<<Best value when purchased as a set>>
If you book a Halong Bay cruise (4 hours/6 hours) and a Hoa Lu Trang An & Mua Cave tour at the same time, you will receive a free airport transfer (hotel → airport) on your return day!
*The condition is that two or more people must participate in the tour set within two weeks.
*Based on your reservation information, we will inform you of the time you can arrive at the airport with ample time to spare.
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
[Regular Cruise (4-hour course) Notes]
A Japanese-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour. However, if the total number of people participating in the tour from our company on that day is 2-4 adults, the car and boat will be shared with the English tour.
*If 5-6 adults participate, the car will be a private car with Japanese guide, and the boat will be a shared boat with an English tour.
*If there are 7 or more adults participating, a private car and boat will be provided with Japanese and Japanese guides.
<About hotel transfers>
◆Free transfer area in Hanoi◆ Transfers are available to hotels in the Old Quarter and the following hotels: Sheraton Hotel (K5 Nghi Tam), Intercontinental Hotel (1A Nghi Tam), Lotte Hotel (54 Lieu Giai), Daewoo Hotel (360 Kim Ma), Pan Pacific Hotel (1 Thanh Nien), Pullman Hotel (40 Cat Linh), Sunny 3 Hotel (10/168 Hao Nam), Sakura Hotel 1 (16 Lieu Giai), Hanoi Hotel (D8 Giang Vo), Hotel du Parc Hanoi - formerly Nikko Hotel (84 Trần nhân tong), Parkside Sunline Hotel (72-74 Đại cổ việt), Camellia Boutique Hotel (12 Phố huế)
◆On your return, we will disband at a restaurant in Hanoi.
(Open Char Store - 46 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội)
*If you do not have dinner, we will drop you off at the Old Quarter of Hanoi or your designated hotel.
*Even if you are not staying at one of the above hotels or in the old town, please contact us if you are close to one of the above hotels.
*However, please understand that during peak seasons, this will be limited to the above hotels.
<Frequently Asked Questions>
[Regarding cruise ships arranged by local operator: JVTA Tourism]
To ensure a safe cruise
The Halong Bay sightseeing boat "FUJI" is a state-of-the-art steel cruise ship that undergoes regular maintenance and inspections every year to ensure safe and efficient operation.
The captain and crew are professionally trained and experienced, and they strictly adhere to maritime safety regulations.
The following safety equipment is provided on board:
・Life jacket (life vest)
・Rescue whistle ・Emergency hammer ・Other emergency response equipment (based on regulations)
In addition, before departure, your Japanese guide will provide you with detailed information about safety measures and how to respond in an emergency, so you can enjoy your cruise with peace of mind.
[About ship maintenance]
Just like wooden ships, wooden ships are taken out of service once every six months, and steel ships are taken out of service once every year and a half for a full inspection. The shipping company is highly regarded locally for its operation and management, and life jackets and other equipment are provided on board. The company also has many staff members who are well-versed in their work, and all crew members are well-trained and disciplined. These standards include disaster prevention, fire prevention, firefighting, and dedicated training.
The ship is fully equipped with safety features including:
・Life jacket (life vest)
・Rescue whistle ・Emergency hammer ・Other emergency response equipment (based on regulations)
Before departure, your Japanese guide will provide you with detailed information about safety measures and how to respond in an emergency, so you can enjoy your Halong Bay cruise with peace of mind.
<About meals> Please note that the menu may change without notice. [Regular ships] Meals are shared. Food is served on a large platter at each table. If the FUJI is full, we will introduce you to another cruise ship of the same quality (a ship exclusively for Japanese passengers, with the same service and menu as the FUJI).
The itinerary and time spent at tourist spots may change depending on traffic conditions.
We will visit your hotel in order. Pick-up time may vary depending on traffic conditions.
If you cannot find your guide more than 10 minutes after the scheduled pick-up time, please contact us.
If you have any allergies, please let us know in advance.
If you are prone to motion sickness, please take motion sickness medication before boarding. Due to Vietnamese law, tour conductors cannot provide medication, so please purchase it yourself by the day before.
Please be sure to manage your valuables and cash at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss.
Due to the Vietnamese government's environmental conservation regulations, it is prohibited to bring disposable plastic products (PET bottles, plastic bags) into Halong Bay.
If the meeting time written in the "How to Use" section of your voucher is 00:00, please check the "Message" section. The local tour operator will inform you of the exact meeting place and time.
This tour includes domestic travel insurance for Vietnam, however, domestic insurance has a relatively low amount of coverage and the amount of compensation is limited. For greater peace of mind, we recommend that you purchase overseas travel insurance before you depart.
Regarding your passport: You will be required to provide personal information for the Halong Bay tour. You do not need to bring your original passport, but please prepare a photo or copy of your passport. You will need to present this when boarding the boat.
Yes, a day trip to Halong Bay from Hanoi is a highly practical option, especially with modern expressways reducing travel time to around 2.5 to 3 hours each way. Day tours are well-structured, offering convenient round-trip transportation, an experienced guide, and a cruise experience that covers key attractions like limestone karsts, caves, and kayaking. Various cruise durations are available, allowing travelers to choose based on their schedule.
Halong Bay day cruises typically range from 4 to 6 hours on the water. A 4-hour cruise often includes exploring a specific cave like Thien Cung Cave and enjoying the scenic views. The 6-hour option usually covers additional attractions such as Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, offering more time for activities like kayaking or swimming. Both options generally include a full meal on board and guided commentary.
The best time to visit Halong Bay for pleasant weather and clear skies is generally from March to May and September to November. During these periods, temperatures are mild, and rainfall is minimal, offering excellent conditions for cruising and outdoor activities. Summers (June-August) can be hot and humid with occasional typhoons, while winters (December-February) are cooler and often misty, creating a different, ethereal atmosphere.
Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage site due to its outstanding universal aesthetic value and geological significance. It features thousands of towering limestone karsts and islets in various shapes and sizes, emerging dramatically from the emerald waters. This unique landscape, formed over millions of years, harbors a rich biodiversity and provides exceptional natural beauty, making it a globally recognized natural wonder.
The primary way to explore Halong Bay is by cruise, offering an immersive experience among its iconic limestone formations. Options include day cruises and overnight cruises, each providing different levels of exploration and amenities. While cruises are highly recommended for comprehensive viewing, visitors can also experience specific areas via kayaking or rowing boats as part of a cruise itinerary, allowing for closer interaction with the unique geology.
Travelers typically arrange transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay through tour packages, which often include comfortable round-trip transfers via modern expressways. This is the most convenient option for day tours. Alternatively, private cars with drivers or public buses are available, but these require more independent planning for scheduling and connections to the cruise departure points. Opting for a tour package simplifies the logistics significantly.
During a Halong Bay cruise, travelers can explore various specific attractions. Longer cruises typically visit impressive formations like Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), known for its grand chambers and intricate stalactites. Ti Top Island, with its panoramic viewpoint and beach, is another common stop. Shorter cruises often include sites such as Thien Cung Cave (Heavenly Palace Cave), famous for its vibrant stalactite and stalagmite formations. Many itineraries also feature kayaking or rowing boat experiences.
Halong Bay day cruises typically include a meal on board, often a seafood lunch featuring fresh local ingredients. Some longer day tours or luxury options might offer a more elaborate meal with local specialties like Bun Cha or Pho. Beyond dining, interactive activities frequently include kayaking or a ride in a traditional bamboo rowing boat to explore hidden lagoons and grottoes. A knowledgeable guide is also provided to share insights into the bay's history and geology.