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The 5 Best Hiking And Trekking Tours in Ha Long
Ha Long isn’t just about stunning limestone karsts and emerald waters — it’s also a fantastic destination for outdoor lovers who want to combine scenic boat rides with adventures on land. From luxury day cruises that include swimming and kayaking to multi-day trekking through lush jungles and terraced fields, there’s an option for almost every type of traveler. Our favorites include tours with detailed itineraries, unique experiences, and good reviews, like the 1Day 5 Stars Cruise: Swimming, Hiking & Kayaking and the Pu Luong 3-Day Trek, offering a perfect mix of comfort and adventure. Whether you’re after a quick day trip or a longer trek, Ha Long’s diverse landscape delivers.
For those seeking a taste of both sea and mountain adventures, Ha Long offers options that take you beyond the usual tourist spots. Imagine kayaking among limestone islands, hiking to panoramic viewpoints, or exploring rice terraces and ethnic villages. Our list highlights the most engaging and well-reviewed tours, so you can pick the right fit for your style and schedule.
Quick Overview
This guide covers five top hiking and trekking tours around Ha Long and nearby areas. You’ll find everything from luxury day cruises that mix swimming, hiking, and kayaking, to multi-day trips exploring Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, Pu Luong, and Sapa with activities like biking, trekking, bamboo rafting, and visiting ethnic villages. Each tour offers unique experiences, detailed itineraries, and varying durations to suit your interests and time constraints. For more details, visit the respective links, like the 2-day Lan Ha Bay trip or the Sapa Trekking adventure.
1. 1Day 5 Stars Cruise: Swimming, Hiking & Kayaking
At number 1, this luxury day cruise combines the best of Ha Long Bay’s land and water activities. For around $55 per person, you’ll enjoy a 7-hour experience that includes exploring the impressive Sung Sot (Surprising) cave, swimming on Titop Island, hiking to its peak for unforgettable views, and kayaking among towering limestone formations. This tour is perfect if you want a full day of activity with comfort. The boat is equipped with pools, seating areas, and friendly staff, making it ideal for families or travelers who appreciate quality service.
What sets this tour apart is its combination of adventure and relaxation. The hiking to the top of Titop Island offers spectacular panoramic views, while kayaking among limestone islands provides a peaceful, intimate experience of Ha Long’s scenery. The reviews reflect high satisfaction, with one traveler saying, “It was an amazing experience, the whole experience was perfect. I can do it over and over again.”
Bottom line: This tour is a top choice if you want a high-quality, active day with diverse experiences on the water and land, all in a manageable timeframe.
2. Ha Long: 2 days Lan Ha Bay – hiking, biking, kayaking
Number 2 on our list offers a full two-day escape into Lan Ha Bay, just a quieter alternative to Ha Long’s busier waters. For $118 per person, you’ll cruise past less touristy islands, kayak with glowing plankton at night, swim in hidden lagoons, and bike through lush jungle trails in Viet Hai. The tour also features visits to local villages, giving you a glimpse of authentic life in this region.
This trip is particularly appealing for those who want more time to explore the region’s natural beauty and local culture. The activities are well-rounded: hiking through jungle trails, night kayaking to see bioluminescent plankton, and relaxing on tropical islands. The reviews are glowing, with one reviewer calling it “an unforgettable 2-day adventure that let us experience both nature and the local way of life.”
Bottom line: Perfect for travelers seeking a longer, immersive experience away from crowds, with a good mix of active pursuits and tranquil moments.
$118 per person
3. Halong Bay Cat Ba Island 3D2N: Cave, view point, trekking
This 3-day tour combines cruising, trekking, and exploring the stunning landscapes of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. Priced at about $239 per person, it’s a more comprehensive experience that includes cruise aboard a traditional junk boat, visits to caves, trekking in Cat Ba National Park, and optional activities like swimming and kayaking. You can choose between staying in a 3-star hotel or a 4-star resort, offering comfort after active days.
What makes this trip stand out is its ability to blend nature and culture — exploring caves, walking through scenic national park trails, and visiting local villages. The itinerary includes Sunset and Sunrise views, making it a well-rounded escape. According to reviews, travelers appreciated the variety of activities and the chance to see both the water and land landscapes.
Bottom line: Best suited for travelers who want a multi-day adventure with a mix of activities, comfortable accommodation, and the chance to explore beyond the bay.
$239 per person
4. Pu Luong 3-Day Trek, Cave & Waterfall Tour from Hanoi
Number 4 takes us from Ha Long’s coastal scenery to the peaceful hills of Pu Luong Nature Reserve. For around $232, you’ll spend 3 days trekking through rice terraces, bamboo-lined waterwheels, and ethnic Thai villages. The tour includes bamboo rafting, visits to Bat Cave, and Hieu Waterfall, providing a well-rounded experience of nature and local culture. Staying in traditional homestays or eco-lodges offers an authentic taste of rural Vietnam.
What makes this trip unique is its focus on off-the-beaten-path scenery and culture. You’ll get to explore remote hamlets, learn about Thai tribes, and hike through scenic valleys. The experience is ideal for those who want a peaceful escape with plenty of outdoor activity and cultural engagement. The reviews highlight the quiet beauty and authentic experience, making it a favorite among travelers seeking tranquility.
Bottom line: Perfect for those craving multi-day trekking, culture, and countryside scenery, away from crowded tourist spots.
$232 per person
5. Sapa Trekking Discover Terraced Fields & Ethnic Villages
Last but not least, the Sapa trekking tour offers a shorter but deeply immersive experience into Vietnam’s northern mountain landscapes. For around $24 per person, you’ll trek through scenic rice terraces, visit a Hmong village, and enjoy a traditional lunch. The tour emphasizes local culture and mountain scenery, with options to learn about the traditions of the Zay people.
This tour is ideal if your time is limited but you want a taste of hiking and cultural discovery. The landscape is stunning, with the chance to see majestic mountains and streams. It’s suitable for moderate fitness levels and those interested in authentic village life. While specific reviews aren’t provided, the focus on local culture and scenic trekking makes it a compelling option.
Bottom line: Great for budget travelers and those looking for a short, meaningful hike combined with cultural insights.
$24 per person
How to Choose the Right Hiking and Trekking Tour
When selecting a tour, consider your budget, available time, and interest level. If you want a luxury day with swimming and kayaking, the 1Day 5 Stars Cruise offers excellent value and comfort. For longer, more immersive experiences, the Lan Ha Bay 2-day trip or the Cat Ba Island 3D2N tour provide extensive activities and scenic diversity.
If culture and peaceful rural scenery appeal, the Pu Luong Trek is an excellent choice. Meanwhile, the Sapa Trek is a budget-friendly, shorter option for mountain and village exploration.
Booking early is advisable, especially for popular tours in peak season (October to April). Think about your fitness level and interests—active travelers will love the longer treks and multi-day adventures, while those with limited time might prefer a comprehensive day trip.
Final Thoughts
Ha Long’s outdoor options are surprisingly diverse. For a luxurious, activity-packed day, the 1Day 5 Stars Cruise is hard to beat. If you’re after multi-day explorations, Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island tours offer a perfect blend of adventure and comfort, while Pu Luong and Sapa provide a more cultural and rural experience.
No matter your preference, these tours provide a great way to see the natural beauty and learn about local culture. Booking ahead will ensure you don’t miss out. Pack your hiking shoes, your sense of adventure, and enjoy discovering the stunning landscapes around Ha Long.