Vie
Shore Excursions from Halong Bay brings you an incredibly wonderful experience due to the services and nearby attractions that are worth a visit, such as Halong Bay, Yen Tu Mountain, the capital city Hanoi, and Ninh Binh. Among these, Halong Bay is an unmissable destination. From here, tourists can go sightseeing, swim at the beach, sunbathe at Titov Beach or Bai Chay Beach, or go hiking to places like Titov Island, Ngoa Long mountain and Yen Tu Mountain.
But how can you experience these services from a cruise ship? Let’s delve deeper into this with Hai Phong Tours.
International cruise ships to Halong Bay (Quang Ninh) typically start arriving in the autumn, from October, and continue through the spring months until March of the following year. However, the exact number of passengers on each ship is not usually determined, as cruise ship operators usually provide passenger information a few days in advance or are still receiving tour booking information from passengers. These are luxury cruise ships that have been visiting Halong Bay for many years, such as Viking Orion, Silver Muse, Celebrity Solstice, and Silver Whisper.
Which port do cruise ships dock at in Halong Bay?
The question of which port cruise ships dock at in Halong Bay may seem simple, but not everyone knows the answer. In fact, even passengers on cruise ship may not be aware of it. For some reason, passengers on cruise ships are informed that the ship will dock at Cai Lan Port or Vinashin Port (using tender boats).
However, that was the situation in the past. Since 2018, Quang Ninh has put into operation the Halong International Cruise Port, located in Bai Chay Ward, Ha Long City. This is considered the first dedicated passenger port, with the ability to serve two ships simultaneously, with a maximum tonnage capacity of 225,000 GRT and a total capacity of 8,460 people.
Location of Halong International Cruise Port: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AhiFTLPbj45WKtbR8
Picking up passengers from cruise ship
Travel agencies that want to access the inside of the port to pick up passengers from cruise ship need to go through the same customs procedures as at other cruise ports. There will be a fee for vehicles entering the port (approximately $22) and a passenger pickup fee (around $25 per person). Of course, these fees will be included in the service prices offered to tourists. Overall, service prices will increase significantly.
For example, if you are traveling with a group of 10 people to explore the coastline from Halong Bay, you will have to pay an additional $22 + $25 x 10 = $272. Wow! That’s quite a substantial amount, isn’t it?
How can you save on these fees?
While it’s not as strict, at ports like Chan May or Nha Trang, tourists exploring the Shore Excursions from Halong Bay can walk 1.1km (apx. 15 mins) to exit the port (at Chan May and Nha Trang ports, passengers are not allowed to leave on their own if no one is picking them up).
After leaving the international cruise port in Halong Bay, anyone can pick up passengers for Shore Excursions from Halong Bay, or you can also take a taxi and explore the city on your own. Typically, Hai Phong Tours (haiphongtours.com) often pick up passengers right at the ticket hall of the Halong International Cruise Port.
When the Shore Excursions from Halong Bay finished, passengers will be returned to the Lobby of Halong International Cruise Port, and passengers will then make their own way to the port bridge and back to the cruise ship.
Although this method is a bit more complicated and may take some extra time for passengers exploring the coastline from Halong Bay to travel to and from the port, it can save a significant fee.
After leaving the cruise port, the next step for passengers exploring the coastline from Halong Bay is to choose a tourist destination that fits the cruise ship’s schedule. You need to carefully check the cruise ship’s arrival and departure times (usually arriving in the morning and departing in the afternoon or the following day).
Below are the 4 must-see tourist attractions from cruise ships:
1. Halong Bay
Activities
- Swimming at Titov Beach
- Sunbathing at Titov Beach
- Hiking on Titov Island
- Exploring caves such as Sung Sot, Thien Cung, and Thien Canh Son
- Rowing boat trips at Luon Cave/fishing village Vung Vieng/ Tra Bau Cave/ Sang Cave
- Enjoying the breathtaking views of Halong Bay
- Cooking on the cruise ship
- Night squid fishing
Depending on the chosen tour program, visitors exploring the Shore Excursions from Halong Bay can enjoy various experiences. It’s not possible to participate in all activities on a single tour.
General Information
Halong Bay, located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, is one of the country’s most famous and beautiful tourist destinations. Recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site, Halong Bay is a natural wonder with incredibly beautiful landscapes.
The prominent feature of Halong Bay is its thousands of limestone karst islands, each with diverse shapes and sizes, emerging from the deep blue sea. These islands create a unique landscape with caves, towering cliffs, and magnificent sea and mountain scenery. Halong Bay is also known for its crystal-clear waters and numerous stunning beaches, making it an ideal place for activities like kayaking, scuba diving, and beach relaxation.
Tourists can embark on boat tours to explore the stunning landscapes of Halong Bay. This is also an opportunity to savor traditional Vietnamese cuisine and engage in exciting outdoor activities.
With its stunning natural beauty and rich history, Halong Bay is a captivating destination for travelers from all around the world, providing unforgettable experiences for all who visit.
Halong Bay Tours
If the cruise ship only stops at Halong in the morning and departs in the mid-afternoon, then you can only visit Halong Bay by a private boat (Surprise Cave, Titov Island, paddle boat/kayak in Luon Cave) or a group tour without a guide for a short itinerary (Thien Cung Cave without kayaking).
If the cruise ship arrives in Halong in the morning and departs in the middle of the afternoon the NEXT DAY, then your choices are more diverse.
1. Explore Halong Bay in one day along the most beautiful route: Surprise Cave, Titov Island, paddle boat/kayak in Luon Cave.
6 Hours Quality Hai Phong Halong bay day tour: Nicest itinerary, Deluxe boat, Best seller
11:10 AM, Hai Phong Tours will pick you up at the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong: https://maps.app.goo.gl/AhiFTLPbj45WKtbR8. Then, the vehicle will transfer you to Tuan Chau pier for check-in and boarding the cruise for the tour.
Around 5:30 PM, the cruise will return to Tuan Chau pier, and the vehicle will be waiting for you to return to the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong.
2. Halong Bay 2 days 1 night cruise tour:
At 11:10 AM: Depending on the cruise you choose, Hai Phong Tours will either pick you up at the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong or take you to Tuan Chau pier.
At 11:30 AM the next day, you will disembark at the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong or Tuan Chau. If you disembark at Tuan Chau, Hai Phong Tours will provide transportation to the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong.
- Pickup at the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong:
Signature Cruise 2 day 1 night tour to Bai Tu Long bay: Less touristy
Athena Royal Cruise 2 day 1 night tour to Halong bay core classic route
Peony Cruise 2 day 1 night tour pick up in Haiphong
Mon Cheri Cruise 2 day 1 night tour pick up in Haiphong to Lan Ha + Cat Ba – Halal food ready
Oriental Sails 2 day 1 night tour pick up in Haiphong - Pickup at Tuan Chau:
Calypso Cruise 2 day 1 night tour pick up in Haiphong to Lan Ha + Cat Ba
2. Hanoi, the Capital City
Activities
- Stroll around Hanoi’s Old Quarter
- Visit historical landmarks
- Pay respects at the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum
- Watch Water Puppetry
- Indulge in street food
- Shop for souvenirs like silk, oil paintings, lacquerware, and handicrafts
General Information
Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam, situated in the northern part of the country, serves as the political, cultural, and historical center of the nation. The city is renowned for its ancient architecture, temples, and diverse cultural attractions. Central Hanoi is typically green with parks and lakes, and it boasts a rich culinary culture featuring signature dishes like pho and banh mi pate.
Hanoi is also a place where many important historical landmarks are preserved, including the Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, the Thang Long Imperial Citadel, and various museums with collections depicting Vietnam’s history and culture. The city is also famous for its vibrant street life, traditional markets, and colorful traditional festivals.
Hanoi is an attractive destination for travelers, where they can learn about the history and culture of Vietnam, savor unique cuisine, and explore fascinating attractions in an urban environment that is full of allure and diversity.
Tours to Explore Hanoi, the Capital City
Exploring the capital city of Hanoi is the second most popular choice for coastal excursions from Halong Bay. Whether your cruise ship stops for just a day or overnight, you can still visit Hanoi. Depending on your cruise ship’s schedule, Hai Phong Tours will advise you on the most suitable itinerary, and this consultation is entirely free.
Book tour: Hanoi day tour from Cruise Ship: Best of Full day Capital city shore excusion to Hanoi
You can explore Hanoi in a day or stay overnight and return to the cruise ship the next day. You also have the option to visit Halong Bay for a day and then choose to return to Hanoi’s Old Quarter, and the following day, return to the cruise ship if the schedule permits.
Contact Hai Phong Tours for any further info via Whatsapp: +84975200357
3. Yen Tu
Activities
- Long-distance hiking
- Pilgrimage to temples, Buddhist rituals
- Enjoying the fresh air
- Taking cable car rides for sightseeing
General Information
Yen Tu, located in Quang Ninh province, Vietnam, is one of the country’s significant spiritual pilgrimage destinations. It is renowned for Yen Tu Mountain, one of the four sacred mountains in the Dao Thien religion and an important landmark in Vietnamese Buddhism.
Yen Tu Mountain is considered the place where Zen master Tran Nhan Tong, the founder of Truc Lam Yen Tu Zen School, practiced meditation. This mountain serves as a place of meditation and prayer for Buddhists and Dao Thien practitioners and is also an attractive destination for nature and spirituality enthusiasts.
Yen Tu is famous for its temple architecture and religious monuments, set against a backdrop of lush forests and majestic mountain landscapes. The area is known for its serene and peaceful ambiance, making it an excellent location for meditation and finding inner peace.
Yen Tu Tour
Visiting Yen Tu is typically done in a day. A mountain tour, which includes a round trip on two cable car routes, takes about 4 to 5 hours depending on your physical condition. In the morning, Hai Phong Tours will pick you up at the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong, and then you’ll head to Yen Tu (approximately a 1-hour drive).
Book tour: Yen Tu day tour from Cruise Ship: Best of Full day pilgrimage tour, shore excusion to Yen Tu
There are two cable car routes that will take you to the summit of Yen Tu Mountain, where Chua Dong is located. However, you will still need to walk certain sections. Please consider your physical condition when choosing this Yen Tu tour. Of course, you don’t have to reach the summit of Chua Dong; you can opt for just a portion of the journey if you feel it’s more suitable for your abilities. Hai Phong Tours will adjust the timing to align with your cruise ship schedule.
Contact Hai Phong Tours for any further info via Whatsapp: +84975200357
If the cruise ship docks overnight, you can also consider staying for one night at Legacy MGallery Yen Tu.
4. Ninh Binh
Activities
- Take a boat ride on the river to admire the limestone karsts, often referred to as “Halong Bay on land”
- Hike up Ngoa Long Mountain
- Visit ancient temples
- Pay respects at historic temples
- Cycle around the countryside rice fields
General Information
Ninh Binh, located in northern Vietnam, is a province with stunning natural landscapes and diverse cultural heritage. The city of Ninh Binh, the provincial administrative center, is surrounded by lush green rice paddies and picturesque mountain ranges.
Ninh Binh is famous for its unique limestone karsts and mountains, such as Mua Mountain and Cuc Phuong Mountain. The natural beauty of rivers and serene lakes, like Tam Coc River and Trang An River, create an enchanting landscape often described as “Halong Bay on land.”
In Ninh Binh, visitors have the opportunity to explore ancient temples and pagodas, such as Bai Dinh Pagoda and Hoa Lu Temple, where the history and culture of Vietnam are celebrated. Ninh Binh is also renowned for its traditional festivals and delicious cuisine, particularly dishes centered around rice and meat.
With its majestic landscapes and the harmonious blend of nature and history, Ninh Binh is an attractive destination for travelers seeking to discover the diverse beauty of Vietnam.
Tour to Ninh Binh
To participate in a tour to Ninh Binh from Halong Bay, your cruise ship would need to dock overnight. If it only stops for the day, you won’t have enough time for the tour. The travel time from the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong to Ninh Binh is approximately 3 hours one way.
In the morning, Hai Phong Tours will pick you up at the International Cruise Port Hall in Halong and take you to visit Trang An, Bai Dinh Pagoda, and Mua Cave. Afterward, you will stay overnight in Ninh Binh for one night and return the next day, or you can even return to the cruise ship on the same day.
If you decide to stay overnight in Ninh Binh, please consider the following: Top 10 thing to do at night in Ninh Binh (nightlife in Ninh Binh) you should never miss it (Updated)
Contact Hai Phong Tours for any further info via Whatsapp: +84975200357
2 Day Halong bay and Hanoi
In case you would like to see both Halong bay and Hanoi in 2 day, let’s do morning boat trip to Halong first, then head to Hanoi for 1/2 day, stay overnight there to experience local life, exploring, buy souvenir, street food. Next day, do the rest of 1/2 day and back to the ship.
Book tour: 2 Day Halong Bay Hanoi tour from Cruise Ship: Fulfill your time, 1 night in Hanoi
Other Points of Interest
If you prefer to stay around the cruise port, you can visit the SunWorld Halong Complex, a premium entertainment and recreation area, Bai Chay Beach, the museum and library complex, the Planning Exhibition Palace, the Trade Fair and Exhibition Center, and the Halong Market.
Hai Phong Tours has transportation ready to serve, providing convenient transfers to these attractions.
Contact Hai Phong Tours for any further info via Whatsapp: +84975200357
Conclusion: Shore Excursions from Halong Bay
Hai Phong Tours hopes that with the four options for exploring the Shore Excursions from Halong Bay mentioned above, you will find the best choice that suits your preferences. If you need more information, please feel free to contact haiphongtours.com for additional assistance. Thank you!
