A day trip to explore Ha Long Bay, departing from Hanoi, is the perfect solution for travelers with limited time who still want to fully appreciate the beauty of this world natural wonder. Thanks to the modern highway system, travel time from Hanoi to Ha Long has now been shortened to just 2 to 2.5 hours each way.
The most popular one-day Halong Bay tour itinerary.
Currently, tour companies offer two main types of day tours based on the time the boat spends sailing in the bay:
Itinerary 1: 6-Hour Tour (Standard – Recommended Itinerary)
This itinerary is chosen by 80% of tourists because its duration is equivalent to a portion of a 2-day, 1-night tour, allowing you to delve deep into the core heritage area.
- 07:30 – 08:00: Limousine will pick you up from hotels in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.
- 11:30: Arrive at Tuan Chau International Passenger Port or Ha Long Port, complete check-in procedures for the luxurious 5-star cruise ship.
- 12:00: Enjoy a seafood buffet lunch on board while the cruise ship sails past iconic limestone islands (Fighting Cock Island, Incense Burner Island).
- 14:00: Exploration Surprise Cave – the largest and most magnificent cave in Ha Long Bay.
- 15:00: Experience kayaking or riding in a traditional bamboo boat paddled by locals to freely explore Luon Cave.
- 16:00: Conquering the summit Titop Island offers panoramic views of the bay from above, or you can freely swim on the fine white sand beach.
- 16:45: Return to the cruise ship for a sunset party with tea, pastries, fruit, and relaxing background music.
- 17:45: The ship docks at the port, a limousine will pick you up and take you back to Hanoi.
- 20:30: Arrived back at the hotel in Hanoi, ending the trip.
Itinerary 2: 4-Hour Tour (Classic – Budget-Friendly Itinerary)
This itinerary is suitable for those who want a fast-paced, low-cost trip or want to incorporate additional inland activities in the evening.
- Route: The ship only travels through points near the shore such as Thien Cung Cave , Dau Go Cave and Rooster Rock.
- Pros/Cons: Saves time, cheaper, but the bay area will be more crowded and there are no activities like swimming or hiking for panoramic views like on Titop Island.
The best daily ferry services currently available.
Modern day cruise ships are built on a grand scale, comparable to overnight cruises, and often include swimming pools and luxurious restaurants.
- Luxury 5-star cruise ships: These include models such as Ambassador Day Cruise , Sea Octopus , or La Casta Daily Cruise . They have a large capacity (from 99 to 500 guests), a spacious sun deck, an outdoor swimming pool, a high-end buffet restaurant, and lively live music.
- Traditional Wooden Boat / Mid-Range Iron Boat (3★ – 4★): Suitable for budget-conscious group tours, cozy atmosphere, and family-style set menu lunches.
Hanoi – Ha Long 2-day 1-night itinerary
Currently, there are two main options for exploring Ha Long Bay in 2 days and 1 night, departing from Hanoi, depending on your preferences: Overnight stay on a 5-star cruise ship (sea cruise) or Overnight stay at a hotel on the mainland (combined with Sun World amusement park).
Below are details of the two most optimal itinerary options for you to choose from:
OPTION 1: OVERNIGHT ITINERARY ON A 5-STAR CRUISE SHIP (Recommended)
This option is ideal for those who want a relaxing getaway and to watch the sunset/sunrise right in the heart of a heritage site.
Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Long Bay – Kayaking – Sunset Party
- 08:00 – 08:30: A limousine will pick you up in Hanoi and travel via Highway 5B Hanoi – Hai Phong – Quang Ninh (approximately 2 – 2.5 hours).
- 11:30: Arrive at the train company’s VIP lounge.Tuan Chau Port or Ha Long International Passenger Port .
- 12:15 PM: Board the cruise ship. Enjoy a welcome drink, listen to a safety briefing, and check into your cabin with a private balcony.
- 13:00: Enjoy a buffet or elegant set menu lunch at the ship’s restaurant while the cruise ship begins to sail deeper into the bay.
- 15:00 – 17:00: Outdoor activities (depending on the train route you choose):
- Traditional route: Explore the vast Sung Sot Cave and conquer the summit of Titop Island .
- Lan Ha Bay Route: Kayak through the caves, swim at pristine beaches, or enjoy the thrill of water slides plunging into the sea .
- 17:30: Return to the ship to join the Sunset Party and watch the sunset over the bay. Enjoy Happy Hour drink deals (Buy one, Get one free) and relax in the outdoor jacuzzi.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy a high-class fine-dining dinner.
- 21:00: Go squid fishing at night with the crew, sing karaoke, listen to live music, or relax at the spa while enjoying the night view of the sea.
Day 2: Tai Chi Class – Bright and Dark Cave – Hanoi
- 06:15: Participate in a Tai Chi or Yoga class to watch the sunrise on the sundeck.
- 07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast with tea, coffee, and French pastries at the restaurant.
- 07:45: Continue exploring the bay in the morning: take a small boat rowed by locals to visit the Bright and Dark Cave or visit a fishing village that cultivates pearls.
- 09:30: Return to the cruise ship to check out and pack your luggage.
- 10:00: Enjoy an early lunch (a hearty brunch) while the ship sails back to the dock.
- 11:30: The ship docks. A limousine will pick you up and take you back to Hanoi.
- 14:30 – 15:00: Arrive back in Hanoi, ending the trip.
OPTION 2: LAND ITINERARY (Hotel + Sun World amusement park)
This option is suitable for families with active children, groups of young friends who enjoy entertainment, eating seafood, and visiting night markets.
Day 1: Hanoi – Exploring Bai Chay Beach – Sun World Park – Night Market
- 08:00: Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long by private car or limousine.
- 11:00 AM: Arrive in Ha Long City, have lunch with local specialties such as mantis shrimp noodle soup or squid cake with rice rolls . Afterwards, check into your hotel in the Bai Chay area.
- 14:00 – 18:00: Enjoy yourself at the Sun World Halong Complex. You can buy tickets for the Queen Cable Car to Mysterious Hill (enjoy panoramic views of the Bai Chay Bridge, ride the Ferris wheel) or try thrilling rides at Dragon Park.
- 18:30: Enjoy a swim at Bai Chay beach or take a stroll to watch the sunset.
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy a seafood dinner at a restaurant in the Hong Gai or Cai Dam area.
- 21:00: Explore Ha Long Night Market, Bai Chay Old Town (Little Vietnam), or enjoy a seaside cafe with a stunning bay view.
Day 2: 4-hour bay tour – Shopping for local specialties – Hanoi
- 07:00: Have breakfast at the hotel, then check out early.
- 07:45: Arrive at the port to complete boarding procedures for the 4-hour day cruise tour of the bay.
- 08:15 – 12:00: The boat will take you past famous limestone islands such as Hon Ga Choi (Fighting Cock Island), Hon Dinh Huong (Incense Burner Island), and stop to explore Thien Cung Cave – one of the most dazzling caves in Ha Long Bay. You will enjoy a seafood lunch right on board.
- 12:15: The ship docks at the port.
- 13:00: Stop by Ha Long Market 1 to buy local specialties as souvenirs, such as handmade squid patties, dried squid, and sea worms.
- 14:30: Board the bus and depart for Hanoi.
- 17:00: Arrived back in Hanoi, bringing to a close our exciting 2-day, 1-night trip.
Hanoi – Ha Long itinerary: 3 days 2 nights
A 3-day, 2-night Halong Bay tour from Hanoi is the ideal duration. Unlike a 2-day tour, a 3-day tour allows you to relax and have a full day deep in the bay to kayak or enjoy various activities on shore.
Below are two of the most optimal itinerary options based on current travel trends:
OPTION 1: A FULL 3-DAY, 2-NIGHT TRIP ON A 5-STAR OR 6-STAR CRUISE
This option is for those who want to escape the hustle and bustle of the city, love luxury resorts, and want to explore the most pristine and secluded areas of Lan Ha Bay / Bai Tu Long Bay.
Day 1: Hanoi – Ha Long – Cruise Check-in – Sunset Party
- 08:15: A limousine will pick you up in Hanoi and travel along the highway (approximately 2 hours).
- 11:45: Arrive at the VIP lounge at the seaport ( Tuan Chau or Ha Long ).
- 12:15 PM: The crew will greet you aboard the superyacht in a speedboat. Enjoy a welcome drink and check into your suite with a private balcony.
- 13:00: Enjoy a fine-dining lunch at the glass-walled restaurant while the ship departs, venturing deeper into the wonder.
- 15:00: The ship stops in a quiet bay area. You are free to kayak , ride the giant water slide from the 3rd floor down to the sea (like on the Capella cruise ship), or swim in the sea.
- 17:30: Join the Sunset Party on the sundeck. Watch the sunset, enjoy drink deals (Happy Hour buy one get one free) and take a dip in the outdoor infinity pool
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy a premium dinner featuring high-quality seafood and American beef.
- 21:00: Experience sparkling night squid fishing by the boat, sing karaoke or listen to live music at the bar.
Day 2: Explore the heart of the heritage site by day boat.
- 06:15: Practice Tai Chi or Yoga to welcome the pristine sunrise on the ship’s deck.
- 07:00: Enjoy a light breakfast at the restaurant with tea, coffee, and pastries.
- 08:30: You transfer to a smaller day boat to venture into remote areas inaccessible to larger vessels.
- 10:00 AM: Explore the ancient fishing village of Viet Hai by bicycle or electric vehicle, traversing through lush green forests.
- 12:00: Enjoy a lunch of fresh seafood prepared right on the transfer vessel.
- 14:00: Travel to the Ba Trai Dao or Hang Sang Toi area – a beautiful, pristine natural beach for swimming and kayaking through the caves and cliffs.
- 16:30: Return to the main cruise ship to relax, enjoy spa treatments, or take a jacuzzi bath.
- 7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner on the second day with our new à la carte menu.
Day 3: Millennium Cave – Brunch – Return to Hanoi
- 06:15: Start your day with a morning Tai Chi class.
- 07:30: Explore Sung Sot Cave (the largest cave in the bay) or the mystical Thien Cung Cave .
- 09:30: Return to the ship to check out; luggage left at the door will be carried by staff.
- 10:00: Enjoy a sumptuous early lunch (Brunch buffet) while the ship returns to the dock.
- 11:30 AM: The ship docks at the port. A vehicle will pick you up and take you back to Hanoi. After 2.5 hours, the vehicle will drop you off at your hotel.
OPTION 2: COMBINED LAND TRIP & BAY VISIT IN ONE DAY (Hotel + Sun World)
This dynamic option offers more flexible costs and is perfectly suited for families with children who want to enjoy water parks, ride the cable car, and eat freely in Bai Chay.
Day 1: Hanoi – Check-in at Bai Chay – Queen Cable Car & Mysterious Hill
- 08:00: Depart from Hanoi to Ha Long via the highway by private car or limousine.
- 11:30 AM: Arrive in Ha Long, enjoy the local specialty, handmade squid sausage rice rolls . Afterwards, check into your hotel in the center of Bai Chay.
- 14:30: Experience the Queen Cable Car crossing the sea to the Mysterious Hill area. Participate in activities such as: riding the Sun Wheel for panoramic city views, watching water puppetry, and visiting the Japanese garden.
- 18:30: Enjoy a swim at the artificial Bai Chay beach and stroll through the bustling Bai Chay Old Town.
- 7:30 PM: Enjoy a seafood dinner in the Cai Dam area or at a seaside restaurant on Ky Quan Street.
- 21:30: Check in at the pedestrian street, enjoy a beer or coffee while listening to acoustic music by the sea.
Day 2: Exploring Typhoon Water Park – Ha Long Night Market
- 07:30: Enjoy a buffet breakfast at the hotel.
- 09:00 – 16:00: Spend a full day having fun at Typhoon Water Park or Dragon Park with a variety of thrilling rides and giant water slides (Families can have lunch at their own expense within the park).
- 17:00: Return to the hotel to rest and shower after a long day of activity.
- 7:00 PM: Head to Hon Gai area via Bai Chay bridge to enjoy seafood at floating restaurants (known for their freshest and more affordable local prices).
- 21:00: Explore the night market for souvenirs or stroll around the breezy 30/10 Square.
Day 3: Bay tour (4-6 hours) – Shopping for local specialties – Hanoi
- 07:00: Have breakfast at the hotel and check out (leave your luggage at the reception desk).
- 08:00: Arrive at the harbor and board a luxury day cruise for 4 or 6 hours, visiting Hon Ga Choi, Dinh Huong, Thien Cung Cave, and enjoying a seafood lunch on board.
- 12:30 or 14:00: The ship docks at the port, and a vehicle will take you back to the hotel to collect your luggage.
- 2:30 PM: Stop by Ha Long market to buy fresh squid patties and dried squid as gifts for family.
- 3:30 PM: Board the limousine and depart for Hanoi. The exciting 3-day, 2-night trip comes to an end.
VietFlameTours (official trading name: Viet Flame Trading and Tourism Company Limited) is a reputable travel company in Vietnam, specializing in organizing and designing private tours and tailor-made tours for international and domestic tourists.
Contact
- Hotline/ Whatsapp/Line/Viber: +84 986282217
- Email: contact@vietflametours.com
- Fanpage: https://www.facebook.com/vietflametours
- Websites: https://vietflametours.com/
Support & Help
 |
Hotline: +84 986282217 |
 |
Zalo: +84 986282217 |
 |
Messenger: https://www.facebook.com/vietflametours |
 |
Email: contact@vietflametours.com |
Q & A
Competitive tour price
We are supported a lot in terms of prices such as hotels, restaurants, tourist cars. From there, we confidently commit to competitive land tour prices and free support from us.
Trusted reputation
Visitors who buy our tours are guaranteed by the Vietnam National Administration of Tourism.
Event & Mice
The event program will need a lot of small details, and that local service relationship is us, contact us to request, we are ready to serve.
Support by love
We support you with all free information such as: self-sufficient travel, study, business, where to eat, where to have fun
Partial Service
To meet the needs of each small group who wants to travel independently, we have services: car rental, hotel booking, events, restaurant orders...
Local Guide
We understand each local restaurant and tourist attraction, which is almost never mentioned in the pure tourist programs.
May be you like
Hanoi- Ninh Binh- Halong Cruise Tour 4D3N
Contact Us
 | Pick-up: | Hanoi |
 | 4 days 3 nights | |
Trang An Boat Tour Ninh Binh 3 Days 2 Nights
Contact Us
| Pick-up: | Hanoi |
| 3 days 2 nights | |