Small Group Day Tour of Ha Long Bay by Dragonfly Cruise

Explore Ha Long Bay Aboard a Leisurely Cruise

Start your experience with a pick-up in a modern comfortable coach from your hotel in Hanoi or Ha Long. Ride through the Red River delta and admire the view of rice fields, water buffalo, and paddy fields that flank both sides of the road. Once in Ha Long Harbor, board a traditional wooden junk boat and sail to the heart of Ha Long Bay. Take in the breathtaking view of beautiful islands, sheer cliffs, limestone bedrock, and the greenish-blue water. The splendid surroundings offer a feast to the eyes while you savor a literal feast of fresh Vietnamese seafood onboard. An English-speaking guide will tell you about the fanciful names of all the islets that you cruise past such as Fighting Cocks, Duck, Swan, Incense Burner, and Stone Dogs.

A Peek Into the Caves & Local Life of Ha Long Bay

Visit the Thien Cung Cave, also known as the 'Heaven Palace Grotto', which has huge chambers filled with stalactites and stalagmites. The simple fishing village of Ba Hang Floating Village is next to the cave and next on the itinerary – a village where various generations have lived peacefully. Enjoy some time kayaking around the islands on a canoe or bamboo boat on your own. Once you cruise back to Ha Long Harbor, get dropped off at your hotel in Hanoi or Ha Long.

Itinerary

• 7:40am to 8:15am: Pick up from Hanoi
• 8:15 to12:30: Head to Tuan Chau Island
• 12:30pm to 1pm: Board the cruise from Tuan Chau Port
• 1pm to 2pm: Lunch and explore Stone Dog Islet, Duck Islet, Finger Islet, Incense Burner Islet, and Fighting Cock Islet
• 2pm to 3:45pm: Visit Thien Cung Cave (Heaven Cave)
• 3:45pm to 4:30pm: Kayak or ride a bamboo boat
• 4:30pm to 5pm: Head to Bai Chay Tourist Wharf and depart for Hanoi
• 5pm to 8:30pm: Drop-off at Hanoi

Small Group Day Tour of Ha Long Bay by Dragonfly Cruise

Discover the world-renowned beauty and natural wonders of Ha Long Bay on this small group day cruise, featuring a traditional junk boat ride led by an English-speaking guide. This tour includes round-trip transfers from Hanoi or Ha Long City, ensuring a seamless experience for visitors. The itinerary covers approximately 12 hours, providing ample time to explore the bay's iconic limestone cliffs and islets. Guests will marvel at the sheer rock formations in Thien Cung Cave, one of the most stunning grottos in the region, while also enjoying delicious Vietnamese seafood onboard with vegetarian options available. Tour highlights include a visit to Ba Hang Floating Village, where guests can witness the daily routines of local inhabitants and canoe through intricate archways and passages at their own pace. The tour also includes a stop at Hospital Cave, which served as a secret hospital during the Vietnam War from 1965 to 1975, adding a historical dimension to the natural beauty of Ha Long Bay. With its unique blend of scenic landscapes, cultural insights, and historical significance, this day cruise offers an unparalleled sightseeing experience for travelers interested in exploring the lesser-known corners of Northern Vietnam.

Marvel at Limestone Cliffs and Islets

Your tour stops at the limestone cliffs and islets scattered throughout Ha Long Bay where you can admire their towering heights reaching up to 100 meters above sea level. These formations, which date back millions of years, are part of a UNESCO World Heritage site that spans over 1500 square kilometers. Visitors will see iconic landmarks such as Ti Top Island and Bo Nau Cave, both featuring intricate rock structures and serene beaches. The tour allows you to spend approximately two hours exploring these areas, providing ample time for photos and reflection on the geological history of the region. Unlike other coastal destinations, Ha Long Bay's unique karst formations create a surreal landscape that is unmatched in its beauty and diversity.

Explore Thien Cung Cave

At Thien Cung Cave, guests can marvel at the stunning rock formations inside this natural wonder, which measures over 100 meters long and features intricate stalactites and stalagmites. Discovered in 1958, this cave is one of several grottos within Ha Long Bay that showcase the area's geological history. Visitors will see unique formations named after mythical creatures such as dragons and fairies, adding a touch of mystique to the tour experience. The tour allows about an hour for exploration, providing time to appreciate the intricate details of each formation while learning about their historical significance from your knowledgeable guide. Unlike other caves in Vietnam, Thien Cung Cave offers a compact yet comprehensive view of Ha Long Bay's geological wonders.

Witness Daily Routines at Ba Hang Floating Village

Your tour includes a visit to the picturesque Ba Hang Floating Village where guests can observe the simple routines of local inhabitants living on floating houses and boats. This village, located near Cat Ba Island, spans approximately 2 square kilometers with around 50 households engaged in fishing and farming activities. The tour allows you about an hour at this location, providing ample time to interact with locals and learn about their way of life. Unlike other tourist destinations, Ba Hang Floating Village offers a genuine glimpse into the everyday lives of Ha Long Bay's residents, making it a unique highlight for travelers seeking authentic cultural experiences.

Tour Highlights

• Explore world-famous Ha Long Bay
• Sail on traditional junk boat with English-speaking guide
• Enjoy round-trip transfers from Hanoi or Ha Long City
• Marvel at limestone cliffs and islets in UNESCO site
• Discover unique rock formations in Thien Cung Cave
• Witness daily routines of locals in Ba Hang Floating Village
• Canoe through archways and passages of Ha Long Bay
• Experience historical significance with Hospital Cave visit

Perfect for adventure seekers, nature enthusiasts, and history buffs, this small group day cruise provides a comprehensive exploration of Ha Long Bay’s natural wonders and cultural heritage. The 12-hour format allows you to delve into the geological marvels of limestone cliffs and islets, uncover historical sites like Hospital Cave, and interact with locals in Ba Hang Floating Village, offering an immersive experience that highlights the unique beauty and significance of Northern Vietnam.