Cruising on Halong Bay for an overnight cruise or day cruise, you must know the cruise route that aligns with your travel plan and preference. For an overnight cruise, you have 3 cruising route and a day cruise provides you 5 routes to choose from. Get to know these Halong Bay cruise routes in this article. For the Halong Bay overnight cruise, there are 3 different routes:
Halong Bay – The Journey Through the Heart of the Bay
The central Halong Bay route delivers a comprehensive tour of the area’s most iconic sights. This itinerary provides you with the best highlights of Halong Bay, the area that was twice recognized by UNESCO. You can find the best natural landscape of Halong Bay here. The visiting sites in this itinerary include:
- Limestone Karsts: Set sail on a captivating journey across Halong Bay’s enchanting waters, surrounded by a spectacular array of limestone karsts and islets. These magnificent geological formations create a scenic panorama that has earned global recognition.
- Fighting Cocks Islets: These uniquely shaped islets are among the most photographed in Halong Bay, resembling two cocks poised for battle and adding to the mystique of the landscape.
- Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave): Explore the vast and impressive Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay. Inside, you’ll find yourself surrounded by intricate stalactite and stalagmite formations, each adding to the cave’s awe-inspiring atmosphere.
- Tito Island: Make your way to Titov Island, named after Russian astronaut Gherman Titov. A climb to its peak offers panoramic views that encompass the entirety of Halong Bay’s stunning karst terrain and sparkling waters.
Bai Tho Junks offers you the best itinerary to explore the center of Halong Bay, check out the details itinerary here:
Lan Ha Bay – The Serene Southern Extension of Halong Bay
Situated to the south of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay in Hai Phong province is a tranquil retreat from the well-trodden paths of its northern counterpart.
- Serene Seascapes: Experience the calm waters of Lan Ha Bay, where the landscape of limestone mountains and lush islets seems lifted from a fairy tale. Here, tranquility is more than a feature; it’s a companion.
- Pristine Beaches: Venture to the secluded beaches and hidden coves of Lan Ha Bay. These untouched spots offer a peaceful respite where you can enjoy the crystal-clear waters and serene solitude.
- Kayaking and Enchanted Lagoons: Explore the mystical lagoons and shadowy caves of Lan Ha Bay by kayak. Navigate through narrow passages and marvel at the stunning geological formations.
- Cai Beo Fishing Villages: Discover the floating fishing villages where life flows with the tide. Engage with local fishermen, learn about their traditional lifestyles, and capture the essence of their water-bound existence.
- Rowing to Bright Cave: Take a leisurely row to Bright Cave, passing through an 80-meter cave to a picturesque lagoon framed by limestone karsts
Bai Tu Long Bay – The Undiscovered Gem
Bai Tu Long Bay is an ideal retreat for those seeking tranquility and a deep connection with nature. This lesser-known area offers a peaceful, pristine setting, perfect for escaping the crowded tourist hotspots. Begin your journey by cruising through the crystal-clear waters, encircled by majestic limestone karsts and lush, green islets that epitomize the untouched beauty of the region.
- Thien Canh Son Cave: Delve into the enchanting Thien Canh Son Cave, a natural gallery showcasing exquisite stalactite and stalagmite formations that highlight the artistic mastery of nature.
- Vung Vieng Floating Village: Take time to immerse yourself in the local culture at Vung Vieng Fishing Village. Here, friendly fishermen share insights into their life and unique relationship with the sea.
- Pristine & Wild Beaches: Unwind on untouched beaches or enjoy a serene cruise through quiet bays, soaking in the pristine beauty all around you.
- Kayaking Adventure: For the more adventurous, hidden lagoons, caves, and secluded coves await exploration in the remote corners of Cong Dam and Cong Do.
Check out the 2-day 1-night cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay: https://baithojunks.com/bai-tu-long-bay-2-day-1-night-cruise/
Halong Bay Cruise Routes for Day Trips:
Route 1: Habour – Thien Cung Cave – Ba Hang
- Port → Thien Cung Cave → Dau Go Cave → Stone Dog Islet, Ba Hang area, Dinh Huong Islet, Fighting Cock Islet
- Duration: 4-hour cruise
Detailed Itinerary:
- Departure: Guests will depart from Tuan Chau International Port or Halong Port and settle into their seats to begin the tour.
- First Stop: The tour boat will take you to Dau Go Island to visit the two famous caves, Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave.
- Next Stops: After exploring Dau Go Island, the boat will move to the Stone Dog Islet and Ba Hang area where you can enjoy kayaking or local bamboo boat riding.
- Final Stops: The tour will continue to a spot near Dinh Huong Islet and Fighting Cock Islet, where guests can check in and take photos at these iconic landmarks.
Route 2: Habour – Titop Island – Sung Sot cave
- Port → Soi Sim Island → Ti Top Island → Sung Sot Cave → Luon Cave → Me Cung Cave
- Duration: 6-hour cruise, 7-hour cruise, 8-hour cruise ( Day cruise), 2 days 1-night cruise
Detailed Itinerary:
- Departure: Guests will board the cruise at Halong Port or Tuan Chau International Port. The first stops will be at Soi Sim Island or Ti Top Island.
- Island Visits: After exploring and taking photos on these islands, the journey continues with views of Bo Nau Cave, Drum Cave, and Virgin Cave.
- Main Attraction: The majority of the tour will be spent visiting Bo Hon Island, where you will experience the unique beauty of Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave (kayaking and local bamboo boat riding)
Route 3: Habour → Cua Van Fishing Village → Ba Ham Lake
- Habour → Cua Van Fishing Village → Ha Long Floating Cultural Center → Tien Ong Cave → Ba Ham Lake → Ba Men Temple
- Tour duration: 6-8 hours
Detailed Itinerary:
- Departure: The journey starts at Tuan Chau International Port, heading first to the Hang Trai Island cluster and the Cua Van Floating Cultural Center. This area features many unique artifacts from Ha Long’s fishermen and rich cultural and historical documentation of the fishing community living in Ha Long Bay.
- Cultural Sites: The tour continues with visits to notable sites such as Bamboo Forest, Tien Ong Cave, Ang Du, and Ba Ham Lake.
- Final Stop: The tour concludes at Ba Men Temple, a place of spiritual significance for the fishermen of Ha Long Bay.
Route 4: Habour – Bai Tu Long Bay
- Habour → Bai Tu Long Bay → Cong Do Island → Tung Ang Ecological Area → Vung Vieng Fishing Village
- Tour duration: 6 – 8 hours (Day cruise), 2 day 1 night cruise
Detailed Itinerary:
- Departure: Guests will be picked up at Halong Port and the first stops will be Thien Canh Son cave
- Main Attractions: The tour continues with visits to Bai Tu Long Bay, go kayaking in Cong Do area then visit Thien Canh Son cave and take the local bamboo boat to explore Vung Vieng Fishing Village.
Route 5: Port – Gia Luan Dock (Cat Ba – Hai Phong)
Itinerary for Route 5:
- Port → Ha Long Bay → Lan Ha Bay → Dau Go Cave → Dinh Huong Islet → Fighting Cock Islet → Viet Hai Village
- Tour duration: 6-8 hours
Detailed Itinerary:
- Departure: Guests will board the cruise at Tuan Chau International Port and head to the first stop at Dau Go Island. Here, you can admire the beauty of Thien Cung Cave and Dau Go Cave.
- Scenic Stops: The tour continues with visits to Stone Dog Islet, Ba Hang Cave, Dinh Huong Islet, and Fighting Cock Islet.
- Exploration: The journey becomes even more fascinating as you navigate through various islands and caves with diverse shapes and formations.
- Final Destination: The tour concludes with an immersive experience at Viet Hai Village.
Route Comparison – Which Halong Bay Route Suits You Best?
Selecting the ideal route for your Halong Bay cruise depends on your personal preferences and the experiences you wish to have. Each route has its own unique appeal and highlights. Here’s a guide to help you make a well-informed choice:
- Halong Bay – The Most Popular and Iconic Route: This route is famous for its breathtaking limestone formations and includes visits to Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island, along with various water activities. It’s the quintessential choice for travelers eager to explore the renowned beauty and charm of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
- Bai Tu Long Bay – The Serene and Untouched Area: For those looking for tranquility, this route offers a secluded escape with serene waters and hidden spots that provide a glimpse into the local way of life. It’s ideal for anyone seeking to immerse themselves in a pristine and peaceful natural setting.
- Lan Ha Bay: Explore tranquil waters, hidden coves, and kayaking adventures on this route. It’s perfect for those wanting to disconnect and enjoy serene, untouched landscapes. The key attractions include the gentle sway of calm waters and the pristine beauty of the area.
Thank you for your detailed description. Are all cruises start from the same port?
Hi Gwenda, there are two cruise ports in Halong Bay: Halong Bay Cruise Port (Bai Chay, Halong city) and Tuan Chau Marina (Tuan Chau Island, Halong city). Depending on each cruise operators, the cruise ports will be arrangef for cruise package. At Bai Tho Junk, we depart from Halong Cruise Port, well located in the center of Halong city.