Sea Lion Cruise: 5-Star Halong Bay Day Tour

This 10 hours cruise journey takes you into Halong Bay, weaving together Halong Bay at a calm, well-paced rhythm. A UNESCO World Heritage seascape of nearly 2,000 limestone islets emerging from emerald water.

You travel with an English-speaking guide and comfortable transport, so the timing stays flexible. Pickup, pace and stops are shaped around your group rather than a rigid coach timetable, and the route favours quieter moments over the busiest tourist spots.

Why this route works

Halong Bay is around 165 km east of Hanoi via the new expressway. In a single day you cover the headline experiences without rushing them — a meaningful slice of the area at a comfortable pace. The result is a route that feels both efficient and genuinely restful.

What you will experience

• On-board comfort — kayaking, sun deck moments and meals served while drifting through the seascape.
• Local meals — set-menu lunches built around regional specialities and seasonal produce.

Who is this tour for

Best suited to travellers who want the scenery and culture of Halong Bay without the tourist-trail crowds — couples, small families, photographers and curious independent travellers. the overall pace is unhurried, with light walking and seated transport between stops. If you have one day to spare in the area, this is the route we recommend.

What is included

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in the main town/city area
• Comfortable transport with experienced driver
• English-speaking guide for the duration of the tour
• A local set-menu lunch (where applicable per the itinerary)
• Bottled water throughout the journey

Good to know

Halong Bay is best visited March–May and September–November for clearest skies; avoid August–September storms. The climate is tropical maritime, hot and humid in summer. Activities involving boats, climbing or open-road driving are weather dependent and may be modified for safety. From $From USD 55 per person, the experience is reconfirmed by date and group size at booking.