1 Day
Join-in tour
Min 1 pax
Max 48 pax
Tour start: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Tour end: 8:30 PM
Embark on a journey to explore the stunning beauty of Halong Bay with our budget cruise, a blend of traditional elegance and contemporary comfort.
What to bring:
CHILDREN‘S PRICE
SPECIAL NOTES:
The order of itinerary may be changed depending on weather or Halong Bay management department.
Planning a trip to Halong Bay but only have one day to spare? You are not alone. Many travelers have been worrying that a single day isn’t enough to truly experience the magic of the place.
But here’s the great news: given the right approach and well-planned itinerary, a Halong Bay 1 day tour doesn’t sound entirely out of reach. Keep scrolling to learn everything there is to know!
Exploring Ha Long Bay in a single day does seem like a daunting task at first glance, especially if you plan to do so on your own.
However, with carefully curated Halong cruise tours — such as those provided by Vietnam Backpacker Hostels — it’s still entirely possible! There are no logistic challenges since transportation, itineraries, meals, and return trips are all pre-arranged; you can enjoy the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site to your heart’s content.
Halong Bay offers an array of destinations that will amaze nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural enthusiasts alike! Let us suggest 12 must-visit spots you may consider for your Halong Bay tour 1 day.
Sung Sot Cave, spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, has always been a popular stop in many Halong Bay cruise tour itineraries.
This magnificent cave is divided into two main chambers. The first one resembles a grand arena with high ceilings illuminated by natural light filtering through cracks in the rock. Meanwhile, the second chamber (also the more intricate between the two) is littered with a labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites. They form various shapes that resemble animals, flowers, and even mythical creatures.
Another famous Halong cruise tour destination, Ti Top Island, was named after Russian astronaut Gherman Titov in 1962 during his visit to Ho Chi Minh. Its crescent-shaped beach is pristine, accompanied by fine white sand and clear waters that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Better yet, for adventure enthusiasts, a hike to the summit of Ti Top Island offers an amazing panoramic view of Halong Bay, showcasing the iconic karst landscapes and emerald waters. The summit climb consists of roughly 400 steps and only takes about 20 minutes.
Bai Tu Long Bay is a quieter, less commercialized Halong Bay cruise day tour destination, despite featuring the same stunning limestone karsts and turquoise waters.
This area encompasses Bai Tu Long National Park, a conservation area home to rare wildlife, including golden-headed langurs and sea turtles. There are many activities you can do here: kayaking through calm lagoons, exploring untouched caves, or visiting nearby fishing villages to experience the local cultures.
The largest island in the Ha Long Bay region, Cat Ba Island is home to Cat Ba National Park, a UNESCO-recognized biosphere reserve protecting diverse flora and fauna (including the endangered Cat Ba langur.)
This park offers amazing trails for bikers and hikers, while the nearby beaches like Cat Co 1 and Cat Co 2 provide golden opportunities for a quick sunbath or kayaking session. Another great destination to consider is Viet Hai Village, where visitors can live and breathe the traditional lifestyles of local communities during their Halong tour 1 day experience.
Dau Go Cave played a key role in Vietnam’s victory over the Mongols in the 13th century. Legend has it that General Tran Hung Dao used this cave to store wooden stakes that were later deployed in the Bach Dang River to trap Mongolian ships.
The cave features three main chambers, each adorned with impressive stalactites and stalagmites. Natural light streaming through the entrance highlights the complex yet beautiful formations — a cue to bring out your phone or camera.
Not far from Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung Cave is a must-see on any Halong 1 day tour, all thanks to its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. It’s located about 25 meters above sea level and is accessible via a short but steep climb.
All the chambers inside the cave are linked by narrow passageways that lead to hidden alcoves and pools. According to legend, it was the wedding venue for the Dragon King and his bride.
Vietnamese and international backpackers alike consider Cua Van one of the largest and most picturesque floating fishing villages of the 1 day Halong Bay tour.
The village consists of colorful floating houses and boats, not to mention a small museum showcasing tools and artifacts related to fishing. You can always explore the place by kayak or traditional bamboo boats while learning about the unique culture and fishing practices of the villagers. The surrounding limestone karsts and calm waters only add to the village’s long-standing charm.
At the south of Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay is a hidden gem with over 300 karst islands and islets, many of which are covered by lush vegetation.
Unlike its more famous counterpart, Lan Ha Bay is an ideal destination for travelers seeking calm and quietness. The bay features numerous secluded beaches, such as Cat Co and Monkey Island, where visitors can swim and relax amid the cool weather. It’s also a lovely spot for kayaking through lagoons or climbing limestone cliffs during the Halong Bay 1 day tour from Hanoi.
Bai Chay Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots of the Hanoi to Halong Bay 1 day tour, given that it’s quite close to the mainland. The 500-meter-long sandy stretch serves as the best spot for sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities like skiing and parasailing. In the evenings, Bai Chay comes alive with live music and cultural performances, further enhanced by the stunning views at the Bai Chay Bridge, which connects the beach to Hon Gai Island.
This developed tourist hub stays connected to the mainland by a 2-kilometer-long road.
As a starting point for many Hanoi Halong Bay cruise tours, Tuan Chau has become a convenient base for exploring the area. It features luxury resorts, a marina, and an entertainment complex with water shows, dolphin performances, cultural exhibits, fine dining restaurants, night markets, and more.
Me Cung Cave, also known as Maze Cave, prides itself on its complex structure, which resembles a maze (as its name suggests).
The cave features multiple chambers connected by narrow passageways, which open up to reveal small stalactite-covered rooms and a hidden lake called Me Cung Lagoon. Archeological evidence suggests that prehistoric humans inhabited this cave thousands of years ago; you can still observe remnants of ancient tools and pottery during the Halong 1 day tour if you want to.
Want to visit yet another traditional floating village on your Halong Bay cruise tour from Hanoi? Vung Vieng Fishing Village is a terrific option, surrounded by dramatic limestone mountains and calm waters.
Aside from intriguing fishing methods and history, the village also has a floating school and community center. Feel free to try fishing, net weaving, and cooking traditional seafood dishes under their guidance!
Can’t choose between the 12 destinations suggested above? Just book a spot on the pre-arranged cruise tour with Vietnam Backpacker Hostels instead! With our well-designed itinerary below, you will have the best experience at Halong Bay without the stress of planning:
8:00 AM: Pick-up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter and transfer to Ha Long Bay.
12:00 PM: Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, board the cruise, and enjoy a Vietnamese lunch while cruising
1:15 PM: Visit Sung Sot Cave before heading to Luon Cave for kayaking or a relaxing bamboo boat ride.
3:00 PM: Stop at Ti Top Island for a swim or hike to the summit for panoramic views.
4:15 PM: Return to the boat and cruise back to the harbor.
8:30 PM: Drop off at your Hanoi accommodation.
1. Halong Bay’s weather can be quite unpredictable, even more so during the rainy season (May to September). So don’t forget to pack a lightweight waterproof jacket or poncho! For those traveling in winter (November to February), we strongly recommend a warm layer to deal with the chilly mornings and evenings.
2. If Ti Top Island is part of your itinerary, try to hike to the summit as soon as you dock. Nevertheless, since the area can get crowded, you should climb early to avoid too many people and get the best panoramic photo opportunities.
3. Never forget a fully charged phone or camera and, if possible, a portable charger. After all, the bay’s landscapes are incredibly photogenic; you’ll definitely want to capture every moment!
Still have concerns or uncertainty about our Halong Bay 1 day tour? You can always confide in our dedicated support team. Make sure you reach us through:
Round-trip transfer by shuttle bus Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi. (Free pickup/drop-off for guests who stay in the Old Quarter of Hanoi)
English speaking guide
Vietnamese Lunch + Sunset party
A bottle of water per person
Entrance fees (Surprised Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave)
Kayak or bamboo rowing boat
Towel (for beach activity)
Beverages
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Tips & Gratuity
You will be picked up from your accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and then brought to Halong Bay. Our drive takes about 2,5 hours. On the way, we stop for a short break for 30 minutes to relax.
Arrive at Tuan Chau Harbor, board our Day Cruise, and cruise on the bay.
Enjoy a delicious Vietnamese lunch on the boat as you take in the stunning surroundings.
Arriving at Sung Sot Cave, also known as the “Surprised Cave” or “Amazing Cave”. To reach the entrance of the grotto, one must climb approximately 100 stone steps.
The boat will then head to the Luon Cave area. You can choose to challenge yourself with a kayaking excursion or opt for a more gentle and sophisticated experience on a bamboo boat (Sampan) to admire the breathtaking scenery. If you prefer not to participate in any of these activities, you can relax on the sundeck.
Visit Titov Island and enjoy swimming on a sandy beach surrounded by towering limestone mountains and a breathtaking view of the bay. Climb up to Titov Peak for a panoramic view of the bay, as if you have stepped into a heavenly paradise
Back to the boat for the sunset party (with wine, tea, fruits, and biscuits) meanwhile the boat is cruising back to the harbor.
Finally, disembark and board a bus for the ride back to Hanoi.
Drop off at your accommodation. Trip ends.
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