Halong Bay Day Cruise: Buffet, Wine & Jacuzzi from Hanoi

Summary

Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands, caves, and sunset party with wine

You’ll float past Ha Long Bay’s limestone islands on a 5-star day cruise with buffet lunch and local wine as your guide shares stories along the way. Kayak at Luon Cave or relax on Titop Beach before unwinding in a jacuzzi at sunset. Expect small surprises — like laughter with locals or sudden pockets of calm — that linger long after you return.

What’s the experience like?

I’d seen photos of Ha Long Bay before — you know, those misty limestone towers that look almost unreal — but being there is something else. Our day started in Hanoi’s Old Quarter, where the streets were still waking up and our guide Minh greeted us by name (I’m not sure how he remembered everyone). The drive out was longer than I expected, but watching scooters weave through traffic and then suddenly seeing rice paddies roll past made it feel like we were really leaving the city behind. By the time we reached Tuan Chau Marina, I was hungry and a little sleepy — but stepping onto the cruise ship woke me right up. It smelled faintly of lemongrass and something sweet I couldn’t place.

The buffet lunch was huge — seafood piled next to crispy spring rolls and some sort of eggplant dish Minh said was his favorite. He showed us how to eat it with chili sauce; I tried to copy him but probably used too much. We sailed past these wild-looking rocks with names like Fighting Cocks Island and Thumb Rock (Minh pointed them out with this proud grin), and honestly, it was hard not to just stare out at everything in silence for a while. Sung Sot Cave surprised me — it’s bigger inside than you’d think. The air felt cool after the sun outside, and our group got quiet as we walked under all those weird stone formations. My legs were burning from the steps but it was worth it.

After that, kayaking near Luon Cave turned into more of a splash-fest than I planned (my partner can’t steer for anything). Some locals waved from their rowboats — one woman laughed when we bumped into her boat by accident. Later at Titop Island, some people climbed up for the view; I just floated in the water for a bit instead. The sun started dipping low as we got back on board. That’s when they brought out glasses of wine and plates of fruit for this little sunset party on deck. There’s something about drinking red wine while your hair is still wet from swimming that makes everything feel softer around the edges.

I ended up in the jacuzzi with a couple from Saigon who told stories about their first time seeing snow (they hated it). On the way back to Hanoi, my mind drifted between half-sleep and replaying bits of the day — especially that moment in the cave when everyone went quiet without anyone saying why. I still think about that silence sometimes.

Step-by-step itinerary

Day 1 — Halong Bay luxury day cruise

• Hotel pick-up in Hanoi Old Quarter
• Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina
• Board the cruise
• Enjoy buffet lunch on board
• Explore Surprising Cave (Sung Sot Cave)
• Kayak at Luon Cave or rowboat
• Visit Titop Island for view or swim
• Sunset party with wine and Jacuzzi
• Disembark and bus back to Hanoi

Top questions

How long is the Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi?

The tour lasts about 12 hours including round-trip transfer between Hanoi Old Quarter and Ha Long Bay.

Does the Halong Bay cruise include hotel pickup?

Yes, hotel pickup is included if you select transportation from Hanoi Old Quarter when booking.

Is lunch included on this Halong Bay cruise?

Yes, a buffet lunch featuring Vietnamese dishes and seafood is included onboard.

What activities are part of this Halong Bay day trip?

The tour includes exploring Sung Sot Cave, kayaking or bamboo boat at Luon Cave, swimming or hiking at Titop Island, plus sunset wine & jacuzzi time onboard.

Are entrance fees for Ha Long Bay included?

No, you need to pay the Halong Bay entrance fee separately (310,000 VND per person) in cash to your guide.

Can vegetarians find food options during lunch?

Yes, vegetarian options are available in the buffet lunch onboard.

Is kayaking mandatory or can I skip it?

No need to kayak if you don’t want to; you can enjoy scenery from a rowboat instead or relax onboard.

What should I bring for this Ha Long Bay cruise?

Bring cash for entrance fees, swimwear if you plan to swim or use jacuzzi, sunscreen, and comfortable shoes for cave walks.

What’s included

Your day includes hotel pickup in Hanoi’s Old Quarter by limousine bus if selected, complimentary bottled water on board, entry to all scheduled attractions (but not Halong Bay entrance fee), a big Vietnamese buffet lunch with seafood and vegetarian choices, professional English-speaking guide throughout the journey, kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave, welcome drink upon arrival at Tuan Chau Marina, plus sunset party snacks with tea and red wine before heading back in comfort that evening.