Day cruises from Hanoi
4.8/5
14,910 reviews on GetYourGuide
The safe first choice for one day on Ha Long Bay: the classic route of Sung Sot Cave, a kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave and Ti Top Island, with lunch, the guide, entry fees and Old Quarter pick-up in one booking. Nearly 15,000 GetYourGuide reviews average 4.8, and it is the cheapest of the big sellers, from €35.90 (GetYourGuide, 15 Nov 2026).
Starts inHanoi Old Quarter
Pick-up in Hanoi’s Old Quarter is between 07:20 and 08:20, and the coach takes the expressway to the coast in about two and a half hours, with a stop of around 25 minutes at a pearl shop near the port. You board at Tuan Chau harbour at about 11:30, and a Vietnamese set-menu lunch is served as the boat heads out among the islands (vegetarian on request).
The afternoon follows the route most Ha Long day boats share. At 13:30 you walk through Sung Sot, the 'Surprise Cave', for about an hour. At 14:45 you choose a two-person kayak or a rowed bamboo boat into the lagoon at Luon Cave. At 15:45 the boat stops at Ti Top Island, where you either swim off the curved beach or climb the steps to the viewpoint over the bay.
On the way back the crew lay on a sunset party with tea, fruit and light snacks on deck. The coach then returns to Hanoi, reaching the Old Quarter by about 21:00, so it is a long day of roughly 13 hours door to door.
If you are already in Ha Long, there is an option without the coach: you meet the boat at Tuan Chau Marina at 11:15.
Through the year
The listing itself says Ha Long Bay is busiest in summer, June to August, and at weekends. A weekday outside those months means fewer boats at the caves and on Ti Top beach.
Our summary of the reviews GetYourGuide shows on the product page.
Worth knowing: Some reviewers found lunch and the afternoon snacks plain
07:20Hanoi Old Quarter
Hotel pick-up (on the option with transfer).
Pearl shop
A stop of about 25 minutes on the way.
11:30Tuan Chau harbour
Board the boat; set-menu lunch as you sail.
13:30Sung Sot Cave
About an hour walking through the cave.
14:45Luon Cave
Kayak (two per boat) or bamboo boat into the lagoon.
15:45Ti Top Island
Swim at the beach or climb to the viewpoint.
On deck
Sunset party with tea, fruit and snacks.
21:00Hanoi Old Quarter
Back at about 21:00.
It is the most-reviewed Ha Long Bay product on GetYourGuide, and at from €35.90 it costs less than the other big day cruises while covering all three classic stops. The standard or luxury day trip adds a buffet and jacuzzi boat for a little more; the Lan Ha day tour goes further, to Cat Ba, if you want a quieter bay.
Checked against the GetYourGuide listing on 15 November 2026. Prices and options change: the calendar shows the current ones.
The listing says Ha Long Bay is Vietnam’s top destination and can be crowded, especially in June to August and at weekends. Sung Sot, Luon Cave and Ti Top are on almost every day boat’s route.
What to do. Go on a weekday if you can, or choose the Lan Ha day tour for a quieter bay.
About two and a half hours each way by expressway, with one stop. Boarding at Tuan Chau harbour is at about 11:30 and you are back in the Old Quarter by about 21:00.
Yes. At Luon Cave you choose a two-person kayak or a bamboo boat rowed by a local boatman; both are included.
Yes. One option meets the boat at Tuan Chau Marina at 11:15, without the coach.
The listing says a vegetarian option is available for the set-menu lunch.
The top-rated day trip, with a set-menu standard boat or a buffet and jacuzzi luxury boat.
Departs from Hanoi Old Quarter · About 13 hours
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
The classic route at the lowest price, on a deluxe or luxury boat; tagged wheelchair accessible.
Departs from Hanoi Old Quarter · About 13 hours
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Ha Long to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba in a day: cave, museum, kayaking and a water slide.
Departs from Hanoi Old Quarter · 7 to 13.5 hours
✓ Free cancellation up to 24 hours before
Sources: getyourguide.com. Checked November 2026. Photos: GetYourGuide.