Omkara Day Cruises
CRUISE PRICE
$60.00 /pax
Cruise Rating
Rated 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor
- Cruise Overview
- Cabins & Rates
- Cruises Itinerary
- Cruise Reviews
Omkara Day Cruise (Omkara Diamond Cruise): Halong Bay Day Trip Built Around Indian Food
Omkara Day Cruise, also called Omkara Diamond Cruise, is a 100-guest Halong Bay day cruise launched in September 2023 with an Indian kitchen at its heart. A full deck is given to an Indian vegetarian buffet, Jain meals can be pre-booked, and the day covers Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and Luon Cave from the Halong International Cruise Port. Every booking with Halong Tour Expert comes with our Best Price Guarantee.
Omkara Day Cruise at a glance
| Also known as | Omkara Diamond Cruise (operated on a Halong Diamond Cruise ship) |
| Launched | September 2023 |
| Ship | 2 dining decks plus sundeck, up to 100 guests |
| Route | Sung Sot Cave – Ti Top Island – Luon Cave (Halong Bay) |
| Time on the bay | About 5 hours (boarding 11:30–11:45, back around 16:30) |
| Full day from Hanoi | About 13 hours, hotel to hotel |
| Departure port | Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay |
| Food | Indian vegetarian buffet on deck 2; Asian–international buffet with Indian chicken curry on deck 1; Jain and vegan on request |
| On board | Outdoor jacuzzi, sundeck, big screen with karaoke, Wi-Fi |
| Transfer | Shuttle bus or limousine van from Hanoi Old Quarter |
| Price | Seasonal, see the live calendar below; Best Price Guarantee |
| Best for | Indian families, vegetarian and Jain travellers, Indian tour groups |
| Not ideal for | Travellers looking for a seafood-focused lunch or a very small boat |
What Makes Omkara Day Cruise Different
A whole deck of Indian vegetarian food
Instead of adding a few Indian dishes to a Vietnamese buffet, Omkara Day Cruise dedicates its second deck to an Indian vegetarian buffet — curries, basmati rice and Indian breads — while the first deck serves an Asian–international buffet with an Indian chicken curry.
Jain and vegan meals planned in advance
Jain meals without onion, garlic or root vegetables, and vegan meals, are prepared when booked ahead — a rare level of dietary care on a Halong Bay day boat.
Entertainment for groups
A big screen with karaoke, an outdoor jacuzzi and a sundeck make it a natural choice for Indian family groups and incentive trips.
Who Omkara Day Cruise Is Best For
Book it if you are
- An Indian family or group who wants familiar food all day
- A vegetarian, vegan or Jain traveller who needs meals prepared properly
- A group that enjoys karaoke and a lively atmosphere
Choose another cruise if you want
- Indian food on a newer, larger ship with non-veg set menus: Halong Heritage Signature
- A lower budget with an Indian vegetarian buffet: Halong Apollo Day Cruise
- Halal-certified food: the best halal Halong Bay cruises
Omkara Day Cruise Itinerary
| Time | What happens |
|---|---|
| 07:45–08:30 | Pick-up at your Hanoi Old Quarter hotel |
| 11:30–11:45 | Board at Halong International Cruise Port, Bai Chay |
| 12:00 | Indian vegetarian and international buffets |
| 13:30 | Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, about 200 steps |
| 14:30 | Ti Top Island: beach or viewpoint |
| 15:30 | Luon Cave by kayak or bamboo boat |
| 16:30 | Return to port |
| 17:30 | Bus departs for Hanoi |
| 20:30–21:00 | Drop-off at your Hanoi hotel |
Decks & Facilities on Omkara Day Cruise
| Deck | What is there |
|---|---|
| Deck 1 | Asian–international buffet with Indian chicken curry |
| Deck 2 | Indian vegetarian buffet restaurant (about 100 seats) |
| Sundeck | Outdoor jacuzzi, loungers, big screen and karaoke |
Indian Food on Omkara Day Cruise
- Indian vegetarian buffet: curries, dal, basmati rice and Indian breads.
- Non-vegetarian: Indian chicken curry on the deck 1 buffet.
- Jain and vegan: pre-book when you reserve; we confirm with the kitchen in writing.
- Halal: not halal-certified — see our halal cruise guide.
Getting from Hanoi to Omkara Day Cruise
Bai Chay is about 170 km from Hanoi, roughly 2.5–3 hours each way. Choose the shuttle bus or a limousine van with wider seats. Staying in Ha Long? Book cruise-only and arrive at the port by 11:30.
Omkara Day Cruise vs Other Halong Bay Day Cruises with Indian Food
| Cruise | Budget | Guests | Indian food |
|---|---|---|---|
| Omkara | Premium | 100 | Deck of Indian veg buffet, chicken curry, Jain and vegan on request |
| Halong Heritage Signature | Mid-range | 168 | Veg and non-veg Indian set menus, pre-order |
| Halong Apollo | Mid-range | 100 | Indian vegetarian buffet, Jain on request |
| Diamond Era | Value | 130 | Indian vegetarian set menu on request |
Our view: Omkara Day Cruise is the most Indian-focused day boat we sell; choose it when food is the priority. For a newer ship choose Signature, and for a lower budget choose Apollo. Compare all Halong Bay day cruises.
Not to be confused with
Omkara Day Cruise is not the same as Diamond Era Day Cruise, a separate 2025 ship from a different operator, nor the Ambassador Namaste Indian cruise. Some agents list it as “Halong Diamond Cruise” — check the name Omkara before comparing prices.
Local Expert Notes from Our Hanoi Team
These tips come from more than a decade of arranging Halong Bay trips for international travellers, including many Indian families and groups.
- State your diet when booking: “Jain”, “vegan” or “no onion-garlic” must be pre-ordered.
- Wear trainers: Sung Sot has about 200 steps and the Ti Top viewpoint around 400.
- Pack a swimsuit for the jacuzzi and Ti Top beach (May–October is best).
- Weather: July–September storms can close the bay; see the best time to visit Halong Bay.
Omkara Day Cruise Price 2026
Prices vary by date and transfer type; see the live calendar below. Every booking is covered by our Best Price Guarantee.
- Included: buffet lunches, entrance fees, kayak or bamboo boat, jacuzzi, English-speaking guide; Hanoi transfer if selected.
- Not included: drinks, tips, personal expenses.
- Children: 1–4 years free, 5–8 years 75%, 9+ full price.
- Holidays: a small surcharge applies on Tet and Vietnamese public holidays.
Questions about Indian, Jain or vegan meals? WhatsApp our Hanoi team on +84 88 626 1368. More answers are in the FAQs below.
Omkara Day Cruise
Price: $60 - 73 USD
Maximum: 100 pax m2
| Option | Transfer | Price / adult |
|---|---|---|
| Cruise only | Meet the cruise at Halong International Cruise Port, about 11:30 | US$60 |
| Cruise + limousine bus | Round trip from Hanoi Old Quarter by limousine bus with wide reclining seats | US$73 |
Kayak or bamboo boat at the caves is included. Transfer prices are the cruise’s own rates, with no mark-up. Prices may vary by season and travel date – contact us for the best price.
Cruise Inquiry
- Hanoi - Halong Bay Tour 1 Day by Omkara Day Cruises
7:45 – 8:30 : Hotel pick up
Our English-speaking tour guide will pick up guests from various hotels in Hanoi Old Quarter, ranging from 7:45 – 8:30, we try to make the pick-ups as timely as possible but with morning traffic in the Old Quarter and many hotels to collect from this time is approximate. Please be ready to help expedite this process.
10:00: 10:30 – Short Lavatory Break
Quick rest stop halfway to stretch your legs, use the facilities, or grab a quick snack in case you missed breakfast (our driver appreciates a coffee break as well!) before we get back on the road and finish the drive.
11:30 – 11:45 – Boarding The Cruise – Check In Time.
The bus will arrive at Halong International Port, reach our pier, where our welcoming staff will be awaiting your arrival with a big smile. Welcome drink will be served while the captain introduces the cruise briefing and instruction.
12:00 – 13:00 – Lunch On Board
The cruise departs from Halong International Port for a joyful journey to discover the beauty of the world heritage Ha Long Bay. Along the way, you will have chance to pass through the grandeur of the legendary bay with thousands of limestone islands such as: Dog Rock, Duck Rock and especially Thumb Rock – a beautiful limestone islet rising from sea water in the shape of a giant thumb. Mother Nature has put Thumb Rock here to send a message of goodness to every passenger cruising in the ancient bay.
Have a Huge – Indian Vegetarian Buffet lunch – Vietnamese Food and International Food.
13:30 – Explore Surprising Cave ( Amazing Cave – Sung Sot Cave )
Stop at Bo Hon Island. Our tour guide will take you to Sung Sot Cave/Surprising Cave, the largest and the most beautiful cave in Halong Bay. After about 200 steps under forest canopy, the entrance of the cave shows up. A paradise of appear in front of you. You will discover the cave in about 45 minutes before getting back to the cruise
(For other tourists whom can’t walk much, you can stay on cruise, chilling out on the sundeck).
14:30 – Titop Island – Titop Beach – Titop Mountian – Swimming – Hiking
Stop at Titop Island. One this small island, you can climb halfway up the mountain to enjoy a panoramic view of Ha Long Bay. Looking down from high above gives you a wonderful sensation; at the same time offers you a spectacular view of every corner of the bay.
Lay on the little white sand beach, go for a swim, or just stay on the boat and relax in Ha Long Bay. You will have time to enjoy sand between your toes. So, relax and take a few moments to reflect on the absolute beauty of this natural wonder of the world.
15:30 – Visit Luon Cave
Then do kayaking or bamboo boat in Luon cavedo disvover the beautiful lagoon.
16:30: Cruising back to Halong International port
Cruising back to Halong International port. There are a lot of time for enjoying sunset party with tea, cakes, sunbathing on upper deck with music and enjoying great fun of group touring fellows among world iconic natural scenery.
17:30 – Get on the bus
Get on the bus to back to Hanoi by Expressway, have a short break from 20-30 miniutes.
20:30 – 21:00 – Arrive in Hanoi.
Our driver will drop you off at your hotel in the Old Quarter. Trip ends.
Notes:
Depending on cruising conditions, itineraries may change without prior notice. Wi-Fi is available at the restaurant/bar areas, however, Internet connectivity may be limited due to the geographical condition of the bay. Thank you for your understanding.
* Additional charges
Included:
- Full-day Halong Bay cruise: Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave and Ti Top Island
- Authentic Indian vegetarian lunch (rasam vadai, dal, vegetable curries, chapati, basmati rice, curd)
- Masala chai and evening snacks
- Kayak or bamboo boat at Luon Cave
- Entrance and sightseeing fees
- English-speaking guide
- Round-trip limousine from Hanoi Old Quarter (limousine package only)
Not included:
- Water, drinks and beverages on board
- Tips and personal expenses
- Holiday surcharge (see Special Occasions Surcharge)
Choose how you join the cruise (price per adult):
| Option | Price per adult |
|---|---|
| Cruise only (meet at the Tuan Chau harbour) | US$60 |
| Cruise + round-trip limousine from Hanoi Old Quarter | US$73 |
- Pick-up from Hanoi Old Quarter hotels (meeting point 17 Hang Muoi Street) at about 07:45 – 08:30
- Transfer prices are the cruise’s own rates, with no mark-up
| Age | Price |
|---|---|
| Up to 4 years | Free (maximum 2 free children per booking) |
| 5 – 8 years | 75% of the adult price (up to 2 children per group) |
| 9 years and over | Adult price |
| Notice before the cruise | Cancellation charge |
|---|---|
| More than 3 days | Free |
| 3 days | 50% |
| 2 days | 70% |
| 1 day or less | 100% |
If the bay authority closes Halong Bay for bad weather, the cruise is rescheduled or refunded.
A surcharge of US$9 per guest applies on Christmas Eve (24 December), New Year’s Eve (31 December) and over Lunar New Year.
• Original passport
• Shorts and T-shirt or warm clothes in winter (travel light)
• Camera, sunglasses and sun creams
• Cash for drinks (beer, wine) on boat
- Check-in on board: 11:30 AM
- Back at the marina: 17:30 PM
- Back in Hanoi (with transfer): about 20:45 PM
- See the Children Policy and Special Occasions Surcharge sections above for current child prices and holiday surcharges
Traveler Reviews
Calendar & Prices
Other Similar Halong Bay Cruises
FAQs
Omkara Day Cruise (Omkara Diamond Cruise) is a 100-guest Halong Bay day boat launched in 2023 with an Indian vegetarian buffet deck, visiting Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island and Luon Cave. Compare it on Halong Bay day cruises.
Yes. Omkara is the Indian dining concept run on a Halong Diamond Cruise ship, so travellers and reviewers often call it Omkara Diamond Cruise. Read more about this Omkara day trip in Halong Bay.
An Indian vegetarian buffet with curries, dal, basmati rice and Indian breads, plus an Indian chicken curry on the deck 1 buffet. See the Omkara day trip in Halong Bay details above.
Yes, Jain and vegan meals are prepared when pre-booked. Tell us your needs via our contact page.
No, it is not halal-certified. Muslim travellers should read our guide to halal Halong Bay cruises.
It is the most Indian-focused day boat we offer. Alternatives are Halong Heritage Signature (veg and non-veg set menus) and Halong Apollo (veg buffet).
Board at Halong International Cruise Port at 11:30–11:45, lunch at 12:00, then Sung Sot Cave (13:30), Ti Top Island (14:30) and Luon Cave (15:30), returning around 16:30.
Pick-up is 07:45–08:30 and drop-off around 20:30–21:00. Compare with an overnight trip in day cruise vs overnight cruise.
From Halong International Cruise Port in Bai Chay, not Tuan Chau. Directions are sent with your booking — ask via our contact page.
Yes, an outdoor jacuzzi on the sundeck. You can also swim at Ti Top Island beach.
Its listing, Ha Long Diamond Cruises, is rated 4.8/5 on TripAdvisor. Compare on Halong Bay day cruises.
Rates depend on date and transfer; see the live calendar on this page or compare on Halong Bay day cruises.
Yes. Find the same Omkara day trip in Halong Bay with the same date and inclusions for less and we match it. Contact us via our contact page.
No. Diamond Era Day Cruise is a different 2025 ship from another operator that offers an Indian vegetarian set menu on request.
Yes. Children 1–4 travel free, 5–8 pay 75% and 9+ pay full price. More tips in our FAQs.
If the authorities close the bay for a storm, the cruise cannot sail and we offer a new date or a refund under the operator’s policy. See the best time to visit Halong Bay.
