Hanoi Shore Excursions from Cai Lan Port

Ha Long Bay , Vietnam

Hanoi Shore Excursions from Cai Lan Port

Active

(2 reviews)

9h - 11h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

Instant confirmation

Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Hanoi Shore Excursions is designed for all valued cruise ship passengers to explore all the hidden charms and beauties of Hanoi, such as the Temple of Literature, Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum, One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple, Hanoi Hilton Prison Museum, Hoan Kiem Lake and Ngoc Son Temple. We guarantee a local perspective that will give you and your family a once in a lifetime experience.

ITINERARY:
08:00 Pick you up at Cai Lan port and transfer to Hanoi city
10:00 Visit the Temple of Literature
11:00 Visit Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum (outside to take photos) and his former residence, the One Pillar Pagoda, Quan Thanh Temple
12:00 Visit the Hanoi Hilton Prison Museum
13:00 Have lunch at local restaurant
14:00 Take panoramic cyclo along 36 streets (Old Quarter) and Hoan Kiem lake
15:00 Visit Ngoc Son temple
16:00 Transfer back the Cai Lan port
18:00 Drop off at the Cai Lan port and finish your shore excursion to Hanoi.

Available options

Hanoi Shore Excursions from Cai Lan Port

Pickup included

What's included

Wet tissues

Lunch at a local restaurant

English speaking guide

Cold water

Entrance tickets at all sites

Air-conditioned transport

Detailed itinerary

Stop 1

The Temple of Literature or Temple of Culture is a Temple of Confucius in Hanoi, northern Vietnam. The temple hosts the Imperial Academy, Vietnam's first national university. The temple was built in 1070 at the time of Emperor Lý Thánh Tông

Stop 2

The President Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum is a mausoleum which serves as the resting place of Vietnamese Revolutionary leader & President Ho Chi Minh in Hanoi, Vietnam

Stop 3

Hỏa Lò Prison was a prison used by the French colonists in French Indochina for political prisoners, and later by North Vietnam for U.S. prisoners of war during the Vietnam War. During this later period it was known to American POWs as the Hanoi Hilton

Hoan Kiem Lake, also known as Hồ Gươm, is a fresh water lake, measuring some 12 ha in the historical center of Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. In the past, the lake was variously name "Luc Thuy Lake" or "Thuy Quan Lake

Stop 5

Ngoc Son Temple was built in 19th century. Initially, the Temple was called Ngoc Son Pagoda. Later on, the Temple was renamed as Ngoc Son Temple because the place was only used to worship a scholar Van Xuong and Tran Hung Dao, a hero of Vietnam in 13th century, who defeated Nguyen invaders (China). In 1985, Confucian Nguyen Van Sieu took in charge of remodeling the Temple. Some other structures like Pen Tower, Tran Ba Temple, The Huc Bridge were constructed in this time.

What's not included

Drinks, Tips for guides and drivers, Travel Insurance, any costs not included above

Available languages

Guide guide

Reviews breakdown

Tripadvisor 5.0

2 reviews

5★

4★

3★

2★

1★

Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Specialized infant seats are available

Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness

About Ha Long Bay

Ha Long Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site renowned for its emerald waters and thousands of towering limestone islands topped by rainforests. This natural wonder offers stunning landscapes, unique geological formations, and a rich cultural heritage, making it a must-visit destination in Northern Vietnam.

Top Attractions

Ha Long Bay Cruise

A cruise is the best way to experience the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay. Overnight cruises offer cabins, meals, and various activities.

Nature/Adventure 1-3 days Moderate to Expensive (5,000,000 VND to 30,000,000 VND per person)

Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave)

One of the largest and most beautiful caves in Ha Long Bay, featuring stunning stalactites and stalagmites.

Nature/Historical 1-2 hours Free (included in most cruise packages)

Ti Top Island

A small island with a beautiful sandy beach, perfect for swimming and sunbathing.

Nature/Beach 2-3 hours Free (included in most cruise packages)

Cat Ba Island

The largest island in Ha Long Bay, offering hiking, kayaking, and a national park with diverse wildlife.

Nature/Adventure Full day to overnight Budget to Moderate (depending on activities)

Ha Long Bay Kayaking

Kayaking is a great way to explore the bay's hidden corners, caves, and lagoons.

Adventure 2-3 hours Moderate (200,000 VND to 500,000 VND per person)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Bun Cha Ha Long

Grilled pork patties served with vermicelli noodles, fresh herbs, and a tangy dipping sauce.

Lunch Contains meat, can be made vegetarian with tofu

Ha Long Bay Squid

Freshly caught squid grilled or stir-fried with garlic and chili.

Dinner Seafood

Banh Da Cua Ha Long

Rice flour cakes topped with crab meat, quail eggs, and shrimp.

Snack Seafood

Nem Cuon Ha Long

Fresh spring rolls filled with shrimp, pork, and herbs, served with peanut sauce.

Appetizer Contains meat, can be made vegetarian

Popular Activities

Kayaking Rock climbing Caving Beach relaxation Spa treatments Sunset cruises Visiting local markets Exploring historical sites

Best Time to Visit

October to December

This is the best time to visit Ha Long Bay due to pleasant weather, clear skies, and calm waters. It's ideal for cruising, kayaking, and exploring the bay's natural beauty.

20-25°C 68-77°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Vietnamese
Widely spoken: English, Chinese
English: Moderately spoken in tourist areas, limited in rural areas

Currency

Vietnamese Dong (VND)

Time Zone

GMT+7

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Generally safe

Ha Long Bay is generally safe for tourists, but petty crime and scams can occur. Exercise caution, especially in crowded areas and when using public transportation.

Important Precautions:

• Use reputable tour operators and taxis.
• Be cautious of strangers offering unsolicited help or services.
• Keep valuables secure and out of sight.

Getting there

By air

Van Don International Airport • 50 km from Ha Long Bay
Noi Bai International Airport • 170 km from Ha Long Bay

By train

Ha Long Station

By bus

Hanoi's Giap Bat Bus Station, Ha Long Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses connect major towns and ports but are not the primary means of transportation for exploring the bay.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Grab

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Halong City Tuan Chau Island Cam Pha

Day trips

Cat Ba Island

Within Ha Long Bay • Full day to overnight

Cat Ba Island offers hiking, kayaking, and a national park with diverse wildlife. It's a great escape from the crowds of Ha Long Bay.

Lan Ha Bay

Within Ha Long Bay • Full day

Lan Ha Bay is a quieter alternative to Ha Long Bay, offering stunning landscapes and unique geological formations.

Hai Phong City

100 km from Ha Long Bay • Full day

Hai Phong City is a bustling port city with a rich history and vibrant culture. It's a great day trip for those interested in history and local life.

Festivals

Ha Long Bay International Film Festival • Annually in October Ha Long Bay Carnival • Annually in December Tet Festival • Annually in January or February (lunar calendar)

Pro tips

Book your cruise in advance, especially during peak season (October to December).
Choose a reputable cruise operator with good reviews and safety standards.
Bring a waterproof bag or dry bag to protect your belongings during boat tours and kayaking.
Wear comfortable, non-slip shoes for exploring caves and rocky areas.
Carry small denominations of cash for tips, small purchases, and street food.