Day cruises from Hanoi

Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi with a seafood lunch, Surprise Cave, kayaking and Ti Top

4.7/5

651 reviews on GetYourGuide

A good-value classic day trip with a later, gentler start (pick-up from 08:00), a seafood lunch on board and a glass of red wine at sunset. Rated 4.7 from more than 650 reviews, from €36.58 (GetYourGuide, 15 Nov 2026).

Starts inHanoi Old Quarter

The bus collects you from your Old Quarter hotel between 08:00 and 08:45, with a break halfway to Tuan Chau harbour. If you are staying elsewhere in Hanoi, the meeting point is 131 Hang Bong Street; if you are already in Ha Long, an option without the bus meets you on Tuan Chau Island at 11:45.

You board at about 12:00 and lunch is traditional Vietnamese seafood, served as the boat sails out among the islands. At 13:30 you walk through Surprise Cave (Sung Sot) for about 75 minutes; at 14:45 it is kayaks or a bamboo boat at Luon Cave; at 15:45 Ti Top Island, for the climb to the viewpoint or a swim from the beach.

From 17:00 the sunset party on the way back has red wine, fresh fruit, tea and local cakes. The bus leaves the harbour at about 18:00 and is back at Old Quarter hotels at about 21:00. Some departures use a boat with a deck pool, and reviewers mention a premium upgrade with a jacuzzi.

What guests love

Our summary of the reviews GetYourGuide shows on the product page.

Well-prepared, organised guides
A good, full day for the price
The upgrade with a jacuzzi and sunset drinks

Good for

Travellers who prefer a later start
Seafood lovers
Couples on a budget

Not for

People with high blood pressure, by the operator’s own note

How the day goes

08:00Hanoi Old Quarter
Hotel pick-up 08:00 to 08:45.
12:00Tuan Chau harbour
Board; seafood lunch on the water.
13:30Sung Sot Cave
About 75 minutes in Surprise Cave.
14:45Luon Cave
Kayak or bamboo boat.
15:45Ti Top Island
Climb to the viewpoint or swim.
17:00On deck
Sunset party with wine, fruit, tea and cake.
21:00Hanoi Old Quarter
Back at your hotel.

Included

Old Quarter hotel pick-up and drop-off, on the option with transfer
English-speaking guide
Boat on Ha Long Bay
All entry fees
Lunch on the boat
Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top
Kayak or bamboo boat
Two bottles of water on the bus
Sunset party with fruit, tea and cake

Not included

Tips (not required)
Speedboat (optional)

Why this one

It is one of the few day trips that starts after 08:00 and it includes wine at sunset, at a price close to the cheapest. The most-booked classic cruise has more reviews; the deluxe or luxury day cruise is rated higher.

The facts

Where it starts: Hanoi Old Quarter pick-up 08:00 to 08:45; Tuan Chau Island at 11:45 without the bus
Duration: About 13 hours from Hanoi
Road transfer: About 3 hours each way with a break
Bay: Ha Long Bay
Guide: English
Price: From €36.58 per person (GetYourGuide, 15 Nov 2026)
Cancellation: Free up to 24 hours before

Checked against the GetYourGuide listing on 15 November 2026. Prices and options change: the calendar shows the current ones.

Before you book

Hotel pick-up is Old Quarter only
The listing says pick-up and drop-off are only for hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter; guests staying elsewhere meet the bus at 131 Hang Bong Street.
What to do. If you stay outside the Old Quarter, allow time to reach Hang Bong Street by 08:00.