Ha Long Bay is one of the most picturesque and most sought after destinations in North Vietnam. So much so that a trip to Vietnam is incomplete without at least a one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay. So, on our own trip to Vietnam, we did a one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay from Hanoi. And what a beautiful and adventure filled day trip it turned out to be! For, in a single one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay, you get to explore the natural caves. Cruise through these unique islands in the sea. Kayak and swim. And even spend the evening on an island in the centre of the sea!! All in just one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay !!
But, at the same time, there are are so many tours available. Including one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay or even 2-3 days trip along Ha Long Bay. So many choices of cruises!! And even duration – 1 day, 2 days and 3 days trip. So, how do you select which one to take? Which route to choose? And should you stay at HaLong Bay or in Hanoi and do a day trip from there? You will get answers to all your questions on a trip to Ha Long Bay in this blog post.
Before we proceed, here are other resources from our Vietnam Trip, which will be definitely useful to you : –
Spending a couple of days in Ho Chi Minh in South Vietnam
A self-planned trip to Chu Chi Tunnel from Ho Chi Minh
Spending a couple of days exploring Dalat – the cute charming hill town of south-central Vietnam
Exploring Nha Trang – the most beautiful coastal town of Vietnam
A day trip to Hoi An – the most romantic town of Vietnam
To the top of mountains – spending a day at Ba Na Hills in Vietnam
One of the most beautiful road trips of Vietnam from Da Nang to Hue
Exploring Hanoi – the heart of North Vietnam
A 3 days trip to Sapa from Hanoi
About Ha Long Bay
Located in the northeast of Vietnam in Quảng Ninh Province, Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the country’s most iconic natural attractions. Its name translates to “Descending Dragon Bay”, inspired by a local legend where dragons descended from heaven to protect the land. Spanning over 1,500 square kilometers and dotted with nearly 2,000 limestone islands and islets, Ha Long Bay is a paradise for nature lovers, photographers, and adventure seekers.
Ha Long Bay is a surreal seascape of emerald waters and towering limestone karsts, many of which are covered in lush greenery. The bay’s beauty changes with the light—shimmering under bright sunshine, mysterious in the morning mist, and romantic at sunset. Beyond the scenery, its hidden caves, grottoes, and floating fishing villages give visitors a glimpse into the harmony between nature and human life in this enchanting region.
Which is the best duration for a Ha Long Bay trip – 1, 2 or 3 days
Although depending on what you are looking for in your trip to Ha Long Bay, one of the 1,2 or 3 days trip option might be good for you . When deciding which one to take, consider the following points –
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1-Day Trip – It is ideal for travelers short on time. Departs early morning from Hanoi and includes cruising, sightseeing, and light activities. Great for a quick taste, but can feel rushed.
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2-Day / 1-Night Cruise – Perfect balance between sightseeing and relaxation. Includes sunset views, overnight stay on a boat or in Cat Ba Island, and activities like night squid fishing.
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3-Day / 2-Night Cruise – Best for slow travelers who want to explore lesser-known areas, more kayaking spots, and remote fishing villages.
However, do note that on a 2 or 3 day cruise along Ha Long Bay, the cruise is halted on the shore at night for safely reasons. you only sail through the day. And there is a huge difference in price. For example, when I was looking to book a trip, a day trip cost around INR 4000/- per head. While an overnight trip cost INR 14000/- per head. That’s more than 3 times the day trip. Just for an overnight experience on the cruise. Which doesn’t feel worth it. When the cruise is not even going to move at night. So, we opted for a one day trip across the Ha Long Bay.
Having said that, if you are ok to spend the extra money, then go for a 2 days trip. A few things that you can enjoy better on a 2 days trip are –
- A stunning sunrise and sunset view along the HaLong bay on clear days.
- Private space in the form of your own bedroom with a balcony where you can sit and enjoy the outside views.
What tour to book to HaLong Bay
Once you have decided the duration of your trip around the Ha Long Bay, the next question is the cruise to select. And the route to take. As there are a lot of options to choose from in both day tour and overnight tour options. There are three major routes along the Ha Long Bay – route 1, 2 and 3. Most of the cruises go through route 2. And we also opted one from these tours. As the tour through route 2 touches upon most of the attractions to explore and things to do on a day trip to Ha Long Bay. I have covered them in the below section.
Attractions to explore and things to do on a day trip to Ha Long Bay
We boarded our van for Ha Long Bay at around 8:30am from Hanoi. And reached the Ha Long Bay area around 11:00am. There is a pearl museum and factory near the Ha Long Bay port. Which might be included in your trip. Our guide told us we will be stopping there before boarding the cruise. But perhaps due to a crunch of time, at the last moment we went straight to the cruise port.
At the port, we were provided our tickets to onboard the cruise. And then after a short wait of around 10-15 minutes, we proceeded to the deck. From here, we boarded our cruise. By the time we boarded the cruise, it was around 12:00pm.
In most of the cruises, a buffet lunch and evening snacks are included. As soon as all the passengers were seated on the cruise, we started with the lunch. There were good vegetarian as well as non vegetarian food options on the buffet. Around. 1:30pm, the lunch finished. And then we started on our journey of the Ha Long Bay. Soaking in the breathtaking views of the bay, the rock formations and the beautiful surroundings.
Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave exploration on our one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay
Our first stop along the Ha Long Bay was the Sung Sot Caves. Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) is one of the most impressive and largest grottoes in Ha Long Bay, located on Bo Hon Island. Discovered by French explorers in 1901—who named it “Grotte des Surprises”. Due to its sheer size and beauty. The cave covers an area of about 10,000 square meters. And is divided into two main chambers. The first chamber, often called the “waiting room,” features high ceilings and a soft, magical light that highlights the natural rock formations. The second chamber opens up into a massive space, large enough to hold thousands of people. With stalactites and stalagmites sculpted by nature into shapes resembling animals, flowers, and mythical creatures. Colored lighting strategically placed throughout the cave enhances its dreamlike atmosphere. Overall giving visitors the sense of walking through an otherworldly gallery. Accessible by a short but steep climb of around 100 stone steps, Sung Sot Cave rewards visitors with panoramic views of Ha Long Bay at its entrance. Making it both a geological wonder and a photographer’s delight.
We spent around 1 hour inside the caves. The guide took us all along inside the caves and explained about all the different interesting rock formations. And explained about all the different parts of the caves.
Please note : Once you start climbing into the caves, it’s very difficult to return back. Basically , you can’t quit the journey half way. As the path is one way. You go from one side and come out at the other side of the deck where your cruise arrives to pick you back. So, makeup your mind before you start the journey – that you really want to explore around. The steps are not difficult. We were able to explore around easily with our kids.
Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Rides during our one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay
After visiting the caves, we next proceeded to a calm area in the middle of the Ha Long Bay. Here, we were given the opportunity to paddle through the calm waters. And explore lagoons, and pass under natural rock arches while Kayaking. There was another option of a speed boat ride. And one had a choice to choose between the two. If time permits, you can try both the options as well. You can discuss it with your cruise guide and decide.
Ti Top Island visit on one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay
After Kayaking, we reached the Ti Top Island. This island in the middle of the Ha Long Bay is famous for its panoramic viewpoint. After a short hike you can reach on the top of the hill on this island. And you can also enjoy its sandy beach for swimming. The island has a few small refreshment shops selling snacks, washroom and changing room facilities and a paved walkway around it. However, when we reached here in the evening around 4pm, the Ti Top Island was super crowded. The guide gave us around 45 mins to roam around the island and be back on the boat. However, we found it very difficult to enjoy any activity on the island due to the crowd. For example, there were huge lines to climb up the hill. And all the benches and sitting spots along the island were fully occupied.
For the most part, we navigated through the crowd and stayed put when we found a few chairs to sit on. I recommend skipping the Ti Top island on a day trip from Ha Long Bay. And rather come here separately in the morning hours if you are staying in Ha Long Bay itself.
General tips on doing a one day cruise trip on HaLong Bay
- If you are planning a trip to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi then a round trip guided tour that includes pickup / drop from Hanoi is best.
- Make sure to arrive at your pickup location for Ha Long Bay on time. We had a little adventure right in the morning. Wherein the street in front of our accommodation was suddenly made one way for some reason unknown to us. And none of the grab taxis could reach our location. So, we had to hurry and literally run to the main road. And then grab a taxi from there. We reached just in time to catch our guide van.
- You can carry food for kids on the ship. Although there were good veg options available in the buffet. But, if you are allergen or have small picky eaters like my younger one, better to carry food for them.
- Wear shoes for the caves, as the steps can be uneven at times. And for your time at the islands, keep a pair of flip flops that you can change into.
- Carry sunglasses and sunscreen for your time out on the sea.
- Pack ready to eat dinner with you as it will be late by the time you return back. And by the time you reach Hanoi it will be over 9:00pm.
- Book with a reputable operator – Ensure safety and quality service, especially for overnight cruises.
- Pack light – Comfortable clothes, swimwear, sunscreen, and a hat are must-haves.
- Bring cash – For tips, small purchases, or optional activities. Anything we bought on the cruise was all payable via cash only.
- Weather check – Avoid stormy days and note that summer can be hot, while winter brings cooler, mistier views.
- Photography gear – The scenery is photogenic from every angle, so keep your camera ready.