Is a Day Trip Enough to See Halong Bay?

Travelers with only one free day left in Hanoi or planning the most efficient travel plan may wonder if a day trip is enough to see Halong Bay. Let's see what you will see along with pros and cons of a Halong Bay day cruise and find out if it is really worth it.

What to see on a day tour

Thien Cung Cave - one of the most stunning caves

Thien Cung Cave (Photo by @fangfarron)

With an area of nearly 10,000 sqm, Thien Cung Cave is one of the largest caves in Halong. The cave consists of 3 large chambers with wonderful stalactites and stalagmites. It is located in Dau Go Island and can be visited on Route 1 and 4-hour tours. On this route, visitors also have a chance to see iconic attractions like Cho Da Islet, Trong Mai Islet (Halong’s symbol), Dinh Huong Islet, and Ba Hang Village.

Sung Sot Cave - the largest cave in Halong Bay

Sung Sot Cave (Photo by @ss850419)

One of the most sought-after attractions can be explored on a Halong day cruise! Sung Sot Cave, or Surprise Cave, tells its charm by its special name. It amazes all tourists thanks to the miracle view from outside and inside. After climbing around 100 steps to the entrance, you enter the first chamber with a small freshwater lake, follow a narrow path to the larger chamber with floor-to-ceiling stalactites and Stalagmites, and totally be surprised by the largest chamber. Sung Sot Cave is included in Route 2 for 6 or 8-hour cruises.

Titop Island - the beautiful island with beach and peak view

From the top of Titop Island (Photo by @__hannahtd)

Along with Surprise Cave, Titop Island is a must-see in Halong. No need to join an overnight cruise, day trips take you to this stunning island where you can climb 400 steps to capture a panoramic view from the top of the mountain or lay down on the sandy beach and relax.

Luon Cave - an underwater cave with impressive stalactites

Kayaking at Luon Cave (Photo by @mariaqmar)

Located in the northeast of Bo Hon Island, close to Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave represents another unique cave formation in Halong. Half submerged with an arch-shape entrance, Luon Cave is only suitable for rowing boats or kayaks to get through. A peaceful lagoon with diverse flora and fauna will be uncovered after crossing the cave.

Dark-Bright Cave - the most alluring cave in Lan Ha Bay

Bamboo boat at Bright Cave (Photo by @vidisha.m)

Located in Lan Ha Bay, Dark-Bright Cave is another half-submerged cave and the most beautiful cave in the area. The 100-meter-long cave stands out with stalactites and is connected to large quiet lagoons. Visitors have a chance to see colorful coral reefs during low tides, rich marine life as well as wild animals like monkeys, squirrels, birds, etc.

Frog Pond - an untouched area for kayaking

Tranquil scenery at Frog Pond area (Photo by @jenya_cos)

Hidden amidst towering limestone islands, Frog Pond is a quiet area with calm and glass water. Visitors can hop on a kayak, paddle around rocky islands and immerse in the pure nature.

Thien Canh Son Cave - a pristine cave in Bai Tu Long Bay

Thien Canh Son Cave (Photo by @jennyeoh)

When choosing a Bai Tu Long Bay cruise, Thien Canh Son Cave will be a feast for your eyes thanks to the splendid rock formations and breathtaking view from the top. Situated on Hon Co Island, belonging to Cong Do Nature Reserve, the cave features not only aesthetic value but also geological and historical value.

Pros and cons of day trips

(Photo by @bhayacruiseshalong)

There are 3 durations for Halong Bay day cruises which are 4, 6, and 8 hours. Obviously, the longer the cruising time, the more of Halong Bay you will see. A 4-hour cruise usually follows a shorter route and includes one excursion while a 6 and 8-hour one has a longer route and visits 2 - 3 attractions of the bay. However, day itineraries will focus on the highlights of the bay, even all landmarks offered in an overnight cruise, making day tours a noteworthy option for all travel enthusiasts.

Depending on personal preferences and needs, sometimes the disadvantages of day tours are advantages to some travelers. Some who want to have a restful itinerary may find it rushed and not suitable while those who want to save the most time and money will find it ideal for a glimpse of Halong Bay. Check out the following Pros and Cons to see if they align with your preferences:

Pros:

• Best for travelers with limited time constraints
• Best for budget-minded travelers
• Cruising offers an authentic experience with diverse activities
• Experience the essence of Halong Bay in a well-planned itinerary
• Convenient tours with A-Z service: transportation, meal, sightseeing fees, tour guide

Cons:

• Short time excursions
• Cannot visit further and remote areas
• Not many activities onboard like overnight cruises

Conclusions

Although things you will see on a day tour are all enticing attractions, the time for each experience is undeniably limited compared to that of overnight tours. However, for visitors with a busy schedule, a day cruise certainly offers a superior experience to viewing the bay from the shore or totally missing it out. That explains why Ha Long Bay is always at the top of the must-visit destinations in Vietnam and cruising is the best way to explore the bay.

Travel tips

To have a memorable and smooth Halong Bay day trip, here are some travel tips you may need:

• Choose a trusted travel agent or cruise company to avoid scams and hidden fees.
• Book the trip in advance for all clear information about the cruise tour.
• High season is October - April and low season is May - September.
• Check the best deal in the low season or at the last minute.
• July and August have a higher chance of storms.
• June to August is the high season for domestic tourists.
• Some cruises have holiday surcharges for Christmas, New Year Eve, Lunar New Year, and other Vietnamese national holidays (30 April, 1 May, 2 September, etc).
• Necessary belongings: comfortable clothing and sports shoes for climbing and hiking, insect repellent, thin jacket for cave tours, swimwear for swimming and kayaking, sunscreen, sunglasses, hat, etc.