Ha Long Bay from Hanoi: day and overnight cruises

How to choose a cruise

Ha Long Bay (Hạ Long Bay, “the bay of the descending dragon”) is almost two thousand limestone islands and rocks rising from emerald water. It is a UNESCO site, and tourists search for it with queries such as “Ha Long cruise from Hanoi”, “Ha Long overnight”, “Ha Long in one day” and “Lan Ha Bay”. Below is how to choose a cruise and not overpay.

How to choose a format: a day, an overnight or Lan Ha

A day tour leaves the Old Quarter of Hanoi at about 7:30–8:00, reaches the bay by lunch and returns to the city by 19–20 hours. Of the 10–12 hours, 5–6 are left for relaxing, because the rest is eaten up by the road. An overnight cruise (2 days, 1 night) gives you a sunset, dinner on board and morning tai chi; you return to Hanoi by the evening of the second day. Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island are quieter and less crowded than the central part of Ha Long, so they are chosen by those who want kayaking without a dozen boats in the frame.

How to get there and where to board

• From Hanoi. The distance is about 160 km, and the road by expressway takes 2.5–3 hours. The transfer is usually included: a minibus picks you up from a hotel in the Old Quarter, and this is an important part of the price.
• Ports. Boats leave from Tuan Chau, Bai Chay and Hong Gai; for Lan Ha and Cat Ba you go to Cat Ba port or Ben Beo. The exact port is stated in the booking and cannot be changed on the day of the trip.
• On your own. You can take a bus to Bai Chay and buy a cruise on the spot, but in high season it is better to book in advance, and at weekends places are taken a week ahead.

What is in the programme and what you pay for on site

A typical route includes Ti Top Island with a beach and a viewpoint, Sung Sot Cave (the Surprise Cave), Dau Go Cave, the Cua Van floating village and kayaking in a lagoon. Expensive cruises add a jacuzzi and a seafood lunch, and on an overnight stay a spring-roll cooking class. Check whether the bay fee and cave entrance tickets are included, and drinks too: on the cheapest tours these items are paid on board, and the bill grows. A stop at a “pearl factory” or a souvenir shop is a standard insert in the route, and you can simply skip it.

More about the bay and its parts is in the article a detailed guide to Ha Long Bay.

Which tickets and tours there are

Prices are as of 10 October 2026. Check the contents, language and conditions on the page of the offer you choose.

What else from Hanoi

Combine it with Ninh Binh. All offers: excursions in Hanoi, Ha Long and Ninh Binh.

Restrictions and tips

• Passport. It is needed when booking and when boarding the vessel. Bring the original or a clear copy.
• Weather and season. The best months are March to May and September to November. From June to September there are storms and cruises get cancelled; from December to February it is cool, and in fog visibility drops.
• Clothing. A swimsuit, a quick-drying T-shirt, a light windbreaker for the evening and rubber-soled shoes. For an overnight stay take a warm jumper.
• Kayaking. Life jackets are provided, but you must be able to stay afloat. For children, ask the operator about age restrictions.
• Drones and equipment. Drones are banned without permission. A waterproof phone case will come in handy on the kayaks.
• Which cruise to take. If you have one day, take a tour with the expressway and lunch. For a relaxed holiday choose an overnight stay and Lan Ha Bay.

The description is based on Trip.com cards; opening hours and the contents of offers may change.