3-Day Halong Bay Tour Packages

Insider tips: Recommended 3-day Halong Bay tour itineraries

Compiled by

MelissaHalong Bay travel expert at TourRadar

• 3 Days in Halong Bay, incl. Hanoi and Lan Ha Bay

  A luxurious 5-star cruise connects Hanoi to Halong Bay over three days. Highlights include Viet Hai fishing village, kayaking through Ao Ech area, and cycling Cat Ba rainforest. Daily activities feature tai chi sessions, cooking classes, and swimming at Three Peach Islets, all for approx. $120 per day.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi to Halong Bay

    Your journey starts with pickup from Hanoi's Old Quarter between 8:00-8:30 AM. "Pack light for the cruise but bring camera gear - the misty morning views of the bay are incredible, especially in February." The 4-hour drive includes a rest stop but be aware that souvenir shop prices there are higher than in Hanoi. Board your boat around noon and get settled in your balcony cabin before lunch. The afternoon features kayaking through the limestone karsts of Lan Ha Bay which most guests rate as a trip highlight. Winter travelers should pack warm clothes for water activities. Your evening includes a cooking class and happy hour specials before dinner.

    
  • Day 2

    Viet Hai Village & Three Peach Islets

    Join sunrise tai chi on deck (5:30-6:00 AM depending on season) followed by breakfast. Today's main activity is cycling through Viet Hai fishing village. If you prefer not to bike electric carts are available. "The bike ride through Cat Ba rainforest was a highlight - you get to see local life away from tourist crowds." Spend your afternoon kayaking or swimming at Bao Trai Dao (Three Peach Islets). Most travelers recommend booking the full 3-day trip instead of 2 days since this middle day lets you explore at a comfortable pace. End your day with happy hour drinks dinner and optional squid fishing at night.

    
  • Day 3

    Final Morning & Return to Hanoi

    Start with morning tai chi before breakfast and final activities like kayaking at Ao Ech area. Your cruise returns to port around noon getting you back to Hanoi's Old Quarter by 3:00 PM.

    

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• 3 Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Halong Bay

  The emerald waters of UNESCO-listed Halong Bay unfold during this luxury cruise, featuring the mystical Surprising Cave with its stunning stalactites. Paddle around Luon Cave, ascend Titop Island for panoramic bay views, and meet locals at Ba Hang floating fishing village. Activities include sunrise Tai Chi, cooking classes, and squid fishing from the deck.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi's Old Quarter

    Plan to arrive mid-afternoon to avoid heavy traffic from the airport. Most hotels offer check-in from 2 PM. Once settled, join an evening food tour through the Old Quarter. Starting around 5:30 PM is perfect as food vendors set up their stalls and the streets fill with locals. You'll get to sample authentic dishes like bún chả and the famous egg coffee in local spots. A recent visitor shared: "The food spots were tucked away in corners of the Old Quarter I never would have found myself - bring small bills and an empty stomach!"

    
  • Day 2

    Halong Bay Cruise

    Leave Hanoi at 8 AM for the 4-hour drive to Halong Bay. Pick a seat on the left side of the bus for the best views. You'll board your cruise around noon and visit Surprising Cave first. Getting there early helps beat the crowds. Next up is Ti Top Island for swimming and sunset views. The climb to the viewpoint takes 400 steps but rewards you with amazing views across the bay. Your evening includes cooking demonstrations and squid fishing from the deck. Spend the night in your private cabin on the water.

    
  • Day 3

    Morning Kayaking & Return

    Have breakfast at 6:30 AM to see the morning mist over the bay. Take a kayak around Luon Cave while the water is still calm and keep an eye out for monkeys in the cliffs. You'll head back to port by 11:30 AM and return to Hanoi around 3:30 PM. If you're flying out, allow at least 3 hours before your flight time.

    

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• 3 Day Northern Vietnam Itinerary, incl. Hanoi and Halong Bay

  Vung Vieng fishing village, Vung Ha's waters, and Thien Canh Son Cave highlight this three-day Halong Bay tour costing around $460. Two nights aboard premium vessels like La Pandora Cruise include activities from sunrise Tai Chi to evening entertainment.

  

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  • Day 1

    Hanoi to Halong Bay

    Plan to leave Hanoi between 7:30-8:30 AM to avoid heavy morning traffic. The drive to Halong Bay is about 4 hours so pack some water and snacks for the journey. "Vietnam's bustling city streets give way to peaceful countryside - the contrast between Hanoi's busy horns and Halong's serene waters is striking." You'll board your cruise around noon and spend the afternoon kayaking in the Cap La area. Make sure to put on sunscreen before kayaking since the water reflection intensifies the sun's rays. The limestone karsts look their best in late afternoon light. In the evening you'll join a Vietnamese cooking class to learn spring roll making followed by a BBQ dinner on deck. If you're visiting from November to February pack a light jacket since it gets cool on the water at night.

    
  • Day 2

    Exploring Bai Tu Long Bay

    Join the 6:30 AM Tai Chi session on deck for incredible misty morning views. You'll spend the day exploring Vung Ha one of the quieter parts of Bai Tu Long Bay. Later you'll visit Thien Canh Son Cave but wear shoes with good grip since the cave steps can get slippery. The best time for swimming is in the morning before it gets too hot usually between 9-11 AM when the water is calmest.

    
  • Day 3

    Vung Vieng Fishing Village to Hanoi

    Start early with a visit to Vung Vieng fishing village where local fishermen will row you through their floating community. Bring small bills if you want to buy fresh seafood or crafts from the village. Your cruise returns to harbor by noon getting you back to Hanoi around 5 PM. If you have an evening flight allow extra time since traffic between the city and airport gets busy from 4-6 PM.

    

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