Most Halong bay day cruises follow a similar itinerary. They include a hotel pick-up, kayaking and a visit to a secluded beach. Some also offer a bamboo boat tour to get closer to the limestone formations and caves in the bay.
The new highway that has recently opened cuts the drive time from Hanoi to Halong Bay by half.
Itinerary
A Halong Bay day trip is an ideal way to spend a couple of days exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. You can expect to see beautiful beaches and caves, while some cruises include a cooking class and kayaking on the emerald waters of the bay.
Most tour companies offer a range of itineraries for their cruises in Halong Bay. Typically, these cruises are based around the most popular spots in Halong Bay and will include snorkeling, beach swimming, and kayaking. You should bring a swimsuit for these activities and pack a towel for the beach.
Some of the most popular routes include Ti Top Island, where you can lounge on the beach or climb up to a lookout for a stunning view of Halong Bay. You’ll also be able to visit some of the most famous grottoes in the area, including Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave. You can also try your hand at kayaking or rowing a bamboo boat in the Luon Cave area.
Boats
There are many different kinds of Halong Bay day cruises, from simple wooden junk boats to super-luxurious vessels. These boats range in size from 2 to 30 people, and you can choose from various itinerary options. The type of boat you choose can have a huge impact on your experience, so it’s important to do your research.
You should also pay attention to the quality of the service. You want to make sure you’re on a clean and comfortable boat that has everything you need. It’s also important to consider the safety of your tour. Some companies are committed to ethical tourism, while others have a less-friendly reputation. Make sure to check out the reviews of each company before booking a trip. Choose a company that has a good track record and is dedicated to sustainable tourism. Halong Bay is a beautiful and unique place, and you don’t want to miss out on it because of a poor experience.
Tour guides
A good Halong Bay tour guide will help you organize your itinerary and choose the best boat for your needs. They can even offer you different packages based on your budget and tour highlights. They will also take into account your time constraints to make sure you get the most out of your trip.
For those with limited time, a day cruise is the best option. It’s a shorter trip, but you’ll still see all the main attractions and enjoy a variety of activities. You’ll be able to swim, visit caves, and kayak in the clear waters of the bay.
You can also book a Halong Bay tour that includes a cooking class or a bamboo boat ride. This is a great choice for those who want to experience the traditional culture of Vietnam without spending a lot of money. These tours will usually include hotel pickup and a 6-hour cruise with Vietnamese lunch.
Food
If you are a vegetarian or have other food preferences, you can still enjoy your cruise in Halong Bay. Most cruises will offer a range of vegetarian dishes, but you should let your tour agency know if you have specific dietary needs. Many of the cruises also serve seafood, so it’s important to inform them if you don’t like fish or other sea foods.
On your first evening onboard the Au Co, you can take part in a traditional dance performance of Lac Long Quan. It’s a spirited folk story about a dragon prince and fairy princess. This is one of the best ways to get a taste of Vietnamese culture.
Wake up to a tai chi session on the sundeck and breakfast in the dining room, which features large windows with a beautiful view of Halong Bay outside. Afterward, you can swim on the beach of Titop Island or hike to its top for spectacular views. Later, visit Dark and Light Cave, as well as Cua Van floating village.
