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Hanoi Tours
Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch
4.5

Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch

By Vietnam Open Day Tours
Recommended by 91% of travelers
91% of reviewers gave this product a bubble rating of 4 or higher.
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The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay is most impressive when viewed from the water. This private or group tour is ideal for travelers on a budget, offering the chance to experience the natural wonder on a day trip. Hotel pickup, round-trip transport from Hanoi, a boat cruise around Halong Bay, and a delicious seafood lunch are all included.
Lowest price guaranteeReserve now & pay laterFree cancellation

Ages 0-90, max of 30 per group
Duration: 12h
Start time: Check availability
Mobile ticket
Live guide: English
More

Highlights
  • Cruise around Halong Bay and Thien Cung Cave
  • Spectacular views as you kayak or ride a bamboo boat around the bay
  • Choice of private or group tour to suit all budgets
  • Hassle-free hotel pickup and round-trip transport from Hanoi

  • Transported by model AC bus
  • Boat trip in Halong Bay
  • Round trip transfer with pick up/drop off the Old Quarter area of Hanoi
  • 01 bottle water per person perday
  • Kayaking or Boating on the bay during 45 minutes
  • Set menu delicious seafood lunch (vegetable food available on request)
  • Admission fee
  • Entry/Admission - Halong Bay
  • Entry/Admission - Sung Sot Cave
  • Entry/Admission - Hang Luon Cave
What's not included
  • Drinks in meals, transfer back Hanoi on the other days. surcharge would be applied
  • Pick up and drop off at hotels located outside of the Old Quarter area
  • Not included transfer Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi for option "1/2Day Tour from Tuan Chau"
  • Surcharge 5US$/person for travelling during Lunar New Year from 09 February 2024 - 13 February 2024
  • Not included kayaking or Bamboo boat for option "5 HOUR WITHOUT KAYACK"

After hotel pickup in Hanoi, journey to Halong Bay by air-conditioned bus. Admire the views as you drive through the Vietnamese countryside, passing rural villages, lush rice paddies, and herds of water buffalo. Then, set sail on a scenic cruise around Halong Bay and discover its UNESCO-listed natural wonders—an expanse of glittering turquoise water dotted with jagged karst formations, soaring sea cliffs, and rocky islands. Stop at a calm area of the bay to enjoy sea kayaking or a bamboo boat ride (choice of one activity), affording a closer look at the unique landscapes. Tuck into a delicious seafood lunch on board as you gaze out across the bay. After lunch, cruise through Heavenly Cave (Thien Cung), before sailing back to shore. Your driver waits to take you back to Hanoi to drop you back at your hotel or at a central location (depending on the day).

Start:Traveler pickup offered.
  • Option 1
    Vietnam Open Tour, 2RPW+45, 9 Ng. Hàng Hương, Hàng Mã, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội 10000, Vietnam
    If you are staying outside of the Old Quarter are of Hanoi, please come to our office at No 9 Hang Huong at 8:00am to join the tour
  • Option 2
    Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi, Vietnam
    Pick up and drop off offered if your hotels located in the Old Quarter are of Hanoi. Please advise the location
  • Option 3
    Tuan Chau Island, Tuần Châu, Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam
    If yourself arranged transfer to Halong Bay, Please be Tuan Chau international marine, Tuan Chau island around 12:00 pm to join the tour
Pickup details
  • If yourself arranged transfer to Halong Bay, Please be Tuan Chau international marine, Tuan Chau island around 12:00 pm to join the tour
Port pickup offered
During checkout you will be able to select from the list of included ports.
  • Tuan Chau International Marina, WXCR+X7X, Unnamed Road, Tuần Châu, Thành phố Hạ Long, Quảng Ninh, Vietnam
End:This activity ends back at the meeting point.

    • Infants must sit on laps
    • Not wheelchair accessible
    • Stroller accessible
    • Near public transportation
    If you have questions about accessibility, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8638P1

    • Confirmation will be received at time of booking
    • Sunscreen, hats, towel and comfortable shoes are recommended
    • Please advise any specific dietary requirements at time of booking
    • Tour itinerary could be changed due to weather condition without notice in advance. You will be offered an alternative or refund
    • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions
    • Most travelers can participate
    • This experience requires good weather. If it’s canceled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund
    • This experience requires a minimum number of travelers. If it’s canceled because the minimum isn’t met, you’ll be offered a different date/experience or a full refund
    • This tour/activity will have a maximum of 30 travelers

    • For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours in advance of the start date of the experience.

    If you have questions about this tour or need help making your booking, we’d be happy to help. Just call the number below and reference the product code: 8638P1

    From
    $41.00
    per adult (price varies by group size)
    Select date and travelers

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    About the operator
    Don’t take it from us – here’s what people have to say about this operator:
    • Vietnam Open Day Tours
      1,982
      Hanoi, Vietnam
      Joined in December 2011
    • 136allanl
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing fun trip to Hang Mua and Tam Coc
      My husband and I had an amazing experience today to Hang Mua viewpoint and Tam Coc in Ninh Binh. Our guide was Tony and he was amazing! He was friendly, professional and knowledgeable and he helped us take photos. I suffered a knee injury 2 yrs ago and he assisted me all the way up and down the steep stairs. He goes over and beyond to make sure his group is cared for and is safe. We would highly recommend your tour group and Tony as the guide! Thank you Tony for making our trip such a memorable and wonderful experience in Vietnam. :)
      Written November 25, 2024
    • carlafL5244DG
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Ninh binh done right
      The tour was amazing from start to finish and definitely had the luxury experience! We arrived in a spacious limousine bus to mua cave, our tour guide Tony was very informative of ninh binh and its history. With the company we beat the crowds of tourists and enjoy a bike ride to the ancient capital and finished the day with an amazing boat tour of the tam coc river, the views were spectacular throughout the day! I recommend taking this company for your day tour! Thank you Tony and company
      Written November 20, 2024
    • HarryJL
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Hanoi City Group Tour Full Day
      Wonderful full day tour of Hanoi city from pickup to dropoff. Tony our tour guide was fantastic, knowledgeable & considerate. Our driver wove his way with ease thru Hanoi’s Sunday traffic. Lunch of local cuisine was great & plentiful.
      Written November 17, 2024
    • Seaside41604933409
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing Service
      Today we went to Ninh Binh with our guide Tony. The services were great and our guide is so friendly and he did great care to all of us! I recommend this tour company if you need any tour services in Vietnam. Hope to see you again Tony.
      Written November 12, 2024
    • elwno
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Thank you Noi!
      The cruise through Ha Long Bay was full of good views ans nice food. A great experience! Noi was a very friendly, extremely attentive and super knowledgeable tourguide! He took care of us very well the whole time on board!
      Written November 9, 2024
    • Hau D
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Worth the visit!
      Tony was one of the best tour guide I have had. His hospitality was exceptional and took he’s time walking us through the history of Ninh Binh. I have learnt so much, highly recommend!
      Written November 7, 2024
    • InduT30
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing experience with tony guide
      Amazing caves hiking great views though raining but tony nature compensate and made it great experience vietamiese history
      Written November 6, 2024
    • Safari01412785120
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great approach of guide Tony
      Today we had a hilarious trip to Ninh Binh. Despite the bad weather, everything went well, especially thanks to the energetic and very enthusiastic speech of our guide Tony. He gave us a great presentation of everything and created a great atmosphere in the group. Super job, we can recommend him.
      Written November 5, 2024
    • Denis A
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great tour
      TONY was great guide, we had great tour. Everything was smooth and lunch was also excellent. Bus was comfy with air condition.
      Written October 22, 2024
    • kfZ8271DH
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Great overview of the city
      If you have a limited time in Hanoi, this is a great one-day trip to get a feel of the city and its rich history. It can get a little tiring as you cover a lot of sites in one day, but it's a good jump-off point for any additional exploration later on. Tony is a great guide, he is knowledgeable about the city's history, can answer any curious question from tourists, and makes sure to check on everyone.
      Written October 14, 2024
    • O4775MRoliverh
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Amazing trip to Ninh Binh
      Amazing trip, Noi our guide was extremely informative and made the trip extra enjoyable. Our highlight was boating along the Tam Coc river and seeing where they filmed King Kong!
      Written October 12, 2024
    • Excursion14417082612
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Halong Bay
      Such a wonderful experience at Ha Long bay.. wonderful view and lots of fun at the beach, hiking to the view point and caves.. Went with Royal Palace Cruise and all the stuff there were humble and helpful, Mr Noi was our team leader on the cruise who was always there whenever we need help. Food was yummy.
      Written October 9, 2024
    • G9119WObenl
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Highly recommend!
      Amazing tour and activities led by Violet! My wife and I had a great time on the cruise - from transport, food, staff, activities, room, cleanliness, everything was spot on and we couldn’t be happier. Violet did a great job explaining the itinerary, setting proper expectations and making sure everyone had a great time. Highly recommend for anyone who’s looking to check out this amazing Ha Long Bay.
      Written October 7, 2024
    • E7188NPtaylorp
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      2 Day 1 Night Ninh Binh Tour
      The tour was well organized. We did the 2 Day 1 night tour. Our guides were David and Lee. Both of them were extremely friendly. The hotel was clean, with kind staff. The sites we visited were very scenic.
      Written October 6, 2024
    • 704rikkea
      0 contributions
      5.0 of 5 bubbles
      Very good trip
      We had a wonderful time at Ninh Binh with our guide Tony. Very kind and thoughtful. The nature was very beautiful. Tony and the bus driver were very punctual and well organized.
      Written October 6, 2024
    See all 1,982 reviews
    These reviews are the subjective opinions of Tripadvisor members and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

    Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as wait time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

    Popular mentions

    4.5
    4.5 of 5 bubbles304 reviews
    Excellent
    227
    Very good
    52
    Average
    15
    Poor
    5
    Terrible
    5

    Craig O
    Cork, Ireland31 contributions
    2.0 of 5 bubbles
    The bay itself is spectacular and gets 10/10, the tour company gets a 3/10; at least they got us there and back in one piece. The pickup was a little late but we still made it to the main meeting point at 8:30. Unfortunately all the other picks must have been late because the main bus didn't arrive and leave until 09:00 (30 mins late). The bus itself was old and not comfortable, see picture for the leg room we had.

    We stopped at some pearl museum/shop and were told to meet back where we stopped the bus, then changed his mind to meet on the other side, but never said what time which resulted in our group just standing around for 20-30 mins.

    The lunch on the boat was quite good. It was mostly seafood but also had vegetarian options. When they came around putting the food on the tables they gave everyone a drink aswell but nobody was told it wasn't included which meant we had to pay 30k VND each when they're usually about 15k VND. It's not about the money and more about being sneaky offering the drinks without notice of the price.

    The various other "go roam free and meet back at this point in X minutes" were also poorly communicated in general.

    The tour guide was friendly and took some nice photos for everyone.
    Written January 12, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Pari2
    13 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2020
    If you only have a day to explore Halong bay, then this is a great option as you are efficiently guided to all the sights and lunch is included.
    For people staying outside the old quarter however, hotel pickup is not included and you have to find your own way to the tour office (quite easy by taxi). You then have to spend about an hour on the bus meandering through the old quarter picking people up which is a bit annoying but the rest of the tour is fun and easy.
    Our guide was great and knowledgeable and we felt as if we had made the most of our day.
    Written January 11, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Wilberswar
    West Beach, Australia314 contributions
    1.0 of 5 bubbles
    Nov 2024 • Family
    Well not often I would write poorly for a Tip Advisor Experience but here goes :

    Firstly communication is confusing about where to meet. Very threatening about not being late but they are late themselves which put trip back. Were not told be joined by other groups in the bus which is packed to the gills.

    Then the upsell started and to be honest did not conclude.

    You go to a pearl place for some so called education. And within minutes you are surrounded by sales people with all items in US dollars are expensive and what was not honest was we had to wear a lanyard with a number showing who the guide we had was so who ever purchased anything he was in for a kickback.

    Then we move to a so called coffee and snack area same deal that prices are through the roof of worst coffee in Vietnam.
    Still wearing lanyard and guide running hands together.

    Then the cruise - prices are high for drinks, then want to sell souvenirs, then shirts, then jewellery and then lanyards for 10 US to protect phones. This was constant and annoying.

    Then the guide announcers and pushes for the people to not do the kayaking or wooden boat ride but..:::: yep a speed boat ride at your own cost $20 US per person. Talked people out of what tour offered again a kickback.l for sure.

    Then on way back asked if we wanted a tea and coffee and cake - ask for coffee get charged only thing tea free was tea and the cake was two saladas biscuits cream between them - half the size of the normal ones. Cake - stop it.

    Also:

    Told we would have music, dancing and sunset cruise in way back - not true very little music and sun had set in opposite direction.

    I also wonder if the tour guides do their own thing as we were joined on the boat by another group, then the bus again was filled by other people not on our tour.

    The other guide was aggressive, demanding and vey off putting. Went on and on and on about being on time like we were his students.

    Also knowledge of area was not correct and when pointed out was wrong did not want to own his mistake - rather deflect he only wanted to give facts he gave.

    Interesting also get a list of places he recommended for local
    Food in restaurants - once again a
    Kickback for sure !

    Lastly even though the cruise trip staff are paid they come around with an envelope wanting more. Gouging was an understatement.

    Allowed 5 months toilet stop only back 2.5 hrs and meant to stop for food no stopping - then Cheekily asked all on bus for a tip- Stop It Be Better.

    Will not use again and would not recommend.
    Written November 30, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jade
    22 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    A mixed review for the Halong Bay Tour.
    Overall, the day was good. The 3 activities were included in the price. Kayaking was lovely, the cave is stunning and the hike leads to a wide view of the bay, (reasonably challenging walk though, no joke about 400 steps up). Lunch was included and I was catered to as a vegetarian without any hassle.

    The tour stated it had a pick up of 9am. It picked us up at 8am. So just be aware it could be a little early. However, the whatsapp communication that they would be early was great.

    The bus was “early” to arrive to the bay and our boat not ready to depart. We were taken to “kill time” to a random building where essentially we participated in a marketing scheme designed to sell people cheap plastic and bamboo items. It was not the “traditional making experience” the guide coined it on the bus. I highly suspect this was planned as we were one of 10 buses there.

    There were many times in which tourism overan the tour and it seemed the boat employees and bay employees were determined to sell you something at all times. (This is not the fault of the tour necessarily as those employees are separate)

    The tour guide was lovely, he was quite funny and spoke good English.

    The bay itself is nice. However, the water is not as crystal clear as some will tell you and for those who have travelled to other islands like Thailand, Cambodia or Fiji. It is not anyway near that standard of beauty and clarity. Just an FYI.

    Still worth the trip, but the constant selling and tourism was disappointing to see in a natural landscape.

    Overall, still would recommend the tour for the price, the trip, food and activities ☺️
    Written June 24, 2022
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Jason
    Perth, Australia1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Visiting Halong Bay has always been on my bucket list. It was a great rday and the people on the tour were very friendly and tmixed well. Toan was a great guide. He spoke good English and he was very informative. The only downside to the day was the cloudy weather
    Written January 2, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Michael P
    Kiama, Australia224 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020
    We booked this from Australia prior to coming to Vietnam, not really sure what to expect , unfortunately my partner injured his back the day before the Halong Bay trip. So I was a little reluctant at first to go on my own. But the group was small (9). The guide Tam was amazing with very good English. the quick express way makes all the difference in arriving early. I spent time with fellow guests and had a great time, the lunch came in 8 courses and was superb. The waters were not busy at all and we enjoyed a wonderful cruise around the bay. seeing the monkeys close up was truly spectacular. There is however a 300 step walk through the caves which I was ok about but would be a challenge for anyone with mobility difficulties.
    The waters are calming and serene with landscapes all too amazing to describe. I would thoroughly recommend this 1 day cruise memories never to be forgotten.
    Written February 17, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    DyAnn87
    Bradenton, FL34 contributions
    3.0 of 5 bubbles
    Jan 2020
    Ha Long Bay was really pretty but we regret using this tour group. For starters the bus was packed, and there was not one seat empty. The bus was very cramped and old. There was literally tape holding the windshield together. Then on our way we were told there was a delay with the previous boat tour and our tour guide had to "figure out" a way to spend an extra 45 minutes while we waited for the previous boat to be done. Turns out that extra time was spent at a Pearl Farm/Pearl Jewelry Shop. I believe this was part of the plan all along which was frustrating as this was not in the schedule. The boat that took us out was in poor condition and both bathrooms on the boat did not work so we could not use them. The food served for lunch tasted terrible. Because of this I did not eat much. The food ended up making my husband sick. Ha Long Bay was pretty and the cruise around was nice. Our tour guide Bao was very good and knowledgeable. He was the only bright spot to this tour. We definitely recommend Ha Long bay but be careful and choose a better a tour company.
    Written January 26, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    gavap73
    Adelaide, Australia33 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Feb 2020 • Couples
    We really enjoyed the trip to Halong Bay but were a little disappointed with the weather. It rained most of the time and also very foggy which affected the views. Apart from that it was a great experience and mostly because of our guide 'Sweet' (we forgot his name so we called him that). He was very knowledgeable in Vietnamese history and culture and was always attending to everyone's needs or questions. The caves were amazing and needs to be experienced. The food was pretty good and there was enough range to keep you happy. I would recommend this trip as it should definitely be on your bucket list.
    Written February 13, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Leo V
    1 contribution
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    I am a Vietnamese-American visiting Ha Long Bay for the first time.
    Starting, the ride from Ha Noi to Ha Long and back was on a very old and squeaky bus. You may get motion sickness if you are not used to with Vietnamese traffic. If you can upgrade your tour, choose the limousine option instead. As the saying goes “you get what you paid for “.
    The cruise boat is very nice. Its name is Bình Minh 68. It provides great Vietnamese food and taste. The upper deck has plenty of space for our group. Our visit was on Wednesday, so it isn’t that crowded. Our family enjoyed our time on the upper deck.
    Be careful when the waitress ask where you come from. She will use that information to DOUBLE charge you for every service she provides. This is a bad tactic for keeping tourists.
    The tour content is great. Our family had a great day. We most enjoyed the kayak through the Luon cave.
    The Sung Sot cave is OK but too crowded on this day. It would be better if they add more light to the cave. It is dark and there for cannot show all of its beauty.
    Ti Top island provides good beach experience, swimming with Ha Long Bay view.
    We got dropped off at the hotel around 9:30 PM.
    Written June 12, 2024
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

    Josh
    5 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Dec 2019
    An enjoyable day trip being shown through the bay with a fun tour guide. We were picked up from our hotel in the old quarter and taken to the bay (~3 hour trip with a rest stop along the way). We were handed water bottles but the bay has a no single use plastics policy, so if you want to take a bottle into the bay you'll have to hide it or bring your own reusable water bottle. The boat stopped at an area where you can ride a bamboo boat (you'll be expected to tip the paddler) or paddle a kayak through a cave and cove; be careful not to drop your phone here, someone in our group had theirs fall out of their pocket while alighting the kayak. Food was included on the boat; however, if you have different dietary requirements to your companions they try to split you up (food is served in the centre of the table buffet style) some couples were split up for a second time after being shuffled on the bus due to space limitations. The trip is rounded off with a walk through a cave on one of the islands, it's not a difficult walk but there is a fair bit of going up and down stairs so you would want suitable footwear and clothing. Overall we had a fun and relaxing day.
    Written February 14, 2020
    This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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    *Likely to sell out: Based on Viator’s booking data and information from the provider from the past 30 days, it seems likely this experience will sell out through Viator, a Tripadvisor company.

    Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour-Cave, Kayaking,Ti top island & Lunch provided by Vietnam Open Day Tours

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