Halong Plaza Hotel and Reina Cruise: The Easiest Way to Start Your Halong Bay Combo Trip

If you’re planning a short getaway from Hanoi but don’t want to rush through Vietnam’s most famous natural wonder, then a Halong Plaza Hotel and Reina Day Cruise combo might be the perfect match. It’s a seamless way to enjoy both comfort on land and a breathtaking voyage at sea — especially if you’re an Indian couple or family seeking a relaxed yet value-packed Halong Bay experience. This article will walk you through every step of the combo trip — from your hotel check-in to boarding the Reina Cruise — with insider tips, booking advice and must-know local insights.

If You Are a Religious Believer, Where You Can Go to in Halong

Why Combine a Hotel Stay and Cruise in Halong Bay?

Many travelers make the mistake of taking a Halong Bay day trip straight from Hanoi, which means waking up before sunrise and spending nearly 7 hours on the road (round trip). While it’s doable, it’s far from relaxing. That’s why more travelers — especially families, honeymooners and Indian tourists are choosing to stay one night in Halong City before or after their cruise. The result?

No rush, no long morning transfers.
You get to wake up to ocean views instead of city noise.
You can enjoy both the nightlife and sunrise over Halong Bay.

And if you pick the right combo — such as Halong Plaza Hotel and Reina Day Cruise — you’ll discover a truly balanced itinerary that combines modern comfort with a touch of local charm.

Step-by-Step Guide to Starting Your Halong Plaza and Reina Cruise Combo

Let’s break it down into a simple, stress-free plan that starts in Halong City and ends with unforgettable memories on the bay.

Step 1 – Arrive in Halong and Check In at Halong Plaza Hotel

The easiest way to reach Halong from Hanoi is by highway transfer — a smooth, scenic 2.5-hour ride via the new Hanoi–Halong expressway. You can take a limousine bus (around $15/person) or book a private car directly through Halong Plaza Hotel for more convenience.

Best Check-In Time

Arrive in Halong by 2:00–3:00 PM, giving yourself enough time to check in, relax and maybe take an evening stroll.

About Halong Plaza Hotel

Located near the iconic Bai Chay Bridge, Halong Plaza is one of the most established 4-star hotels in the city. It’s known for:

Spacious sea-view rooms.
A large swimming pool.
An international buffet breakfast.
And its prime location — just 15 minutes from Tuan Chau Marina.

Families love the calm environment and kid-friendly amenities, while couples adore the bay-view rooms with private balconies.

Dining Options

The hotel’s in-house restaurant serves a mix of Vietnamese, international and vegetarian-friendly dishes. If you crave Indian cuisine, Namaste Halong and Yummy India are only 5–10 minutes away.

Step 2 – Breakfast and Preparation Before Your Cruise

Start your day with a hearty breakfast at Halong Plaza’s buffet (available from 6:00 AM). You’ll find fresh fruits, pastries, eggs, noodles and vegetarian selections — perfect before a day out on the water. Tips:

Keep your main luggage at the hotel concierge — only bring essentials for your day cruise.
Pack sunscreen, swimwear, sunglasses and your camera.
Carry your passport — it’s required for cruise check-in.

By 7:30–8:00 AM, your transfer to the marina will be ready.

Step 3 – Transfer from Halong Plaza Hotel to Tuan Chau Marina

Distance: About 10–12 km.
Travel time: 15–20 minutes.

You can ask the hotel to arrange your shuttle or private car to Tuan Chau Marina, the departure point for Reina Day Cruise. Upon arrival, you’ll be greeted by the cruise staff at the check-in lounge, where you can enjoy a welcome drink and confirm your booking.

Halong bay day cruise - Tuan Chau Marina harbour — Tuan Chau Marina harbour

Step 4 – Boarding Reina Day Cruise

Reina Cruise – Small Group Halong Bay Experience

The Reina Day Cruise stands out as one of the most romantic and budget-friendly day options in Halong Bay. Designed with modern Vietnamese elegance, it offers spacious decks, air-conditioned cabins, and a sundeck for panoramic views. A Typical Reina Cruise Itinerary

8:30 AM – Depart from Tuan Chau Marina
The cruise glides through Halong’s emerald waters, passing limestone formations and fishing villages.
9:30 AM – Visit Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave
One of the most stunning caves in Halong Bay, filled with dramatic stalactites and stalagmites.
11:00 AM – Kayaking or Bamboo Boat at Luon Cave
A peaceful lagoon surrounded by cliffs — perfect for nature photos and quiet paddling.
12:00 PM – Onboard Lunch
Reina offers a set Vietnamese lunch, with vegetarian and Indian-style dishes available upon request. Enjoy grilled seafood, rice, and local sides with a view of the bay.
1:30 PM – Titop Island
You can hike to the top for a panoramic photo of Halong Bay or relax on the sandy beach for a swim.
3:00 PM – Sunset Tea and Cruise Back
Savor tea and fresh fruit as you drift back toward Tuan Chau.
4:00 PM – Return to Marina
After disembarking, your hotel car will take you back to Halong Plaza.

Step 5 – Returning to Halong Plaza Hotel

After your cruise, you can:

Freshen up at the hotel and enjoy a spa session or swim.
Have dinner at Bayview Café or Cua Vang Seafood Restaurant nearby.
Or walk along Bai Chay Beach for sunset.

It’s the perfect slow ending to a day filled with sea breeze and limestone magic.

Perfect Deal: Halong Bay Day Cruise Tour with a Preferred Room at Marina Hanoi Hotel

Combo Package Pricing and Booking Tips

The Halong Plaza Hotel and Reina Day Cruise combo is surprisingly affordable, especially if booked directly.

Average Combo Price:


Package	Price (per person)	Inclusions
Standard	$75–$90	Hotel night + Day cruise + Breakfast
Deluxe	$100–$120	Hotel night + Day cruise + Private transfer
Family Combo	$250–$300	2 adults + 1 child with full meals

Pro tip: Book 1–2 weeks in advance during October–April, which is the peak season for Halong Bay.

You pay Superior double room price but you get Suite executive room.

Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for This Combo


Season	Weather	Best For
Oct–Apr	Cool, clear, low humidity	Best for sightseeing, photography
May–Sept	Warm, sunny, occasional rain	Great for swimming and kayaking
Jul–Aug	Possible rain/storms	Check cruise schedule before booking

For Indian travelers, October to February offers the most pleasant weather — cool but not cold, with gentle sunlight and calm seas.

Why Indian Travelers Love the Halong Plaza and Reina Cruise Combo

This combo perfectly fits Indian travelers’ preferences for comfort, food options and value:

Vegetarian & Indian meals available both at the hotel and cruise.
Smooth logistics: No early transfers from Hanoi.
Family-friendly amenities with interconnecting rooms and pools.
Romantic for couples: Sunset decks, bay-view rooms and soft lighting at night.
Easy booking: Both properties accept Indian debit/credit cards and UPI-friendly platforms via third-party sites.

Practical Tips for a Smooth Combo Experience

What to Bring:

Passport (for cruise registration).
Sunscreen, hat, sunglasses.
Swimwear and flip-flops.
Light jacket (winter months).
Power bank and camera.

What Not to Worry About:

Luggage storage — handled by the hotel concierge.
Transfers — both hotel and cruise can arrange door-to-door pick-up.
Meals — vegetarian and Jain options available with prior notice.

Travel Insurance & Safety:

Always ensure your booking includes cruise insurance and check for weather updates before departure.

FAQs

Q: Can I join Reina Cruise directly from Halong Plaza Hotel?
Yes, absolutely. The hotel arranges a short transfer to Tuan Chau Marina for your convenience.

Q: Can I book both hotel and cruise together?
Yes — you can book a combo package via the hotel, cruise operator, or through local travel agencies like halongbayonedaycruise.com.

Q: Is Reina Cruise suitable for kids or elderly travelers?
Yes, it’s family-friendly and offers both relaxing and light adventure activities.

Q: Are Indian meals available on board?
Yes, Reina Cruise offers vegetarian and mild-spiced options upon request at least 24 hours before departure.

The Smart Way to Experience Halong Bay

If you’ve always dreamed of exploring Halong Bay but dreaded the long day-trip rush from Hanoi, this combo is your ideal solution. By staying at Halong Plaza Hotel and cruising with Reina Day Cruise, you enjoy the best of both worlds: