Ha Long Bay is famous for its stunning limestone karsts, emerald waters, and countless caves and islands. While many visitors take a quick boat ride, the best full-day tours offer much more: kayaking, hiking, exploring caves, and even luxury experiences that make the most of this UNESCO World Heritage site. Whether you want a fancy cruise with all-included seafood, an active day with kayaking and hiking, or a historical tour of Hanoi combined with a boat trip, Ha Long has options for every traveler. Among our favorites is the luxury Amethyst Cruise, which combines comfort with adventure, and the Lan Ha Bay trip with Captain Jack, known for its authentic local feel.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most exciting full-day options, explaining what makes each one special, so you can pick the best fit for your interests and budget.
1. Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Full Day Trip – Amethyst Luxury Cruise
At number 1 on our list, the Amethyst Luxury Cruise stands out for its elegant approach to exploring Ha Long Bay. This 7.5-hour journey includes kayaking in Luon Cave, hiking up Titop Island for panoramic views, and enjoying a sunset party on deck. One of its main selling points is the largest 4-season Jacuzzi, which can fit 20 adults, perfect for relaxing after a day of sightseeing. The cruise’s well-designed amenities include 6 bathrooms and 4 toilets, ensuring comfort throughout. Reviews show a perfect 5/5 score from 171 travelers, praising the luxury and smooth organization. The tour offers an all-in-one experience—adventure, relaxation, and stunning scenery—making it ideal for travelers who want a touch of indulgence without sacrificing activity.
Bottom Line: This tour is best suited for those craving a luxurious day with scenic hikes, water activities, and sunset views, all in comfort.
2. Full day boat trip with Cat Ba’s captain Jack
Number 2 is the Lan Ha Bay trip with Captain Jack. This 8-hour adventure is aimed at those who want an authentic, laid-back experience with plenty of water activities. You’ll cruise around Lan Ha Bay, often called the “hidden gem” of the area, with stops at three beaches for swimming and snorkeling. Kayaking and swimming are core parts of this trip, giving you time to relax in pristine, less-crowded bays. The tour includes a pickup from Cat Ba, making it very convenient. With a 4.7 rating from 70 reviews, people appreciate the friendly captain and the chance to experience the bay’s natural beauty in a more intimate setting.
Unique features include stopping at Ba Trai Dao Beach and Bright Cave, and the option to snorkel or kayak. Its value for money is excellent at just $26 per person, especially considering the full day of activities.
Bottom Line: Perfect for budget-conscious travelers who want active fun and a more personal connection with Lan Ha Bay’s quieter, less-developed areas.
3. Ha Long Bay Luxury Full Day Cruise| Buffet & All Included
Number 3 combines comfort with immersive exploration. The Luxury Full Day Cruise features a buffet seafood lunch and a well-rounded itinerary, including kayaking, swimming, and hiking. It’s a great choice if you want to indulge while seeing highlights like Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island. The reviews are glowing, with a 4.9/5 score from 9 reviews, indicating strong satisfaction among travelers who value quality and inclusiveness. The cruise’s relaxed pace allows you to enjoy the scenery without feeling rushed, with plenty of opportunities to stop and take photos.
Key highlights: a seafood buffet lunch, visits to famous caves and islands, and optional water activities make this a solid pick for those who want a taste of everything.
Bottom Line: Best for travelers who want a comfortable, all-inclusive experience with scenic highlights and good food.
4. Hanoi Full-Day City Group Tour with Lunch and Guide
Number 4 offers a different flavor—combining Hanoi’s cultural sites with a day trip to Ha Long. This city tour includes visits to Tran Quoc Pagoda, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, and the Ethnology Museum, along with a traditional Vietnamese lunch. It’s perfect for travelers who want to experience Hanoi’s history and culture alongside a scenic boat trip. The tour has a perfect 5/5 rating from 3 reviews, reflecting its popularity among those interested in Vietnam’s capital.
While it doesn’t include the full water-based adventure of other tours, it offers a well-rounded cultural day with sightseeing and local cuisine in a manageable format.
Bottom Line: Suited for history lovers who want a comprehensive day combining Hanoi’s sights with a scenic cruise.
5. From Hanoi: Explore Ha Long Bay In Full Day
Number 5 takes you into UNESCO’s natural heritage with visits to thousand-year-old caves and opportunities for swimming and kayaking. For about $39, this tour offers a balance of adventure and sightseeing, highlighting the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay. It includes exploring caves and watching the sunset, which makes for memorable photos and peaceful moments. While it’s slightly less detailed than some others, it’s a solid choice for those seeking an authentic experience without luxury extras.
Key highlights: UNESCO recognition, cave exploration, and water activities make this a good pick for nature-focused travelers.
Bottom Line: Ideal for those wanting to see the bay’s natural beauty with a moderate price tag.
6. Halong Bay: Full-Day Cruise with Swimming, Meal and Kayaking
Number 6 is a crowd-pleaser, especially for active travelers. This full-day cruise combines sightseeing with lots of water fun: exploring Sung Sot Cave, hiking Titop Island, kayaking at Luon Cave, and swimming in Titop’s famous crescent beach. The reviews are perfect at 5/5, emphasizing its quality and fun factor. The included seafood lunch and comfortable cruise make for a well-rounded day.
Best for: Travelers who want a comprehensive day packed with physical activities and natural beauty.
Bottom line: A great pick for active families or groups who want to maximize water and land adventures.
$43 per person
7. Ha Long Bay Full Day Tour from Hanoi Buffet Lunch & Adventure
Number 7 offers an “adventure” vibe on a 6-hour deluxe cruise. This full-day experience includes swimming, kayaking, bamboo boat rides, and a sunset tea session. It’s ideal for travelers who want a bit of luxury combined with active exploration, with stops at Sung Sot and Luon Caves. The reviews are positive, with a 4/5 rating from 5 reviews, emphasizing the variety of activities.
It’s a good fit if you want a shorter, energetic day with plenty of water-based fun and scenic views.
Bottom line: Perfect for active travelers seeking a balanced mix of adventure and comfort.
8. From Hanoi: Ha Long Bay Full-Day Luxury Cruise
Number 8 offers a more upscale experience with Luxury Cruise. It includes a buffet lunch, visits to Sung Sot Cave, and kayaking through Luon Cave. The 3.5/5 rating from 4 reviews suggests some variability, but the focus on comfort and personalized service suits travelers looking for a hassle-free day. The trip’s highlights are the well-planned itinerary and the chance to relax in style.
Ideal for: Those who prioritize comfort and a straightforward, quality experience over extensive activities.
Bottom line: A good choice for travelers seeking a fuss-free day in Ha Long Bay with luxury touches.
$59 per person
9. From Cai Lan Port: Hanoi Full-Day Private Tour
Number 9 is all about personalized attention. This private tour includes pick-up and drop-off from Cai Lan, with visits to Hanoi’s landmarks like the Temple of Literature and Hanoi Hilton. It’s ideal for travelers who want a flexible, tailored experience of both Hanoi and the bay. With a high rating of 4.8/5, the tour promises a smooth, customized day.
Best suited for: those arriving via Cai Lan port or those who want a private guide and a mix of city and bay exploration.
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers who want a private, customizable experience with a focus on history and culture.
$245 per person
10. Full Day Tour Ha Long Bay Visit Titov, Amazing Cave, Kayak
Number 10 offers a comprehensive, active day with visits to Titov Island and Amazing Cave. This tour includes swimming, hiking, and kayaking, making it ideal for those who want to see the highlights while staying physically engaged. The high rating of 4.7/5 from travelers reflects its popularity. The itinerary emphasizes natural sights, with a well-balanced mix of sightseeing and water activities.
Best for: Travelers seeking an immersive day with multiple activities and scenic views.
Bottom line: A great choice for adventure-minded visitors wanting a full overview of Ha Long Bay’s top spots.
$47 per person
11. 5 Stars cruise to Ha Long full day with Kayaking & MORE
Number 11 is the luxury option, offering a 5-star experience with top-notch service, gourmet food, and tailored activities. This cruise includes a visit to Surprising Cave, Titop Island, and kayaking, all with a focus on comfort and exclusivity. The reviews highlight the high standard of service and the beautifully arranged day. The tour is best for travelers who want a special splurge and are willing to pay a little extra for an exceptional experience.
Ideal for: Those celebrating a special occasion or simply seeking the best of Ha Long Bay’s luxury options.
Bottom line: For travelers who want to indulge in style, this cruise provides a memorable, high-end day.
$60 per person
12. Ha Long full day trip; Sung Sot cave, Titov island, kayaking
Number 12 offers a well-rounded full-day experience with visits to Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, and kayaking at Luon Cave. The 4.7/5 reviews suggest high satisfaction, especially for those who love combining caves, hiking, and water activities. The itinerary is packed into just 7 hours, perfect for travelers with limited time but big interests.
Best for: Active travelers wanting a quick, intense exploration of Ha Long Bay’s top highlights.
Bottom line: An efficient, activity-rich option for those eager to see the best in a short time.
$51 per person
13. Halong Bay Full Day Tour Deluxe & Small Group, Buffet, Kayak
Number 13 emphasizes intimacy and comfort with a small-group setting (max 38 people). This deluxe tour includes kayaking, swimming at Titop, and a traditional Vietnamese buffet. The 4.7/5 reviews reflect its value, especially for travelers who prefer a more personal experience and higher-quality service. The tour’s focus on activities like climbing and sunset tea makes it engaging and relaxed.
Ideal for: Those wanting a quieter, more exclusive day with the chance to enjoy multiple activities.
Bottom line: An excellent pick for travelers seeking a small-group, high-quality, activity-rich experience.
$60 per person
14. Halong Bay Full Day Tour Titop Island, Sung Sot & Luon Cave
Number 14 offers a full day of sightseeing, with visits to Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, and Luon Cave. The 4.8/5 feedback highlights its well-structured itinerary and the opportunity for swimming, hiking, and kayaking. The tour includes a scenic cruise with enough time at each stop to enjoy the surroundings without feeling rushed.
Best for: Travelers who want a balanced mix of land and water activities, with plenty of scenic photo opportunities.
Bottom line: An all-rounder that combines natural beauty, activity, and comfortable cruising.
$59 per person
15. Halong Bay Sightseeing Cruise Full Day Tour With Buffet
Number 15 provides a straightforward, relaxing day exploring Halong Bay’s caves and islands. With a buffet lunch onboard, this tour appeals to those looking for a low-key cruise experience. While reviews are not provided, the focus on sightseeing and comfort makes it suitable for travelers preferring a simple, scenic day.
Ideal for: Visitors who want to see the highlights without too much activity or fuss.
$60 per person
How to Choose the Right Full-Day Tour in Ha Long
Picking the best tour depends on your priorities. If you’re after luxury and relaxation, the Amethyst Cruise or the 5-Star Cruise could be perfect. For active travelers, tours that include kayaking, hiking, and swimming—like the Cruise with Swimming, Meal, and Kayaking or the Titop Island & Cave—offer more physical fun. Budget-minded visitors will appreciate the value of trips like the Lan Ha Bay with Captain Jack, which blend affordability with authentic experiences. For those craving cultural insights, the Hanoi city + bay combo provides a broader Vietnamese experience.
When booking, consider your fitness level, whether you prefer a luxurious or active day, and if you want a tour that includes specific highlights like caves or islands. Most tours offer hotel pickup and flexible cancellation, making planning easier.
Final Thoughts
Ha Long Bay offers a remarkable range of full-day tours—whether you want a luxurious cruise, an active water adventure, or a cultural exploration. For a splurge, the Amethyst Luxury Cruise or the 5-Star Cruise provide comfort and style. Those seeking adventure will find plenty of engaging options in tours with kayaking, hiking, and caves. Budget travelers should look to the Lan Ha Bay trips, which deliver a lot of value.
To make the most of your experience, book early—these tours fill up, especially in peak season. Whatever your style, Ha Long’s full-day tours promise unforgettable scenery and memorable moments that will linger long after your trip ends.