Halong Bay Day Trip, Hanoi, Vietnam

Halong Bay features thousands of limestone karsts and islets that emerge dramatically from emerald-green waters, creating a beautiful seascape.

Halong Bay, situated in Quang Ninh Province in northeastern Vietnam, is a globally renowned natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994. Spanning approximately 1,553 square kilometers, the bay features nearly 2,000 limestone islets of varying sizes and shapes, many of which are covered with lush greenery. These karsts, formed over millions of years through erosion, create a mystical and almost otherworldly landscape.

I took a day tour to the Halong Bay from Hanoi.  

The morning tour of Halong Bay begins early, with most tours departing from Hanoi between 6:00 AM and 7:30 AM. Guests are typically picked up from their hotels in the Old Quarter and transported to Halong Bay in a comfortable vehicle. The drive takes around 3.5 to 4 hours, offering a glimpse of Vietnam’s scenic countryside, rice fields, and small villages along the way.

Some tours include a short stop at a rest area, where travelers can grab a quick snack, use restrooms, or shop for local souvenirs. By late morning, visitors arrive at Tuan Chau Marina or Bai Chay Harbor, ready to board their cruise and begin exploring the beautiful seascape of Halong Bay. This seamless start ensures the tour maximizes time spent on the bay while accommodating the early morning travel from Hanoi.

After the buffet-style lunch on board, the boat started its journey to Halong Bay between late morning and noon.

A scenic view of Halong Bay unfolds as the boat glides deeper into the bay.

In the distance were the buildings on the shoreline.

After some time on the boat, we reached a limestone island with a dock surrounded by numerous small boats.

We boarded a small speedboat and zipped swiftly between the limestone islands.

After the small boat ride, we returned to the dock area.

We then boarded another boat, this time a slower one, to take in the nearby scenery.

It was about a 10-minute boat ride to this lagoon behind one of the large limestone mountains.

We came back to the dock area and board the cruiseship.

We departed the dock and arrived at another limestone island.

This island featured a cave along one of its walls. 

Hang Luồn, also known as Luon Cave, is a popular attraction in Halong Bay, Vietnam. This limestone cave features a stunning natural archway that opens into a peaceful, enclosed lagoon surrounded by sheer cliffs and lush vegetation.

The boat docked at the island, and visitors climbed the stairs to explore the caves. I chose not to go up as it seemed like too much climbing.

After visiting the cave, the cruise ship traveled a short distance to reach another island.

This island had an observation deck at its summit, offering panoramic views of the surrounding limestone islands. The scenery was likely stunning, but I opted not to go up, as the climb seemed too strenuous.

This island also featured a small beach (Ti Top Beach) that was bustling with people.

Our cruise ship

On the island

Came back on the cruise ship

Leaving the island