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Vietnam Travel Guide​
Sea Lion Cruise: 5-Star Halong Bay Day Tour
Rated 4.9 out of 5 on Tripadvisor
4.9/5 [from 230+ reviews on Tripadvisor]
Travelers’ Choice 2025 and 2026
Tour overview
Overview
Explore the wonders of Halong Bay on the Sea Lion Day Cruise — a comfortable and well-organized 5-star experience designed for travelers who want to make the most of a single day. This cruise combines scenic highlights like Surprising Cave and Titop Island with engaging activities such as kayaking and a sunset party on deck. With a modern, clean cruise ship, great food (including vegetarian options), and energetic local guides, it's ideal for those looking for a smooth and fun-filled day out, with every detail taken care of.
Tour highlights
Highlights
- Visit iconic Halong Bay highlights including Surprising Cave, Luon Cave, and Titop Island.
- Enjoy kayaking or bamboo boating in a peaceful lagoon surrounded by limestone cliffs.
- Cruise on a clean, modern 5-star boat with buffet lunch featuring fresh seafood and vegetarian options.
- Seamless experience from hotel pickup to return with reliable guides and clear communication throughout.
- Perfect for combining into a full Vietnam trip with door-to-door service and expert travel support from Local Vietnam.
Tour video
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Price and availability
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Step by step
Itinerary
08:00 - 08:45 :
Pickup from Hanoi Old Quarter
Your day begins with a comfortable pickup from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Sit back and relax as you travel along the expressway to Halong Bay, enjoying a smooth and scenic ride.
10:30 :
Quick rest stop
Take a short 20-minute break mid-journey to stretch your legs, grab a snack, or use the restroom before continuing on to the coast.
12:00 - 12:30 :
Arrival and welcome onboard
Reach the harbor and board the elegant Sea Lion 5-star Cruise. Enjoy a delicious buffet lunch as the boat sets sail on Route 2, known for its peaceful waters, unique limestone formations, and uninhabited islets — many of which have been named after their animal-like shapes.
14:00 :
Explore Surprising Cave
Step into the impressive Surprising Cave, one of Halong Bay’s most famous natural wonders. Wander through chambers filled with towering stalagmites and stalactites shaped like sea creatures and mythical forms.
15:00 :
Kayak or bamboo boat ride
Head to Luon Cave and choose between kayaking or taking a traditional bamboo boat. Paddle through the tranquil lagoon surrounded by lush cliffs — a peaceful and immersive way to see the bay’s natural beauty up close.
16:00 :
Visit Titop Island
Stop at the picturesque Titop Island. You can relax on the sandy beach, swim in the clear waters (season permitting), or climb to the top of Titop Peak for a panoramic view of Halong Bay — a perfect photo opportunity.
18:00 - 18:30 :
Sunset cruise and return
Cruise back toward the harbor while enjoying a relaxing sunset party with tea, snacks, and music on the upper deck. It’s a great time to unwind, share stories with fellow travelers, and soak in the iconic scenery.
20:30 - 21:00 :
Return to Hanoi
After disembarking, your driver will take you back to Hanoi via the expressway. A short break will be provided along the way. You’ll arrive at your hotel in the Old Quarter in the evening, ending a full and memorable day in Halong Bay.
Included and not included
Included
- Expressway Transfer Round Trip by Shuttle bus/Thaco Limousine
- Surprising Cave, Titop island
- Kayaking/ Bamboo Boat
- English Speaking Tour Guide
- Bottle of water on the Bus
- Buffet Lunch with non/vegetarian food
- Sunset Party: Red wine, Tea, Cakes, Shrimp Chips, Fresh Fruits,…
Not included
- Beverages and drinks
- Personal expenses
- Tips for guide and driver
- Other things are not mentioned in our tour program
Tour information
FAQ
Frequently asked questions
What happens if it rains during the cruise?
Light rain will not affect the cruise activities, though it's good to bring a waterproof jacket. In case of severe weather, the cruise may be modified, delayed, or canceled for safety. Contact us for the latest updates.
Is swimming at Titop Island always available?
Swimming at Titop Island is available depending on the season and weather conditions. When it's not suitable, you can still enjoy the beach or hike to the top for panoramic views.
How can I check if the cruise is available on my preferred date?
Our website does not show live availability. If a cruise is full, we will offer alternatives such as changing dates or switching to a similar cruise. Use the request form for a quick response within one working hour.
Can I customize this cruise or combine it with other destinations?
While the cruise itinerary itself cannot be changed, we can help you combine it with other experiences like visiting Ninh Binh, Sapa, or Cat Ba. Just let us know your travel plans using the request form.
Is this cruise suitable for children or older travelers?
Yes, this day cruise is suitable for most ages. The activities like cave visits, kayaking, and light hiking are optional and can be adjusted to your comfort level.
Are there vegetarian or allergy-friendly meals available?
Yes, the cruise can accommodate vegetarian, vegan, or special dietary requests. Please inform us in advance so we can notify the cruise staff.
Guest reviews
What travelers say about traveling with us
Short summaries of reviews on Tripadvisor. Reviews in other languages are translated.
E
Emile P
Rated 5 out of 5
Two weeks North Vietnam
The three-day Halong Bay cruise at the start of our two-week North Vietnam tour turned out to be one of the highlights of our six-week holiday. The bay is incredibly beautiful and the program very varied: swimming, canoeing, tai chi (already at 6:15), a pearl farm, going down into a cave, a spring roll workshop. And of course sunbathing on the top deck and good food.
T
Tanja
Rated 5 out of 5
Vietnam at its best, worry-free and authentic
Our six-day trip ended on Cat Ba Island, where we enjoyed the peace, the nature and a lovely lodge surrounded by greenery. We rented a scooter and explored the island ourselves, with its small hidden beaches, floating villages and impressive views of Lan Ha Bay.
J
Jacco
Rated 5 out of 5
What security, quality and service!
We went to Bai Tu Long Bay instead of Halong Bay, and it was one of the highlights of our three-and-a-half-week family trip. It lies right next to it, is just as beautiful and, fortunately, much quieter than Halong Bay.
S
Solo traveler from Palma de Mallorca
Rated 5 out of 5
26 days trip from north to south
Halong Bay was one of the things I enjoyed most on my 26-day solo trip from north to south. We were only six people on board, so I did not have the overcrowded experience that so many tourists complain about on social media.
E
Erik & Esther
Rated 5 out of 5
A great 14-day round trip through North Vietnam
We had a wonderful time on our 14-day trip through North Vietnam. We liked the boat trip at Cat Ba very much, and the food on the boat was very good too.
H
Henk-Jan B
Rated 5 out of 5
Round trip North Vietnam
Our expectations for the Halong Bay cruise on our 21-day North Vietnam tour were too high. There were no beautiful skies, and the three-day tour starts with the standard two-day tour, with all the crowds that come with it. Half of the extra day is lost moving to another boat and back.
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