Halong Bay: Day Trips and Tours from Hạ Long

Characterized by its dramatic limestone islands and dazzling turquoise water, Halong Bay is easily one of the most visited places in all of Vietnam. The UNESCO World Heritage Site, which is filled with surreal scenery and rich biodiversity, is the perfect destination for nature lovers.

Joining a Halong Bay day trip from Hạ Long is one of the best ways to discover the bay as you’ll have an experienced tour guide leading the way and ensuring that you don’t miss a thing.

Here's all you need to know about Halong Bay, one of the most exciting day trips from Hạ Long.

How to get to Halong Bay from Hạ Long?

Halong Bay is located in the Quang Ninh Province in northeastern Vietnam, roughly 20 kilometers from Hạ Long’s city center.

From Hạ Long to Halong Bay by car/scooter

Driving from Hạ Long’s city center to Halong Bay’s main port, located on Tuan Chau Island, should take you around 20 minutes or so depending on traffic. Once at the port you could join a cruise around the bay, hire kayaks or simply admire the views.

There are plenty of car and scooter rental companies in Hạ Long that offer affordable vehicle rentals.

From Hạ Long to Halong Bay by public transport

Public transport in Hạ Long is notoriously difficult to navigate and most locals get around by scooter. If you want to get to Halong Bay without renting a vehicle, the easiest way would be to make use of a taxi service.

Guided tour to Halong Bay from Hạ Long

Have your travel plans taken care of by an experienced tour guide when you book a guided tour to Halong Bay from Hạ Long. You can choose between half-day, full-day and multi-day trips to suit your schedule.

Guided tours are the most convenient way to experience the bay and all it has to offer.

How much does the entrance ticket to Halong Bay cost?

As Halong Bay is located within Cat Ba National Park, you’ll need to pay an entrance fee if you want to explore the bay.

The cost is VND200,000 (US$8) per person for a day trip and VND500,000 (US$20) per person for an overnight excursion.

These national park fees are typically included in the cost of guided tours.

What is the typical itinerary?

Most Halong Bay day trips from Hạ Long City include a cruise around the bay that allows you to see the limestone islands, caves and floating villages. Depending on the type of tour you book, you’ll either be picked up from your hotel or you’ll need to meet your guide at the port.

Once you’ve boarded the cruising vessel, you’ll explore all the major attractions that the bay has to offer. Your guide will provide informative commentary so that you can learn more about the places you’re seeing.

In most cases, you’ll be served food and drinks, included in the cost of your tour, and you may have the opportunity to try out activities like kayaking around the bay. While day trips are popular, there are many multi-day trips available too.

There will be plenty of time for relaxing, taking photos and simply admiring the incredible views offered by the bay. At the end of the excursion, you’ll be taken back to the port and driven to your hotel in Hạ Long City if hotel transfers were included in the cost of your trip.

What kinds of tours are available to go to Halong Bay?

When browsing the different types of Halong Bay tours, you’ll find that the vast majority of tours are shared group experiences, meaning that there will be other participants on the tour. This gives you the opportunity to meet new people from around the world.

When it comes to the length of the tours, you can choose between half-day tours, full-day tours, 2-day trips and 3-day excursions.

Half-day tour to Halong Bay from Hạ Long

Half-day tours usually last between 4 and 5 hours and are perfect for those who have tight schedules but still want to experience the grandeur of Halong Bay. There are a few different types of half-day tours to choose from including kayaking trips and dinner cruises.

While you may not get to see all of the major attractions of Halong Bay, you’ll still get to see the limestone islands and secluded caves.

Full-day tour to Halong Bay from Hạ Long

Typically lasting around 8 hours, the most popular full-day Halong Bay tours are kayaking trips that take you off the beaten path. After a convenient hotel pickup, you’ll be taken to a top kayaking spot where you’ll hop in your kayak and follow your experienced guide.

You’ll get to discover the area’s hidden caves and pristine beaches that are often overlooked. At the end of the day, you’ll make your way back to the port before heading back to your hotel in Hạ Long for the night

2-Day tour to Halong Bay from Hạ Long

2-Day cruises are probably the most popular type of Halong Bay excursion available. These cruises allow you to see more of the bay and spend a night on a comfortable cruise ship. Some of the places you’ll see include Sung Sot Cave and Titot Island among others.

All meals will be served onboard the cruise ship and you’ll also get to spend some time walking around the islands and relaxing on beaches.

3-Day tour to Halong Bay from Hạ Long

Make the most of your time in Halong Bay by opting for a 3-day cruise around the bay. You’ll get to see all of the top sites, including places like Viet Hai Village, La Han Bay and the Dark Cave among many others.

All your meals are taken care of and you can look forward to an action-packed itinerary filled with activities like kayaking, swimming and fishing.

How much does a day trip to Halong Bay from Hạ Long cost?

Full-day Halong Bay excursions from Hạ Long are usually the most affordable types of excursions on offer, costing around US$40 per person for kayaking trips that last roughly 8 hours or so.

You can expect to pay roughly US$60 per person for dinner cruises, which are inclusive of a delicious buffet, and around US$175 per person for sightseeing boat rides that include hotel transfers.

The cost of 2-day cruises in Halong Bay depends on what type of cabin you opt for but the typical price is around US$170 per person. The price of 3-day tours is roughly US$350 per person for a standard cruise and around US$1,200 per person for a luxury cruise.

What will you see and do?

The UNESCO World Heritage Site of Halong Bay, located in northeastern Vietnam, is one of the country’s must-see attractions thanks to its emerald-green waters and incredible limestone towers. A trip to the bay offers plenty of things to see and do.

Limestone islands

Halong Bay is best known for its stunning limestone islands, which are scattered all over the bay. There are around 1,600 islands in total, most of which are uninhabited either because of their small size or precarious rock formations.

Activities

Caves

The caves of Halong Bay provide no shortage of geological wonders. While many are tourist hotspots, there are also many secluded caves that offer a more tranquil experience. Some of the bay’s must-see caves include Dau Go Cave, Virgin Cave and Hospital Cave.

Beaches

Halong Bay is home to some of the best beaches in Vietnam, including Titop Beach, Quan Lan Beach and Ban Chan Beach. With their white sand and surreal surroundings, these beaches are perfect for sunbathing and swimming.

Floating villages

Halong Bay’s famous floating villages are home to ancient fishing communities that have been living in the area for centuries. The small villages welcome tourists and provide valuable insight into the local way of life.

Wildlife

As you explore Halong Bay, you should keep a lookout for local wildlife as the area is home to deer, monkeys, weasels, eagles, lizards and frogs. Some of the region’s mrine animals include dolphins, fish, starfish and jellyfish among many others.

There are plenty of activities that can be done in and around Halong Bay, including boat rides, kayaking, fishing, swimming, rock climbing and so much more. The bay is truly a paradise for adventure enthusiasts and most tours offer some type of outdoor activity.

When is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

The best time to visit Halong Bay in Vietnam is from March to May, during the spring and, from September to November, during autumn.

These seasons offer mild weather, lower humidity, and calm seas, providing an ideal environment for cruising, exploring the limestone islands, and enjoying outdoor activities.

Are there any tours to Halong Bay from other cities in Vietnam?

Yes, there are tours departing from other cities in Vietnam:

• Day Trips to Halong Bay from Hanoi

Travel tips

• Plan your day trip itinerary in advance, including the attractions you want to visit and activities you want to experience in Halong Bay. This helps in making the most of your time.
• Check the weather forecast before your trip and dress accordingly to ensure a comfortable experience.Halong Bay's weather can be unpredictable.
• Respect the environment by disposing of trash responsibly and following all guidelines to preserve the natural beauty of the bay.
• The day trip can be long, so having sustenance is important. Carry enough water and some snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized throughout the day.
• Don't forget your camera to capture the breathtaking views and memorable moments during your day trip. Halong Bay is incredibly scenic!