Halong Bay Shore Excursions, Trips, and Day Tours from Cruise Port
Halong Bay is the cultural and economic center of Quang Ninh province in northern Vietnam. The city stretches 50 kilometers along the bay, located 165 kilometers from Hanoi and 60 kilometers from Haiphong. As one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations, Halong Bay attracts cruise visitors through well-designed Halong Bay shore excursions. Shore Excursions Asia proudly offers expert-led tours that also highlight landmarks like Bai Tho Mountain and the centuries-old royal poem carved by King Le Thanh Tong in 1468.
Breathtaking Scenery in Halong Bay
Many amazing mysterious caves and islets with stalactites and limestone formations
Charming Fishing Villages
Explore traditional fishing communities like Vung Vieng and Van Chay.
Cultural and Sacred Sites
Visit Yen Tu Pagoda and Bai Tho Mountain for spiritual and cultural experiences.
Local Villages and Museums
Immerse yourself in local life at villages like Yen Duc, and explore the Quang Ninh Museum for regional history.
Picturesque Halong Bay Shore Excursions Designed for Cruise Passengers
Note: Sending us your request is free and easy. Our consultants will contact you within 12 working hours.
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Halong Bay cruise, Dragon Pearl cave,"The Quest for the Dragon Pearl" show
- Best for: Cruise passengers docking overnight or pre & post cruise night in Halong.
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
- Duration: 8.5 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Yen Duc Cultural Village, Halong Bay Cruise, Hai Au seaplane (optional)
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
Amazing Halong Bay Tours with Hai Au Aviator & 4-hour Cruise
- Duration: 6 hours
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Islet of Rocky Dog, Incense Burner, Fighting Cock, Heavenly Palace Cave, Wooden Stake Cave
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
- Duration: 1 day
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Yen Duc Cultural Village, Experience the local life, Join in local daily activities
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
- Duration: 1 day
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Yen Tu Pagoda - Yen Duc Cultural Village
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Hanoi Shore Excursions
- Duration: 2 days
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Boat trip in Halong Bay, Thien Cung – Heaven Cave, Temple of Literature, Hoa Lo Prison Museum, Vietnam Museum of Ethnology, Hoan Kiem Lake, Ngoc Son Temple, Old Quarter
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
- Duration: 1 day
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Quang Ninh Museum, Yen Duc Cultural Village, Canh Huong Pagoda, Traditional Quan Ho Folk Song Performance
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
Halong Bay Shore Excursions
- Duration: 1 Day
- Pick-up/Drop-off: Halong International Cruise Port
- Highlights: Bach Dang Museum and Bach Dang Wooden Stakes yard, Temple of Vua Ba, Cua Dinh River, Tien Coc Temple
- Tour Customizable: Absolutely! (Tell us your specific requirements in the inquiry form)
How to Choose the Best Halong Bay Shore Excursions
For cruise passengers arriving at Halong Bay, selecting the right Halong Bay shore excursion is key to making the most of your limited time. A thoughtfully planned itinerary ensures a comfortable and rewarding day tailored to your interests and pace.
Contact Local Experts1. Check the Port Distance
Cruise ships dock directly at Halong international cruise port. Most tours begin from here and include round-trip transport, English-speaking guides, and efficient routes to help you explore the region without rush.
2. Focus on What You Enjoy
Customize your Halong Bay excursion based on your favorite experiences:
- Heritage: Visit Bai Tho Mountain, Quang Ninh Museum, or explore the legacy of the Ly and Tran dynasties.
- Scenery & Nature: Cruise through limestone karsts, visit Sung Sot Cave, or relax on Titop Island.
- Local Culture: Discover fishing villages like Vung Vieng or Cua Van, meet local artisans in Yen Duc Village.
- Spiritual Sites: Visit Yen Tu Pagoda, Long Tien Pagoda, or other coastal temples.
Private tours offer greater flexibility to match your preferences and pace.
3. Consider Walking Requirements
Some Halong Bay excursions include moderate walking at caves, pagodas, or hilltop viewpoints. Choose options that suit your comfort level. Many tours are senior-friendly and offer support with vehicle-assisted transfers or boat-only alternatives.
Must-Try Vietnamese Dishes on Halong Bay Shore Excursions
One of the highlights of Halong Bay shore excursions is the chance to taste the region’s signature dishes. As the heart of Quang Ninh Province, Halong Bay is not only admired for its dramatic seascapes but also celebrated for coastal cuisine inspired by generations of fishing traditions.
Chả mực Hạ Long (Halong Fried Squid Cake)
Bún bề bề (Noodle Soup with Mantis Shrimp)
Cháo hà (Clam Porridge)
Ngán hấp hoặc nướng (Steamed or Grilled Clam)
Chả mực Hạ Long (Halong Fried Squid Cake)
Crispy and aromatic squid patties made from freshly caught squid in Halong Bay, served with steamed rice or sticky rice.
Sá sùng nướng (Grilled Peanut Worm)
A prized seafood once reserved for royalty, grilled over charcoal and enjoyed with beer or dipping salt.
Bún bề bề (Noodle Soup with Mantis Shrimp)
A flavorful bowl of rice noodles with mantis shrimp, fish cakes, and fragrant herbs, popular in seaside towns.
Bánh tài lồng ệp (Sticky Rice Cake)
A traditional cake made from glutinous rice and molasses, often prepared by local ethnic communities during festivals.
Cháo hà (Clam Porridge)
Warm and comforting rice porridge cooked with local clams, ginger, and scallions.
Ngán hấp hoặc nướng (Steamed or Grilled Clam)
A rare bivalve found in Halong Bay, served simply with lemongrass or grilled with scallion oil for rich, briny flavor.
Highlights of Halong Bay Shore Excursions
Nestled in the northern coast of Vietnam, Halong Bay welcomes cruise travelers with its breathtaking limestone karsts and UNESCO-listed scenery. Our Halong Bay shore excursions offer a seamless and rewarding way to explore the bay’s iconic attractions with well-paced day tours that start directly from the cruise port.
Thien Cung Cave & Dau Go Grotto
Explore two of the most iconic caves in Halong Bay, filled with sparkling stalactites and mythical stories. These stops are often included in Halong Bay shore excursions for their natural beauty and cultural significance.
Fishing Village Experience
Step into the daily rhythm of life in a floating village. Watch how locals raise fish, build homes on rafts, and preserve their heritage. A quiet and meaningful part of many Halong Bay excursions.
Titov Island & Scenic Bay Views
Climb the viewpoint on Titov Island for panoramic views across Halong Bay. It’s a refreshing stop for cruise passengers looking to relax or take scenic photos.
Why Choose Our Halong Bay Shore Excursions?
Our Halong Bay shore excursions are crafted for cruise travelers seeking a smooth and rewarding experience from the port. With expert local guides, scenic routes, and thoughtful pacing, you’ll discover the best of Halong Bay without feeling rushed. From iconic limestone caves and floating villages to seafood specialties and peaceful bays, every detail is designed to make your shore visit truly memorable.
Personal travel consultant
Easy-paced experiences
Private & small group tours
Full support at your port call
Our Halong Bay shore excursions are crafted by local experts who reveal the culture, nature, and lesser-known corners of this UNESCO-listed destination. Instead of following crowded tourist trails, you’ll discover floating villages, seafood markets, limestone caves, and traditional fishing life.
What to expect on our Halong Bay excursions:
✔ Custom itineraries that suit your pace and preferences
✔ Comfortable transport with smooth transfers from the port
✔ Small groups for a more personal experience
✔ Local insights that bring Halong Bay’s stories to life
More than just sightseeing:
✔ Visit floating fishing villages and meet locals
✔ Explore craft villages known for ceramics and pearl farming
✔ Taste fresh seafood at traditional markets and on boat kitchens
✔ Experience coastal culture through local music, legends, and temple visits
Best Time to Visit Halong Bay
The World Heritage seascape of Halong Bay, enchanted tourists with the towering limestone pillars and many islets topped by forest rise from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. Unsurprisingly, stunning Halong Bay continuously dominate the itineraries of most tourists in Vietnam. Thus, there is a multitude of trips on offer, but Halong Bay day tours from cruise ship will deliver you a myriad unforgettable experience in this bay. Here we are going to mention visitors a little about weather in Halong Bay to support the epic Halong Bay shore excursions.
Weather is always the of-course major concern before any trips, and Halong Bay weather is not an exception. An answer to the myriad of questions related to the best time to visit Halong Bay is in Spring and Autumn, to be more details, in March, April, September, and October. In Spring and Autumn months, everything is great with the delightful weather, cozy temperature, and the brightening sky, which all allow the activity level rise higher and higher. If you are on a budget and want to get the best deal, the five-month period from May to September, considered as the low season of Halong Bay, can be the best occasion. In this seasons, the prices can be discounted 10-20% lower than that of the high season (from October to April). However, the risk of bad weather may rise in summer months due to frequent rainfall and some unpredictable typhoon. A smart traveler will look for the last-minute vacation deals when keeping an eye on the weather prediction at the same time.
Weather in Halong Bay by Months
Any month is also the best time for your Halong Bay shore excursions since each month or season has its own pros and cons. Here some useful guide to the Halong Bay weather of each month let read and decide on which itinerary is the best. Embark on unforgettable Halong Bay shore excursions, each tailored to the distinct charms of every season.
Halong Bay weather in January - February
In these months, Halong Bay is covered by a dim fog and the cold flow, which all lower your visibility. However, if your shore excursion is at this time, there is a wonderful chance for you to explore the most colorful festivals taking place in the North of Vietnam, and the traditional Tet festival is included.
Halong Bay weather in March - April
Weather in Halong Bay in two months is quite pleasant and light rain in several days. Moreover, the rate of domestic tourists is lower than that at another time. Nevertheless, if your concern is focusing on traditional events or festivals, this time may not suit you much. Overall, we personally recommend this time is the best time to visit Halong Bay.
Halong Bay weather in May
In the tropical country like Vietnam, May is the beginner of the summer in the North and the temperature is up and sometimes it lightly rains. Halong Bay weather in May is pretty good, which means that you have many cruises to select. However, a small notice for visitors in Halong Bay day tours from cruise ship that they should change their itinerary if it is on April 30 (Liberation Day) and May 1 (Labour Day).
Halong Bay weather in June - August
Weather in Halong Bay can be sunny and clear, but extremely hot during this time. This time is when many showers and unpredictable typhoon visit Halong Bay, therefore it is so dangerous. Generally, August is the hottest and wettest time of the year. According to some truth-worthy reports, the period from June to the early September sees a high volume of domestic visitors because this time is on the summer vacation of Vietnam, thus, all the tourist destinations are full of people, especially beaches.
Halong Bay weather in September - October
In these two months, the weather in Halong Bay and any other factor are so beautiful and mild, especially temperature, thus visitors can avoid the notorious heat of summer. A romantic picture with the high blue sky and gentle wind, which creates myriad of poetry photos and films. And moreover, right in this time, the domestic tourist volume is over, the bay is less crowded than before.
Halong Bay weather in November - December
Although Halong Bay weather is so cold, dry and cloudy, visitors can still catch some lovely sunny or cloudless days. Because this period is in Winter, so you might not be swim, instead of that, it would be better to bring warm clothing and a waterproof jacket in case of rain. If your Halong Bay shore excursion is on this period, you can save a lot of money as a low purchase.
Things to Do & See in Halong Bay Shore Excursions
Halong Bay is one of the most popular attractions in Vietnam and one of the Seven Natural Wonders of the World. Beyond its breathtaking caves and stunning islets, Halong Bay Shore Excursions take visitors to a variety of must-see attractions, including fishing villages, Yen Tu Pagoda, Bai Tho Mountain, Yen Duc Village, Dong Trieu Village, and more. Asia Shore Excursions is pleased to recommend the top things to do and see on Halong Bay tours from the cruise port.
Kayak along Halong Bay
Explore Halong Bay Islets and Caves
Water Puppet Show at Yen Duc Cultural Village
Yen Tu Pagoda
Quang Yen Village
Quang Ninh Museum
Embark on a shore excursion in Halong Bay, where a world of adventure awaits amidst its UNESCO World Heritage landscape. Explore ancient limestone caves, engage with local culture in quaint villages, and trek rugged trails for panoramic views. Relax on pristine beaches or opt for thrilling water activities like kayaking and jet skiing. Each stop promises a unique blend of natural beauty and cultural discovery, making every moment ashore an unforgettable experience in Halong Bay.
Set sail on an unforgettable kayak expedition through the enchanting waters of Halong Bay. With each stroke of your paddle, immerse yourself in the tranquility of this UNESCO World Heritage Site, surrounded by towering limestone cliffs and emerald waters. Embark on one of the most enchanting Halong Bay shore excursions with a kayak expedition through its mesmerizing waters.
Traverse the tranquil waters, encircled by majestic limestone formations rising from the emerald sea. Explore concealed caverns adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, echoing tales of ancient lore. From hidden alcoves to iconic landmarks, each discovery unveils the natural splendor and cultural significance of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Embark on an exhilarating Halong Bay shore excursion, delving into its captivating islets and mysterious caves.
Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture with a visit to the Water Puppet Show at Yen Duc Cultural Village, seamlessly integrated into your Halong Bay shore excursions. Amidst the serene countryside backdrop, this traditional art form unfolds on a tranquil water stage, showcasing the ingenuity and creativity of Vietnamese craftsmanship.
FAQs About Halong Bay Shore Excursions
Organizing a shore excursion in Halong Bay is exciting, especially for cruise passengers looking to explore Vietnam’s northern gem. With stunning karsts, emerald waters, and rich heritage, Halong Bay is a top pick for travelers stopping at this UNESCO site. To make your trip easier, here are answers to common questions about Halong Bay shore excursions. These tips are perfect for first-time visitors and returning guests alike.
International cruise ships usually dock at Halong International Cruise Port or Cai Lan Port in Quang Ninh. Both are around 15–20 minutes by car from the main pier where boats start their bay cruises.
Most excursions last between 4 to 8 hours, depending on the cruise schedule. If your ship stays overnight, you might enjoy a full-day trip that includes both a bay cruise and a cultural stop like a local village or market.
Top activities include:
- A boat cruise among limestone islands
- Exploring famous caves like Sung Sot or Thien Cung
- Visiting floating villages such as Cua Van
- Kayaking or taking a bamboo boat through lagoons
- Enjoying seafood meals served onboard
Yes. Many Halong Bay tours are senior-friendly. You can choose from:
- Private car tours around Halong City or cultural spots
- Gentle cruises with shaded seating and minimal walking
- Support for boarding and no-kayak options
If mobility is a concern, book a private tour in advance so the operator can prepare accordingly.
Dress comfortably. We suggest:
- Light, breathable clothes
- Comfortable shoes or sandals
- Sunhat and sunscreen
- Light rain jacket (especially in summer)
- Camera or smartphone
- Local currency or small USD bills for purchases or tips
Most half-day or full-day tours include a seafood lunch served on a traditional boat. Let the tour provider know in advance if you have dietary needs so they can arrange alternatives.
In case of fog, storms, or heavy rain (especially from June to August), your bay cruise may be changed or canceled. Tour operators may provide a land-based alternative, a partial refund, or reschedule depending on your cruise timing.
Ready to Plan Your Halong Bay Shore Excursion?
Let us help you select the ideal Halong Bay shore excursion for your cruise stop. From sailing past limestone islets to exploring fishing villages, caves, and seafood markets, our expert-guided tours are timed to match your cruise schedule and highlight the best of this UNESCO-listed bay.
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