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10 Best Halong Bay Day Cruise from Hanoi 2024



Embark on an unforgettable Halong Bay day cruise experience with BestPrice’s finest selection of 3-star to 5-star vessels. Day cruises combine top-tier service with breathtaking landscapes, ensuring a truly remarkable journey. Offering 6-8 hours of scenic discovery, it is perfect for travelers seeking a memorable taste of Halong Bay’s beauty in just one day.

About Halong Bay day cruise

A Halong Bay day cruise offers the perfect way to experience the stunning beauty and famous attractions of this UNESCO World Heritage site, even with limited time. Typically lasting from 10 a.m. to 4 or 6 p.m., these cruises give you 6 - 8 hours of exploration, allowing you to visit some of Halong Bay's most iconic locations. Throughout the day, you can engage in a variety of activities, from kayaking and swimming to sightseeing and relaxing on board.

Halong Bay one-day cruise is a great choice to save your travel time.

Halong Bay one-day cruise is a great choice to save your travel time.

Day cruises usually operate on two types of boats, each offering a unique experience.

Tradition wooden boat

Featuring a classic design inspired by local fishing boats, these boats were launched in past decades and have only basic amenities like a restaurant and bar. Therefore, the price for a wooden boat cruise is often more affordable compared to a modern boat.

Modern steel boat

Modern boats are increasingly popular for their up-to-date facilities and contemporary amenities. Typically launched after 2020, they have a larger capacity and offer a variety of entertainment activities for guests on board.

Here are some comparisons between the two kinds of day cruises.

  Traditional Modern
Material Wood Steel
Launched year Before 2019  After 2020
Capacity Under 40 99 - 500
Facilities Only restaurant & bar Swimming pools, fitness rooms, lounges, bathrooms, etc.

Why choose a Halong Bay day cruise?

Cost-saving and time-efficient choice

Compared to overnight cruises, day cruises are more affordable and allow you to experience Halong Bay’s highlights in a short time. Basically, many budget-conscious travelers and solo adventurers choose a Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi for their short stays Vietnam.

Explore Halong Bay’s key attractions in one day

A day cruise is an ideal choice for travelers with limited time, allowing you to visit Halong Bay’s main attractions, such as Sung Sot Cave, known for its impressive rock formations, and Titop Island, where you can enjoy panoramic views from the top or relax on the beach.

You can visit all the must-sees on a full-day cruise in Halong Bay.

You can visit all the must-sees on a full-day cruise in Halong Bay.

Diverse sightseeing activities

Day cruises offer a range of activities, including kayaking through scenic limestone islets, swimming at pristine beaches, and sampling fresh seafood meals prepared on board, providing a comprehensive Halong Bay experience.

High-quality amenities and services

Day cruise vessels often feature comfortable seating, spacious decks, and amenities similar to those on overnight boats, including dining options and entertainment activities like cooking classes. Some premium cruises also provide 5-star dining experiences, ensuring comfort and convenience for a memorable day in Halong Bay.

There are many 5-star options available for the best day cruise experience.

There are many 5-star options available for the best day cruise experience.

Halong Bay Day Cruise vs. Overnight Cruise

Day cruises differ from overnight cruises in several key aspects, specifically:

  Day Cruise Overnight Cruise
Duration Full day (6 - 8 hours) 2 days (24 hours) 3 days (48 hours)
Best for Budget travelers, First-timers, Tight-scheduled tourists Leisure travelers, Culture enthusiasts
Number of destinations 2 - 3 3 - 6
Price From US $58/ pax From US $108/ pax (2D1N) From US $163/ pax (3D2N)

Overall, the Halong Bay 1 day cruise offers an ideal 6-8 hour experience, perfectly suited for travelers with limited time or those seeking to immerse themselves in Halong Bay's most iconic highlights. This journey provides a captivating glimpse into the bay’s renowned beauty, crafted for those desiring a memorable experience within a day.

Day Trip Itinerary

The typical itinerary for a Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi is as follows:

  • 7:00 - 7:15: Pick up at your hotel or meeting point in Hanoi Old Quarter
  • 9:30 - 10:00: Check-in at Tuan Chau Port or Halong International Port
  • 11:30 - 12:30: Buffet/ set menu lunch served onboard
  • 17:00: Disembark & return to Hanoi

The one day cruise itinerary covers three main routes: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. You can refer to the following table for more details.

Halong Bay Lan Ha Bay Bai Tu Long Bay
Most frequent & classic Fairly popular & luxury ship Rare & off-the-beaten-track
4 - 8 hours 6 - 8 hours 5 - 6 hours
Thien Cung Cave - Dau Go Cave/ Sung Sot Cave - Titop Island - Luon Cave Dark & Bright Cave Thien Canh Son Cave
Amethyst Cruise Phoenix Day Cruise Ambassador Day Cruise Jade Sails Cruise Halong Catamaran  Serenity Day Cruise La Muse Cruise Amazing Sails Private Cruise

Top 10 BEST Halong Bay One Day Cruise 2024 (w/ Prices)

Typically, the price of a Halong Bay Day Cruise depends on the type of boat and the time of your visit. Specifically:

  • 3-star day cruise: From $59 to $91/ pax with basic amenities like restaurants and sundecks
  • 4-star day cruise: From $65 to $115/ pax with newer boats
  • 5-star day cruise: From $69 to $129/ pax with high-class facilities like bars, jacuzzi, and cabins.

The following are some of the best-selling Halong Bay day cruises according to guests' ratings and BestPrice’s recommendations.

Cruise Price Highlight
La Muse Cruise 4* US $58/ pax Serene trip to the secluded Bai Tu Long Bay
Phoenix Cruise 3* US $59/ pax Best cruise for budget travelers
Queen Luxury 5* US $64/ pax In-depth experiences in Halong Bay
Light Day Cruise 4* US $65/ pax Best day cruise for lively events
Amethyst Cruise 5* US $65/ pax Newest day cruise with premium amenities
Ambassador 5* US $80/ pax Largest day cruise with deluxe cabins
Jade Sails 5* US $115/ pax The most luxurious to Lan Ha Bay 
Wonder Bay Cruise 4* US $84/ pax Budget-friendly modern cruise
Halong Catamaran 5* US $129/ pax Exciting trip with a catamaran
Amazing Sails 4* US $345/ pax Private cruise to Bai Tu Long & Halong Bay

Note: The price per pax starts from the lowest rate and does not include the transfer fee. This is for reference only.

Halong Bay Day Cruise Latest Reviews

Halong Bay day cruises receive high praise from visitors thanks to the fantastic program to explore one of the world’s natural wonders in a day, making them popular among travelers with tight schedules.

Pros Cons
  • Time-efficient
Ideal for travelers with tight schedules, day cruises provide a snapshot of Halong Bay without requiring an overnight commitment.
  • Cost-effective
Generally more affordable than overnight cruises, making them accessible for budget-conscious travelers.
  • Convenient
Many day cruises include round-trip transportation from Hanoi, simplifying logistics for visitors.
  • Limited exploration
The shorter duration restricts the chance to visit more remote or less touristy areas of the bay.
  • Missed experiences
Day cruises do not offer the unique experiences of overnight stays, such as witnessing marvelous sunrise and sunset.
  • Travel fatigue
Travel time from Hanoi to Halong Bay (approximately 2.5 hours) can be quite exhausting.

Overall, Halong Bay day cruises are a fantastic choice for those wanting a well-rounded, immersive experience in just one day. Despite a few minor limitations, they provide a memorable glimpse into the natural beauty and cultural richness of this UNESCO World Heritage site.

FAQs

Yes, you can absolutely do a Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi in a single day. Besides the 2.5-hour transfer from Hanoi to Halong, these cruise tours typically last from 4 to 8 hours, providing enough time to visit highlights like Titop Island, Surprising Cave, and more secluded parts of the bay.

There are some recommended Halong Bay one day cruises for you to enjoy high-quality services on a budget.

  • Amethyst Day Cruise (from US $65/ pax)
  • Jade Sails (from US $115/ pax)
  • Wonder Bay Cruise (from US $84/ pax)
  • Queen Luxury Cruise (from US $64/ pax)
  • Phoenix Day Cruise (from US $59/ pax)

For more wonderful day cruises, please check availability or contact our travel consultant for a specific guide.

Ambassador Day Cruise stands out as the epitome of luxury for a 5-star day cruise in Halong Bay, the only one offering staterooms for the best comfort. With a max capacity of 500 passengers onboard, it offers unparalleled facilities such as a top-notch spa, a panoramic lounge bar, twin sundecks, a jacuzzi pool, and a private dining room offering delectable meals.

The Halong Bay one day cruise price ranges between US $58 and US $129 for three different classes.

  • 5-star cruise: From US $64/pax - $129/pax
  • 4-star cruise: From US $58/pax - $84/pax
  • 3-star cruise: From US $58/pax - $69/pax

For first-timers seeking the best 1-day cruise itinerary in Halong, we recommend some must-visit destinations like Titov Island and Surprising Cave. This best classic route offers breathtaking views, pristine beaches, and an awe-inspiring cave exploration.

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Questions & Answers (105)

Ask a Question
Q
18/11/2024

Just want to ask for the time to go back from Ha long to Hanoi, considering we will take sleeper train go to Lao Cai from Hanoi. Is enough time to reach hanoi station at 8 pm ?

1 Reply
1
18/11/2024
@Andri:

Depend on the cruise but mostly will before train departure time so it all ok.

1 Like Reply
Q
04/11/2024

Hi We (3 people) are visiting Vietnam in April 2025. In Hanoi we would like to do a 2 day tour (1x overnight stay) in Halong Bay. We will fly on to Da Nang on the same day the tour ends. That's why it's important to know what time we'll be back in Hanoi so that we can book a suitable flight. Thanks for your help Robert

1 Reply
1
05/11/2024
@Robert Leist:

You should book flight after 5pm it will be ok.

1 Like Reply
Q
06/06/2024

I was looking to book the Ambassador Day Cruise for 2 adults and 2 kids (age 3 and 7) for the 15th of July We are spending the night in Halong so thinking of organizing separate transport from Hanoi on the 15th and back to Hanoi on 16th afternoon. We definitely want to go to Sung Sot Cave. Please let me know if it possibe and how much for all services.

1 Reply
1
10/06/2024
@Morgan R:

Yes the program of Ambas will visit Sung Sot Cave, you can book it now.

1 Like Reply
Q
16/05/2024

Hi, I'm looking for some budget cruises for a day for 1 person. I'll travel on June 20th, please check if there is any cruise available for me.

1 Reply
1
16/05/2024
@Wilbur Richmon:

Hi! For your request, you might consider our best 2 options below:

1 Like Reply
Q
24/04/2024

Hi. I am planning for a day cruise to HaLong Bay for a family of 4 adults, traveling on 9 Dec 2024. Kindly provide the itinerary, price and what are inclusive. Does the price also include transportation to and from Hanoi? Appreciate.

1 Reply
1
24/04/2024
@Yien Toh:

Depend on cruise included bus transfer or not also we have many option from 3* to 5* which one are you looking for?

1 Like Reply
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