River Hideaway. ← Hostel
Islands of Hạ Long Bay
stay out for the night

Hạ Long Bay

2.5–3 h by road Best: Mar–May, Oct–Nov Shortest worth it: 1 day

Close to two thousand limestone islands rising straight out of green water, and the photos don’t do it justice. The day boats head back to port in the afternoon. Stay out overnight and you get what comes after: kayaking between the islands at sunset, a quiet deck, and mist on the water when you wake up. Lan Hạ Bay, next door, has the same scenery with fewer boats and small beaches.

Ask about dates + prices

Tours we book

Real departures from our desk, with the operator’s own route. Pick one and message us: we check dates and seats, then confirm.

The white Sunlight Legend boat cruising between tall limestone islands in Hạ Long BayCruise boats at anchor in Hạ Long Bay at sunsetThe lit walkway through the great chamber of Surprise Cave (Sửng Sốt)Bamboo boats rowing through the Hang Luồn cave archSunlight Legend CruiseHạ Long Bay overnight cruise2 days · 1 night on board · Relaxed, sociable overnight boatShared cabin (twin or triple) Ask for priceSee full detailsHide details
StartPick-up in the Old Quarter or at the Opera House, 8:10–8:30
FinishBack in the Old Quarter around 16:00, or carry on to Ninh Bình
  1. Day 1Board at Tuần Châu harbour, welcome drink, lunch while cruising. Surprise Cave, then a swim or the climb on Ti Tốp island.
  2. Evening18:00 sunset party and a spring-roll cooking class, 19:00 dinner, then squid fishing or karaoke. Night on board.
  3. Day 2Sunrise, breakfast, 8:00 kayaking at Hang Luồn, 11:00 lunch on board, off the boat at 12:00, bus back.

Included

  • 1 night on board
  • Lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch
  • Water on the bus and boat
  • Cooking class
  • Swimming + kayaking
  • English-speaking guide

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Tips and personal spending
  • A cabin to yourself (extra)
  • Public holiday surcharge
Good to know
  • Runs every day.
  • Ask us whether the bus from Hà Nội is included.
  • The route can change with weather and tides.
  • Vegetarian or other diets on request.
  • Travelling with children? Ask us about their rates.
Ask about this tour

Tour code: HL-LEG

Aerial view of the Sunlight Premium boat sailing past limestone islands in Lan Hạ Bay at sunsetTables laid with red cloths on the boat’s grass sundeck at sunset, karst cliffs behindA wood-panelled cabin with a double bed and big windows onto the green islandsThe Sunlight Premium boat anchored under a karst island, a small beach behindSunlight Premium CruiseLan Hạ Bay overnight cruise2 days · 1 night on board · Quiet overnight boat on Lan Hạ BayShared cabin (twin or triple) Ask for priceSee full detailsHide details
StartPick-up in the Old Quarter at 7:00
FinishBack in Hà Nội around 16:30
  1. Day 1Board at Bến Bèo harbour, seafood lunch while cruising. 14:00 kayaking, 16:30 swim or jump off the boat.
  2. Evening18:00 sunset party and a spring-roll cooking class, 19:00 dinner, then karaoke, squid fishing and happy hour.
  3. Day 26:00 sunrise, breakfast, 8:00 an easy 5 km bike ride to Việt Hải village in Cát Bà national park. 11:00 lunch, off the boat at 12:00.

Included

  • Bus from Hà Nội (optional)
  • Shared cabin, 2–3 people
  • Lunch, dinner, breakfast, lunch
  • Kayaks + fishing gear
  • Sunset party + cooking class
  • Entrance fees
  • English-speaking guide
  • Water on the bus and boat

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Tips and personal spending
  • A cabin to yourself (extra)
  • Public holiday surcharge
Good to know
  • Runs every day.
  • The bike ride is about 5 km and easy.
  • Already in Cát Bà? Ask us about meeting the boat at Bến Bèo.
  • Vegan or vegetarian? Ask us before you book.
  • Travelling with children? Ask us about their rates.
Ask about this tour

Tour code: HL-PRE

The dark-hulled Oasis Bay party boat at anchor in Hạ Long Bay, a yellow water trampoline beside itA cabin with a double bed, red footstools and a full-width window onto the bayA big group of guests in a star of colourful kayaks in a green lagoon between jungle-covered cliffsA crowd of guests in swimwear waving from a yellow water trampoline in the bayOasis Bay Party CruisesOasis Bay party cruise, 2 days2 days · 1 night on board · Big, sociable party boat for a young crowdShared 3-bed room Ask for priceDouble or twin cabin Ask for priceTriple or quad cabin Ask for priceSee full detailsHide details
StartPick-up in the Old Quarter, 8:40–8:45
FinishBack in the Old Quarter around 15:00–16:00
  1. Day 111:30 Tuần Châu marina, 12:15 on board, welcome drink, 13:00 lunch while cruising. 14:30 Ba Trái Đào islet. Kayaks, water trampoline and jacuzzi on board.
  2. Evening16:00 sunset pool party, happy hour 17:30–18:30 with a DJ, 19:00 dinner, 21:00 sundeck party, another happy hour, karaoke.
  3. Day 26:45 light breakfast, 8:15 Vietnamese tea and coffee, 9:45 brunch, off the boat around 11:00, bus back.

Included

  • Lunch, dinner, breakfast, brunch
  • Kayaks, trampoline, jacuzzi
  • Water, tea, coffee + a snack in your cabin
  • Entrance fees
  • English-speaking guide

Not included

  • Bar drinks
  • Tips and personal spending
  • Corkage on your own drinks
  • Public holiday surcharge
Good to know
  • Runs every day.
  • Most guests are 18–40.
  • Ask us whether the bus from Hà Nội is included.
  • Bring your passport: the boat checks it.
Ask about this tour

Tour code: HL-OAS

Aerial view of the two-masted Sunlight Grand boat on green water below a limestone cliff, a pool on its top deckTwo armchairs and a cocktail table at the sundeck rail, karst islands across Hạ Long BayStriped loungers and a lit pool on the sundeck at dusk, karst islands behindThe boat’s dining room with teal chairs, a long buffet counter and bay views through the windowsSunlight Grand CruiseSunlight Grand: Hạ Long day cruiseFull day · Large, comfortable day boatDay cruise Ask for priceSee full detailsHide details
StartPick-up in the Old Quarter or at the Opera House, 8:00–8:30
FinishBack at your hotel around 20:30–21:00
  1. MorningBus to Tuần Châu with a rest stop, on board 11:30–12:00.
  2. MiddayBuffet lunch while cruising past the islets. 13:30 kayak or bamboo boat at Hang Luồn.
  3. Afternoon14:00 Surprise Cave, 15:00 swim or climb on Ti Tốp, 16:30 sunset party on the sundeck. Back at the harbour 17:45.

Included

  • Buffet lunch
  • Sunset party
  • Entrance fees: Surprise Cave, Ti Tốp
  • English-speaking guide

Not included

  • Bus from Hà Nội (extra)
  • Kayak or bamboo boat (extra)
  • Drinks and personal spending
  • Insurance
  • Tips
  • Summer and public holiday surcharges
Good to know
  • Runs every day.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, swimwear and a towel.
  • Climbing Ti Tốp? Wear shoes with grip.
Ask about this tour

Tour code: HL-GRD

The white Halong Catamaran with its water slide at the stern, among misty limestone islandsThe catamaran’s bow deck with green sofas and a jacuzzi, the sun setting between karst peaksThe catamaran seen from a clifftop, sailing up a green channel between limestone wallsAerial view of a group of guests lying in a circle on a yellow water trampolineThe Halong CatamaranCatamaran day cruise to Lan HạFull day, about 12.5 h door to door · Catamaran with a water slide and trampolineDay cruise Ask for priceSee full detailsHide details
StartPick-up at River Hideaway, 7:45–8:30, if you add the limousine
FinishBack around 20:00–20:30
  1. MorningOptional limousine on the expressway, with a rest stop each way. Board at Tuần Châu marina 11:30, welcome drink.
  2. 12:00Lunch on board, with a bar if you want one.
  3. 14:00Kayak or bamboo boat through Sáng Tối cave.
  4. 15:15Swim at Frog Pond in Lan Hạ: water slide and trampoline.
  5. 16:00Summer-roll cooking demo, then sunset tea, fruit and cake. Off the boat at 17:45.

Included

  • Lunch + welcome drink
  • Kayak or bamboo boat
  • Water slide + trampoline
  • Cooking demo + sunset tea
  • Entrance fees
  • English-speaking guide
  • On-board insurance

Not included

  • Limousine from Hà Nội (optional extra)
  • Other drinks
  • Tips
  • Rest-stop shopping
  • Public holiday surcharge
Good to know
  • Runs every day.
  • Vegetarian on request, tell us in advance.
  • Weather or Hà Nội’s weekend walking streets can shift the pick-up.
Ask about this tour

Tour code: HL-CAT

The Hercules day boat cruising past the beach and hilltop pavilion of Ti Tốp islandThe grass sundeck with white garden chairs, parasols and loungers, islands all aroundA pool at the stern between two spiral staircases, looking out over the karst islandsA group of friends in life jackets raising their paddles in kayaks below a jungle-covered cliffHercules CruiseHercules Premium: Hạ Long day cruiseFull day, about 12 h door to door · Large day boatDay cruise Ask for priceSee full detailsHide details
StartPick-up in the Old Quarter, 8:10–8:50
FinishBack around 20:30–21:00
  1. MorningExpressway with a stop. Board at Tuần Châu at 11:45, welcome drink.
  2. 12:30Vietnamese buffet lunch, past Dog Rock, Incense Burner and Fighting Cocks islets.
  3. 13:30Surprise Cave.
  4. 14:45Kayak or bamboo boat, or stay on board.
  5. 15:45Swim or climb on Ti Tốp. 16:30 sunset tea, juice, fruit and cake. Off at 17:45.

Included

  • Expressway bus both ways
  • Water on the bus
  • Welcome drink + lunch
  • Sunset tea, fruit, juice
  • Entrance fees
  • Kayak or bamboo boat
  • English-speaking guide

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and personal spending
  • Public holiday surcharge
Good to know
  • Runs every day.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfy shoes, swimwear and some cash.
Ask about this tour

Tour code: HL-HER

A small boat passing between tall karst towers in Hạ Long BayHạ Long Bay’s islands seen from the top of Ti Tốp islandStalactites inside Surprise Cave (Sửng Sốt)Cruise boats among the karst islands, seen from Ti TốpClassic Hạ Long day tripFull day, about 8 h on the tour · Standard day boatDay trip Ask for priceSee full detailsHide details
StartPick-up at River Hideaway, 8:15–9:00
FinishBack around 20:30–20:45
  1. MorningAir-con shuttle with one rest stop. At the marina 11:45.
  2. 12:00Seafood lunch on board, with a vegetarian option.
  3. 13:30Surprise Cave.
  4. 14:45Kayak or bamboo boat, if you add it.
  5. 15:45Swim or climb on Ti Tốp. 16:30 sunset party with red wine, fruit and fries. Dock 17:45.

Included

  • Pick-up + drop-off
  • Boat trip
  • Entrance tickets
  • Vietnamese seafood lunch
  • Small water on the bus
  • English-speaking guide

Not included

  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance
  • Tips and personal spending
  • Kayak or bamboo boat (optional extra)
Good to know
  • Runs every day.
  • Bring sunscreen, a hat, comfy shoes, swimwear and some cash.
Ask about this tour

Tour code: HL-CLS

What’s there

1

Surprise Cave (Hang Sửng Sốt)

The bay’s biggest cave, huge chambers on Bồ Hòn island.

2

Ti Tốp island

Climb the steps for the classic panorama, then swim at the beach below.

3

Hang Luồn

Kayak or bamboo boat through a low tunnel into a lagoon ringed by cliffs.

4

Fighting Cocks islet

Two rocks facing each other: the bay’s most famous outline.

5

Sunset on deck

The day boats are gone and the islands turn into silhouettes.

6

Lan Hạ Bay

Quieter water next to Cát Bà island. The best kayaking.

Pack

Swimwear + quick-dry towelSunscreen + hatLight warm layerDry bag for your phonePassport
Good to knowGoing between July and September? Keep one spare day around it. When a storm is forecast the port authority stops all boats, and your trip moves to another day. That’s a safety rule, not the boat’s choice.
Ask about dates + prices

More trips from Hà Nội

Hà Giang loop4 days · night bus
Sa Pa3 days · trek + homestay
Ninh Bình1 day · boats + bikes
Cao Bằng3 days · waterfall + passes
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