1 Day
Join-in tour
Min 1 pax
Max 48 pax
Tour start: 8:00 - 9:00 AM
Tour end: 8:30 PM
Welcome to our Halong Bay 1 day tour, the most popular day trip for backpackers who want a fun, budget-friendly way to explore one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations. This tour is designed to give you the best highlights of Halong Bay in just one day without the stress of planning or the cost of an overnight cruise.
You’ll cruise through emerald waters, explore limestone caves, kayak among towering cliffs, relax on a beautiful island beach, and enjoy Vietnamese lunch on board. It’s a complete Halong Bay 1 day cruise experience from Hanoi, perfect for solo travelers, groups, and anyone on a tight schedule.
Notes:
What to bring:
CHILDREN‘S PRICE
SPECIAL NOTES:
The order of itinerary may be changed depending on weather or Halong Bay management department.
Let’s join us for an unforgettable day on the water and discover why a 1 day Halong Bay tour is one of the best travel experiences in Vietnam.
Planning a trip to Halong Bay but only have one day to spare? You are not alone. Many travelers have been worrying that a single day isn’t enough to truly experience the magic of the place.
But here’s the great news: given the right approach and well-planned itinerary, a Halong Bay 1 day tour doesn’t sound entirely out of reach. Keep scrolling to learn everything there is to know!
Absolutely. A 1 Day Halong Bay Tour is completely worth it for travelers who want to experience the beauty of this UNESCO World Heritage Site without booking an overnight cruise.
Even with limited time, a carefully planned 1 day itinerary still lets you see the most iconic parts of the bay, including limestone cliffs, turquoise water, hidden caves, and a scenic island stop. The journey gives you a real taste of the landscape that makes Halong Bay famous around the world.
For backpackers, a 1 day trip is also a smart choice because it is budget friendly, easy to join, and requires no planning on your end.
Transportation, activities, and lunch are already arranged, so you can simply enjoy the cruise and spend a full day exploring. You still get to experience the essentials such as Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave for kayaking or bamboo boats, and Ti Top Island for swimming or hiking.
Halong Bay is filled with incredible destinations that appeal to nature lovers, adventure seekers, and cultural explorers. While no single 1 day Halong Bay tour can cover every spot in the bay, these are the standout places that many travelers look forward to.
Sung Sot Cave, spanning approximately 10,000 square meters, has always been a popular stop in many Halong Bay cruise tour itineraries.
This magnificent cave is divided into two main chambers. The first one resembles a grand arena with high ceilings illuminated by natural light filtering through cracks in the rock.
Meanwhile, the second chamber (also the more intricate between the two) is littered with a labyrinth of stalactites and stalagmites. They form various shapes that resemble animals, flowers, and even mythical creatures.
Another famous Halong cruise tour destination, Ti Top Island, was named after Russian astronaut Gherman Titov in 1962 during his visit to Ho Chi Minh. Its crescent-shaped beach is pristine, accompanied by fine white sand and clear waters that are ideal for swimming and sunbathing.
Better yet, for adventure enthusiasts, a hike to the summit of Ti Top Island offers an amazing panoramic view of Halong Bay, showcasing the iconic karst landscapes and emerald waters. The summit climb consists of roughly 400 steps and only takes about 20 minutes.
Luon Cave is one of the most peaceful and photogenic stops you may experience on a Halong Bay 1 day tour. Unlike the large walk-through caves in the area, Luon Cave opens into a quiet, enclosed lagoon surrounded by steep limestone cliffs covered in lush greenery.
To enter the lagoon, you must pass through a low archway carved naturally by the sea, creating a unique gateway into a hidden world.
The calm waters inside make Luon Cave an ideal place for kayaking or enjoying a gentle bamboo boat ride handled by local rowers.
As you move through the lagoon, you might spot monkeys on the cliffs, schools of small fish gliding beneath your kayak, or reflections of towering rock formations shimmering on the water.
Dau Go Cave is one of the most historically significant sites in Halong Bay. According to legend, this was where General Tran Hung Dao stored the wooden stakes used in the famous 13th-century battle on the Bach Dang River, when Vietnamese forces defeated the Mongol navy. The story adds a layer of mystery to the cave, making it a meaningful stop for travelers who enjoy both nature and history.
Inside, Dau Go Cave reveals three spacious chambers lined with striking stalactites and stalagmites shaped by thousands of years of water and mineral deposits.
Soft natural light filters in from the entrance and openings above, creating dramatic shadows that highlight the textures and colors of the formations. The atmosphere feels both ancient and serene, making it an ideal spot to pause, take photos, and appreciate one of Halong Bay’s most iconic caves.
Bai Tu Long Bay is a quieter, less commercialized Halong Bay cruise day tour destination, despite featuring the same stunning limestone karsts and turquoise waters.
This area encompasses Bai Tu Long National Park, a conservation area home to rare wildlife, including golden-headed langurs and sea turtles. There are many activities you can do here: kayaking through calm lagoons, exploring untouched caves, or visiting nearby fishing villages to experience the local cultures.
Not far from Dau Go Cave, Thien Cung Cave is a must-see on any Halong 1 day tour, all thanks to its stunning stalactite and stalagmite formations. It’s located about 25 meters above sea level and is accessible via a short but steep climb.
All the chambers inside the cave are linked by narrow passageways that lead to hidden alcoves and pools. According to legend, it was the wedding venue for the Dragon King and his bride.
Vietnamese and international backpackers alike consider Cua Van one of the largest and most picturesque floating fishing villages of the 1 day Halong Bay tour.
The village consists of colorful floating houses and boats, not to mention a small museum showcasing tools and artifacts related to fishing. You can always explore the place by kayak or traditional bamboo boats while learning about the unique culture and fishing practices of the villagers. The surrounding limestone karsts and calm waters only add to the village’s long-standing charm.
Bai Chay Beach is undoubtedly one of the most popular tourist spots of the Hanoi to Halong Bay 1 day tour, given that it’s quite close to the mainland.
The 500-meter-long sandy stretch serves as the best spot for sunbathing, swimming, and various water activities like skiing and parasailing.
In the evenings, Bai Chay comes alive with live music and cultural performances, further enhanced by the stunning views at the Bai Chay Bridge, which connects the beach to Hon Gai Island.
As the day winds down, Bai Chay becomes even more vibrant. The beachfront fills with casual music performances, evening walks, and local food stalls, all set against the backdrop of the illuminated Bai Chay Bridge linking the area to Hon Gai Island.
It is a lively blend of scenery and culture, making it a pleasant stop for travelers who enjoy both the natural and social sides of Halong Bay.
Tuan Chau Island is one of the main gateways to Halong Bay and a starting point for many 1 day cruise itineraries.
Connected to the mainland by a long coastal road, the island has developed into a vibrant tourism hub with modern facilities, making it a convenient place for travelers to begin their journey.
The harbor here is busy with day boats and cruise ships, but the island itself offers much more than just a departure point. Tuan Chau features a marina, sandy artificial beaches, and a range of entertainment areas including water shows, cultural performances, and small local markets.
Me Cung Cave, also known as Maze Cave, prides itself on its complex structure, which resembles a maze (as its name suggests).
The cave features multiple chambers connected by narrow passageways, which open up to reveal small stalactite-covered rooms and a hidden lake called Me Cung Lagoon.
Archeological evidence suggests that prehistoric humans inhabited this cave thousands of years ago; you can still observe remnants of ancient tools and pottery during the Halong 1 day tour if you want to.
1. Halong Bay’s weather can switch up pretty quickly, especially during the rainy season from May to September. One minute it’s sunny, the next it’s misty or drizzling, so having a light waterproof jacket or poncho in your bag will save you a lot of trouble.
If you are visiting in the winter months, the mornings and evenings on the water can feel colder than you expect, so bring at least one warm layer to stay comfortable.
2. If your tour stops at Ti Top Island, try to head straight for the hike as soon as the boat docks. This spot fills up fast and the stairs can get crowded, but going early means you get the best view from the top without having to weave through too many people. Plus, the photos from up there hit different when the light is still good.
3. And make sure your phone or camera is fully charged before you leave Hanoi. Halong Bay is ridiculously photogenic and most people end up taking way more pictures than they planned. Bringing a small power bank is always a smart move so you never miss a shot.
Yes. A 1 day Halong Bay tour gives you a solid taste of the bay, especially if you join a well-organized cruise that includes a mix of caves, kayaking, island stops, and sightseeing. It will not cover the entire bay, but it is more than enough to enjoy the scenery and the classic highlights.
For our Vietnam Backpacker Hostels 1 Day Halong Bay Tour, the price is 69 USD per adult, which already includes transport, lunch, entrance tickets, kayaking or bamboo boat, and a guide. Children under 4 years old join for free, children from 4 to 8 years old pay 75% of the adult price, and anyone 9 years old and above is counted as an adult.
No. Kayaking spots in Halong Bay are calm and beginner-friendly, and there is always the option to choose a bamboo boat instead if you prefer to relax.
Most day tours include round-trip transport, a Vietnamese lunch on board, entrance fees for the main attractions, a guide, and either kayaking or a bamboo boat experience. Drinks and personal expenses are normally not included.
If you want a full Halong Bay experience without the stress of planning, our 1 Day Halong Bay Tour is the easiest and most budget-friendly way to do it. The day is packed with caves, kayaking, island views, good food, and a fun backpacker vibe from start to finish. Everything is arranged for you so all you need to do is show up, relax, and enjoy the bay.
If you have any questions or want to reserve your spot, feel free to reach out to us anytime through our official channels:
We’re always happy to help you plan your perfect Halong Bay adventure.
Round-trip transfer by shuttle bus Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi. (Free pickup/drop-off for guests who stay in the Old Quarter of Hanoi)
English speaking guide
Vietnamese Lunch + Sunset party
A bottle of water per person
Entrance fees (Surprised Cave, Titov Island, Luon Cave)
Kayak or bamboo rowing boat
Towel (for beach activity)
Beverages
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Surcharge for peak season, national holiday, festivals, Christmas, and New Year (if any))
Tips & Gratuity
Our guide and driver will pick you up from your accommodation in the Old Quarter of Hanoi and travel to Halong Bay.
(Our drive takes about 2,5 hours. On the way, we stop for a short break for 30 minutes to relax)
Arrival at Tuan Chau Harbor, boarding our cruise
Our cruise will take you on a 6-hour journey via 2 2-sleeper boat cruise route, which is renowned for its striking, if bizarre scenery. Passages through uninhabited islets and outcrops have been given imaginative names by the locals, due to their perceived shapes, including Cock Fighting, Incense Burner, and Thumb, while enjoying Vietnamese lunch on board.
Arriving at Sung Sot Cave means Surprised Cave or Amazing Cave is on Bo Hon Island and is one of the most spectacular and largest grottoes of Ha Long Bay. The mouth of the grotto is reached by ascending about a hundred stone steps.
– The boat will move to Luon Cave (three tunnels) area, a water cave for kayaking, rowing a bamboo boat, or just stay on board for relaxing
You will discover the area’s tranquility by kayaking – an indispensable water activity in Halong, for those who love challenging themselves, or sitting on a bamboo boat (Sampan), for those who love being gentle and sophisticated, to admire breathtaking scenes. This is the moment you get closer to Halong’s nature. If you do not join any above activities, you could stay on the sundeck for relaxing
– Visit Titov Island, where you enjoy swimming on a sandy beach adjacent to the towering limestone mountain with an excellent backdrop of the Bay, and climb up Titov Peak for a panoramic view of the bay like heaven paradise.
Return on board, cruise back toward Tuan Chau harbor. There is a lot of time for sunbathing on the upper deck with music, enjoying the great fun of group touring fellows among world’s iconic natural scenery.
Disembark the cruise and travel back to Hanoi (a short break on the way)
Arrive back at your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter.
Trip ends.
Please note that an additional charge will apply for bookings on December 31, 2025, January 1, 2026, and during the Tet Holiday (February 16–20, 2026); some tours may not operate during Tet, so kindly contact us in advance to confirm final prices and availability