Halong Bay Junk Cruise

Intrepid Travel · 2 days
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
Halong Bay Junk Cruise
2 Days
From AUD $495
Trip Type
Activity Level
Light

Rating


(3 reviews)

Halong Bay Junk Cruise

Halong Bay Junk Cruise

Intrepid Travel · 2 days
Duration

2 days

Tour Type

Accommodations

Comfortable

Physical Rating

Light

Guide Language

English

Experience Overview

Prepare to be whisked away from the cosmopolitan streets of Hanoi to the serene landscape of the World Heritage-listed Halong Bay.

Highlights

  • Experience the natural wonder of thousands of limestone karsts that rise from the bay on a cruise through this World Heritage site
  • Sail back in time with an overnight stay on a traditional-style wooden boat, and awake to the unique misty morning sights of this strange paradise of green waters and rocky islands
  • Feast on a sumptuous meal as the boat anchors in the heart of the bay, then take to the deck to see the stars and moon illuminate the water and peaks
  • Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic sights, and this must-see must be seen on a classic junk cruise

Trip Details

Duration

2 days

Transportation

Boat,Shuttle Bus

Tour Type

Guide Language

English

Starts

Hanoi/Halong Bay, Vietnam

Finishes

Halong Bay/Hanoi, Vietnam

Accommodations

Comfortable

Travel Style

Physical Rating

Light

Itinerary

1
Day 1: Hanoi/Halong Bay
Xin Chao! Welcome to Vietnam. A welcome pack containing a welcome letter, your trip itinerary, relevant tickets, a feedback card and general information on the country will be waiting for you at your hotel. Please ask your hotel's receptionist for the Intrepid welcome pack upon arrival. You may be able to leave your main luggage in Hanoi (please check with your hotel), so we recommend you only take a small bag with a change of clothes and essential travel items. Your Short Break Adventure starts at 8:15-8:30 am, or from your alternate hotel located in Hanoi's Old Quarter (advised prior to departure), between 08:00am - 08:30 am. You will also be joined by other travellers taking the boat cruise. Travel by minibus for 3.5 hours to Halong Bay. Journey through the early morning streets of Hanoi on the way to Halong Bay, seeing steam rising from roadside eateries as breakfast is prepared and motorbikes weaving their way through the steadily increasing traffic. Leaving the city behind, drive through the countryside to the dock where this Halong Bay adventure truly starts. Climb aboard a traditional junk-style boat – with its beautiful woodwork and beaming crew – and venture out into the emerald waters of the bay. Open water soon disappears as the boat glides through often misty waters and past limestone peaks jutting dramatically out of the water. Sit down to a mouth-watering lunch and take in the scenery of what is often referred to as the Eighth Wonder of the World. The area of about 1,500 square kilometres is dotted with innumerable beaches and grottos, created over thousands of years by waves and wind. Even in the rain the bay takes on a mystic quality. After lunch, you will have the chance to explore Surprise Cave, stretching your legs for an included cave walk. Access to Surprise Cave is via staircases. Once inside the cave the pathways are a little uneven and slippery. The captain will find a calm spot, so soak up the sun on the top deck or go kayaking to see the karsts up close. Everyone will be issued with water buoyancy vests. Another delicious meal awaits after the sun goes down. Then sit under the beautiful starry skies before drifting off to sleep to the sounds of gentle waves lapping at the hull.

Accommodation:

  • Overnight boat (Number of Nights: 1)
2
Day 2: Halong Bay/Hanoi
Rise this morning to the tranquil beauty of the bay. Perhaps even wake early for a Tai Chi class on the top deck. Spend the morning exploring secluded areas of the bay. Around noon the junk returns to the dock and the journey towards Hanoi begins. You will be transferred by boat to the mainland where your vehicle will be waiting. The journey back to Hanoi takes around 3.5 hours. Your Halong Bay Junk Cruise adventures ends on arrival in Hanoi (approximately 1.30pm) where you will be dropped off at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel listed below, or as nominated.
Exclusions
  • Flights to and from origin and destinations
  • Airport transfers (arrival and departure)
  • Anything else not explicitly listed in tour inclusions
  • Recommended gratuities/tipping
  • Optional activities/tours
  • Personal expenses
  • Travel insurance
  • Visas, meals and beverages not stated in the list of inclusions.
Important Information
Meals

When meals are not included, your tour leader (where available) will be happy to help with restaurant recommendations, bookings, and directions. Please let us know if you have any dietary needs or preferences. We willdo our best to accommodate these, though we cannot guarantee that every request can be met.

Luggage

You are responsible for your personal belongings throughout the tour. You will need to carry your own bags between the vehicle and your hotel room. Drivers will assist with loading and unloading luggage from the vehicle.

Mobility

Travellers requiring wheelchair access should contact our sales and service team, who can make enquiries on your behalf.

Fitness Level

This tour requires an Average level of fitness. Activities are paced gently and include leisure time. You may be expected to join guided walks of up to one hour, navigate short stairways and mild inclines, and manage your own luggage. You should also be able to board and exit all transport without assistance.

Travellers are expected to be self-sufficient and capable of handling all aspects of their journey. Please discuss your circumstances and support needs with your booking agent to confirm this trip is suitable.

If you are unsure, we recommend consulting your doctor before booking or travelling. (Note: I assume each tour has a different description depending on level of fitness required).

Sightseeing

If a planned site visit is unavailable due to changes in operating hours or holiday closures, the itinerary may be altered, or a comparable activity will be substituted where possible and subject to availability.

Visas

Visa conditions can change. Once you receive your travel documents, check with the relevant embassy, consulate, or immigration office of your destination for the latest information.

  • It is your responsibility to ensure you have the correct and valid travel documents and to comply with all entry requirements.
  • Non-Australian citizens must also confirm visa and identification requirements with the appropriate consulate or visa agency.
  • Certain occupations (for example, journalists, government officials, or those working in charities) may face additional restrictions when applying for visas, which could affect the type of application required.
Departure Dates & Surcharges: See checkout for live dates and availability.
AUD $495
(Tour only)
Per Person Twin Share

Duration: 2 days

Trip Type:

Activity Level: Light

Prepare to be whisked away from the cosmopolitan streets of Hanoi to the serene landscape of the World Heritage-listed Halong Bay.

Price based on per person in Double Room for departure 23 Sep 2025

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating
Excellent
4.5
Guide
Excellent
4.5
Itinerary
Excellent
4.5
Accommodations
Excellent
4.5
Transportation
Excellent
4.5
Tour Operator
Excellent
4.5
Food
Excellent
4.5
5.0
Stephen
Traveled, April 2024

04/07/2024

The trip was nice and relaxing and the tour operator did a great job. Unfortunately Intrepid did not organise things from their side. Given the wrong pick up time, even after a conversation the night before. This meant missing the first pick up and having to pay for a taxi. Intrepid doubled the price of the trip compared to booking direct and still booked us the lowest level of boat and room. I would never use Intrepid. They are only interested in their profits and not providing an adequate service or any value for money for the customer. Very disappointed in the company.

4.5
Elizabeth
Traveled, October 2023

11/07/2023

Great trip but be aware that Intrepid charges a large mark up compared to direct booking.

Tour Operator

Intrepid Travel is a global adventure travel company, dedicated to providing sustainable, experience-rich travel opportunities. They’ve been the leader in ethical, small-group travel since 1989 - taking people around the world for more than 30 years. They’re the world’s largest travel B Corporation - dedicated to being the best travel company for the world. In 2002, they established The Intrepid Foundation so their travellers could make a lasting impact on the communities they had visited. Although Intrepid Travel absorbs all administrative costs of The Intrepid Foundation, they are separate legal entities, allowing The Intrepid Foundation to grow independently. Intrepid Travel is made up of a collection of tour operator brands and 28 destination management companies all united by one vision: To change the way we all see the world.

In Business Since 1989