Hermes 2D1N Cruise: Ha Long Bay Tour with Sung Sot & Ti Top

Ha Long Bay makes its strongest impression from the water: limestone towers rise from the sea, and a night aboard Hermes gives you time to watch them change in the fading light and morning haze. This two-day trip combines that scenery with Luon Cave, Ti Top Island, and Sung Sot Cave, rather than trying to squeeze the bay into a rushed day trip.

I like two things in particular: the private balcony cabin, which gives you a quiet place to take in the view, and the mix of active stops and downtime, from kayaking to an unhurried spell on the sundeck. The main consideration is cost: the advertised starting price is $313.85, but the listed Junior Suite packages begin at $348.69 from Ha Long and $372.79 from Hanoi, and drinks cost extra.

• Luon Cave by kayak: Paddle through a water-level cave passage and see the bay from close to the water.
• Ti Top Island: Choose a steep climb for a broad bay view or take time to swim and relax on the beach.
• Sung Sot Cave: Walk through one of Ha Long Bay’s largest caves on the second morning.
• Junior Suite with balcony: Your overnight cabin provides a private place to rest and watch the water.
• Four meals included: Expect lunch, dinner, a light breakfast, and brunch, but budget separately for drinks.
• Hanoi departure costs more: Transport is not included in the package details, so check exactly what your selected option covers.

A night among Ha Long Bay’s limestone towers

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The value of an overnight cruise is not simply a longer list of stops. It gives you time to see Ha Long Bay at different hours, with the day’s light changing over its limestone islands and the option to retreat to your own cabin between outings. A day trip from Hanoi involves a long road journey and a short window on the water; this two-day format makes the bay itself the main event.

Hermes is a five-star vessel launched in 2022, styled with neoclassical details and fitted with modern amenities. There is a spacious sundeck with a sky bar, two outdoor swimming pools, and optional spa and massage services. The boat’s comforts matter because the schedule is active in short bursts, with time aboard between excursions to eat, rest, or watch the view.

The cabin package described here is a Junior Suite with a balcony. The private outdoor space is a real advantage in a place where the scenery is the reason to come. You can enjoy the view without competing for room on the sundeck, and reviewers describe the cabins as comfortable and clean. Some cabins may have different features, so check the exact room details rather than assuming every suite has the same bathroom fittings.

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Boarding at Tuan Chau Marina

The cruise departs at 11:30 from Slot 20 at Tuan Chau International Marina. Arrive 15 minutes early. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable, so build in a buffer rather than cutting it close.

The Hanoi option is listed at a higher price than the Ha Long departure, but the package details say Hanoi to Ha Long transport is not included. Some bookings may offer a separate transfer arrangement, but do not assume a pickup is part of your fare. Confirm the pickup point, price, and return plan for your specific booking before you travel.

Once aboard, you receive a welcome drink, a safety briefing, and an introduction to the schedule from the Cruise Manager before checking in. The boat then heads toward the southeast of the bay, passing formations known as Fighting-Cock Islet and Finger Islet. Those first views set the tone: the islands are not a backdrop you pass once and forget, but the central feature of the whole trip.

Kayaking through Luon Cave

After lunch, the first listed excursion is Luon Cave, where you can kayak. The cave is a water-level passage, so the outing gives you a closer, lower view of the limestone walls than you get from the main deck. Kayaking is included, and swimming is possible when conditions allow.

You do not need to be a strong swimmer to join. Safety equipment and experienced instructors are provided, though you should still follow the crew’s directions and wear the life jacket. If you kayak, bring a change of clothes: it is possible to get wet, and having dry clothes back on board makes the rest of the afternoon more comfortable.

There may also be a bamboo boat option for the cave visit, but tips for the boat operator are not included. The excursion is one of the more active parts of the trip, yet it is short enough to suit most people who are comfortable getting in and out of a small craft. If you prefer a gentler pace, ask the crew what alternatives are available on your departure.

Climbing or swimming at Ti Top Island

Next comes Ti Top Island, also called Titov Island. You can climb to the peak for a panoramic view across the bay, swim, take photographs, or stay on the beach. The climb is a good choice if you want the broad view that makes sense of the scattered islands, but it can be strenuous and hot. Bring water, a hat, and shoes you can manage on steps.

The beach offers an easier alternative, though it may be busy, and swimming depends on weather and conditions. You do not have to do both activities. If you would rather rest, the island stop still gives you time by the water and a change of scenery from the boat.

This choice is part of what makes the schedule useful for mixed groups. One person can go for the summit while another takes the beach at a slower pace. Keep in mind that the shore visit involves getting on and off the boat, and the activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.

Sunset, cooking, and dinner aboard

Back on Hermes, the afternoon shifts from excursions to onboard time. You can join a traditional Vietnamese cooking class on the sundeck or settle in for the sunset party, which includes complimentary fruit and snacks. The sundeck and sky bar are natural places to enjoy the view, but beverages beyond the included welcome drink are extra.

Dinner is served in the cruise restaurant as a set menu. Meals are a recurring strength of the trip, with portions often described as generous. Food preferences and dietary needs should be raised with the operator in advance, since the package does not specify how every request is handled.

After dinner, the advertised options include squid fishing, karaoke, music, or simply relaxing on deck. Think of squid fishing as a light evening activity, not a guaranteed catch. If you are seeking a lively party boat, this may feel quiet; the cruise is better suited to scenery, conversation, and a comfortable night aboard.

Morning Tai Chi and Sung Sot Cave

The second day starts with a Tai Chi, or Vovinam, lesson on the sundeck, followed by a light breakfast. Weather can change the plan, and the morning exercise may be canceled if conditions are poor. It is a pleasant way to start the day if it runs, but not a reason to book on its own.

The main morning stop is Sung Sot Cave, also called Surprise Cave. It is one of the largest and most striking caves in Ha Long Bay, with stalactites and stalagmites inside. You will walk through the cave rather than view it from the boat, so expect steps and uneven surfaces. The cave gives the trip a different kind of scenery from the open-water islands, though it can be busy at popular times.

After the cave, you return to the boat, check out of your cabin, and have brunch as Hermes heads back to the marina. The listed return time is 11:00. The schedule can change because of traffic or weather, so avoid making a tight onward connection.

What the price covers, and what it does not

The listed package includes admission to attractions, an English- or Vietnamese-speaking guide, one night in a balcony Junior Suite, use of facilities, Wi-Fi, life jackets, kayaking, swimming when conditions permit, squid fishing, music entertainment, and four meals. That is a substantial bundle: cabin, meals, activities, and bay access are all part of the core price.

Drinks are not included. This point catches people out, particularly when even water ordered with meals may be charged separately. Two bottles of water may be supplied in the room, but bring cash for additional drinks and check the onboard prices before ordering. Spa services, tips, personal expenses, bamboo boat tips, and Hanoi to Ha Long transport are also excluded.

The advertised price starts at $313.85, while the listed Junior Suite options are $348.69 from Ha Long and $372.79 from Hanoi. The package also shows early-bird options at those same prices. Treat these as starting figures, not a guarantee for every date or booking condition. Public-holiday surcharges apply, and the information provided lists an additional VND 1,500,000 per person for certain holiday dates, payable in cash on site. Verify the charge for your travel date before paying.

For the money, the cruise makes most sense if you value an overnight cabin and time on the bay, not if you are counting every included activity as a separate attraction. The meals, balcony room, and organized excursions add convenience. The extra drinks, possible transfer costs, and holiday fees can raise the total.

Practical details before you reserve

Pack sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, swimwear, a change of clothes, cash, and valid identification. Avoid bringing single-use plastics, which are not allowed when visiting Ha Long Bay. Pack a small overnight bag if you can; a few travelers have found it practical to leave larger luggage in town and bring only what they need aboard.

Children aged 10 and older pay the adult rate. One child aged 0 to 3 per two paying adults may stay free when sharing a cabin, and each cabin is limited to one child aged 0 to 9. The cabin maximum is two or three people, depending on cabin type. Extra beds are arranged for bookings with odd-numbered groups of three, five, seven, or nine, and a single supplement may apply.

Hermes can be replaced by a similar cruise if it is full or unavailable. The substitute may differ in name, design, facilities, or schedule, though cabin standards and services are meant to be comparable. If staying on Hermes specifically matters to you, ask how a substitution would be handled before you book.

Weather can also affect the trip. During rainy and typhoon season, overnight cruises operate only with approval from the Ha Long Bay Management Authority. If weather or safety rules suspend the overnight sailing, the operator will arrange the most suitable option available. Keep some flexibility in your plans, especially if the cruise falls near a flight or a fixed onward booking.

Should you book Hermes?

I would choose this cruise if you want a comfortable overnight stay, a balcony view, and a well-rounded introduction to Ha Long Bay that includes kayaking, a beach or summit stop, and a major cave. The crew and guides are frequently praised for being friendly and helpful, and guides such as Chi have been singled out for leading cave and kayaking outings with care. Individual guide assignments vary, of course.

It is less suitable if you need wheelchair access, expect drinks to be included, or want a party-focused night. It may also be poor value if you only want a brief boat ride and do not care about sleeping on the bay. Compare the full cost of the Hanoi departure, transfers, drinks, and any holiday surcharge. If those fit your budget, the overnight format is a more relaxed way to see the bay than trying to do everything in a day.

FAQ

Where does the cruise depart?

The listed departure point is Slot 20 at Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long. The departure time is 11:30.

How early should I arrive?

Arrive 15 minutes before the 11:30 departure. Late arrivals and no-shows are not refundable.

What time does the cruise return?

The listed return time is 11:00 on the second day at Tuan Chau International Marina. The schedule may change with weather or traffic.

Is transport from Hanoi included?

Hanoi to Ha Long transport is not included in the listed package details. Check whether your chosen booking includes or offers a separate transfer.

What meals are included?

The package includes four meals: lunch and set-menu dinner on the first day, then a light breakfast and buffet brunch on the second day.

Are drinks included?

No. Beverages are excluded, so bring cash for drinks ordered on board.

Is kayaking included, and do I need to swim?

Kayaking is included. Swimming skill is not required, and life jackets and experienced instructors are provided. Swimming is subject to weather conditions.

What kind of cabin is included?

The listed package includes one night in a Junior Suite cabin with a balcony. Each cabin accommodates two or three people, depending on the cabin type.

Can children join the cruise?

Children aged 10 and older are charged the adult rate. One child aged 0 to 3 per two paying adults may stay free in a shared cabin, subject to the stated cabin limits.

Is the cruise wheelchair- or stroller-accessible?

No. The activity is not wheelchair- or stroller-accessible.