Tour overview

This 2-day short break takes you from Hanoi to Halong Bay for a night aboard a traditional wooden junk. There is no tour leader: the boat crew and local guides host the cruise, with shuttle transfers from Hanoi. You stay one night in a twin-share cabin with air-conditioning and a private bathroom, with lunch, dinner and breakfast on board.

After the drive from Hanoi you board your junk and sail among the limestone islands and karsts of Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

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In the afternoon you kayak among the karsts and climb into the Surprise Cave, one of the bay's largest. Next morning you can join a tai chi session on deck before returning to Hanoi.

The physical rating is low. This trip suits travellers who want to add Halong Bay to a stay in Hanoi.

Trip highlights

  • Halong Bay's limestone karsts (Day 1)
  • Kayaking among the islands (Day 1)
  • The Surprise Cave (Day 1)
  • A night on a traditional junk (Day 1)
  • Sunrise on the bay (Day 2)

Your route

4 stops from Hanoi to Hanoi

2-day route: Hanoi – Halong Bay – Surprise Cave – Hanoi
  1. Hanoi Day 1
  2. Halong Bay Day 1
  3. Surprise Cave Day 1
  4. Hanoi Day 2

Why choose this tour

Halong Bay in a short, easy break. Meals and kayaking included.

Best suited to

  • Travellers adding a trip to Hanoi
  • Couples and friends
  • First-time visitors to Vietnam
  • Travellers short on time
A traditional junk sailing in Halong Bay

Day-by-day itinerary

2 days from Hanoi, Vietnam to Hanoi, Vietnam

  1. Day 1 · Hanoi, Halong Bay, Surprise Cave Halong Bay

    Board your junk.

    Hotel
    Overnight boat
    Meals
    Lunch, Dinner
  2. Day 2 · Halong Bay, Hanoi Hanoi

    Back to Hanoi.

    Meals
    Breakfast
Limestone karsts reflected in Halong Bay

Where you stay

  • Halong Bay (1 night) Traditional junk boat

Hotel names are indicative and may be replaced with a property of similar standard and location.

What's included

Included

  • Accommodation 1 night in a twin-share cabin on a junk
  • Meals 1 breakfast, 1 lunch and 1 dinner
  • Shuttle transfers from Hanoi and back
  • Kayaking among the karsts
  • Surprise Cave visit

Not included

  • Flights
  • Drinks
  • Travel insurance and personal spending
Boats among the karsts of Halong Bay

This trip might not be for you if…

Honest disclaimer — please read

  • You want a tour leader
  • You want a luxury cruise
  • You want a longer trip
  • You want flights included — they are not

Good to know

Meals by day Breakfast: Day 2 · Lunch: Day 1 · Dinner: Day 1
FCDO advice UK FCDO travel advice for Vietnam
Sunset over Halong Bay

In pictures

Departures & prices

From £193 per person, twin share, tour only. 429 upcoming departures.

Frequently asked questions

How do I book this tour?

Tap any "Enquire" button on the page and one of our travel specialists will be in touch within 24 hours (often same day). We'll confirm availability on your preferred date, run through anything you need to know, and only ask for the deposit once you've decided.

What financial protection do I get?

Every Travelisto booking is 100% financially protected. Your money is held in a ring-fenced Trust account until you return from your trip, and we are members of the Protected Trust Services scheme (PTS 6035). Most tours also include ATOL protection where flights are part of the package.

Is there a tour leader?

No, the boat crew and local guides host the cruise and excursions.

Do I need a visa for Vietnam?

No, UK citizens can visit Vietnam visa-free for up to 45 days.

What are the cabins like?

Twin-share cabins with air-conditioning and private bathrooms.

Which meals are included?

Lunch and dinner on Day 1 and breakfast on Day 2.

Where does it start?

From Hanoi, with a shuttle to Halong Bay and back.

How many people are on board?

Up to about forty passengers, depending on the boat.

Can you tailor the trip?

Yes — every escorted tour can be modified into a private tailor-made version with your own dates, adjusted pace, upgraded hotels and add-on extensions. Tell us what you'd like changed when you enquire and we'll quote it both ways so you can compare.

What if my flight is delayed or cancelled?

If your international flight is part of your booking through us, we re-book at no cost. If you've booked flights separately, the tour's local team holds your transfer slot until you arrive. We strongly recommend a comprehensive travel insurance policy that includes delay and cancellation cover.

ATOL protected 100% financially protected in a Trust bank account PTS 6035 4.7 on Trustpilot
Tailor-made option

Not quite the right fit? Make it tailor-made.

If this group tour doesn't match your ideal trip, our specialists will turn it into a private tailor-made journey — your own dates, your own pace, upgraded hotels where you want them, and the parts you don't love swapped out. Same destinations, just rebuilt around you.

Contact us for a tailor-made version of this itinerary

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