Cruise in comfort in Ha Long Bay

Learn to prepare traditional Vietnamese dishes

Early morning Tai Chi

Relaxing on Trinh Nu beach

Relax on the shaded sun deck

Cua Van Village excursion

Ha Long Bay Cruise

Name: Ha Long Bay Cruise
Brand: World Expeditions
SKU: LBX
Rating: 5.00 (1 reviews)

Vietnam

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1 review

3 Days from

Trip Code: LBX

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Essential Information

Duration

3 Days

Activities

3 days adventure touring

Accommodation

2 nights boat

Meals

2 Dinners
2 Lunches
2 Breakfasts

Difficulty Grading: 1 / 10
Discovery and Cruising

Carbon Footprint

284kg of CO₂-e PP per day

(284kg of CO₂-e PP entire trip)

Trip highlights

Cruise through the UNESCO-listed waters of Ha Long Bay aboard a luxury, locally operated vessel
Explore the peaceful Viet Hai Village by bike, walk or electric trolley, and learn about local conservation efforts including langur protection
Kayak the jade-coloured waters of Trinh Nu Area and visit the floating fishing village of Cua Van
Try your hand at Vietnamese cooking in a hands-on class and enjoy a traditional rice-wine tasting session
Rise with the sun for a Tai Chi session on the sundeck surrounded by towering karsts

Overview

Cruising through Vietnam’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Ha Long Bay is a journey into a seascape unlike any other – where towering limestone karsts rise from emerald-green waters, and every moment blends cultural discovery with natural beauty. This immersive three-day itinerary offers a deeper, more thoughtful exploration of the bay. Departing from Hanoi, you’ll board a luxury vessel and head straight into the heart of this legendary landscape.

The journey includes a mix of guided shore excursions and water-based activities, such as kayaking, swimming and visits to remote islands. There are also opportunities to engage with local culture and learn more about the efforts being made to preserve the delicate marine ecosystem. With a strong emphasis on responsible travel and low-impact cruising, this experience offers a unique and meaningful way to discover one of Vietnam’s most iconic landscapes.

Itinerary

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This morning, we depart Hanoi around 8:30am and travel to Ha Long Bay (approx. 3 hours), a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its spectacular seascape of limestone karsts rising from emerald waters. On arrival, we board The Au Co cruise and begin our journey into the quieter reaches of the Gulf of Tonkin. As we enjoy lunch onboard, the vessel navigates southeast through the bay, passing striking formations such as Trong Mai, Ngon Tay, and Con Coc Islets. In the afternoon, we disembark for a guided visit to a traditional coastal village, travelling by bicycle or electric cart. This is a chance to experience daily life in a Northern Vietnamese village and learn about Bhaya Cruises’ ongoing community and sustainability projects. There’s also time to try your hand at making Bánh Cuon (Vietnamese steamed rice rolls) or enjoy a refreshing herbal mojitea at the Bhaya Café. Back on board, there's time for a swim in a sheltered lagoon before cruising to our anchorage for the night. As the sun sets over the bay, enjoy Happy Hour on the deck, followed by a Vietnamese-style dinner, a rice wine tasting, and optional squid Accommodation: On board The Au Co. Note: The transport from Hanoi is a shuttle bus, with other travellers who are joining the boat. The driver will speak some English however you will not be accompanied by an English speaking guide. Cruise itineraries are subject to change depending on weather, tide levels and local conditions. Swimming and kayaking activities may be cancelled in poor weather. The Au Co is part of the RefillMyBottle initiative, supporting sustainable travel practices. Filtered water refill stations are available on board and at the cruise centre. Guests are provided with a reusable bottle in their cabin.

Meals: L,D

Begin the day with an optional Tai Chi session on the sundeck as the boat gently cruises through the quiet waters of Lan Ha Bay – a serene extension of Ha Long Bay known for its dramatic limestone islands and tranquil scenery. After a hearty breakfast onboard, we set off by kayak to explore the secluded Trinh Nu area, where towering cliffs and hidden lagoons offer a peaceful paddling experience. Returning to the boat, we continue cruising toward the historic Cua Van Floating Village – one of the largest and oldest of its kind in the region. After lunch, there is the opportunity to further explore the village by kayak or on a guided traditional rowing boat excursion, offering insight into life on the water and the cultural heritage of this unique community. In the evening, take part in a fun cooking session on the sundeck (or indoors if the weather changes) and soak in the breathtaking sunset views over the mesmerizing Halong Bay from the boat’s sundecd followed by a freshly prepared dinner featuring regional cuisine. Later, join a Vietnamese rice wine tasting, or try squid fishing from the main deck. Accommodation: On board The Au Co.

Meals: B,L,D

Begin the day with a tranquil Tai Chi session on the sundeck, a peaceful way to stretch and centre yourself as the sun rises over the limestone karsts of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. After a light breakfast, guests have a choice of morning excursions You can either visit Sung Sot Cave, the largest and most famous cave in Ha Long Bay. This vast cavern features dramatic rock formations and layers of geological history, making it one of the most striking natural landmarks in the region. Or travel by tender to Titov Island, where you can swim and relax on its scenic sandy beach or take a short but rewarding hike to the summit for panoramic views over the bay. After returning to the boat, there is time to freshen up and complete check-out procedures. A final breakfast is served as we cruise back to the marina for disembarkation at 10am. If you have booked a return transfer to Hanoi or Noi Bai Airport with us, you will arrive in central Hanoi or at the airport between 1:30pm and 2:30pm, depending on traffic and transport type. Please keep this in mind when making onward travel plans.

Meals: B

Ready to start your adventure?

319 scheduled departures between 24 Oct 2026 and 29 Dec 2027.

Departs 24 Oct 2026 – ends 26 Oct 2026 (3 days)
Departs 25 Oct 2026 – ends 27 Oct 2026 (3 days)
Departs 26 Oct 2026 – ends 28 Oct 2026 (3 days)
Departs 27 Oct 2026 – ends 29 Oct 2026 (3 days)
Departs 28 Oct 2026 – ends 30 Oct 2026 (3 days)
Departs 29 Oct 2026 – ends 31 Oct 2026 (3 days)
… and 313 more departures.

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What's included?

Included

2 breakfast, 2 lunch and 2 dinner (3 day/2 night cruise)
A unique opportunity to sail into Ha Long Bay, UNESCO World Heritage Site
Engage with Vietnamese culture through Tai Chi, coastal village visits, hands-on cooking experiences, and traditional squid fishing under the stars
Comfortable twinshare cabins on luxury boat with ensuite bathroom and air conditioning
Transfers in air conditioned vehicles

Not included

Airfares
Visa
Travel Insurance (compulsory)
Meals and beverages not mentioned in the itinerary
Tips

Reviews (1)

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There's a good reason that Halong Bay is so popular, it's such a unique landscape and one that you have to see to believe. We were only on a one night cruise, though I think 2 days would have been better to explore the further, less crowded islands. Nevertheless, it was an unforgettable experience and the boats were very comfortable with plenty of activities to keep us entertained.

S. Hunt|Sydney, Australia

27 Jul 2017

Extra trip info

Who will I travel with?Will My Trip Run?

Group shot, 'African wilderness in comfort' trip | Peter Walton

Travelling with our local partners

This trip is run by one of our local partners, on a departure shared with travellers from other companies.

What's the benefit to you? More departure dates, and dates that reach their minimum numbers sooner, because bookings from several companies go into one group. Your guides live and work in the region.

Who is in your group? Expect a mix of travellers and nationalities, not only people who booked with World Expeditions.

What will we tell you when you book? We advise the name of the local partner at the time of booking, along with any terms of their own, such as an additional deposit. These apply alongside our Booking Terms and Conditions.

Travelling alone? On some partner-operated trips your own room is required. The room options on this page show which applies to this trip.

Every departure date advises whether the date is confirmed, and roughly how full it is. Here is what each one means.

Is the departure confirmed?

Guaranteed to go This departure has reached its minimum number and will run.
It is the point travellers should wait for before booking any non-refundable flights.

Close to guaranteed This appears only when a date is close to reaching minimum numbers. If it shows 1 or 2 to guaranteed, book as a pair on a date needing two and it reaches its minimum. Your booking confirms the date for everybody already booked.

How full is the date I am looking at?

Space is filling or Space is filling fast This date has bookings and places are still open. Filling fast means limited spots available, so don't leave your decision too late.

Closing soon Down to its last few places, or close enough to departure that we are finalising numbers. Still bookable online.

Closed Not bookable online - either full, or inside the notice we need to arrange permits, flights and logistics. Ask us anyway, you never know!

Availability questions answered

Will this trip actually go ahead, or could it be cancelled?

If a date shows Guaranteed to go, it runs regardless of further bookings.

What does 2 to guarantee mean?

It means two travellers are enough to confirm the departure. It could be 2 more to add to the group, or the date only needs 2 people to run. Either way, if you book for two people, the date will become guaranteed to run.

What happens if my departure does not reach minimum numbers?

You will know the status before you book. Every date on this page is labelled, and dates marked “Guaranteed to go” are running regardless of further bookings. Where a date has not reached its minimum we either offer a surcharge to operate for a smaller group size so it can still run, or we cancel it. We contact you directly either way.

Will I get my money back if you cancel a departure?

If we cancel a departure due to not meeting minimum trip numbers, you receive a full refund of everything you have paid us less any non recoverable costs, where insurance may cover you. We cannot refund money committed elsewhere – additional non refundable deposits advised at the time of booking, flights, visas, vaccinations, gear - which is why it is worth waiting for “Guaranteed to go” before booking other arrangements around this trip date. Please read our Booking Terms and Conditions before you book.

Why can't I book some dates online?

Each trip closes online a set time before departure. Permits, internal flights and hut or campsite bookings all have to be arranged before we take payment. Call or enquire as it might still be possible to organise last minute places.

The date I want is closed. What are my options and why does it say to enquire?

Cancellations happen and places do open up on closed dates, so it is worth being on our list. We can also tell you which nearby date on the same trip has space, which is usually the faster route.

None of these dates suit me. Can you run this trip on another date?

Yes, as a private departure. We can run this trip on a date you choose, for your own group - family, friends, a club, or in many cases, just for the two of you. Tell us when you want to travel and who is coming, and we will build it around that.

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Ha Long Bay Cruise

Trip highlights

Overview

Itinerary

Ready to start your adventure?