites. To reach the cave, travelers have to walk across a small path rowed by thick jungle until the entrance peaks out. 

Inside the cave, the tumbling and twisting rock shapes look otherworldly - as expected of a place rumored to be the home of the Vietnamese’s dragon king. And from the cave mouth, fantastic bay views lie ahead, ready to take your breath away.

Lan Ha Bay

Lying off Cat Ba's east/south coasts, Lan Ha Bay definitely rivals Halong with its gorgeous natural beauty - and even surpasses the latter in terms of solitude and quietness.

Spanning 300 islets and islands, Lan Ha Bay boasts pristine white sandy beaches, various floating villages, and a plethora of water-based activities. Visitors to Lan Ha Bay can engage in snorkeling, rock climbing, kayaking, or scuba diving to admire the rare sea creatures beneath the water's surface.

Cua Van Floating Village

The Cua Van Floating Village is included in Halong Bay 1 day tour

The villagers here live in huge floating houses bobbing off the bay, which paves the way for interesting lifestyles rarely seen elsewhere. Take this golden chance to learn your way around the local culture, common fishing methods, how to repair nets, and more!

Of course, the forest-coated islet and magnificent limestone mountains are also worth a second look, turning Cua Van into a picturesque landscape that makes visitors feel instantly at home.

Read More: Budget-Friendly or Luxury - Which Halong Bay Cruise is Best for Your Money?

Food and drink for one day Halong Bay cruise

As mentioned, onboard lunches of high-quality seafood lunch and set packs for one group per table (six people) are available. 

A variety of dishes and menu types are available for a one-day cruise in Halong Bay

Regular lunch menu:

• Grilled squid
• Seasonal fruits
• French fries
• Grilled oyster (onion fat included)
• Sauced sea bass
• Beer and steamed shrimp
• Stir-fried vegetables
• Sour and sweet cucumber salad

Food and drink for Halong Bay cruise tour

Vegetarian lunch menu:

• French fries
• Dumpling cakes
• Tofu (sour/sweet sauce included)
• Vegetable spring rolls
• Jasmine rice
• Seasonal fruits
• Sour and sweet cucumber salad
• Ice tea
• Seasonal vegetable (stir-fried)

Read More: Escape to Paradise - Halong Bay Cruise 3 days 2 nights Experience

Halong Bay day cruise 2024: How to have your best Halong Bay 1-day cruise

1. Which 1-day Halong Bay cruise itinerary should you choose?

There are no fixed rules regarding the most ideal tour length; they are all up to your preferences and demands. Each passenger should consider the following criteria before settling on a chosen touring package:

• If your goal is to admire the bay’s charming cave and partake in water-based activities like snorkeling, kayaking, or rowing a bamboo boat, an 8-hour cruise will be the best choice. Halong offers more than enough tourist destinations and activities to meet all expectations, allowing you to see the wider parts of the bay in half a day without the need to book an overnight cruise.
• For people tight on time, a 4-hour Paradise Delight cruise will offer a glimpse into the bay’s surreal beauty while also treat you to the essence of Vietnamese gastronomy and culture. You can use the rest of the journey to enjoy swimming, relaxing, sightseeing, or tasting the food.

Decide on the timing for your Halong Bay day cruise

Read More: Weather in Ha Long Bay - Forecast Conditions and Climate

3. What is included and not included in the Halong Bay day cruise cost?

Sure, all touring packages cover transfers, boat rentals, and outdoor activities (e.g., kayaking); and  you get what you pay for. When choosing a Halong Bay 1 day tour, passengers must research the amenities covered in the package to assess whether it suits their demands.

• Lunch is often included as a fixed part of the day trip
• Itinerary activities encompass trips to floating village areas and pearl farms, cave visit, trekking tours to the top of Titov islands, and sometimes a cooking class.
• One lunch on the cruise
• Canapé party, morning tea
• Insurance on the cruise, taxes and service charges
• Entrance fees to scenic attractions

Included in the cost of the Halong Bay day cruise

Certain aspects might not be covered in the regular/standard packages

• Special cuisine preferences, such as specific beverage choices or vegetarian meals, usually require extra fees.
• Airplane tickets and airport transfers
• Visa services
• Beverages and cigarettes
• Tips for staff and other unspecified expenses
• Accommodation services
• Karaoke services
• Tips for staff and other expenses

Consult the cruise line about this matter beforehand to make corresponding arrangements for an unforgettable day trip.

4. What is your advice for choosing a day trip in Halong Bay?

The following guidelines apply to all types of touring packages, Halong Bay/Lan Ha Bay day cruises included:

• Confirm how many friends/family members will travel with you, and what types of activities everyone wants to take part in.
• Double-check the weather forecast to learn the predicted weather/sea conditions during the sailing periods.
• Assess your requirements to see which boat types will work best with them. It can be a luxury cruise, motorboat, sailboat, or even a different vehicle type.
• Before booking, read through the tour operator’s profiles, credentials, and reputations (mostly confirmed through online reviews).
• You should review the day trip itinerary carefully to estimate the duration spent on each activity. Due to the typical time limit of a day trip, prioritizing activities that suit your interests best is very important. Otherwise, you may miss out on important highlights and end up wasting the major part of the whole trip.

5. How to prepare a budget for Halong Bay tours?

List the essentials needed before embarking on a Halong Bay 1-day tour

Following these guidelines would help you keep better track of the budget before, during, and after the day trip:

• Ask yourself how much money you are willing to invest on the cruise, transportation, meals, souvenirs, and additional activities
• Explore varied cruise operators to gauge the average pricing range
• List out important expenses, including cruise tickets, transportation, meals, and miscellaneous cases (emergencies/unforeseen plans/optional sunset party). And if you have any special requirements that might require extra charges, such as alcoholic beverages or diets, count them in.
• Look for good deals that help you cut down the costs. A Paradise Vietnam luxury cruise, for instance, organizes a special Happy Hour session that gives passengers one free beverage for each purchase. 

Halong Bay day trip is a great memory when coming to Vietnam

6. Which month is best for Halong Bay day trip?

September-October is the perfect time for a Halong Bay cruise tour due to the cool, pleasant climate. The bay’s humidity level is low, and temperatures mostly fluctuate between 13 and 21 degrees Celsius. Rainfall around this period is also few and far between.

Read More: Review Halong Bay Cruise - What to Know Before Setting Sail

7. Departure and return locations of the 1-day halong tour? 

At 9:00 AM, passengers will complete the check-in procedures and board the Paradise Explorer/ Paradise Delight cruise at the Tuan Chau International Passenger Terminal. Upon return, guests will disembark and conclude the program at the Tuan Chau Port.

8. Is it worth staying on a cruise in Halong Bay 1 day tour?

Yes. Experienced day trip operators provide a well-planned daytime itinerary that introduces passengers (especially those visiting Halong Bay for the first time) to the iconic offerings of this famous UNESCO World Heritage site, such as Titov Island, Tuan Chau Harbor, Luon Cave, Dark and Bright Cave, Incense Burner/Stone Dog Islet, and more hidden gems. You should also research and read customer feedback to gain the best insights and evaluate whether their day trips truly suit your traveling needs.

Facilities available at Paradise Vietnam for Halong Bay day cruises

Halong Bay day trips cover all the basic traveling needs with exceptional amenities and cruise designs, guaranteeing the best Halong Bay day trip experience regardless of your priorities. Contact Paradise Vietnam Group to settle the most suitable Halong Bay day cruise price and itineraries!