Ha Long Bay (day cruise)

Vịnh Hạ Long

Cruising between some two thousand limestone islets

⚠ Sailings cancelled in storms

Hours

Day tours usually leave Hanoi 7–7:30am and return around 9pm

Tickets

Day-cruise tours roughly US$50–100+ per person depending on boat and inclusions; book via apps such as Klook or local agencies

Address

Most cruises leave from Tuan Chau International Passenger Port or Ha Long International Cruise Port at Bai Chay (depends on the operator)

A UNESCO World Heritage seascape of thousands of sheer limestone islands rising from green water. Day tours leave Hanoi around 7am, drive 2.5 hours on the expressway and board around midday for four to six hours among the islands. Most include Sung Sot, a cavern full of stalactites, the viewpoint on Titop Island, a bamboo-boat or kayak paddle and a seafood lunch on board. You're back in Hanoi around 9pm, which is a long day, so many choose an overnight cruise instead.