The 15 Best Full-Day Tours In Ha Long Bay

Why Ha Long Bay is a Great Place for Full-Day Tours
Ha Long Bay isn’t just a pretty picture — it’s a floating wonderland of limestone karsts, caves, and tiny islands. Spending a full day here means seeing more than just the postcard views — it’s about experiencing the variety of activities that suit every interest. Whether you’re into exploring caves, kayaking, swimming, or simply soaking up the scenery from a luxurious boat, Ha Long Bay delivers. One of our favorites is the Stellar Cruise Full Day Explore Halong Bay, which combines comfort with adventure on Vietnam’s largest cruise ship.
For those wanting a taste of local life, the From Hanoi/Cat Ba: Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay Full Day Boat trip offers a closer look at fishing villages and less touristy spots. Whatever your style, a day trip in Ha Long Bay is a chance to enjoy spectacular scenery without needing multiple days away from Hanoi.

Quick Overview of the Tours in this Guide
Our list covers a broad spectrum, from luxury cruises like Stellar Cruise and Luxury Cruise, which feature gourmet meals and spacious decks, to economical options such as Full Day Tour to Halong with Cave and Titop island, ideal for travelers on a tighter budget.
You’ll find options that include kayaking, cave exploration, swimming, and even visits to floating villages. Each tour offers a unique perspective and experience, so read on to find the one that suits your style and interests.

1. The Halong Catamaran Premium Cruise – Full Day Cruise Trip

Starting at the top of our list, the Halong Catamaran Premium Cruise offers a 12-hour journey combining luxury, personalized service, and traditional elegance. This cruise takes you through Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, both UNESCO World Heritage sites. The ship’s upscale décor and interior design set a tone of comfort, while the dedicated crew ensures a tailored experience. It’s perfect if you’re after a luxurious day on the water, with plenty of photo opportunities, a hot tub on the roof, and a gourmet lunch onboard.
Guests love the attention to detail, with reviews highlighting the friendly staff and the chance to relax in style. The itinerary includes hotel pickup from Hanoi, a quick rest stop, and a scenic cruise with activities like swimming and sightseeing.
Bottom Line: Ideal for travelers who want a premium experience, with a focus on comfort and service.

2. From Hanoi/Cat Ba: Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay Full Day Boat trip

For about $27, the Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay Full Day Boat trip offers a budget-friendly way to see some of the quieter spots around Ha Long Bay. This tour explores less touristy areas of Lan Ha Bay, with stops for kayaking through rock arches to Bat Cave and Dark Cave. The trip also includes a visit to Monkey Island, a chance to learn about local fishermen in Cai Beo floating village, and even a sunset cooking class.
Guests rave about the clean boat, the variety of activities, and the authentic experience of the floating village. The tour is flexible, with vegetarian and vegan options for lunch, making it a great choice for food-conscious travelers.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those seeking an affordable, activity-packed day with a mix of adventure and cultural insights.

3. Halong Bay Shore Excursion: Full Day Cruise Tour from Cruise Port

If you are on a cruise ship docked nearby, the Halong Bay Shore Excursion is your best bet. This 7-hour trip is tailored for cruise travelers, with an itinerary that hits several highlights like Stone Dog, Incense Burner, and Fighting Cock islets. It includes a scenic cruise, cave visits, and the chance to enjoy some of the most iconic viewpoints.
Guides are well-reviewed for their knowledge, and the trip includes a local Vietnamese meal. It’s a shorter, more structured option, perfect for cruise passengers with limited time. The views and photo ops are top notch, and the flexibility to add optional activities makes it adaptable.
Bottom Line: A practical choice for cruise passengers wanting the essentials—scenery, cave visits, and good food.

4. Stellar Cruise Full Day Explore Halong Bay

Coming in at number 4, the Stellar Cruise is the largest cruise in Halong Bay, offering an extraordinary day journey. It’s known for its spacious decks, large dining areas, and the ability to discover hidden corners of the bay. The itinerary includes visits to Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and marine activities like kayaking and swimming.
Guests love the chance to unwind on the sundeck with panoramic views, and the boat’s size means fewer crowds and more space for relaxation. The meals are high-quality, and the crew’s professionalism makes it a reliable choice for a luxury experience at good value.
Bottom Line: Excellent for travelers who want a large, comfortable boat with diverse activities and plenty of scenic time.

5. Full day Tour Explore Halong Bay

At number 5, this full-day tour offers a balanced itinerary with visits to Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Bai Chay. Starting early from Hanoi, it features a scenic cruise, cave exploration, and beach time on Titop Island, where you can climb for a stunning view or swim.
This tour is praised for its well-organized schedule and includes a delicious Vietnamese lunch. Its slightly lower price point makes it a good choice for budget-conscious travelers who still want a comprehensive experience.
Bottom Line: Reliable, well-organized, and suited for those who want a full day of activities without breaking the bank.

6. Halong Bay Cruise Luxury Full Day Tours

For travelers seeking luxury on the water, the Halong Bay Cruise Luxury Full Day Tours provides a taste of elegance. It features hotel pickup from Hanoi, a stylish boat, and optional activities like kayaking. The itinerary includes a visit to Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, with plenty of time to relax and take photos from the sun deck.
Guests note the well-maintained boat and attentive staff. The option to dine onboard (at an additional cost) makes it a flexible choice. It’s best suited for those who value comfort and a more intimate experience.
Bottom Line: Perfect for those who want a luxury experience without multiple days, combining scenic beauty with top-tier service.

7. Ha Long Bay Full Day Tour : Kayak, Cave Explore, Swimming from Tuan Châu Island

Ideal for active travelers, this full-day cruise from Tuan Chau Island combines swimming, kayaking, and cave visits. It features stops at Ti Top Island for both hiking and beach fun and Sung Sot Cave for exploring stunning grottoes. The included lunch is Vietnamese style, and all activity fees are covered.
Guests love the variety of activities and the chance to relax at Tiptop Island. Its shorter duration makes it a good pick for travelers with limited time. The friendly guide adds to the positive experience.
Bottom Line: Great for adventure seekers who want a full day of physical activity and sightseeing.

8. Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking, Swimming, Highway Transfer

This tour is for travelers who want a full immersion in the bay’s natural beauty. Starting with Titov Island for swimming and hiking, then moving to Sung Sot Cave and kayaking in Luon Cave, it covers the highlights efficiently. It uses the newest expressway for quick transfers, saving travel time.
Guests appreciate the free kayaking and bamboo rowing, plus the included Vietnamese lunch. The English-speaking guide ensures smooth sailing. This tour suits active travelers eager to maximize their time.
Bottom Line: Offers a full, active experience with convenient logistics for a busy schedule.

9. Luxury Cruise Full Day Explore Halong Bay

This high-end option features a luxury cruise with visits to Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and scenic spots around Halong Bay. The premium meals and spacious decks make for a comfortable day, with options to kayak and relax in style.
Guests mention the professional crew and well-planned itinerary, making it a top choice for travelers valuing quality. It’s best suited for those willing to splurge for extra comfort.
Bottom Line: An upscale experience ideal for travelers who want a luxurious, all-inclusive day.

10. Full Day-All Inclusive: Halong Bay-Lan Ha Bay-Bai Tu Long Bay

A longer, all-inclusive option, this tour covers multiple bays with kayaking, floating villages, caves, and mountain hikes. With a smaller group, you’ll get a more intimate experience. The tour includes lunch, transfers, and boat rides.
Guests appreciate the diversity of sights and the chance to explore less crowded areas. This is best for those who want a comprehensive day in the bay without rushing.
Bottom Line: Best suited for travelers wanting maximum variety and a slower pace.

11. Halong Bay Full Day With Kayaking and Swimming on Titop Island

This tour is perfect if kayaking and swimming are your top priorities. It combines a full day of boat cruising, hiking at Titop Island, and sea activities. The included lunch and hotel pickup streamline the day, making it easy to relax and enjoy.
Reviews praise the beautiful scenery, the activities, and the easy organization. The focus on both adventure and relaxation makes it popular.
Bottom Line: A great choice for active travelers wanting a full day of water fun and scenic hikes.

12. Halong Bay Full Day With Cave, Kayaking, Swimming, Highway Transfer

This tour prioritizes timely transfers and active exploration. It starts with Titov Island for swimming and hiking, then visits Sung Sot Cave and Luon Cave for kayaking. The express highway transfer saves travel time, making it suitable for tight schedules.
Guests enjoy the free kayaking and the well-organized itinerary led by an English-speaking guide. It’s perfect for those who want a full day packed with outdoor activities.
Bottom Line: Designed for active, time-conscious travelers who want to see as much as possible.

13. Halong Bay Full-Day Trip Expressway Transfer & Full Activities

Much like the previous, this tour emphasizes full activity options—cave visits, kayaking, swimming, and hiking. It includes roundtrip transfers from Hanoi and a delicious seafood lunch.
Guests mention the sensational experience, with a friendly crew and beautiful scenery. It’s suitable for those who want a full, active day with minimal hassle.
Bottom Line: Good value for active travelers who appreciate convenience and variety.

14. Halong Full Day Tour: Cruise, Kayak, Cave, Lunch, Beach & Island

If a balanced mix of cruising, kayaking, cave exploration, and beach time appeals, this tour offers it all. It has shorter pickup times for standard boats, and a more luxurious option for those wanting extra comfort.
Guests love the hiking at Titop Peak and kayaking in Luon Cave. The inclusion of afternoon tea or sunset parties makes it a relaxing and fun day.
Bottom Line: Great for travelers wanting diverse activities in one full-day package.

15. Best Seller Halong Full Day Tour All Included

Last but not least, this popular, budget-friendly tour covers main sights like Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island, with island excursions, kayaking, and sea views. It includes roundtrip transfers and a seafood lunch.
Reviews highlight the organized itinerary and beautiful scenery, making it a reliable choice for travelers wanting a comprehensive, no-fuss experience.
Bottom Line: An excellent value option for those new to the bay or on a budget.

How to Choose the Best Full-Day Tour in Ha Long Bay

When selecting a tour, consider your budget, interests, and activity level. If you want sheer luxury, the Stellar or Luxury Cruise options are worth splurging on. For active travelers, tours with kayaking, hiking, and swimming — like the Kayak, Cave Explore, Swimming from Tuan Chau Island — deliver the most excitement.
Budget travelers should check out the Lan Ha-Ha Long Bay trip, which offers a lot for less. For cruise ship passengers, the Shore Excursion is convenient and efficient.
Finally, think about the season — in peak months, booking early guarantees your spot. Many tours include hotel pickups, so confirm your location when booking to avoid surprises.

To sum it up, Ha Long Bay offers a diverse array of full-day tours, from luxury cruises to active adventure trips, suited for different budgets and interests. Whether you’re after a relaxing scenic cruise, an action-packed kayaking day, or a cultural exploration of floating villages, this list helps you find the perfect match.
If you see one that fits your style, don’t wait too long to book — these tours tend to fill up, especially during peak season. Now, get your camera ready and start planning your unforgettable day in one of Vietnam’s most breathtaking spots.