Bai Tu Long Bay Day Cruise on La Muse: A Peaceful Escape into Untouched Nature
Overview
Trip Highlights
Bai Tu Long Bay Day Cruise – The Journey to Explore Untouched Bai Tu Long Bay
Experience an exceptional day cruise to Bai Tu Long bay, departing from Hanoi. Discover the hidden gems of this lesser-known bay adjacent to the famous Halong Bay, boasting equally breathtaking natural beauty
In this 6 hour cruise to Bai Tu Long bay, where you’ll uncover a secluded cave, relax on the pristine beach of Hon Co island, and paddle through the serene waters of the Cong Do area on a kayaking adventure. Bai Tu Long bay offers a glimpse into untouched nature, with its myriad limestone islands awaiting exploration
Enjoy in a delicious Vietnamese lunch with sea food onboard, accompanied by attentive service from the crew staff, ensuring a memorable experience throughout your journey.
Special Highlights of This Bai Tu Long Bay Day Trip
- 5.5-6-hour cruise to explore the off-the-beaten-track Bai Tu Long bay
- Discover beautiful Thien Canh Son cave and captivate panoramic views of the bay.
- Unwind on the pristine beach of Hon Co Island
- Glide through the bay’s waters on a memorable kayaking excursion
- Savor the flavors of Vietnamese cuisine amidst breathtaking scenery
Itinerary
08:00 – 08:30: A limousine shuttle bus will pick you up from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter to Ha Long International Harbor for check-in procedures on La Muse Cruise Bai Tu Long Bay. The journey from Hanoi to Halong takes approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes via the new highway.
11:00 – 11:30: Upon arrival at Ha Long International Harbor, complete necessary check-in procedures to board the ship and commence your voyage to explore the World Heritage site. Enjoy a welcome drink and acquaint yourself with the cruise crew.
12:00: Depart from Ha Long International Harbor and start on your thrilling journey to Bai Tu Long bay.
12:30 – 13:30: Indulge in a delectable lunch onboard, featuring local Vietnamese cuisine with a special Ha Long seafood menu (Vegetarian options available).
14:00 – 14:30: Set sail towards Mat Quy Islet and Teapot Islet. Take this opportunity to unwind and immerse yourself in the stunning limestone seascape as you cruise across the bay.
15:00: Discover Thien Canh Son Cave and take part in kayaking adventures. Capture panoramic views of Bai Tu Long bay from the cave entrance, featuring sandy beaches, emerald waters, and sailing boats dotting the landscape. Explore the serene waters around Hon Co Island’s beach, immersing yourself in the natural splendor of water and limestone karsts on kayak adventure.
17:30 – 17:45: Return to the boat and relax onboard as you sail past Dragon’s Head Islet and Toad Islet, heading back towards the harbor. The cruise will disembark at Ha Long International Harbor.
A limousine shuttle bus will take you back to your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter area. The journey concludes around 20:30 at your hotel.
TOUR INCLUSIONS:
- Shuttle bus/ Limousine Hanoi – Halong – Hanoi
- 5,5 – 6 hour cruise to Bai Tu Long bay
- Lunch of local Vietnamese Food on the cruise
- Activities: Cave visiing, kayaking, swimming on beach
- English/Vietnamese speaking tour guide on the cruise
- Sightseeing fees of mentioned visiting places
TOUR EXCLUSIONS:
- Holiday surcharge
- Taxes
- Other beverages, tips and personal expenses
- All other services not mentioned clearly in the program
Frequently Asked Questions
While both bays share the same UNESCO-listed limestone karst geography, the main difference is the crowd density. Halong Bay is the world-famous tourist hub, often bustling with thousands of visitors daily. Bai Tu Long Bay is its quieter, northeast neighbor that remains largely “off-the-beaten-path.” It offers a more pristine environment with significantly fewer boats, clearer water, and a tranquil atmosphere perfect for those seeking a “slow travel” experience.
Absolutely. A 6-hour day cruise with Golden Holiday Travel is meticulously designed to cover the bay’s highlights without feeling rushed. Within this timeframe, you can explore the magnificent Thien Canh Son Cave, relax on the secluded white sands of Hon Co Island, and go kayaking in the serene Cong Do area. It provides the perfect “nature fix” for travelers who want to escape the city for a day but have limited time in their itinerary.
A typical day cruise includes three core experiences:
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Cave Exploration: Visiting “Heavenly Scenery” (Thien Canh Son Cave) to see unique stalactites.
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Kayaking : Paddling through calm lagoons in the Cong Do area to get up close to the limestone islets.
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Beach & Swimming: Relaxing on the pristine, untouched shores of Hon Co Island, which is far less crowded than the popular Titop Island in Halong Bay.
The ideal time to visit is during the dry season from October to April. During these months, the skies are clear and the water is calm, which is perfect for photography and kayaking. If you prefer lush greenery and don’t mind the heat, the summer months (May to September) are beautiful, though it is the “low season” for tourism and can occasionally be affected by tropical rain.
As a licensed tour operator based in Hanoi, Golden Holiday Travel specializes in “hidden gem” destinations. Our Bai Tu Long Bay day cruises prioritize tranquility and authenticity. We provide professional English-speaking guides, hand-picked menus featuring local seafood, and a seamless door-to-door experience from Hanoi. We ensure you see the “soul” of the bay without the tourist traps
Good to Know
Before travelling to Vietnam, please ensure that your passport is valid for at least 6 months from your arrival date and has at least two blank pages for immigration stamps and visa purposes.
Citizens from several countries, including France, Japan, South Korea, the United Kingdom, Germany, Italy, and Spain, can currently enter Vietnam visa-free for stays of up to 45 days. Visa policies may change from time to time depending on nationality and travel regulations.
If you intend to stay longer than the visa exemption period, or if your nationality is not included in the visa-free list, you can apply for an e-visa online.You are also welcome to contact our team for updated visa information and travel assistance before your trip to Vietnam.
Travel insurance is not included in our tour package; however, valid travel insurance is mandatory for all participants joining the tour. Your policy should provide adequate coverage for:
- Emergency medical treatment, hospitalization, and repatriation
- Trip cancellation, delays, or interruptions
- All activities included in your itinerary, including outdoor and adventure excursions
We also recommend checking whether your credit card offers travel insurance coverage and purchasing additional protection if needed to ensure comprehensive coverage throughout your journey.
The official currency in Vietnam is the Vietnamese Dong (VND). While some hotels and tourist-oriented businesses may accept US dollars or euros, payments are generally preferred in local currency.
Visa and MasterCard are commonly accepted at most hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, and larger establishments, especially in major cities and tourist destinations. However, cash is still widely used for local markets, small shops, and rural areas.
ATMs are easy to find throughout Vietnam, particularly in cities and popular travel destinations. Currency exchange services are available at international airports, banks, hotels, and licensed exchange counters.
Also, please make sure your banknotes are clean and undamaged, as torn, heavily worn, or marked foreign bills may not be accepted for exchange or payment in Vietnam.
Vietnam is a year-round destination, offering diverse weather patterns across its different regions. In general, spring (February to April) and autumn (September to December) are considered the most comfortable times to visit, thanks to pleasant temperatures, lower humidity, and less rainfall.
As Vietnam stretches over 1,600 km from north to south, the climate can vary greatly depending on where you travel:
- Northern Vietnam: Experiences four distinct seasons, with cool and sometimes chilly winters (December to February) and hot, humid summers (May to August).
- Central Vietnam: Usually enjoys warm weather, though the rainy season typically occurs between September and November.
- Southern Vietnam: Has a tropical climate with warm temperatures throughout the year, alongside occasional tropical showers during the rainy season from May to October.
We recommend packing light, comfortable clothing as well as seasonal items suited to the regions included in your itinerary.
International flights are not included in our tour prices, giving you the flexibility to choose the airline and flight schedule that best suit your travel plans and budget. If needed, our travel consultants are happy to assist you in finding the most convenient and competitive flight options.
For international departures, we highly recommend arriving at the airport at least 3 hours before your flight to allow enough time for check-in, immigration procedures, and any unexpected delays or issues that may arise.
If your itinerary includes domestic flights within Vietnam, all flight schedules, airline information, and booking details will be included in your final travel documents before departure.
For a smooth journey, we recommend arriving at the airport at least 2 hours prior to your flight. Please make sure to carry your passport along with your e-ticket or booking reference.
Baggage Allowance: Checked baggage allowance typically ranges from 20kg to 23kg depending on the airline and ticket class, while cabin baggage is generally limited to 7kg per passenger.
Important Notice: Extra baggage fees may apply for your overweight or oversized luggage. We strongly recommend reviewing the baggage policies of your airline in advance, such as Vietnam Airlines, VietJet Air, or Bamboo Airways.
Please note that domestic flight schedules may occasionally change due to airline operations or weather conditions. Should there be any updates, our team will inform you as soon as possible.
If your journey includes a connecting domestic flight within Vietnam, please keep the following information in mind upon arrival:
- Collect your checked luggage after landing.
- Complete immigration and customs procedures.
- Proceed to the domestic terminal for your onward flight. At some airports, this may involve a short walk or shuttle transfer between terminals.
- Airport staff are usually available to assist passengers, so feel free to ask for directions or support if needed.
Recommended connection time: at least 2 hours 30 minutes
This allows enough time for immigration clearance, baggage collection, customs procedures, terminal transfers, and possible flight delays.
Practical Tip: At major airports such as Noi Bai International Airport and Tan Son Nhat International Airport, international and domestic terminals may be located in separate buildings. Please follow airport signage carefully and allow sufficient transfer time.

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Bai Tu Long Bay Day Cruise on La Muse: A Peaceful Escape into Untouched Nature