Ha Long Bay day trip from Hanoi: Ambassador Day Cruise with transfer
A day cruise from Bai Chay through Ha Long Bay to Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Titov Island, with a shared round-trip shuttle from Hanoi's Old Quarter on the 'With Transfer' rate.
- 1 day (about 7 hours on the water, plus 2 to 2.5 hours on the road each way)
- Ambassador Cruise (APC Corporation JSC)No licence number shown on its site
- Shuttle pick-up in Hanoi's Old Quarter on the With Transfer rate; the cruise line's site does not state the pick-up time. Otherwise, Ambassador's Lounge at the Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay, by 09:45.
- US$85 per personOne adult seat on the shared day cruise, With Transfer rate (round-trip shuttle from the Old Quarter and the Luon Cave bamboo boat), for 30 October 2026. Rates change with the date. Seen at Ambassador Cruise, ambassadorcruise.com on 14 October 2026.
What the day looks like
-
Check-in at Bai Chay
09:45 at Ambassador's Lounge, Halong International Cruise Port; the ship sails at 10:00 through Ha Long and Bai Tu Long bays.
-
Sung Sot Cave
11:00: a walk through the cave.
-
Lunch on board
12:30: lunch while the ship cruises.
-
Luon Cave
13:40: through the cave lagoon by bamboo boat rowed by a local, or by kayak at extra cost.
-
Titov Island
14:40: swim from the beach or climb to the viewpoint.
-
Afternoon tea and return
15:40: afternoon tea, then off the ship at the port by about 16:45.
Included
- Light breakfast, lunch and afternoon tea
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- On-board insurance, tax and service charges
- Round-trip shared shuttle from Hanoi's Old Quarter and the bamboo boat at Luon Cave (With Transfer rate only)
Not included
- Kayaking
- Drinks packages, massage and spa
- Tips
- Pick-up outside the Old Quarter
It suits
- Travellers short on time who cannot stay overnight
- First-time visitors who want Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island in one day
- Travellers staying in Hanoi's Old Quarter, where the shuttle collects
Skip it if
- You dislike long road trips: expect 4 to 5 hours on the road for about 7 hours on the water.
- You want a small boat: this is a large shared ship, and kayaking costs extra.
Questions people ask
How long is the day from Hanoi?
Plan on a long day. Ambassador gives 2 to 2.5 hours each way between central Hanoi and Ha Long, and the cruise runs from check-in at 09:45 until about 16:45. The cruise line's site does not state the shuttle's pick-up time, so ask when you book.
Is kayaking included?
No. Kayaking at Luon Cave is an extra charge. The bamboo boat ride there, rowed by a local, is free on the With Transfer rate and charged on the cruise-only rate. Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island are part of the programme on both rates.
Can I cancel or change the date?
The day cruise is paid in full when you book. Ambassador lets you cancel or change up to seven days before for a US$10 per person fee. After that, or if you do not turn up, there is no refund.
Sources
Checked on by the Top Tours Vietnam editor. Rules and prices change: the sources below are where we checked them.