Ha Long Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the New7 Wonders of Nature, attracts visitors from all over the world. Famous for its towering limestone formations and green waters, it’s one of Vietnam’s most well-known natural attractions. The bay is scattered with nearly 2,000 small islands and rocky outcrops that rise straight from the sea.
Full Cruise Options
You can choose
from day cruises or overnight cruises (1–2 nights) on traditional or modern
wooden “junk” boats. These cruises typically include visits to natural
attractions such as:
Sung Sot Cave
(Surprise Cave)
Thien Cung Cave
(Heavenly Palace Cave)
Titop Island,
where you can hike to the top for wide, open views
Floating fishing villages, where some locals still live on the water
Pearl farms,
kayaking, bamboo boat rides, and even squid fishing or Vietnamese cooking
demonstrations on some tours
Longer cruises suit those who want to explore more of the bay in comfort and are open to paying for an extended experience (KOTA BELUD SABAH NATURE).
The half-day cruises still offer a solid introduction to the area. Departing from Tuan Chau Marina in Ha Long City, they typically start around 8:30 a.m. The mornings can be cool and breezy, especially between November and February, so bringing a jacket is a good idea (HOKKAIDO JAPAN TOUR). After arriving at the pier, you’ll board a classic wooden boat, stunning in its aged design and traditional build. These boats glide slowly across the water, giving you a relaxed ride through the bay.
As the boat moves away from the pier, you’ll start to notice the scenery on both sides, rows of rocky islands, steep hills, and other boats making their way through the water. The view is calming, soothing, and a natural wonder. Whether you choose to sit or stand near the edge, it’s about appreciating nature where it has been preserved for the longest time.
After about 20 minutes, the boat will stop near Dau Go Cave, also called the Cave of Wonders. You’ll be guided off the boat and walk across a stretch of white sand that leads to the cave entrance. Inside, you'll go up a short flight of steps to see the natural rock formations, shaped over time by water and minerals. Colored lighting highlights the different textures and shapes inside. You’ll follow a path through the cave and exit from the other side.
Returning to the boat, and as it takes the route back to the pier around 11:30 or 12:00 p.m., a freshly prepared lunch will be served. Meals are typical Vietnamese dishes, with a focus on seafood. Vegetarian and vegan options are available if you request them ahead of time. The food is served in shared portions, and its simplicity is matched by its flavor, served alongside rice. It’s filling, well-prepared, and more than enough for everyone on board.
As you start to rest after lunch, the boat makes
its way back to the pier. The cruise usually ends by 1:30 p.m., leaving you
with time to continue your travel plans or make your way to Hanoi.
The Ha Long Bay boat cruise is definitely an experience of a lifetime, a peaceful and well-organized way to see one of Vietnam’s most famous natural locations. Whether you take a full-day or a shorter cruise, the scenery and experience will stay with you forever.
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