Explore Halong Bay: Best One-Day Tour from Hanoi with Scenic Views

Hanoi’s bustling streets are dotted with numerous small travel agencies, offering not just currency exchange at a rate of around 3400-3450 VND per USD (slightly less favorable than the 3500 VND rate available on the second floor of the airport), but also organizing day trips to the stunning Halong Bay.

These agencies are plentiful and their prices are generally quite competitive. A typical yacht, as seen in the photos, usually costs around 90,000 VND, and you can easily book it just a day in advance.

The adventure begins early in the morning, with buses picking up travelers from various points in the city around 8:30 AM. The journey includes two stops, one of which is a pearl shopping spot, adding a bit of local flavor to the trip. By the time you arrive at Halong Bay, it’s usually around noon, just in time for a delightful lunch on board. The food served on the boat is surprisingly delicious, exceeding many visitors’ expectations.

The first activity is a refreshing half-hour of kayaking, followed by an exhilarating climb to explore a vast, multi-level cave. For the third activity, you have the choice between another mountain climb or a relaxing swim at the beach, with about 45-50 minutes to enjoy your chosen activity. As you board the boat to return to Halong Bay port at 5 PM, the sun begins its descent, painting the sky with breathtaking hues.

This is the perfect moment to capture some stunning sunset photos, a memorable end to a day filled with natural beauty and adventure.