Excursion

One-Day Excursion

Introduction

Located in Quang Ninh Province, approximately 180 kilometres east of Hanoi, Ha Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most remarkable natural destinations. The name “Ha Long” means “descending dragon”, inspired by an ancient legend associated with the thousands of limestone islands rising dramatically from its emerald waters.

Covering approximately 1,553 square kilometres, the bay features nearly 1,900 limestone islands and islets in an extraordinary variety of shapes and sizes. Together, these formations create a spectacular seascape of towering cliffs, peaceful lagoons, sandy beaches and hidden caves.

Aerial views of Halong City (© credit: cafef.vn)

Ha Long Bay is recognised by UNESCO for its outstanding natural beauty and exceptional geological and geomorphological value. Its landscape represents one of the world’s most extensive and developed examples of tropical marine karst.

The geological history of Ha Long Bay extends over at least 500 million years. During this period, the area experienced repeated phases of mountain formation, marine transgression and marine regression. It developed from a deep-sea environment during the Ordovician and Silurian periods into a shallow marine environment during the Carboniferous and Permian periods.

Tectonic uplift, tropical weathering and changes in sea level gradually shaped the limestone formations visible today. The present landscape of sea and islands emerged approximately 7,000 to 8,000 years ago during the Holocene marine transgression.

Beyond its scientific significance, Ha Long Bay offers an unforgettable combination of natural scenery and immersive experiences. Visitors can cruise between towering limestone islands, explore magnificent caves, cross tranquil lagoons and enjoy panoramic views from some of the bay’s most celebrated viewpoints.

The GEOTEC HANOI 2026 excursion includes visits to Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island, offering participants an opportunity to experience the natural, geological and scenic diversity of this UNESCO World Heritage Site in a single day.

The breathtaking landscape of Ha Long Bay © Credit: vinpearl.com
Image by woong hoe from Pixabay
Luon Cave in Halong Bay © Credit: heritage_line / vietnamdiscovery.com

One-Day Tour Itinerary

The GEOTEC HANOI 2026 Organizing Committee is delighted to invite all conference participants to an exclusive one-day post-conference excursion to Ha Long Bay on Saturday, 28 November 2026.

A special highlight of the excursion is the participation of GEOTEC HANOI 2026 Keynote Lecturers and distinguished scholars.

The Keynote Lecturers and distinguished scholars will join the excursion as part of the GEOTEC HANOI 2026 delegation, making this journey a memorable conclusion to the conference programme.

The excursion has been carefully designed as a seamless six-star experience from start to finish. Guests will be looked after throughout the entire journey, from departure in Hanoi to their return after the cruise.

The experience includes comfortable round-trip coach transportation, with complimentary light refreshments and beverages served onboard during both the Hanoi–Ha Long and Ha Long–Hanoi transfers. Dedicated assistance, premium dining and a carefully curated sightseeing and entertainment programme aboard a six-star cruise are also included.

Participants will explore Luon Cave, Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island while enjoying premium onboard services and the extraordinary natural scenery of Ha Long Bay.

Excursion at a Glance

  • Date: Saturday, 28 November 2026
  • Meeting point: CEO Tower, Hanoi
  • Destination: Ha Long Bay, Quang Ninh, Vietnam
  • Cruise: Six-star cruise in Ha Long Bay
  • Special highlight: Participation of GEOTEC HANOI 2026 Keynote Lecturers and distinguished scholars
  • Coach service: Complimentary light refreshments and beverages during both transfers
  • Experience: A fully curated six-star journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay and back

Registration

Places on this exclusive excursion are limited. Participants are strongly encouraged to register early to secure their place.

USD 150 PER PARTICIPANT ( VAT INCLUDED)

One-Day Schedule to Halong Bay

November 28, 2026

Time

Activity

05:15–05:30

Meet at CEO Tower in Hanoi and check in with the GEOTEC HANOI excursion team.

05:30–10:00

Depart for Ha Long City via the Hanoi–Hai Phong Expressway. A comfort stop will be arranged in Hai Duong. Complimentary light refreshments and beverages will be served onboard the coach during the journey from Hanoi to Ha Long.

10:15–10:45

Arrive at Halong International Cruise Port and complete check-in procedures at the cruise-port waiting lounge.

10:45–11:00

Transfer by electric cart from the terminal to the six-star cruise.

11:00–12:30

Enjoy a welcome drink and listen to an introduction to the itinerary as the cruise begins its journey through Ha Long Bay. A premium buffet lunch will be served while the cruise passes magnificent limestone islands and emerald waters. A set menu may be served for groups of fewer than 30 guests.

12:30–13:45

Visit Luon Cave and discover its tranquil lagoon and remarkable limestone landscape. Guests may choose to kayak, take a locally rowed bamboo boat or remain onboard to relax and enjoy the scenery.

14:00–15:15

Explore Sung Sot Cave, one of the largest and most magnificent caves in Ha Long Bay. Discover its impressive chambers and spectacular stalactites and stalagmites formed over millions of years.

15:15–16:30

Visit Titov Island. Climb approximately 420 steps to enjoy a panoramic view of the bay, relax on the crescent-shaped beach, swim in the clear water or return to the cruise to enjoy its elegant panoramic lounge and onboard facilities.

16:30–17:45

On the return journey to the harbour, enjoy premium canapés and light refreshments accompanied by live music on the sundeck. Relax in the sunset atmosphere and take in the final views of Ha Long Bay.

17:45–18:00

Return to Halong International Cruise Port and conclude the cruise programme. Following disembarkation, guests will board the coach for the return transfer to Hanoi. Complimentary light refreshments and beverages will also be served onboard during the Ha Long–Hanoi journey.

* Kayaking and bamboo-boat services are optional and are not included.

Benefits

  • Premium buffet lunch or set menu
  • Welcome drink
  • Complimentary light refreshments and beverages during both the Hanoi–Ha Long and Ha Long–Hanoi coach transfers
  • Premium afternoon canapés and light refreshments
  • All-season swimming pool and Jacuzzi
  • Spacious sundecks
  • Panoramic onboard lounge
  • Live musical entertainment
  • Ambassador Concierge Service
  • Vietnamese- and English-speaking guide

Inclusions

  • Round-trip coach transfers between Hanoi and Ha Long
  • Complimentary light refreshments and beverages served onboard the coach during both the Hanoi–Ha Long and Ha Long–Hanoi journeys
  • Scheduled comfort stop in Hai Duong
  • Six-star Ha Long Bay day-cruise itinerary and programme
  • Electric-cart transfers between the terminal and cruise
  • Welcome drink
  • One premium buffet lunch or set menu
  • Premium afternoon canapés and light refreshments
  • Vietnamese- and English-speaking guide
  • Access to the all-season swimming pool and Jacuzzi
  • Beach towels and onboard amenities
  • Live entertainment programme
  • Entrance and sightseeing fees
  • Onboard insurance
  • Taxes and service charges
  • Value-added tax (VAT)

Exclusions

  • Beverages not specified under “Inclusions”
  • Kayaking and bamboo-boat services
  • Massage and spa treatments
  • Airfare and airport transfers
  • Visa arrangements
  • Accommodation before or after the excursion
  • Onboard cabins
  • Tips and personal expenses
  • Transfers, activities or services not specified under “Inclusions”

Important Information

  • The itinerary may be adjusted depending on weather, traffic, maritime regulations and operational conditions.
  • Kayaking and bamboo-boat services are optional and subject to an additional charge.
  • A buffet lunch is available for groups of 30 guests or more. A set menu may be served for smaller groups.
  • Participants must follow all safety instructions provided by the tour guide and cruise crew.
  • The participation of individual Keynote Lecturers is subject to their final availability and the confirmed programme of the Organizing Committee.

Contact

For further information, please contact the GEOTEC HANOI 2026 Secretariat:

Email: support@geotechn.vn
Hotline: (+84) 90 344 0978