[Guaranteed Departure & Japanese-speaking Guide] Ha Long Bay Day Tour - FUJI Cruise 4 Hours / 6 Hours (Hanoi, Vietnam)
- Enjoy a day trip to the World Heritage site of Ha Long Bay! A cruise tour with a Japanese-speaking guide, perfect for first-time visitors.
- Choose from a 4-hour or 6-hour plan, both including a seafood lunch and dinner.
- Includes visits to Sung Sot Cave and kayaking. Enjoy panoramic views of Ha Long Bay from the boat.
- Bookings accepted until 19:00 local time the day before! Guaranteed departure from 1 person, making it easy to join even if you are traveling solo.
＜＜Also check this out＞＞
Book a Ha Long Bay Cruise (4-hour / 6-hour) and Hoa Lu-Trang An & Mua Cave Tour together to get a free airport transfer (hotel to airport) on your departure day!
*Condition: Must participate in the eligible set of tours with 2 or more people within 2 weeks.
*Based on your booking details, we will advise you on a time that allows you to arrive at the airport with plenty of time to spare.
Package Options
Sightseeing Tours
| Departure Time | Standard Departure (8-9 am) |
Product Info
- Tour Information -
- Departure Time: 08:30 - 09:00
The exact meeting time and location will be provided upon booking confirmation. - Meeting Point: Hotels in Hanoi city center
* If you are staying outside the free pick-up area or during peak seasons, you may be required to meet at a designated location. - Duration: Approximately 10.5 to 12 hours
- Estimated Return Time:
【Luxury Cruise】Around 20:30, 【Standard Cruise】Around 19:00 - Drop-off Point: Hotels in Hanoi city center (Standard cruise ends at a city restaurant)
- Minimum Participants: 1 person
- * On-board drink menu: Water: 25,000 VND, Soft drinks: 30,000 VND, Beer: 40,000 VND
- Meal Information -
- FUJI Luxury Cruise (6-hour course)
【Lunch Menu】 featuring luxurious seafood dishes made with fresh fish and mantis shrimp caught in Ha Long Bay:
Menu (Example): Clam soup, steamed mantis shrimp or fried FACI crab, steamed shrimp with lemongrass and ginger, fried spring rolls, fried squid, stir-fried chicken with vegetables, squid cakes, sticky rice with green beans, fried sea bream with tomato sauce, stir-fried seasonal vegetables, white rice, and fruit dessert.
Tea Time: Enjoy a beautiful sunset with wine or tea (one per person), fruits, biscuits, and more.
* Please note that the menu above is subject to change without prior notice.
* Drinks are not included and will be charged separately.
* If the FUJI boat is fully booked, we will arrange an equivalent quality cruise ship
(The boat is exclusively for Japanese guests, and the service and menu content are the same as the FUJI boat).
- Standard Cruise (4-hour course)
【Lunch Menu】
Menu (Example): Rice, steamed shrimp with lemongrass and ginger, fish cakes, fried spring rolls, stir-fried squid with vegetables, fish with tomato sauce, stir-fried chicken, stir-fried vegetables, minced pork and vegetable soup, sticky rice with beans, seasonal fruits
* Please note that the menu above is subject to change without prior notice.
* Drinks are not included and will be charged separately.
Enjoy dinner featuring Hanoi's specialty, Bun Cha, at a restaurant in the Hanoi Old Quarter.
* You may also choose the famous sticky rice shop 'Xoi Yen' in Hanoi.
* If you would like to make changes, please feel free to contact us at least one day in advance, or inform your Japanese-speaking guide on the day of the tour.
- Spot Introduction -
- Ha Long Bay (World Heritage Site)
Located in northern Vietnam, near the border with China, Ha Long Bay is a vast 1,500 km² bay dotted with approximately 2,000 unique rock formations of various sizes. Its beautiful scenery, resembling a large landscape painting, is said to be the most scenic spot in Vietnam. - Cruise
The boat sets sail, creating ripples across the calm waters of Ha Long Bay. As you enjoy the unique rock formations appearing one after another, you can fully experience the diverse expressions of Ha Long Bay, from the serene landscape to the emerald green sea stretching out before you and the colorfully lit limestone caves. - Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) *6-hour course only
Discovered by the French in 1901, they named it 'La Grotte des Surprises' (Cave of Surprises) to convey its beauty and the grandeur of the cave system, which was larger than expected. Inside, there are three chambers ranging from small to large, with the final and largest chamber featuring a vast space that highlights the beauty of the stalactites themselves. - Ti Top Island *6-hour course only
Widely known as the island with the most beautiful view in Ha Long Bay. At the top of the island, there is an observation deck where you can look down over Ha Long Bay and admire the breathtaking view of the rugged rock formations. At the foot of the island, there is a crescent-shaped beach where you can go swimming. - Thien Cung Cave *4-hour course only
Thien Cung means 'Heavenly Palace' in Vietnamese. It is considered a sacred palace where pillars of light shine through. The cave was named this because there is a place where the ceiling opens in a circular shape, allowing soft light to stream in, making the scene look as if it leads to heaven. The stalactites, formed over thousands of years, are colorfully illuminated, allowing you to enjoy a beautiful landscape.
Difference between 4-hour and 6-hour Halong Bay cruise courses
[6-Hour Course] Japanese-Language Guided Cruise on the FUJI Luxury Cruise (This is a state-of-the-art luxury cruise ship. The first floor features a wonderful dining room, and the second-floor sky deck offers 360-degree views.) *If the FUJI is fully booked, we will arrange a cruise ship of comparable quality. (This ship will be exclusively for Japanese customers, and the service and menu will be the same as the FUJI.)
[6-hour course] Luxury Cruise (restaurant)
[6-hour course] Luxury Cruise (Luxurious seafood lunch)
[4-hour course] Regular cruise
[4-hour course] Regular cruise (restaurant)
[4-hour course] Regular cruise (lunch)
Purchase Notice
- 【Information Regarding Luggage】
You may bring large suitcases on the tour at no additional charge.
Your luggage can be stored on the bus during the tour, so please feel free to join us even if you have suitcases or other bags. - Please enter your hotel name and address in the 'Remarks' section when booking. If you are staying outside the free pick-up area or during peak season, you may be required to meet at a designated location.
【Notes for Luxury Cruise (6-hour course)】 - ＜Regarding Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off＞
◆ Free pick-up area in Hanoi city
◆ Pick-up is available for 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 tông), Parkside Sunline Hotel (72-74 Đại cổ việt), Camellia Boutique Hotel (12 Phố huế)...
* If you are not staying at the above hotels or in the Old Quarter, please contact us if you are staying near these locations.
* Please note that during peak season, pick-up is limited to the hotels listed above. - Tour content may be subject to change due to weather or local Vietnamese events.
- Please manage your valuables and cash at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss of valuables or money.
- Regarding the sea kayak or rowboat option, we recommend the rowboat for customers with children or infants for safety reasons.
- Regarding Halong Bay Cruise Cancellations
Depending on local weather and conditions, the Halong City authorities may order the cancellation of the Halong Bay cruise.
(1) If the cancellation is decided the day before departure or on the morning of the tour before hotel pick-up:
The itinerary will be changed to a Hoa Lu-Trang An tour. In this case, we will notify you via email.
(2) If the cancellation is decided after the bus has departed from Hanoi:
You will have lunch on the docked cruise ship before returning to Hanoi.
Please note that no refunds will be provided for cancellations.
【Notes for Standard Cruise (4-hour course)】
A Japanese-speaking guide will accompany you throughout the tour. However, for the total number of participants from our company on the day: * If 2 - 4 adults participate, the vehicle and boat will be shared with the English-speaking tour.
* If 5 - 6 adults participate, the vehicle will be a private car with a Japanese-speaking guide, and the boat will be shared with the English-speaking tour.
* If 7 or more adults participate, you will have a private car and a private boat with a Japanese-speaking guide.
＜Regarding Hotel Pick-up/Drop-off＞
◆ Free pick-up area in Hanoi city
◆ Pick-up is available for 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 tông), Parkside Sunline Hotel (72-74 Đại cổ việt), Camellia Boutique Hotel (12 Phố huế)
◆ On the return trip, you will be dropped off at a restaurant in Hanoi city.
(Open Cha Ca restaurant - 46 P. Nguyễn Hữu Huân, Lý Thái Tổ, Hoàn Kiếm, Hà Nội)
* If you do not wish to have dinner, we will drop you off at the Hanoi Old Quarter or your designated hotel.
* If you are not staying at the above hotels or in the Old Quarter, please contact us if you are staying near these locations.
* Please note that during peak season, pick-up is limited to the hotels listed above.
- Tour content may be subject to change due to weather or local Vietnamese events.
- Please manage your valuables and cash at your own risk. We cannot be held responsible for any damage or loss of valuables or money.
- Regarding the sea kayak or rowboat option, we recommend the rowboat for customers with children or infants for safety reasons.
- Regarding Halong Bay Cruise Cancellations
Depending on local weather and conditions, the Halong City authorities may order the cancellation of the Halong Bay cruise.
(1) If the cancellation is decided the day before departure or on the morning of the tour before hotel pick-up, the itinerary will be changed to a Hoa Lu-Trang An tour. In this case, we will notify you via email.
(2) If the cancellation is decided after the bus has departed from Hanoi, you will have lunch on the docked cruise ship and the itinerary will be changed to a visit to the Halong market. Please note that no refunds will be provided for cancellations.
＜FAQ＞
- Q: I would like to know if my accommodation is included in the pick-up service.
A: As this may vary depending on the number of participants and the schedule of the day, we cannot confirm it at this moment. Once you have made a booking, the local operator will provide you with the details upon confirmation. Please check your booking confirmation email (voucher). - Q: What kind of clothing is recommended for the tour?
A: Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes that are easy to move in. Since sea kayaking is part of the tour itinerary, please bring swimwear and a towel if you wish to participate. *We will guide you to a place where you can change. *Please note that your pants may get wet during the sea kayaking experience. - Q: Where will the kayaking/rowboat experience take place?
A: The kayaking experience takes place around Luon Cave. - Q: Notes on sightseeing by sea kayak or rowboat.
A: Both sea kayaking and rowboats are free of charge. (1) Rowboats can hold 4 people per boat, and your pants will not get wet. We recommend the bamboo boat, where a local person rows for you, for those who are not comfortable with physical activity or prefer a relaxing tour. (2) Kayaking requires you to row yourself, so it can be a bit challenging if you lack physical stamina. Sea kayaks hold two people, and your pants will get wet, so we recommend bringing a change of clothes. You can leave your luggage on the boat seat while using the sea kayak, and you can entrust your mobile phone, camera, etc., to the Japanese-speaking guide, but please keep your wallet with you. When participating in the sea kayak experience, you can take off your shoes and go barefoot. Sandals are not necessary.
[Local Operator: JVTA Tourism - Regarding Arranged Cruise Ships]
To ensure you enjoy a safe cruise trip
- Maintenance: Wooden boats undergo a full inspection every 6 months, during which operations are suspended.
- Steel boats undergo a full inspection every year and a half, similar to the wooden boats, during which operations are suspended.
- This is a highly regarded cruise company in terms of operations and management, and life jackets and other equipment are well-prepared on board.
- The crew consists of many experienced staff members, and it is a well-disciplined company with a full complement of crew members.
- They have received specialized training in disaster prevention, fire prevention, and firefighting operations to meet these standards.
The Ha Long 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 experienced staff who have undergone professional training and strictly adhere to maritime safety regulations.
The ship is fully equipped with the following safety equipment:
・Life jackets
・Rescue whistles
・Emergency hammers
・Other various emergency response equipment (based on regulations)
In addition, before departure, our Japanese-speaking guide will provide detailed information on safety measures and emergency procedures, so you can enjoy the cruise with peace of mind.
- Regarding Ship Safety
[Regarding Ship Maintenance]
Wooden boats undergo a full inspection every 6 months, and steel boats undergo a full inspection every year and a half, during which operations are suspended. This is a highly regarded cruise company in terms of operations and management, and life jackets and other equipment are well-prepared on board. The crew consists of many experienced staff members, and it is a well-disciplined company with a full complement of crew members. They have received specialized training in disaster prevention, fire prevention, and firefighting operations to meet these standards.
The ship is fully equipped with sufficient safety equipment, including the following:
・Life jackets
・Rescue whistles
・Emergency hammers
・Other various emergency response equipment (based on regulations)
Before departure, our Japanese-speaking guide will provide detailed information on safety measures and emergency procedures, so you can enjoy your Ha Long Bay cruise with peace of mind.
Reminders
<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.
About your passport: For the Ha Long Bay tour, providing your personal information is mandatory. You do not need to bring your original passport, but please have a photo or copy of your passport ready. You will be required to present it during the boarding process.
Cancellation Policy
- Cancellations 2 day(s) (inclusive) before the selected date are allowed. Unused orders can be canceled for free
- Cancellation is not allowed between 0–1 days from the selected date. Orders cannot be canceled or modified, and refunds will not be granted.
- Due to time zone differences, the confirmed cancellation date is based on the supplier’s local time. Please allow 2–5 business days to process your cancellation request, after which the cancellation fee will be charged according to the product’s cancellation policy. Once your refund request is confirmed, KKday will initiate the refund to your original payment method within 15 days. The actual refund timing depends on your card-issuing bank’s policy.
FAQ
1. Is a Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi a practical option for travelers?
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.
2. What is the typical duration for a Halong Bay day cruise and what activities are included?
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.
3. When is the best time of year to visit Halong Bay for ideal weather and views?
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.
4. Why is Halong Bay recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage site and what makes it unique?
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.
5. What are the primary ways to explore Halong Bay and are cruises the only option?
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.
6. How can travelers arrange transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay for a day tour?
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.
7. What specific attractions or natural wonders can be explored during a Halong Bay cruise?
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.
8. What dining options and interactive activities are typically offered on a Halong Bay day cruise?
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.
