3 Best Cruise Routes to Uncover Halong Bay in 3 Days
Discover the magic of Halong Bay with the three best cruise routes for a 3-day trip. Each route will offer you unique experiences and feelings.
Looking for the perfect way to uncover Halong Bay’s beauty? In three days, these cruise routes will take you through two famous bays while offering the fullest cruise experience. Whether you are after luxury, adventure, or cultural immersion, these top three options have it all. Let’s embark on a journey of an exciting 3-day trip to Halong Bay!
Luon Cave – Titop Island – Tien Ong Cave – Cua Van Floating Village – Sung Sot Cave
This is the most popular route to enjoy the classic Halong Bay, so it is quite crowded. However, if you are a first-time visitor, it may be a perfect itinerary for your trip. To book the trip, we suggest you choose Paradise Elegance Cruise (from US $315 /pax) or Paradise Sails (from US $238 /pax).
Your first destination is one of Halong Bay’s most picturesque spots – Titop Island. Here you can hike up 400 steps to the island’s famous viewpoint. After the hike, you can relax on the island’s sandy beach or join water activities. Then, we will head to the famous Luon Cave. Surrounded by towering cliffs, this serene spot offers a close encounter with nature as you paddle through its calm, emerald waters. Inside, you will spot curious monkeys or hear birds chirping.
Discover the unique rock formations of Luon Cave
On the second day, you will visit the two-chamber Sung Sot Cave. The first is relatively small and looks like a wide theater hall. But as you walk deeper, the second chamber opens up like a cathedral, with towering ceilings and dramatic stalactites. Our next place is a well-known cave called Tien Ong. Like Sung Sot Cave, you can only explore it by boat. Beyond the natural sculptures, Tien ong cave will provide you with uncovered evidence of ancient human life.
Cua Van is the final stop of your Halong Bay 2 nights cruise. The village floats serenely on emerald waters, with colorful houses tethered together, and is home to generations of fishing families. While kayaking, you will witness daily life unfolding on the water and explore the beauty of Cua Van Cave.
Lan Ha Bay – Dark & Bright Cave – Ao Ech/ Tra Bau – Viet Hai Village – Ba Trai Dao
If you are into relaxation and avoid bustle, this 3-day itinerary will satisfy you. Lan Ha Bay is currently trending as it is less crowded than Ha Long’s. Also, there are more new 4- and 5-star cruises for you to choose from. Some of the outstanding ships may be Scarlet Pearl Cruise (from US $316 /pax) and Capella Cruise (from US $393 /pax).
The first highlight of your trip is the Dark & Bright Cave. As the name suggests, the cave features both dark and light sections. You can get on a kayak, paddle through the water, and explore the hidden lagoons with towering karst peaks. If you want a more laid-back option, take a bamboo boat ride with a local guide. Depending on the anchorage of the cruise, you may have time to visit the Ao Ech or Tra Bau. Swimming here will offer you a stunning view of coral reefs.
Paddle through the narrow dark section of the Dark & Bright Cave
On the second day, you may take a trip to the Viet Hai Village, which has about 300 residents. For outdoor lovers, Viet Hai has lots of chances for discovery. You can rent a bike and paddle across peaceful paths linking the village. Alternatively, join yourself in the process of making rice wine and try it.
Our last destination of the trip will be the Ba Trai Dao, which means ‘Three Peaches’. It is a trio of round, peach-shaped islets that rise dramatically from the waters of Lan Ha Bay. Kayaking around the islets is an adventure you just cannot miss if you are the kind of adventurer! Gliding over the still seas, you may investigate a few secluded beaches, hidden coves, and even the islets close by.
Bai Tu Long Bay – Thien Canh Son Cave – Vung Vieng Village – Cong Dam/ Cong Do
This Bai Tu Long itinerary is the off-the-beaten-path option. Not only the route is unique, but the cruises here are odd as they are made primarily from wood with a few services. This combination will make you feel like a savage adventure in finding hidden places. To have the most authentic experience, book Signature Royal Cruise (from US $271 /pax) or Dragon Pearl Junk (from US $290 /pax).
You will explore the secret beauty of the Thien Canh Son Cave. Located on Cong Do Island, the cave features breathtaking rock formations sculpted over millions of years. As you step inside, you will see the intricate stalactites and rugged stalagmites that rise from the floor. Some formations may even resemble animals and ancient trees. To get here, you can choose either kayaking or cruising.
Your next stop will be the Vung Vieng Village. Depending on the cruise, you will kayak or cruise to the village. While here, you should explore the history of the floating school, which once provided education to local children. Another highlight here is the bamboo boat tour. As you drift along, you will see floating houses, fishing boats, and nets hanging out to dry.
Explore the unique lifestyle of people at the Vung Vieng floating village
Finally, we will head to the Cong Dam and Cong Do. Unlike other attractions, Cong Dam remains largely undeveloped. Not far from Cong Dam, you will find the serene Cong Do Island. These islands and their surrounding waters offer a tranquil, untouched paradise for those seeking adventure off the beaten path. If you are a fan of hiking, Cong Do will not disappoint you. The island’s terrain offers various hiking paths that snake through verdant forests.
In just three days, you can uncover the stunning beauty of Halong Bay with these top cruise routes! Each journey offers unique experiences, from breathtaking views to local culture. If you want more options for the Halong Bay trip from Hanoi, contact BestPrice Travel now!
