Are you dreaming of experiencing the majestic beauty of Ha Long Bay but unsure where to start? Don’t worry, this article will provide you with essential information about ticket prices, cruise options, and various cruise choices so you can confidently plan your unforgettable trip.
I. Where to buy tickets to visit Ha Long Bay?
As you probably already know, to take a boat tour of Ha Long Bay, you first need to determine where the port is that sells tickets to visit the Bay. From there, you can plan and choose the most convenient hotel for your stay. Or, for those who are not staying in Ha Long and only going there for the day, which port would be suitable?
Currently, Ha Long has 2 international passenger ports that are licensed and meet the standards for anchoring and tourism exploitation. They are Tuan Chau International Passenger Port and Ha Long International Passenger Port (Sun Port).
Although the ticket prices at both ports are the same, there are still some minor differences. Here are some notes for visitors when deciding on the area to buy tickets and cruises tours to visit Ha Long Bay.
- Tuan Chau International Passenger Port: This port is located in the Tuan Chau Island area, about 4km from National Highway 18. Therefore, visitors coming from Hanoi, Hai Phong, etc. will find it more convenient to reach this port compared to Ha Long International Passenger Port. In addition, due to the proximity of the attractions to this port, the tour time for the routes will be faster than Sun Port, such as route 1 (3 hours) and route 2 (5 hours).
- Ha Long International Passenger Port: This port is located in the Bai Chay coastal road area, about 1km from Muong Thanh Quang Ninh Hotel. At the same time, this port is a part of the Sun World Ha Long Park complex. Because this port is located far from the attractions in Ha Long Bay, the travel time will be longer, such as route 1 (4 hours); route 2 (6 hours).
Note:
- The permitted departure time for cruises to visit Ha Long Bay from both ports is from 6:30 am and the port closes at 6 pm.
- You may also hear about VinaShin passenger port in Hon Gai, however, this is only a domestic waterway terminal that serves a certain number of transport vessels. Therefore, visitors are almost unable to go to Ha Long Bay from this point.
II. Types of cruises to visit Ha Long Bay
Visitors to Ha Long Bay have two primary cruise options: day cruises and overnight cruises, each offering a unique experience.
- Day cruises: with their limited timeframe, typically focus on destinations closer to shore, such as Hon Cho Da (Dog Rock), Hon Dinh Huong (Incense Burner Islet), Dau Go Cave, and Titop Island. This is an ideal choice for those seeking a quick glimpse into the beauty of Ha Long Bay within a single day. Day cruise boats are often designed with simplicity and space optimization in mind, accommodating a larger number of passengers.
- Overnight cruises: on the other hand, unlock a more immersive experience with extended itineraries, potentially venturing as far as Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island. These cruises go beyond mere transportation, resembling “mini-hotels” on the water, equipped with comprehensive amenities for a relaxing and memorable stay.
Depending on your time constraints, budget, and personal preferences, you can choose the cruise type that best suits your needs to fully explore the wonders of this World Natural Heritage site.
III. Entrance fees to Halong Bay and discount policies
Entrance fees to Halong Bay are managed by the Halong Bay Management Board in Halong City. These fees cover sightseeing and harbor costs. Detailed prices are as follows:
- General Admission: 310,000 VND/person (including 250,000 VND sightseeing fee and 60,000 VND harbor fee)
- Seniors (60+ years old): 155,000 VND/person (50% discount on the sightseeing portion of the ticket upon presentation of a valid ID card during check-in)
- Children under 1.2m tall: Free
- Children over 1.2m tall (7-16 years old): 20% discount on the sightseeing portion of the ticket upon presentation of a valid ID card or birth certificate
- People with disabilities: Free (according to Decree No. 28/2012/ND-CP)
Please note: The Halong Bay Management Board will verify the height of children and the disability status of visitors requesting free admission.
IV. Ticket Prices and Halong Bay Tour Routes
Visitors to Halong Bay are subject to two types of fees: the Halong Bay sightseeing ticket according to the chosen route and the cruise rental fee. Individual travelers can refer to section II below, while group travelers should be aware of the following:
1. Price list for Halong Bay day tour routes
The Halong Bay sightseeing ticket is a traditional paper ticket that must be purchased before entering the port area. The ticket includes information such as the tour route, the fee, the serial number, the destinations, regulations, and the contact number of the Halong Bay Management Board.
Currently, there are a total of 5 tour routes in Halong Bay. Routes 1 and 2 are designed for day tours and are the most popular routes with a variety of Cruises available. Routes 3, 4, and 5 are designed for overnight cruises, although you can still visit these routes during the day by chartering a private Cruise. Please contact us for further details.
| Route | Price (VND/person) | Itinerary |
|---|---|---|
| Route 1 | 310,000 | Thien Cung Cave, Dau Go Cave, Cho Da Islet, Ga Choi Islet, Dinh Huong Islet, Ba Hang Area |
| Route 2 | 310,000 | Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Trong Cave, Finger Islet, Ga Choi Islet |
| Route 3 | 260,000 | Cuu Van Floating Culture Center, Truc Forest Area, Tien Ong Cave, Ang Du, Ba Ham Lake, Ba Men Temple |
| Route 4 | 260,000 | Co Cave, Thay Cave, Cong Do Island Area, Cap La Cave, Tung – Ang Cong Do Eco-tourism Area, Hon Xep Park, Vung Vieng Area |
| Route 5 | 310,000 | Harbor – Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave – Cho Da Islet – Ba Hang – Dinh Huong Islet – Trong Mai Islet – Gia Luan Wharf (Cat Ba – Hai Phong). |
2. Price list for private cruise rental to visit Ha Long Bay (excluding entrance fees for specific routes)
3. Private Cruise Rental Price List
| Departure Port | Duration | Itinerary | Price (VND) |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuan Chau Port | 3 hours | Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave – Cho Da Islet – Dinh Huong Islet – Ga Choi Islet | 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
| 5 hours | Cho Da Islet – Dinh Huong Islet – Ga Choi Islet – Sung Sot Cave – Titop Island | 2,700,000 – 3,200,000 | |
| Ha Long International Port | 4 hours | Cho Da Islet – Dinh Huong Islet – Ba Hang – Ga Choi Islet – Thien Cung Cave – Dau Go Cave | 2,500,000 – 3,000,000 |
| 6 hours | Sung Sot Cave – Titop Island – Luon Cave | 2,700,000 – 3,200,000 | |
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The private cruise rental price does not include:
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Notes
- The private cruise rental price excludes entrance fees, which are 310,000 VND per person.
- Kayaking spots are available at Ba Hang or Luon Cave.
- Kayaking services are not available for cruises departing from the Tuan Chau area.
Menu for lunch on the cruise
|
Fixed Lunch Menu for Cruise Passengers |
|
|---|---|
| Set Menu 1 | Set Menu 2 |
| 1. Fried Shrimp | 1. Steamed Shrimp with Lemongrass |
| 2. Ha Long Fried Squid Rolls | 2. Stir-fried Squid with Celery and Garlic |
| 3. Steamed Fish with Soy Sauce | 3. Ha Long Jellyfish Salad |
| 4. Stir-fried Chicken Feet with Lemongrass and Chili | 4. Steamed Mussels |
| 5. Crispy Fried Pork Belly | 5. Fried Chicken |
| 6. Shrimp and Zucchini Soup | 6. Steamed Fish |
| 7. Stir-fried Vegetables | 7. Sour Ngọa Soup |
| 8. French Fries | 8. Stir-fried Vegetables |
| 9. Steamed Rice | 9. Steamed Rice |
| 10. Fresh Fruits | 10. Fresh Fruits |
For passengers who wish to change their meal, please refer to and choose from our diverse menu below.
| Time (Morning) | Time (Afternoon) | Activity |
|---|---|---|
| 07:00 – 07:30 | 11:00 – 11:30 | Pick-up from your hotel in Bai Chay area. |
| 07:30 – 08:00 | 11:40 | Transfer to Ha Long International Port and complete boarding procedures. |
| 08:00 – 08:15 | 12:00 – 12:15 | Departure: The cruise sets sail to explore Ha Long Bay – one of the seven natural wonders of the world. |
| 12:30 | Enjoy lunch onboard (shared table for 6 people). | |
| 09:00 – 09:10 | 13:30 | Visit Cho Da Islet and Dinh Huong Islet – two famous islets featured on the 200,000 VND Vietnamese banknote. |
| 09:20 – 09:30 | 13:40 | Visit Ba Hang area – time for you to rest and relax. You can kayak or take a sampan to explore the beauty of Ha Long Bay on your own. |
| 09:45 – 10:45 | 14:20 | Visit Ga Choi Islet – the symbol of Ha Long Bay. |
| 11:00 | Have lunch on board (shared table for 6 people). | |
| 14:40 | Visit Thien Cung Cave – one of the most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay. | |
| 12:00 | 16:30 | The cruise returns to Ha Long International Port. |
| 12:00 – 12:30 | 17:00 | Transfer back to your hotel in Bai Chay area. End of the tour! |
Benefits include:
| Included Services | Excluded Services |
|---|---|
| – Welcome drink – Hotel pick-up and drop-off in Bai Chay area – Entrance fees – Lunch on board – Kayaking or sampan rowing – Bilingual tour guide – Passenger insurance |
– Drinks – Other services |
2. 6-hour morning/afternoon bay tour with full services: 750k/guest (price may vary depending on the season)
Itinerary
Ha Long International Port – Dog Rock – Finger Islet – Swan Islet – Sung Sot Cave – Kayaking/sampan rowing at Luon Cave – Titop Beach – Ha Long International Port
(Note: The number of cruises of this type is limited, so it is necessary to book early before departure. Departure times are: 7:30 AM, 8:30 AM, 12:00 PM.)
3. 8-hour Halong Bay tour on a 5-star cruise with full services: 1350k/person
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 09:00 | Check-in and board the cruise. Depart from Tuan Chau Marina to explore Halong Bay. |
| 09:30 – 11:30 | Welcome drinks and cruise briefing. Sail through Halong Bay, admire the stunning scenery, and pass by iconic landmarks such as Stone Dog Islet, Duck Islet, and especially Finger Islet. The cruise will slow down for photo opportunities. |
| 12:00 – 12:15 | Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood specialties from Quang Ninh and traditional Vietnamese dishes. (Shared tables of 6 people) |
| 13:00 | Visit Sung Sot Cave, the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. Hike up to the cave entrance through the lush forest and admire the panoramic views of the bay. (Guests who do not wish to visit the cave can stay on board and enjoy drinks while taking in the scenery.) |
| 14:00 | At Luon Cave area, enjoy kayaking/bamboo boating or relax on the cruise. (Guests who do not participate in these activities can use the Jacuzzi on board.) After exploring the cave and kayaking, head to Titov Beach for swimming and sunbathing on the pristine white sand. |
| 15:00 | Visit Titov Island, where you can swim, sunbathe, or hike to the top for breathtaking views of Halong Bay. |
| 16:00 | Return to the cruise for the Sunset Party. Enjoy relaxing moments with drinks, snacks, and fresh fruits on the sundeck. Unwind in the Jacuzzi while admiring the beautiful sunset. |
| 17:30 | Arrive back at Tuan Chau Marina. End of the 8-hour Halong Bay cruise. |
Benefits include:
| Inclusions | Exclusions |
|---|---|
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Children Policy:
- Children aged 0-5 and under 1.2m in height are free of charge. Children above 1.2m in height will be charged the applicable additional fees (if any).
- Children aged 6-10: 75% of the adult price.
- Children aged 11 and above are charged the full adult price.
4. Halong Bay Dinner Cruise – Price: 1.300k/person
| Time | Activity |
|---|---|
| 17:30 | Boarding at Halong International Cruise Port, explore the luxury yachts in the billion-dollar yacht night street complex. |
| 18:00 | The cruise departs, starting a 4-hour journey to enjoy the sunset on the heritage site. |
| 18:30 | Buffet dinner on board according to the set menu. Sightseeing at various points including: – Bai Tho 1 Bridge – Vincom Plaza – Lan Be Park – The billion-dollar Halong coastal road – Quang Ninh Museum & Library Complex – Dolphin Palace – Sun Wheel – Bai Chay Bridge, etc. |
| 21:30 | The cruise returns to the port |
Benefits Included
| Included | Not Included |
|---|---|
|
|
| 2H | 4H | 6H | 8H | |
| MF 1096 ( 7 Pax) | 11.500.000 | 15.000.000 | 21.000.000 | 29.000.000 |
| Leader 36 | 14.700.000 | 19.500.000 | 26.500.000 | 36.000.000 |
| Leader 40 | 18.300.000 | 24.500.000 | 33.500.000 | 45.000.000 |
| V43F | 20.300.000 | 27.500.000 | 37.000.000 | 50.000.000 |
| NC 14 | 21.400.000 | 29.500.000 | 41.000.000 | 56.000.000 |
| Time of Day | Departure Time |
|---|---|
| Morning | 09:00, 09:55, 10:50, 11:45 (Tuan Chau Port) |
| Afternoon | 13:25, 14:20, 15:15, 16:10 (Tuan Chau Port) |
- Weekend surcharge (Sat & Sun): VND 150,000/ticket
- Children under 2 years old: VND 200,000/ticket (Sharing a seat, maximum 2 children per flight)
- Children from 2 years old: Charged at the adult ticket price
Seaplane Regulations
- The seaplane has a crew of 2 and a seating capacity of 12 passengers. However, it only accommodates 12 passengers for scenic flights without luggage. For flights with luggage, it usually serves 8 to 10 passengers.
- Passengers weighing over 90kg are required to purchase 2 tickets.
- The maximum luggage allowance per flight is usually 20kg/person, of which 10kg is free and the remaining 10kg is charged at VND 100,000/kg. Luggage exceeding 20kg is not allowed on board.
- Check-in: Arrive at the airport or departure point at least 30 minutes before departure time.
7. Halong Bay Cruise Coordination Office – Halong Bay Tours
- Address: 1058 Ha Long Street, Ha Long City, Quang Ninh Province
- Phone number: 0765.222.444
VI.Overnight Cruises in Halong Bay
Overnight cruises in Halong Bay are categorized by star ratings, ranging from 3-star to 6-star. Below are some overnight cruises in Halong Bay for your reference:
| Cruise Name | Room Type | Price/Surcharge | Benefits |
|---|---|---|---|
| Emperor Cruise | Standard | 2,950,000 VND/person (weekday) 3,100,000 VND/person (weekend) | – Breakfast |
| Scarlet Pearl Cruise | Standard | 2,350,000 VND/person (weekday) 2,750,000 VND/person (weekend) | – Breakfast
– Jacuzzi |
| Stellar of the Seas | Standard | 3,250,000 VND/person | – Breakfast
– Shuttle bus |
1. Kayaking in Halong Bay
To enhance the visitor experience, the Halong Bay Management Board and Quang Ninh Tourism Association have actively promoted kayaking as an exciting activity on Halong Bay tours. This unique adventure allows visitors to discover the bay’s hidden beauty at their own pace, immersing themselves in the stunning natural scenery and enjoying a sense of peace and tranquility.
2. Bamboo Boats
When visiting popular attractions like fishing villages, Ba Hang, or Luon Cave, visitors have the option to explore these areas by kayak or bamboo boat. Kayaking, a more adventurous activity, is ideal for active adults seeking an adrenaline rush. On the other hand, bamboo boats offer a gentler and more relaxing experience, making them perfect for families with children or those seeking a leisurely pace.