• Introduction
• Why We Chose the Ambassador Cruise via Klook
• Cruise Inclusions
• Halong Bay Day Tour with Ambassador Cruise – Itinerary
  • Hotel Pick-up in Hanoi
  • Arrival at Halong International Cruise Port
  • Check-in at the Ambassador Lounge
  • Welcome Drinks & Safety Briefing
  • Light Breakfast Onboard
  • Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
  • Explore Ti Top Island
  • Buffet Lunch Onboard
  • Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride at Luon Cave
  • Cruising & Scenic Sundeck Views
  • Disembarkation and Return to Hanoi
• Overall Review

Halong Bay—Vietnam’s stunning natural wonder and a UNESCO World Heritage site—is a must-see destination for any traveler in the region. With its towering limestone islands, emerald green waters, and serene atmosphere, it’s easy to see why Halong Bay attracts millions of visitors each year. During our 9-day Northern Vietnam adventure, we knew we couldn’t miss out on this breathtaking bay.

To make the most of our time, we booked a day tour through Klook, which included everything we needed for a smooth and memorable experience. From a scenic cruise around the bay to exploring caves, kayaking, and enjoying a delicious seafood lunch, this tour provided the perfect introduction to the beauty of Halong Bay.

In this post, we’ll take you through our Klook Halong Bay Day Tour experience, share the different cruise options available, and provide tips for booking your own unforgettable trip to this magical destination. Whether you’re looking for a relaxing day surrounded by nature or an adventurous day exploring caves and islands, Halong Bay has something for everyone.

When planning our Ha Long Bay day tour, we wanted an experience that combined comfort, convenience, and the chance to truly enjoy the natural beauty of the bay. After browsing various options, we decided to book our tour through Klook, opting for the Ambassador Cruise for its great reputation, positive reviews, and flexibility. Here’s why we chose this option:

1. Earlier Pick-up Time

One of the key reasons we picked the Ambassador Cruise was that it offered an earlier pick-up time compared to many other tours. We were picked up at around 6:00 AM from our hotel in Hanoi, while most cruises we found picked up at around 8:00 AM and returned at almost 9:00 PM. The earlier start allowed us to make the most of our day and beat the crowds, giving us more time to explore Ha Long Bay.

2. Reputable Cruise Experience

The Ambassador Cruise is known for offering a luxurious yet affordable day cruise experience in Ha Long Bay. It features spacious, well-equipped boats and professional service, which was key for us to ensure a comfortable trip.

3. Famous Lunch Buffet

One of the standout features of the Ambassador Cruise is its highly-rated lunch buffet. The spread was impressive, offering a wide variety of Vietnamese and international dishes—from fresh seafood and grilled meats to vegetarian options and delicious desserts. It was a great chance to fuel up while enjoying views of the limestone karsts through the panoramic windows of the dining area.

4. Great Value for Money

While Ambassador Cruise is more pricey than other cruises, it offers a lot more in terms of service and experience. For our day tour, we paid around 2,300,000 VND (approximately 89 USD or 5,000 PHP) per person. Other cruises, which might not offer as much in terms of comfort, were priced lower at around 1,300,000 VND (approximately 55 USD or 3,000 PHP). For the price difference, we felt the extra comfort, earlier pick-up, and the buffet were well worth it.

5. Easy Booking Process

Klook made booking our tour hassle-free, with easy-to-follow steps and immediate confirmation. We didn’t have to worry about any last-minute planning, which made the whole experience smoother.

👉 Book your Ambassador Cruise tour on Klook here: Klook – Ambassador Cruise

Your day with Ambassador Cruise is packed with experiences, comfort, and thoughtful inclusions that make the whole journey smooth and memorable. Here’s what to expect from the moment you’re picked up to the time you return to Hanoi:

✅ Included in Your Booking:

• 🚌 Round-Trip Transfers from Hanoi (Shared Service)

Enjoy comfortable, air-conditioned transportation from Hanoi Old Quarter to Ha Long Bay and back. One of the perks of Ambassador Cruise is their early pick-up time at around 6:00 AM, which is earlier than most cruises (usually 8:00 AM). This gave us more time to enjoy the bay and still make it back to Hanoi around 7:00 PM—not too late!

• 🍽️ Buffet Lunch Onboard

A major highlight of the tour! Ambassador Cruise is known for its premium buffet lunch, featuring Vietnamese favorites, fresh seafood, and international options. Dining while surrounded by Ha Long Bay’s limestone cliffs? Unforgettable.

• 🥐 Light Breakfast

A simple breakfast is provided onboard to help you settle in and fuel up before the day’s activities.

• 🎟️ Admission to Attractions

No need to worry about entrance fees—access to attractions like Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave) is already included in the package.

• 🌐 Free WiFi Onboard

Stay connected during the cruise with complimentary WiFi—a nice bonus if you want to share the views in real time.

• 🛋️ Use of Onboard Facilities

You’re free to relax and explore the ship’s spacious sun deck, air-conditioned lounge, and observation areas, all offering panoramic views of Ha Long Bay.

Our Halong Bay day tour with Ambassador Cruise was truly one for the books! Here’s a detailed look at how our unforgettable day unfolded:

🚐 Hotel Pick-up in Hanoi

About halfway through the ride, we made a quick stopover at a rest area, which reminded us a lot of the NLEX stopovers in the Philippines. There were restrooms, a souvenir shop, and a snack counter—just enough time to stretch our legs and grab a quick bite before continuing the trip.

⚓ Arrival at Halong International Cruise Port

Around 9:00 AM, we arrived at the Halong International Cruise Port. The harbor was already bustling with excitement, with different cruise lines welcoming guests for their day and overnight adventures in the bay.

🛋️ Check-in at the Ambassador Lounge

🥂 Welcome Drinks & Safety Briefing

By 9:30 AM, we were officially onboard the luxurious Ambassador Cruise. We were warmly welcomed with refreshing drinks and gathered for a short safety briefing to go over the cruise itinerary and important guidelines.

After the briefing, we were assigned a table number, and one of the staff personally guided us to our designated spot in the main dining area. We were lucky to be seated near a window, which gave us an amazing view of the bay as we cruised along—definitely a perfect spot for photos and peaceful moments.

This table would be ours for the entire day, making it a convenient place to return to between activities and meals.

👜 Tip: You’re allowed to leave some of your things on your assigned table throughout the day, like water bottles, hats, or scarves—but make sure to bring your valuables (phones, wallets, passports) with you when leaving the table, just to be safe.

☕ Light Breakfast Onboard

🚶‍♀️ After breakfast, while waiting to arrive at the first destination, guests are free to explore the ship. You can visit the upper sundeck for panoramic views, check out the bar or lounge area, or simply walk around to take in the beauty of Halong Bay from different vantage points.

🪨 Explore Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave

At around 10:45 AM, we arrived at our first destination: the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave (also known as Surprise Cave)—and yes, it really lives up to its name!

After anchoring, we boarded a small boat that took us to Bo Hon Island, where the cave is located. From there, we started a short hike up a series of stone steps, surrounded by lush greenery and views of the bay.

🚶‍♂️ Note: Since this is one of the most popular spots in Halong Bay, expect a bit of a queue going up to the cave entrance, especially during peak season. It moves steadily, but it’s good to be prepared for the crowd.

🏞️ Once you reach the top before entering the cave, there’s a beautiful viewpoint overlooking Halong Bay—a perfect spot to pause, catch your breath, and snap some scenic shots.

Inside, we were amazed by the massive limestone chambers, towering stalactites and stalagmites, and the dramatic lighting that added a magical touch to the whole experience. Each chamber felt bigger than the last, and the natural formations—some resembling animals or mythical creatures—were truly stunning.

📸 It’s definitely one of the most photogenic stops on the cruise, so keep your camera ready!

🪜 After passing through the cave, the path leads down a long flight of steps, taking you back toward the shore.

🧃 Along the way, you’ll see vendors selling snacks and drinks, but unless you’re really hungry, hold off—a buffet lunch awaits once you’re back on the cruise!

🚤 Important tip: Before we disembarked for the cave tour, the Ambassador Cruise staff clearly reminded us that we must return on time to avoid missing the boat’s scheduled departure.

⏱️ If anyone is late, they would need to arrange and pay for their own boat to return to the ship—which would definitely be a hassle and an added cost.

👉 Fortunately, no one from our group was left behind, but it’s something to keep in mind. Once you’ve exited the cave, don’t linger too long—head back to the boat promptly to stay on schedule.

🌴 Explore Ti Top Island

After our visit to Sung Sot Cave, we boarded a boat that took us to Ti Top Island—one of the most iconic and scenic destinations in Halong Bay. The island is named after Russian astronaut Gherman Titov, and it’s known for its panoramic 360-degree views from the summit.

🗺️ At Ti Top, visitors have the option to hike up to a viewpoint at the top of the island. The trail consists of about 400+ steps winding up the hill. It can be quite a workout, especially under the sun, but the effort is well worth it for those who push through.

🌄 What’s at the top? A spectacular bird’s-eye view of Halong Bay—the turquoise water dotted with limestone karsts, the cruise ships gently gliding below, and the surrounding green islands. It’s a favorite spot for photographers and a must-do for those who are up for the challenge.

🥵 However, after all the walking at Sung Sot Cave, we were already feeling a bit tired. So, instead of hiking to the top, we decided to take it easy.

💧 We grabbed some refreshing water, relaxed for a bit, and explored the beach area instead. The beach was peaceful and provided a perfect opportunity to cool off, take a few photos, and just enjoy the surroundings.

📸 Even without the summit view, we had plenty of beautiful sights to take in from the shoreline and the lower viewing areas.

So whether you’re in the mood for a rewarding uphill hike or a relaxing beach break, Ti Top Island offers a little something for everyone.

⏳ After our short stay on the island, we boarded a boat that took us back to the Ambassador Cruise.

🕒 Make sure to return to the boat on time, as the cruise follows a tight schedule. Just like at Sung Sot Cave, latecomers risk missing the departure and may need to arrange and pay for their own way back—so don’t linger too long!

🍤 Buffet Lunch Onboard

After our exciting exploration of Sung Sot Cave, we returned to the ship just in time for a much-anticipated buffet lunch. The dining area was bright and elegant, with floor-to-ceiling windows that allowed us to enjoy the view of Halong Bay while dining.

🍽️ The buffet spread had a wide variety of dishes—a great mix of Vietnamese cuisine, fresh seafood, and international favorites. Some of the highlights included:

• Grilled prawns and squid

• Premium steak cuts, freshly cooked and served hot from the carving station 🔥🥩

• Spring rolls (both fresh and fried)

• Various meat and vegetable dishes

• A salad bar

• A selection of breads and cheeses

🥤 Coffee, and tea were complimentary, while alcoholic beverages and specialty drinks were available for purchase.

😅 We were so hungry after the back-to-back cave and island tours that we barely got to take photos of the food—sorry, foodie friends! Priorities had to be made. 😄
📸 But here are some of the few photos we did manage to take before diving in!

⏱️ Keep in mind that lunchtime is limited, as the next activity—kayaking or bamboo boat ride at Luon Cave—follows shortly after. So it’s a good idea to pace yourself and manage your time wisely.

🥩 A quick tip: the line for the premium steak can get pretty long, and it might eat up a chunk of your time (pun intended 😄). If you’re eager to try it, aim to be one of the first in line and among the first to return to the ship so you can enjoy both the meal and the upcoming activity without rushing.

🪟 Sitting by the window, we enjoyed both the food and the view as the cruise continued gliding smoothly through Halong Bay’s iconic karst landscape.

🛶 Kayaking or Bamboo Boat Ride at Luon Cave

After lunch, we headed to Luon Cave, a serene spot surrounded by limestone cliffs and a tranquil lagoon. Before going to the island, guests must choose between kayaking or taking a bamboo boat ride, as payment is collected in advance.

• Kayaking 🛶: Ideal for those who want to explore the lagoon at their own pace. (Maximum 2 people per kayak) – VND 150,000 per person

• Bamboo boat ride 🚣: Guided by local rowers, this option is shared with other groups. – VND 100,000 per person

Important Note: The kayak or bamboo boat ride is not included in the tour package and comes with an additional surcharge.

Payment is collected before boarding the smaller boat that transfers you to the island, so be sure to have your cash or card ready.

We opted for the bamboo boat ride, which was a peaceful and scenic experience.

On the bamboo boat ride (or kayak), we passed through a low limestone cave, entering a tranquil lagoon surrounded by towering cliffs.

It was a stunning sight as we slowly glided through the peaceful water, feeling like we were in a secluded paradise.

📸 This is a prime spot for photos, so keep your camera handy, especially if you’re kayaking.

💡 Tip: Keep track of time—don’t wander too far, as there’s a strict departure time to head back to the cruise.

⏰ The activity lasts around 30–40 minutes, so it’s best to enjoy it but be mindful of the schedule.

📸 Cruising & Scenic Sundeck Views

After the Luon Cave activity, we spent the rest of the afternoon cruising through Halong Bay, surrounded by its stunning limestone formations and crystal-clear waters. This was the perfect time to unwind, relax, and enjoy the breathtaking views from the sundeck.

We also had some time to explore the ship, including the pool area and the front part of the ship labeled with the Ambassador Cruise logo. These spots provided a unique perspective of the bay, perfect for taking pictures and enjoying the serenity of the surroundings.

Whether you’re a photography enthusiast or just someone who loves natural beauty, the sundeck and other areas offer incredible panoramic views of the bay that will leave you in awe.

The peaceful vibe of the bay, combined with the fresh sea air, made this part of the cruise one of our favorite moments. It’s the perfect time to just let go, breathe deeply, and soak in all the beauty around you.

🛳️ Disembarkation and Return to Hanoi

After a full day of exploring Halong Bay, it was time to head back. We disembarked from the Ambassador Cruise around 4:30 PM, wrapping up an unforgettable experience.

On the way back to Hanoi, we had the chance to rest and relax during the shuttle ride. It was a nice opportunity to reflect on all the beautiful moments of the day, as well as recharge after the adventure-packed activities.

We arrived back at our hotel around 7:00 PM, tired but in awe of everything we had experienced — from the stunning landscapes to the peaceful moments and exciting adventures.

Overall, we thoroughly enjoyed the entire tour. The views of Halong Bay were breathtaking and absolutely worth the trip. We especially loved the food on board — everything from the buffet lunch to the snacks and drinks provided was delicious.

That said, we do wish we could have stayed longer to fully immerse ourselves in the experience. The tour felt a bit fast-paced, and it would have been nice to have more time to relax, soak in the views, and truly enjoy the beauty of the bay without rushing through the activities. But despite this, the tour was still an incredible experience, and we would highly recommend it for anyone looking to explore Halong Bay.