Bustling Hanoi is Vietnam’s second largest city and its capital. Situated on the banks of the Red River, this ancient city is a juxtaposition of the traditional, the colonial and the modern – with French colonial buildings standing alongside ancient pagodas and fascinating museums.

Hanoi’s location places it only a short drive away from many incredible natural attractions. The towering, rain-forested limestone islands of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are just two of the fascinating scenic places you can visit on a boat tour from Hanoi.

Here's all you need to know about boat tours, some of the most memorable outdoor activities in Hanoi.

What are the most popular boat tours from Hanoi?

There are two primary types of boat tours from Hanoi. There are cruises and excursions in the Gulf of Tonkin to Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Tu Long Bay and day trips to the Ninh Binh region and along the Huong River.

Here are just some of the most popular boat tours that include round-trip transfers from Hanoi.

Ha Long Bay boat tours from Hanoi

These long and jam-packed full day boat tours to Ha Long Bay from Hanoi begin in the early morning hotel collection and a transfer to Ha Long dock to commence the cruise around Ha long Bay.

Your boat will follow a popular route among the majestic rock islets in the bay while you are served a delicious lunch. Stop at sites such as the Bo Hon archipelago and visit Titov Island where you can climb the peak for a panoramic view.

After a late afternoon return to Ha Long dock, your bus will be waiting for the journey back to Hanoi.

Multi-day Ha Long Bay boat tours from Hanoi

The 2-day boat trips in Ha Long Bay are among the most popular boat tours from Hanoi. Activities such as kayaking, hiking and a beach stop are typically included in this type of tour.

On your trip, you may stop to explore some caves, visit a fishing farm and floating village and maybe even pass by the famous James Bond cave.

Optional activities such as an onboard Vietnamese cooking class may also be offered depending on the cruise boat and number of guests.

2-Day Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi

While Ha Long Bay is famous as a UNESCO protected site, the adjacent Lan Ha Bay is also exquisite and often quieter than its famous neighbor.

Much the same as a Ha Long excursion, you will spend your days in Lan Ha Bay cruising, stopping for some beachtime and to visit villages around the Cat Ba National Park, part of Cat Ba Island.

Adventure activities like kayaking and biking, as well as an optional Vietnamese cooking class are also offered on this trip.

2-day Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi

Combine the splendor of Ha Long Bay and the tranquility of Lan Ha Bay on a 2 or 3-day cruise. You will cruise past some of the bays’ most prominent attractions, enjoy fine dining and a cooking demonstration.

A sunset party and optional extras like a relaxing massage are among some of the activities enjoyed on this overnight boat trip.

Multi-day Gulf of Tonkin Cruise from Hanoi

Multi day cruises in the Gulf of Tonkin include spending time in Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Tu Long Bay. Depending on the option you select, your transfer from Hanoi will either be by bus or seaplane.

The trip stops for visits to Tien Ong Cave, Cua Van floating village and Tung Sua Pearl farm. Onboard activities include Tai Chi classes, Vietnamese cooking classes, a traditional tea ceremony and squid fishing.

Onboard accommodation, meals and all activities are included in this tour package.

3-Day luxury Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay tours

This tour combines the best of an inland and bay boat experience. One night is spent at an eco-lodge in Ninh Binh and the other on a luxury 5-star cruise boat.

You will be able to experience the similarities and the contrasts of these two magnificent UNESCO recognized natural wonders while in the hands of expert guides and cruise staff.

Return Hanoi transfers, entrance fees and accommodation is included in this type of tour.

Ninh Binh day trip from Hanoi

Visit the site of Hoa Lu, the ancient capital of Vietnam on a day trip to Ninh Binh. This full day excursion includes a boat trip on the Ngo Dong River through the unique landscapes of the region.

You will also see sights such as the Am Tien Cave, the Dinh King temple and the breathtaking views at Tuyet Tinh Coc.

A buffet style lunch is served on full day tours and some trips also include a bike ride through the rice fields and local villages.

Perfume Pagoda and Yen Stream boat trip from Hanoi

For a tranquil experience, you can consider a Perfume Pagoda and Yen Stream tour from Hanoi. After a transfer from Hanoi to the Perfume Pagoda.

After a short tour, board a traditional bamboo boat at Yen Wharf, and float gently down the Yen Stream before stopping for a 2.5 kilometer hike to the Huong Tich cave.

The afternoon includes time to rest and reflect at the Thien Tru Pagoda before returning to Yen Wharf and journeying back to Hanoi in the late afternoon.

How much do boat tours from Hanoi cost?

Ha Long Bay boat tours from Hanoi cost from US$50 per person sharing for a standard, full day excursion.

Multi-day Ha Long Bay boat tours from Hanoi vary in price from around US$150 for a standard 2-day tour. Boat trips can cost from US$250 per person for a small-group or luxury tour to US$450 per person for a 3-day excursion.

A luxury 2-day Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi costs around US$200 per person sharing on an all-inclusive basis. Return Hanoi transfers and all activities and excursions listed on the itinerary are included in the tour price.

A 2-day Ha Long and Lan Ha Bay cruise from Hanoi including activities costs from US$170 per person sharing for a luxury experience. Optional extras such as a massage may be available at extra cost.

Multi-day Gulf of Tonkin Cruises from Hanoi start from around US500 per person for 3-day trips. These tours include meals, activities and accommodation onboard the cruise vessel as well as specified activities in your itinerary. Optional activities may also be offered at an additional cost.

Thre 3-day Luxury Ninh Binh and Ha Long Bay tours that include guided touring and accommodation start at just less than US$300 per person sharing.

Tour offerings and inclusions vary, but most include return Hanoi transfers, accommodation and meals as specified. Some activities are included in the rate while other activities can be done at an additional cost.

Ninh Binh day trips from Hanoi that include a boat tour on the Ngo Dong River start at US$50 per person. Tours that include entrance fees, lunch and other activities cost from US$70 per person.

Perfume Pagoda and Yen stream boat trips from Hanoi start from US$50 per person.

Which places are seen and visited with a boat tour from Hanoi?

Depending on the type of tour you have booked, itineraries can vary widely. Here are just some of the things that you can expect on the Coral Sea exploring Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Tu Long Bay or a combination of these. Otherwise, there are day trips to the Ninh Binh region each of these types of tours.

Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay or Tu Long Bay

Ha Long Bay, Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bay are all part of the Gulf of Tonkin in the Coral Sea. Ha long Bay is known for its legendary beauty and is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

However, Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bay are also geographically similar. All three bays host a dramatic karst formation and limestone cliff landscape.

Along with the mesmerizing scenery, each bay also has multiple sandy beaches, emerald waters and isolated caves.

On your excursion or cruise, you will navigate the waters around the hundreds of rock islands and have plenty of opportunities for photographs.

The area also offers outstanding opportunities for snorkeling and diving and some of Asia’s most rare corals can be found beneath the water.

At Ha Long Bay, you are able to enjoy sights like Ti Top Island or Sung Sot Cave, while in Lan Ha Bay, you may stop at Cat Ba Island to visit the national park or participate in a rock climb.

Ninh Binh and Perfume Pagoda

The enchanting riverine landscape of Ninh Binh, locally known as Ha Long Bay on Land, is a UNESCO-protected site. Limestone mountains with steep cliffs rise from between the rice fields, and a boat tour is the perfect way to explore the rivers and karst peaks.

On your tour of Ninh Binh province, tours regularly stop or pass through the towns of Trang An and Tam Coc.

If you are fit and feeling energetic, you might climb the 500 steps of Hang Mua for a bird’s-eye view of the surrounding vista, or you can opt to remain in the water taking into the tranquil surroundings.

Among the karsts and rivers, you will find Vietnam's ancient capital city of Hoa Lu and possibly spot exotic wildlife species like Delacour’s Langur and the black-faced spoonbill.

Tours sometimes include a visit to Bai Dinh Temple, the country’s largest Buddhist temple complex. The man-made Am Tien lake and the preserved rainforests of Cuc Phuong National Park are amongst other natural attractions that may be visited on your tour.

A boat trip to the perfume pagoda also offers a tranquil experience. Float along the Yen Stream in a traditional bamboo boat from Yen Wharf, before leaving the water for a 2.5-kilometer hike to the Huong Tich cave.

Enjoy a delicious lunch and rest and reflect at the Thien Tru Pagoda before returning for your transfer back to Hanoi.

How long does a boat trip last?

Most Ha Long, Lan Ha and Tu Long Bay boat cruise tours from Hanoi last a minimum of two days, although there are a few one-day tours. This is due to the long three-hour transfers to and from Hanoi. The 2-day and 3-day tours are the most popular.

There are also other multi-day options that are offered by some operators which may include other sites and attractions or combine various aspects of different boat cruises into one longer cruise .

Full day excursions to Ninh Binh or along the Huang river, typically last from 8 to 10 hours and you can expect an early start with an evening arrival back at your hotel.

Where do boat tours leave from?

Excursions from Hanoi to Ha Long, Lan Ha and Tu Long Bay usually start with a collection from your hotel in the city.

The transfer from Hanoi then travels the over 160 kilometers to Ha Long Bay dock or Tuan Chau marina, where most of the boat cruises depart. This roadtrip can take anywhere between three and four hours depending on traffic.

Day tours to Ninh Binh, Huong River and other inland destinations typically also include a hotel pickup.

At the conclusion of your tour you will return to your hotel in Hanoi, or dropped at the airport for your onward arrangements.

When is the best time for a boat trip from Hanoi?

Spring is the best time to book a boat trip from Hanoi, with April being considered the ideal cruise month. The weather is cooler than in the summer months and not as icy as during the winter.

Summer is northern Vietnam’s rainy season and this can affect your enjoyment of a boat cruise or excursion.

It is important to note that the spring months can also be the busiest and you may need to consider this if you are looking for a tour at a quieter time of the year.

Which other outdoor activities can be done in Hanoi?

Travel tips

Advise your tour operator of any food allergies, especially nut allergies.
Check with your operator if you have any mobility, health or fitness issues. Not all tours are wheelchair accessible and some activities require climbing up steep inclines.
Bring a light rain jacket.
Check the cruise or tour operators reviews and safety record before making your booking.
Books or audiobooks are ideal companions on long journeys.

Boat Tours in Hanoi