The day started early as we had to be ready by 7 AM for our pre-booked day tour to Halong Bay. Before boarding the bus, we made a quick stop at Banh Mi 25 for breakfast, and as always, their banh mi did not disappoint. By 7:15 AM, our bus picked us up, and after collecting the rest of the group, we set off for Halong Port. The journey took around five hours, including a short break along the way.

Upon arrival at the port around noon, we were guided to our cruise, where we were assigned a table along with a few other travelers. The cruise had two air-conditioned decks and a terrace on top, perfect for relaxing and soaking in the views. With the sun blazing, the AC was definitely a relief. As we settled in, we were served some appetizers while our guide shared insights about Halong Bay and walked us through the day’s itinerary.

Our first stop was Titop Island, where we had the option to either swim or trek to the island’s peak. Given the limited time, we chose the trek—and it was absolutely worth it. The steep climb led us to a stunning 360-degree panoramic view of Halong Bay, with hundreds of tiny islands scattered across the turquoise waters.

Next, we headed to Luon Cave, where we got to experience kayaking in the bay’s calm waters. The area was vast, making for a peaceful yet fun hour paddling through the scenic limestone formations.

After kayaking, our cruise made its way to the Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest caves in Halong Bay. The cave was filled with stalactites and stalagmites, many of which had unique shapes that our guide pointed out—some resembling animals, others almost mythical figures. The sheer size and natural formations inside the cave were mesmerizing.

With the sightseeing done, we grabbed some refreshing coconut water before boarding the cruise again. By then, the sun was beginning to set, and the weather had cooled down. We found a spot on the stairs leading to the upper deck, enjoying the cool breeze and watching as the cruise sailed into the direction of the glowing orange sunset. The view was nothing short of spectacular.

As the day came to an end, we docked back at Halong Port and boarded our bus for the return journey to Hanoi. It rained for about an hour on the way back, adding to the calming atmosphere of the drive. The bus made a short stop where we grabbed something for dinner before continuing on. By 9 PM, we finally reached our hotel, exhausted but content after an incredible day at one of Vietnam’s most famous natural wonders. We crashed onto the bed, ready for whatever Hanoi had in store for us next.