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Best halong bay cruise for backpackers [+6 discount tips].

Bradley Williams

If you’re heading to Vietnam, then you simply must visit Halong Bay.

It is widely considered the best thing to do in Vietnam , and is perhaps the most famous area as well.

The problem is that with so many tour operators offering Halong Bay cruises (more than 200), it can be hard to find the right one.

Especially if you are budget backpackers like us!

But don’t worry, cheap Halong bay cruises do exist, and I’m here to help you find them.

In fact, I’ve brought together all of my top tips for visiting Halong Bay as well as a detailed run down of the best Halong Bay cruise for backpackers .

First off, let’s answer some of your most pressing questions ...

Hạ Long Bay, vietnam

Travellerspoint

Popular questions about Halong Bay cruises

How do you book cheap halong bay tours.

There are a number of ways to book a cruise in Halong Bay, including both offline and online.

If you're not as comfortable booking something online, then you can head to a number of tour operators who operate all across Hanoi.

Or, just go and speak to your hostel/hotel receptionist and they can likely book one for you.

However, these operators usually take a cut and you will instead find the cheapest tours online. Here are the 4 cheapest and best comparison sites we found:

  • Booking.com
  • GetYourGuide

How long is a Halong Bay boat cruise?

It’s up to you!

You can book Halong Bay cruises for as long as you want. However, the most popular packages are for the following:

  • 1 day, 0 nights

These depart from either Hanoi, Cat Ba or Halong City. Essentially, you get a little taste for the bay, but will be rushed to squeeze in everything.

  • 2 days, 1 night

The Halong bay 2 day cruise is the tour we chose, and there’s a better explanation of it below. In my opinion, you should choose at least 1 night, as waking up to the views is what makes the trip so wonderful!

  • 3 days, 2 nights

If you choose an extra night onboard, then here’s what you can expect to do on top:

  • Squid fishing
  • Visiting floating villages
  • Bike riding on Cat Ba island
  • Option to spend the night on Cat Ba island or La Han Bay
  • 4 days, 3 nights

A 4 day, 3 night tour to Halong Bay has to be the ultimate way to relax and unwind! You’ll get to see all of the islands and do all of the activities. If money wasn’t an issue, then we’d have chosen to do this!

2 day Halong Bay tour boat

What is a typical Halong Bay tour itinerary?

Well, this all depends on the length of the cruise you decide to take.

The longer you are out there, the longer you have to see things. However, here is the standard Halong Bay Tour itinerary for a 2 day, 1 night cruise:

  • Get picked up from your hostel in the morning
  • Drive to Halong Bay and stop off at a halfway point souvenir shop (ridiculously overpriced)
  • Arrive at the boat at midday
  • Set sail and have lunch
  • Go kayaking
  • Visit the pearl farm
  • Go for a swim (optional)
  • Have some drinks on deck and watch the sunset
  • Have dinner
  • Drink the night away
  • Wake up for some early morning on-deck yoga/Tai Chi
  • Have breakfast
  • Head to the Sung Sot caves
  • Back on the boat and sail back to the docks
  • Do a cooking lesson (i.e, make Vietnamese spring rolls)
  • Have lunch on the journey
  • Arrive back about midday
  • Disembark and head home
  • Again, stopping at the stupidly over-priced souvenir shop on the way

What does the tour usually include?

As standard, most Halong Bay tours include the activities listed above, as well as free lunch dinner and breakfast.

They also usually include the transfer to and from Halong Bay.

They don’t include drinks, and be warned, you’re not normally allowed to take drinks onboard.

Instead, you have to pay above the odds for any alcohol, so factor this into your budgeting.

How do you get to Halong Bay?

All of the tours tend to include travel to the Bay within the package.

The journey takes about 4 hours and, after speaking to people, we found that the more expensive your tour, the nicer the vehicle that takes you.

We considered  renting a moped  and riding there, but it all just seemed like too much hassle and the transfer worked out just fine!

View of mountains in Halong Bay

When is the best time to do a Halong Bay backpacker cruise?

The best time to do a Halong Bay cruise is whenever there’s no rain and you have clear blue skies.

As such, the best time of year is typically between February and April.

November till January also has low rainfall, but that is also late Autumn/Winter time, so the weather is colder and it is often foggy.

However, it all depends on your luck. We were there in September and we had beautiful clear blue skies the whole time. 

However, just 2 days before, all of the tours had been cancelled due to the tropical monsoon that swept through the area. You really can't predict the weather in Southeast Asia!

What do you get fed on board?

Simply put, a lot of fish!

We found that there was at least twice as much food as what we needed (I don't know if the staff eat whatever is left).

It all tastes pretty great, it just depends on what you’re into.

But if you have any allergies or a particular distaste for fish, then message them at the same time you book.

Cazzy did this as she hates fish and can’t eat rice. (I know right, not eating rice in Asia! What?!)

So they made her a few chicken dishes which kept her happy.

1 night Halong Bay cruise backpacker

The best Halong Bay cruise for backpackers

Ok, so this is why you’re really here! To get the most cruise for your Dong!

Well, luckily for you, me and Cazzy are two of the savviest backpackers you can find! So, safe to say, we did plenty of research before booking a Halong Bay tour.

We spoke to a number of tour operators all across Hanoi, and searched all of the sites online.

So, without further ado, this is the best Halong Bay cruise for backpackers:

Presenting … Rosa Cruise

Rosa Cruise  is, in our opinion, the best value Halong Bay cruise.

We found that the quality of cruises normally falls into one of three tiers: basic, mid-range and luxury.

The Rosa Cruise falls somewhere between mid-range and luxury, but comes at a much lower price tag to its competitors.

You get the full Halong Bay experience, complete with all-inclusive meals and all of the typical things you’d expect to see.

But what set them apart and what makes them the best Halong Bay cruise for backpackers is the quality of the rooms and the fact that they don't follow the throng of other boats that head out on the bay.

Instead, they keep their distance which is perfect as it allows you to get stunning pictures. Like this one …

Click below for the best prices for Rosa Cruise:

  • Booking.com  
  • GetYourGuide  

Rosa Cruise boat

So, how much does Rosa Cruise cost?

We paid $94 each which, as you’ll come to find, is a great price for what you get.

Yes, it was the most expensive thing we paid for in the whole of Vietnam. But, then again, you have to think about what you're getting.

Visiting Halong Bay truly is a once in a lifetime experience. So, compared to the cheapest Halong Bay cruises that come in at around $50 per person, you get a hell of a lot more for that extra $44.

In fact our friends paid just $10 less each for a 1 day tour of Halong Bay! (That’s without the night’s stay, and they had to leave mega early and get back late in the day!)

Plus, as a backpacker, it was lovely to spend a couple days in luxury before we headed off back to the budget hotels!

Read:   The Best Hotels in Vietnam (At a Great Price Too!)

Just be aware that I think all of the cruises have put their prices up slightly since we were there in 2017.

If you want to find out more, then here are 3 of the best (and cheapest) ways to book Rosa Cruise.

  • Booking.com  (this is what we used) 

Rosa Cruise best deal

10 other great value Halong Bay cruises

The cheapest halong bay cruises for backpackers.

If you’re looking purely for cheap Halong Bay tours, then here’s the best ones we found. Be aware, they are only for one day:

1. Viet Nam Open Tour Day Cruise

Coming in at roughly $40 per person, this cheap Halong Bay cruise offers you the chance to do many of the typical Halong Bay activities. It is longer than many of the other 1 day cruises available and seems to have great reviews. They pick you up from your hotel or hostel in Hanoi Old Quarter and drop you back off in the evening. Oh, and you get a free bottle of water ... bargain!

Best price deals for Viet Nam Open Tour Day Cruise:

  • Booking.com   

Viet Nam Open Tour Day Cruise

This Halong Bay day tour lasts 12 hours, so get ready for a long, but enjoyable day. They pick you up at 07:45 and drop you off at 20:00. You get lunch included on board Genesis, which is a lovely cruise boat. Find out more through the links below.

Best price deals for Genesis:

Genesis Halong Bay cruise boat

Best Halong Bay cruise for couples backpacking

Rosa Cruise is a great choice if you are travelling as a couple , and here are a few more great Halong Bay cruises for couples.

3. Aphrodite Cruise

Aphrodite Cruise offer some of the best Halong Bay cruise options for couples. They have extremely good reviews and, though not the cheapest, you seem to get a lot for your money. I’ve seen these guys pop up a lot and seem to offer good Genius Perks discounts on  Booking.com . What makes this option so good for couples is that they offer a spa bath in your room! A great way to relax even more just before dinner time.

Best price deals for Aphrodite Cruise:

Aphrodite cheap Halong Bay cruise boat

4. Secret Halong Cruise

Secret Halong Cruise offer another great, but cheap Halong Bay overnight cruise. This is the perfect backpacker cruise because it offers high quality, modern rooms, as well as a true Halong Bay experience. Reviews make it clear that the staff are incredibly friendly and you get a nice modern vehicle that transports you to and from Hanoi (this is not to be undervalued!).

Best price deals for Secret Halong Cruise:

Secret Halong Cruise cheap Halong Bay tour

Best Halong Bay cruise for solo travellers

If you’re  travelling through Vietnam  on your own, just looking for a good time, then here are some of the best Halong bay cruises for solo travellers (more commonly known as the party boats).

5. Oasis Bay Cruises

Oasis Bay Cruises seem to be open of the most proactive cruises in Halong Bay trying to find party-goers. They advertise themselves as a party cruise and apparently “party time” starts at 9pm. What’s good about Oasis is that it is still a luxury cruise boat offering a nice and enjoyable trip through the bay in luxury accomodation.

Best price deals for Oasis Bay Cruises:

Oasis Bay, cheap tour

6. Golden Bay Party Cruise

The Golden Bay Party Cruise offer free beer, vodka and rice wine between 8pm and 10pm. Which, as I’m sure you’ll find, is an offer that’s hard to refuse. Better yet, despite the free booze, they are still one of the cheapest Halong Bay cruises available.

Best price deals for Golden Bay Party Cruise:

Halong Golden Party Cruise boat for backpackers

Most Luxurious Halong Bay Cruises

If you’re happy to spend a bit more and take your Halong Bay experience to the max, then there are some more luxurious cruise options available. Three of the best include:

7. Emperor Cruises Ha Long

This is by far one of the higher-end cruises on offer in Halong Bay. And with so much to see and do off the boat, Emperor Cruises offer the perfect 2 to 5 day cruises for you to also enjoy some luxurious peace and relaxation. Apart from having a truly stunning vessel, the highlights that set this cruise apart from others are it’s butler-service rooms, fitness centre, on deck BBQs, library, limousine service shuttle, and bedrooms with wall to wall glass offering stunning panoramic views to wake up to in the morning.

Best price deals for Emperor Cruises:

Emperor Cruise, most luxurious Halong Bay cruise

8. Era Cruise

From the outside, you can tell Era Cruises are something special. They look like miniature luxury cruise liners and offer almost everything you could wish to experience from a Halong Bay cruise. As well as getting to see all the regular sights, the ship also offers as a cinema, fitness centre and even miniature golf! Their higher end suites also include private balconies, HD TVs and hot tub baths with views out over the bay! If you can spare a little more, then Era Cruise really do offer an unforgettable experience.

Best price deals for Era Cruise:

  • Halong Bay Tours

Era Cruises luxury tour Halong Bay

9. President Cruise

President Cruise just oozes luxury throughout. Regardless of which room you decide to opt for. Their Ambassador Balcony rooms are incredibly well priced and still offer the sorts of high end amenities you'd struggle to find anywhere else in Halong Bay. Their highest-end room, the Presidential Suite, is nothing short of astounding. It features floor to ceiling windows, a private terrace and even a jacuzzi! Like, what!? Sitting in a jacuzzi in Halong Bay, that has to be an unforgettable experience all on its own! If money really isn't a concern, then go for this room.

Best price deals for President Cruise:

  • HalongBayCruises.com

President Cruise Luxury Halong Bay cruise

10. Bhaya Cruises

Bhaya Cruises is a great choice if you’re looking for a luxury Halong Bay Cruise but don’t want to spend too much on your stay! They offer great value rooms on their stay which range from overnight to 3 days. The company also operates another cruise line called Au Co which you can see on their site below. It’s a little more luxurious and also well worth considering. Here, you’ll find everything you'd expect, including spa service, jacuzzi and even an onboard cinema.

  • Bhaya Cruises

Bhaya Cruises

Our top 6 money saving tips for your Halong Bay boat trip

To help you get the best deal on your Halong Bay tour, I’ve put together all of our best tips!

1. Get £15 off (or currency equivalent), using this sign-up code

Based on all of my research, I found that Booking.com, generally speaking, offer the best Halong Bay cruise prices anywhere online.

And there's another way to make it even cheaper ...

"What, how?!"

Well, by using this link here.

If you've never used booking.com before, and sign up using this link , then you will get an extra 10% off your booking!

Yes, we would also get $20 off our next booking, so you would be doing us a massive favour as well! 

Thank you in advance ;)

2. Search all of the price comparison sites

Just because  Booking.com  was cheapest for us, it doesn't mean it will be for you.

In fact, it so often surprises us how much the prices can fluctuate between booking sites.

My recommendation is that, once you find a boat you like, search for it in all the different sites before making your booking.

Also, read the small print for what each one includes.

The site might be able to offer you some additional perks (for example, it might count towards your 11th free night on hotels.com).

Don't worry, I don't expect you to scroll back up to find the tour operators. Instead, here they are for you:

  • BestPrice Travel

3. Speak to the tour operators direct

Again, just because we found it cheapest online, you might be surprised to find a cheaper deal by booking in person.

I can’t recommend any actual stores to visit, though they each seem to offer select cruises (I presume they have certain commission agreements).

Either way, the experience is worthwhile as they can answer all of the questions you have in person, which is always nice.

4. See if you can get a group discount

If there’s a large group of you looking to book a cruise, then you  might be able to negotiate a better deal.

The tour operators don’t usually have any flexibility when they’re booking for one or two people but, if there’s a lot of you then I have no doubts they could work something out.

5. Decide early on what you want to do

It’s a good idea to get an idea of what your budget is and how long you want to spend out there as soon as you can.

That makes the whole search process a lot easier.

Above, you can find more information on the extra things you get from a 2 and three night cruise.

For us, we though the extra day on the boat didn't really warrant the leap in price.

In fact, you don't even spend the second day on the boat! Instead, they send you to an island for the day whilst the boat heads back to the mainland to drop people off and pick up more people!

6. Book in advance

If you leave things till the last minute then there’s a chance you’ll get a flash deal.

However, if you are at Halong Bay in peak times of the year, then you will likely find that many of the best value Halong Bay cruises are already booked up.

As such, I recommend checking and booking online as far in advance as possible.

BONUS TIP: Think about alcohol

If you're planning on having a few drinks onboard your Halong Bay cruise, then remember, it will cost at least 2 times as much as drinks on land.

This is where the boats make extra money, so factor it into your budgeting.

One thing I would absolutely not recommend (and what we certainly didn't do), is the following:

  • Buy a bottle of water and empty it out in Hanoi
  • Fill it with cheap Vodka
  • Carry that bottle of “water” on with you (store it in a bag)
  • Even if they catch you, it’s unlikely they’ll take the water off you
  • Keep it tucked away in your room and make casual bathroom breaks throughout the night

We would never think of doing this (nor would we sneak on a few cheeky ciders as well). Just saying.

View of Halong Bay from tour boat

Well, that’s about it

When we visited Hanoi, we spent hours researching the tours and trying to find the best Halong Bay cruise for backpackers.

It was hard work trying to find the info online, so that’s why I wanted to write this post, to bring all of our findings into one place. So I hope you found it helpful!

If you have any more questions, then just leave a comment below and I will be happy to help where I can.

Similarly, if you’ve been to Halong Bay before and have any tips, then let me and the other readers know!

To help make your experience run that bit smoother, you may want to check out our in-depth cruise packing list !

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CruiseInHalongBay.com

Best Halong Bay Cruises for Backpackers: 2023 Recommendations

  • Last Updated: 17/09/2023

best halong bay cruises for backpackers

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located in the Gulf of Tonkin, Vietnam. It is famous for the towering limestone karsts and islets that rise out of the emerald waters and make a beautiful natural landscape. Being on Halong Bay will give you the opportunity to take in all of the beauty of the bay throughout the day, from sunrise to sunset. Overall, Halong Bay is definitely a must see place for any traveler when it comes to visiting Vietnam.

As a backpacker, you’ll need to visit many places on a limited budget . It’s not because of this, though, that we have fewer experiences. Choosing a good Halong cruise as a backpacker is crucial because it allows you to cover more destinations within your budget while also providing unique experiences that may not be available through other modes of transportation. Additionally, a good cruise can offer opportunities for socializing with other travelers and making new friends from all over the world. Let us go over a number of options for you to enjoy Halong Bay while still keeping your wallet in good shape. Let’s explore our best Halong Bay cruises for backpacker collections and why you should choose one. 

Table of Contents

Why choosing a Halong Bay cruise for backpackers

Planning a trip as a backpacker will be quite a challenge due to tight budget, especially at a famous destination like Halong Bay. The bay is drawing thousands of tourists every years and of course it would cost quiet a lot when visiting there. That’s when you need a to looking for a saving travel option while still able to seeing the most out of this beautiful bay. Halong Bay Cruises for backpackers are the best options for you. These cruises are the most perfect balance mix between a beautiful journey and saving budget.Most things are typically included in a cruise package, including transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay and back. 

On a backpacker-friendly Halong Bay cruise, you can socialize with other travelers because there will be plenty of partying on board, which is what being a backpacker is all about! Halong Bay cruise for backpackers offers the chance to explore the breathtaking scenery of the bay, visit nearby fishing villages, and engage in water sports like kayaking and swimming in addition to partying and making friends. It’s a wonderful way to get to know other international travelers and enjoy Vietnam’s natural beauty.

having fun on backpacker cruises

How much does these cruises cost? 

The prices for backpacker-friendly cruises in Halong Bay are generally reasonable. Its range from 35USD to 150USD per person , depending on your itinerary selection. A day cruise costs between $35 and $50, while a one-night cruise can cost up to $130. Spending two nights on a Castaway Island may increase the budget by up to $150 USD, but it covers most of everything on board, from meals, transfer, entrance tickets and private cabins. Consider accommodation, meals, and activities you may have to spend if you do not visit Halong Bay; the cost is not sound so expensive.

jumping from the cruise

There’s 3 most popular schedule for backpackers when it’s come to visit Halong Bay. 1 day cruise, 2 days 1 night cruise or 2 nights on CastAway Island.

  • 1 Day Cruise

With 1 day cruise, you’ll in a quite in a hurry. Get picked up on the morning and take you 3 hours to get to Halong Bay. You then will have 6 hours to cover the whole Bay. During the 6 hours, you can enjoy activities such as kayaking, visiting a floating village, and exploring limestone caves. After that, you will head back to the harbour and return to Hanoi in the evening.

  • 2 Days 1 night Cruise

It’s unquestionably a better option than day tours. With the exception of the total 6 hours of travel back and forth, you will now be able to fully enjoy the bay in one day. Spending the night on a boat in the middle of the bay would be an unforgettable experience, especially if you can get deeper into the area and enjoy both the beginning and end of the day.

  • 2 Nights on a Castaway Island

2 nights on a private, isolated island will provide you with a full Halong Bay experience, including tons of activities and the chance to explore Halong Bay’s rural side. Waking up on a desert island after a wild party night or climbing rock mountains are just a few of the activities on this schedule.

Top budget Halong Bay Cruises

le journey premium cruise

Le Journey Cruise

9.7 Excellent | 32 reviews

Destination: Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Ti Top Island

April Promotion – Only from $110/person

Crown Legend Cruise

Crown Legend Cruise

9.5 Excellent | 37 reviews

Destination:  Halong Bay – Sung Sot Cave – Ti Top Island

Private Balcony in all rooms

cozy bay cruise

Cozy Bay Cruise Halong Bay

9.5 Excellent | 10 reviews

Destination: Halong Bay –  Sung Sot Cave –  Ti Top Island

Summer Promotion – Only $110USD/person

  • Kayaking Kayaking on Halong Bay is a unique experience that allows you to explore the hidden corners of the bay and get up close with the limestone cliffs and islands. It’s a great way to immerse yourself in the natural beauty of Halong Bay and create unforgettable memories.
  • Swimming What better way to spend a hot summer day than swimming in crystal clear water and relaxing on a beach while drinking coconut? Nothing. Jump into the water from the cruise will quickly wash away all your worries.
  • Partying One of the thing you should not missed while travelling on a backpacker Halong Bay Cruise is party! Let’s rock the night by drinking game or dancing along with beat!

Castaway Island

  • Spend the night on a desert island “Castaway Island”is the most highlight of Halong Bay cruises for backpackers. It’s a complete private area rented by tour operators only for backpacker where you’re free to sing as loud as possible without bothering relaxing-seeker tourist. The island offers a unique opportunity to disconnect from the hustle and bustle of city life and immerse yourself in nature, with stunning views of the starry night sky and the sound of waves lulling you to sleep. It’s an unforgettable experience that will leave you feeling refreshed and rejuvenated.

Best Halong Bay Cruises for Backpackers Recommendations

Overnight cruises, oasis party cruise.

The Oasis Party is well-known to be the only 5 star cruise for Backpackers . The cruise was built in 2018 with a modern designed and equipped with three jacuzzi, a water trampoline, a dance floor, luxury restaurant and well stocked bar. Besides the standard activities like kayaking, swimming,…you might join an unforgettable Karaoke night or become a rap star on their in-door stage.

Oasis Bay Party Cruise

Oasis Party Cruise will a less touristy and quiet route – Lan Ha Bay. With 2 days 1 nights, it will cover Frog Pond , Tra Bau area or Dark and Bright Cave. However, what’s set this cruise apart from others is their 3 days 2 nights itinerary. With 2 nights on board, you’ll not just tight yourself on the cruise but will stay overnight on Freedom Island, a private dessert Island in Lan Ha Bay with many activities like climbing, drinking game, or sport beaches. 

With all the features above, Oasis Party Cruise deserve to be the best Halong Bay cruises for Backpackers. 

  • Style: Party Cruise
  • Itinerary: 2 days 1 nights, 3 days 2 nights
  • Cost: 120USD to 150USD per person

Booze Party Cruise

Booze Party is the newest Halong Bay Party Cruise with everything you need to “stay up all night”. The cruise are well equipped with a performance stage, DJ table, trampoline and lively sound system through out the boat. Not only that, Booze Party Halong Bay Cruise offer super budget friendly budget, with only start from 86USD/person for a dorm room. It’s definitely a beautiful mixture of budget balance & lively activities!

Booze Party Cruise halong Bay

  • Cost: From 86USD ( Check rate )

Le Journey is a boutique wooden junk boat with only 15 cabins on board. It’s offer much a calmer comparing to others  backpacker friendly-cruises. Thanks to the decent size and number of cabins, the cruise is offer a quiet with maximum privacy on board.

With a range of activities and excursions included, guests can relax and enjoy the beautiful surroundings while also learning about the local culture and history.

  • Style: Budget Cruise
  • Itinerary: 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights
  • Cost: 110USD pp ( Check rate )

Crown Legend Cruise (formerly known as Huong Hai Sealife) used to be a 5 stars cruise in Halong. It’s the one and only cheap Halong Bay Cruise now offer a private balcony in all type of cabins, stable and spacious metal boat to ensure a smoothly journey on the Bay. The cruise offers a variety of activities such as kayaking, squid fishing, and Tai Chi classes. Guests can also enjoy delicious Vietnamese cuisine on board.

Crown Legend Cruise

  • Cost: 105USD per person ( Check rate )

Day Cruises 

Halong excursion cruise 1 day.

A junk small day boat with a capacity of only 50 people. Despite the fact that the cruise itinerary is only one day, it covers most of the famous places in Halong Bay, including Sung Sot Cave, Titov Island, a part of Cat Ba Island, and many more.

  • Itinerary: 1 day
  • Cost: 43USD pp

Alova Day Cruise

Alova Cruise

Built in metal with capacity of around 70 people, Alova Cruise is operating by Go Asia Travel, a reputable company in Hanoi for a long time. Alova Day Cruise offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience with English-speaking tour guides, delicious meals, and exciting activities such as kayaking and swimming. It is a great option for those who have limited time but still want to explore the beauty of Halong Bay.

  • Rate: 51USD/pp

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Vietnam with stunning limestone karsts and islets, and a good cruise for backpackers offers the chance to explore the breathtaking scenery, visit nearby fishing villages, and engage in water sports – all with a saving budget. Let’s hop on one of them and have your best backpacker time!

If you are still unsure about which cruise or itinerary to take, please contact us right away for more information.

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le journey luxury cruise

Le Journey Luxury Cruise

9.8 Excellent | 23 reviews

Destination: Halong – Lan Ha – Dark & Bright Cave

Private Balcony in all cabins – Only from $131/person

Scarlet Pearl Cruise

Scarlet Pearl Cruise

Destination: Halong – Lan Ha Bay –  Dark & Bright Cave

Superb Early Bird Promotion – Only $170/person

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Got questions? Let our travel expert help you to find your right cruise!

We are always here to help you. Please kindly tell us the requirements for your ideal overnight cruise in Halong Bay: Style, Destinations, Duration, Departure date… and our travel experts will be right there to consult!

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

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ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Top 10 Best Halong Bay Cruise Deals Recommended For You

The highly trusted collection of Best Halong Bay Cruises that is frequently updated by our Halong Cruise Experts depending much on the cruises' conditions: best facilities, unique experiences, best offers, high-end meals on board, professional staff, and especially excellent comments, feedback from our real valuable customers. We hope that you can select a suitable Halong bay cruise for your holiday and have unforgettable experiences beside your beloved ones. Save Time - Save Money - Travel more!

Ambassador Signature Cruise

All Meals Included

Ambassador Signature Cruise

Style: Modern    Rooms: 39   

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Step on board the elegant and opulent Ambassador Signature Cruise for an unforgettable journey as you discover Lan Ha Bay's magnificence. With 39 trendy and modern cabins and a capacity for 120 guests, this 5-star floating hotel has everything you need for a feel-at-home journey in the middle of the sea: air conditioning, private balconies, en-suite bathrooms, and bathtubs. Along with first-rate accommodation, Ambassador Signature also offers a premium Asian – European cuisine experience as well as a complete complement of modern facilities, including a luxury spa on board, a piano lounge, and a restaurant & bar.

Orchid Trendy Cruise

Orchid Trendy Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 20   

Being a sister cruise of Orchid Classic Cruise, Orchid Trendy is also a luxurious overnight cruise accommodating 20 cabins on board with a private balcony on each cabin overlooking the World Heritage Site. Possessing the finest amenities with the most professional crew as her sister, Orchid Trendy Cruise is a promisingly great alternative of the luxury segment for those who wish to explore Lan Ha Bay with a first-class leisure trip.

Ambassador Cruise

Ambassador Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 46   

Launched in November 2018, Ambassador Cruise by now has been affirmed its notable reputation among Halong Bay luxurious cruises. Not only being the BIGGEST and NEWEST steel vessel in Halong Bay, but Ambassador Cruise also possesses distinctive highlights: signature Michellin menu with various options, finest amenities, one and only outdoor jacuzzi in Halong Bay Cruises, classy live music, and professional butlers; which make it exceptional to the others. Confidently proud as a top-notch cruise, Ambassador Cruise assures that every single moment of yours in Halong Bay would be the incredibly sumptuous experience ever. 

Orchid Classic Cruise

Orchid Classic Cruise

Style: Modern    Rooms: 14   

Being one of the best luxury 5-star cruises as well as the first cruise company to set up a newly overnight cruise itinerary throughout Halong Bay – Lan Ha Bay, Orchid Cruise leads passengers to explore the pristine beauty of the Heritage Site which is less touristic and more wildly untouched. With only 14 spacious cabins, Orchid Cruise offers a really comfortable private space with an upgraded level of premium cruising services that make your discovery full of exceptional experiences.

Peony Cruise

Peony Cruise

Style: International & Boutique    Rooms: 20   

Peony Cruise is one of the luxury cruises of Big Bay Group launched in October 2018. Following the successful sister cruise ship,Mon Cheri Cruise, Peony Cruise brings to passengers the chances to explore the magnificent and pristine beauty of the cruising route through Lan Ha Bay. Housing 20 spacious luxury cabins artfully designed in the modern style, Peony Cruise promises to provide memorable voyages with a professional crew and premium cruising services.

Scarlet Pearl Cruise

Scarlet Pearl Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 23   

Being one of the newest and biggest 5-star cruises in Halong Bay, Scarlet Pearl Cruise guarantees passengers from all over the world the ultimately luxury experience from beginning until the end with spacious modern waiting lounge in Tuan Chau Port, luxurious and well-furnished steel main ship, as well as super-advanced Catamaran Sailboats used for day trip. Besides, with 2 days 1 night itinerary equivalent with that of 3 days 2 nights from other cruise lines and featuring unique route exploring untouched Lan Ha Bay, Scarlet Pearl Cruise confidently assures every single minute you experience onboard would be the most impressive moments in your lifetime.

Paradise Elegance Cruise

Paradise Elegance Cruise

Style: Modern    Rooms: 31   

Managed by the pioneering cruising company in Halong Bay, Paradise Group, Paradise Elegance Cruise is an outstanding brand in Paradise Cruises Collection, which is renowned by its exquisite service and high-end professionalism among Halong Bay Fleets. This cruise is an ideal option for anyone seeking a luxurious experience to Halong Bay, which will definitely bring to guests the exceptional touch for their fantastic voyage amid the World Heritage Site.

Nostalgia Cruise

Nostalgia Cruise

Style: Boutique    Rooms: 10   

Scheduled to set sail in December 2022, Nostalgia Cruise promises an exceptional voyage to amazing yet less touristy corners of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. With only 11 elegant cabins, this unique boutique cruise ship pays much attention to details of both interior and exterior, as well as always guarantee top-notch service. You will see traditional decor arts and well-designed wooden furniture that remind much of the royal Vietnamese architecture. If you are seeking serenity, peace and purity in the beauty of Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay, Nostalgia Cruise is surely the perfect option.

Mon Cheri Cruise

Mon Cheri Cruise

Style: Modern & International    Rooms: 18   

Mon Chéri Cruise offers 18 stylish cabins alongside the elegant restaurant and bars, fitness facilities and spa service. The cruise provides 5-star standard services with professional staff to guarantee that can satisfy even the most demanding guests. In addition, we absolutely serve the Western and Asian cuisines, and Mon Chéri Cruises is the first cruise in Halong bay having a separated kitchen for Halal foods which are cooked by foreign Chefs with well equipped Halal Cooking Certification. Moreover, unlike the classic Halong bay tour, Mon Chéri Cruise departs from Hai Phong city, which is approximately 1.5 hours driving from Hanoi, thus the transferring time from Hanoi to the harbor is considerably reduced. 

Paradise Grand Cruise

Paradise Grand Cruise

Expected to join the luxurious cruise segment in Lan Ha Bay at the beginning of 2020, Paradise Grand Cruise welcomes passengers to explore and discover the pristine natural beauty here on newly distinctive itineraries. Proudly managed by one of the pioneering cruise companies owning one of the best fleets in Halong Bay – Paradise Vietnam, Paradise Grand promisingly creates the incredibly sumptuous voyage to a mystic and tranquil Lan Ha Bay – another charming beauty amid the Heritage Site.

Newest Halong Bay Cruises

Capella Cruise

Capella Cruise

Launched: 2020    Rooms: 26   

Launched: 2023    Rooms: 39   

Launched: 2023    Rooms: 10   

Orchid Premium Cruise

Orchid Premium Cruise

Launched: 2019    Rooms: 5   

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 46   

Luxury Halong Bay Cruises

Orchid Classic Cruise

Launched: 2016    Rooms: 14   

Essence Grand Cruise

Essence Grand Cruise

Launched: 2023    Rooms: 56   

Launched: 2017    Rooms: 31   

Launched: 2017    Rooms: 20   

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 20   

Deluxe Halong Bay Cruises

Mila Lux Cruise

Mila Lux Cruise

Launched: 2012    Rooms: 22   

Paradise Sails Cruise

Paradise Sails Cruise

Launched: 2009    Rooms: 17   

Sena Cruise

Sena Cruise

Launched: 2019    Rooms: 16   

Renea Cruise

Renea Cruise

Launched: 2015    Rooms: 11   

La Regina Royal Cruise

La Regina Royal Cruise

Launched: 2015    Rooms: 20   

La Pandora Cruise

La Pandora Cruise

Launched: 2019    Rooms: 23   

Budget Halong Bay Cruises

Mila Cruise

Mila Cruise

Swan Cruises

Swan Cruises

Launched: 2015    Rooms: 18   

Sapphire Cruise

Sapphire Cruise

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 21   

Halong Bay Day Cruises

JadeSails Day Cruise

JadeSails Day Cruise

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 48   

Serenity Luxury Day Cruise

Serenity Luxury Day Cruise

Rooms: 60   

Cong Day Cruise

Cong Day Cruise

Launched: 2019    Rooms: 30   

L'Azalee Day Cruise

L'Azalee Day Cruise

Rooms: 40   

Halong Sen Day Cruise

Halong Sen Day Cruise

Launched: 2017    Rooms: 50   

Paradise Explorer Day Cruise

Paradise Explorer Day Cruise

Launched: 2018    Rooms: 50   

Choose Your Halong Bay Cruises

Luxury Halong Bay Cruises

Best Cruises

Honeymoon Halong Bay Cruises

Halong Bay Cruise Destinations

Halong bay travel guide & news  .

Halong Bay FAQs - frequently asked questions

Recent Reviews About Halong Bay Cruises

Amber Phung

We booked a 1-night stay at Halong Bay with Capella Cruise and it was the highlight of our trip in Vietnam! Ms. Rosie was our... Capella Cruise

Margarita

Halong bay cruise

It was nice experience. I really enjoyed the trip. The views were stunning. The food was excellent and they always had options... Mila Lux Cruise

Eda Kozlica

Great tour and organization!

Very professional and kind, I was supported by Rosie who was there from beginning to end. The tour was very nice and we were... Ambassador Cruise

Dalia Masri

Great service!

Rosie on Inside Travel helped us from start to finish! The trip was planned smoothly and she responded super quickly and was very... Victory Star Cruise

Zen Low

Good Service

Overall good service provided by the agent and also good experience on board the cruise. Thank you Ambassador Cruise

Official website of Halong Bay Cruises - The Best Choice to discover Halong Bay

Situated on the Gulf of Tonkin, Halong Bay - one of the World's New7Wonders of Nature is the perfect blend of aesthetic, geological and geomorphologic values. Experienced at least 500 million years in many different geological states, Halong Bay now is well-known as the paradise of sea and islands with thousand of lime-stone mountains and islets in various sizes and shapes. Furthermore, this is also a wonderful destination for cruising , kayaking and enjoying tropical charming beaches.

Coming to Halong Bay , one of the world's natural heritages and also among seven natural wonders, soon you will notice taking part in a Halong Bay cruise is the best way to completely explore the stunning beauty of this destination. The feeling of cruising through around 3,000 thousand islets of Halong Bay is definitely a fantastic experience to every tourist.

Being on Halong Bay cruises , along with embracing the wonders of nature , there is no doubt you will be indulge yourself in a strong sense a comfort - joint together by pleasant accommodations, dainty dishes as well as enthusiastic and dedicated services. Regardless whoever you are and how much money you have in your pocket, you still find your wishes fulfilled and your requirements met with a wide variety of Halong Bay cruises .

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ha long bay cruise for backpackers

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Halong Bay Cruises team is grateful to bring you a cruise vacation that will exceed your greatest expectations and offer you exceptional value. With the confidence and knowledge to find the right Halong bay cruise choice, we are always here to listen and arrange everything as your desire. Don't hesitate to send us your requests. We will send you the best offers shortly!

Hanoi Explore Travel – A Professional Organizer of Ninh Binh Tour, Halong

Halong Bay Backpackers Cruise – Tips for Solo Travellers

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Table of Contents

Budget Halong Bay Cruises for backpackers – Tips for solo travelers

When visiting Vietnam, Halong Bay is unquestionably a destination that all travelers should not miss. However, the well-known Ha Long Bay excursion is sometimes mistaken for a luxury journey on big cruise ships with pricey services.

In actuality, some people, especially backpackers, cannot afford to spend a fortune on travel, but they nevertheless want to make the most of their time in Halong Bay. Halong Bay, the most popular tourist destination in Vietnam, can still be visited at an affordable cost.

<<< Halong Bay Cruise Price: How Much Does a Cruise Trip Cost? >>>

swiming-on-beach

If you are looking for a budget cruise to Halong Bay, be careful with scams and low-quality cruises that will make you disappointed.

It’s possible that you will find yourself stranded aboard an outdated boat with a group of unfamiliar people, visiting Halong Bay quickly and getting poor service. Therefore, let’s refer to these budget travel tips for Halong Bay for backpackers instead of randomly booking a low-cost but high-risky boat!

Have a look at:

  • Halong Bay Luxury Cruise – How To Choose The BEST One!

How long to spend in Halong Bay? How Many Days is Enough?

budget-cruise-for-ha-long-bay

Overview of Halong Bay

First, you should know a little about Halong Bay before planning your trip. As one of Vietnam’s most well-known tourist sites, Halong Bay is situated in northeastern Vietnam and is west of the Gulf of Tonkin. It features stunning natural scenery with magnificent limestone mountains. The area is home to amazing cave systems as well as an estimation of 2,000 islands and islets.

Actually, Halong Bay travel packages often allow you to explore one of destinations that are very comparable to each other in terms of geology: Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, and Halong Bay. However, tours of Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are typically more expensive than tours of Halong Bay, so if your budget is tight, you might want to consider visiting Halong Bay.

You may like to check out more:

  •   Best Things to Do in Halong Bay
  • Halong Bay Caves – 10 Must-Visit Caves in Halong Bay
  • Top 6 Unique & Worth-visiting Floating Fishing Villages in Halong Bay

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Halong Bay Cruise: Is taking a cruise trip a great way to explore the bay?

Cruises are typically used for Halong Bay excursions. Since most natural landscapes and tourist attractions are on water, taking a cruise is the ideal way to enjoy the beauty. Many travelers may think that cruising is a pricey and exotic experience, but the average cost of a cruise is actually rather reasonable, and if you are able to spot a reputable tour operator with competitive rates, you may have an excellent trip for less than $100 USD.

If you want more Halong Bay travel tips for less, check this out!

Make an appropriate travel plan: Things to consider before taking a budget-friendly Halong Bay cruise

ha-long-bay-backpackers-planning

Before you go to Halong Bay, you should plan your travel, including where to go, how long to stay, what to do, and how much to spend. We know that you don’t need upscale accommodations and that your goal is to arrange a trip with reasonable costs, enjoyable activities, and memorable experiences. Thus, the following tips will help you to resolve this issue:

  • Best Halong Bay Itineraries from 1 Day to 4 Days
  • Halong Bay on a Day Trip or Overnight Cruise?: Which One is Suitable?
  • How To Choose Your BEST Halong Bay 1 Day Cruise Tour

ha-long-cruise's-lengh

Consider the length of your trip

Typically, you can select a short trip lasting no more than four days and three nights. It all depends on how long you plan to stay, what your budget is, and how much you want to explore Halong Bay.

A short trip to Halong Bay is suitable for tourists with limited time and budget or just want to get a quick glimpse of Halong Bay. The day tour usually includes Halong Bay’s highlight destinations like Sung Sot Cave and some of the most popular activities such as kayaking, swimming and dining.

sung-sot-cave

Your day trip ends when you return to the port. Although the trip is short, it will still be enjoyable with engaging activities and a usual cost of less than $50 USD. But it can be a little rushed, and you might miss out on a lot of other enjoyable things, like squid fishing.

>>> Let’s visit our website for different types of cruises available for every budget, from backpackers to luxury. Check out for the best deals on Halong Bay’s 1-Day Cruise.

A less rushed option is overnight cruises, which typically go from two days and one night or three days and two nights to four days and three nights. The longer the trip is, the more experience you get and of course you have to pay more. Backpackers usually choose a 2-day, 1-night trip because it’s affordable, fits into their schedule, and seems like everything they’re looking for.

>>> Check out for the Best Deals on Halong Bay’s 2-Day Cruise <<<

Click-here

>>> Then, it’s time to choose the destination you want to go.

Determine where you want to go

It is not true that Halong Bay is the only option if you want to visit this well-known bay. The most well-liked tourist destinations for a Halong Bay cruise are Bai Tu Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Halong Bay.

It’s understandable why so many people pick Halong Bay. However, that doesn’t mean Halong Bay is the best, as it may get crowded and have limited visibility during the peak season of year.

halon-bay1-day-cruise-route

Therefore, you can consider other options like Lan Ha Bay with a beautiful sandy beach, stunning scenery and panoramic view of the bay. Another option is Bai Tu Long Bay, an emerging tourist destination with wild beauty, poetic scenery and few tourists but the prices of these tours are relatively high.

  • Titop Island Halong Bay – Detailed: Transfer, Map, Tips. All you need to know
  • Top Most Beautiful Halong Bay Beaches – The Complete Guide
  • Kayaking in Halong Bay – The Completed Guide to Explore Amazing Bay

kayaking-a-must-try-activities-in-ha-long-bay

Choose the suitable cruise company

Should you read more:

  • Best Travel Agency in Hanoi for Halong Bay
  • TOP BEST Halong Bay Travel Agency – Which is the BEST ONE for Cruise, Tour?

This could be the deciding factor that can make or ruin your trip. It will be the best if you are lucky enough to choose a great cruise with the right itinerary, excellent service and reasonable price. However, falling for a scam will undoubtedly leave you feeling let down and angry.

A-Midrange-cruise-in-ha-long

Although there are numerous cruise lines that provide trips to Halong Bay, not all of them are the same. Especially when your preference is mid-range options, you need to consider it carefully. Check the reliability of the cruise company and read its reviews on the internet. The company that is offering trips at an extremely low price and seems tempting should be avoided as it is probably a scam.

cruise-in-ha-long-bay1

When taking a Halong Bay cruise, tourists have more options than just visiting Halong Bay. Other well-liked tourist destinations are the neighboring Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bay. The ideal cruise choice is unquestionably the cruise line that can provide you with a detailed itinerary, an affordable pricing, contact details, and a commitment to providing you with the greatest possible experience. Instead of using fraud, they are trying to make a life via hard work.

Here are some recommended cruise companies:

For the best decision, you may also look through the list of the top Halong Cruise Companies:

<<< Halong Bay 2 Day Cruises – Best 2-Day Tour for First Time Travelers >>>

Carefully review the itinerary to see what is included and what is not

If you want to avoid running out of money, thoroughly review the itinerary. Although the cruise excursion’s description could be the most alluring aspect, you should also give the schedule more thought. Carefully read the tour’s inclusions and exclusions can help you find out whether or not there will be an additional cost.

fishing-village-in-halong-bay

The cost of the beverages is the most commonly-mentioned tour’s exclusion. Be aware that drinks on a cruise may cost two or three times as much as they normally do. In order to avoid being taken aback when you receive the total bill, you should also inquire about any additional expenses.

In addition, the itinerary will provide you with a general plan of your trip so that you may prepare ahead of time. The most popular activities on a Halong Bay cruise typically involve seeing a pearl-raising farm, visiting a floating village, swimming, exploring caves, taking in the scenery, practicing Tai Chi, going squid fishing, and attending a cooking demonstration.

Estimate the amount of money you need to spend

You should conduct some research to find the average cost of your trip and make appropriate preparations so as not to break the bank.

A Halong Bay Tour package typically costs between $30 to over $300 per person, depending on the length of the trip and the standard of service. A day tour in Halong Bay will normally cost you about 30 – 50 USD per person. This tour package will give you a basic itinerary that includes lodging, meals, and activities.

best-itinerary-ha-long-bay-backpackers-cruise

If you want to take an overnight cruise, the price will start at $100 per person. Overnight cruise is regarded as a “mid-range” option since it offers more tourist spots and a more reasonably priced itinerary. This option is the thing that backpackers should consider, not luxury travel with lots of zeros on the price quotation

How and when to travel to Halong Bay

When traveling to Halong Bay, there are some notes and tips that you should remember:

ha-long-bay-weather1

Best time to visit Halong Bay

As Halong Bay tour packages are usually cruise tours, the weather will greatly affect your experience. While Halong Bay may be visited year-round, the ideal months to go are those with dry, clear skies and moderate temperatures.

Let’s take it into consideration and find out the best time to visit Halong Bay

If you want to know more detailed information about the weather in Halong Bay, read the following

<<<  When is the Best time to visit Halong Bay? A-Z Guide for Your Trip ! >>>

titop-island-ha-long-bay2

Transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay

There are a number of ways to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay, however bus travel is recommended for backpackers because to its low costs, frequent schedule, and being tourist-friendly.

  • From Hanoi to to Halong: The bus ride from Hanoi to Ha Long takes two to three hours, and the cost of a ticket ranges from eight to a few dollars. You can choose shuttle bus or public bus for your travel.
  • From Quang Ninh bus station , you will have to move a little further to reach the cruise terminal and you can choose to go by a taxi or motorbike. Simply keep in mind that a motorbike ride will cost no more than 5 USD (100,000 VND), and a cab ride will cost no more than 10 USD (200,000 VND).

<<< Read more detail abour: How to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay >>>

Limousine-bus-on-heritage-cruise

Some tips to get a better trip with a budget cruise

  • It’s a good idea to bring some food, drinks, and snacks with you. You might require more energy because the tour typically just covers the main meals and drinks. In addition, extra food and beverages on board are frequently very expensive. However, you should find out from your travel company whether you can bring them along.
  • In addition, you will be spending a lot of time outside when visiting Halong Bay, so you should consider bringing some of the following: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, insect repellant, swimming clothes, warm clothes (in winter) ), original passport with valid visa, some cash VND/USD for personal expenses.
  • Make new friends and form a group: Making friends is easy when you travel alone. Young visitors are often willing to join a group of other travelers and have fun together.
  • Kayaking alone? Don’t worry, it’s completely fine and there are plenty of solo riders paddling around the bay. You will sit in the back seat of a two-seat kayak.

That’s it for our advice on how travelers might visit Halong Bay on a tight budget.

Kindly get in touch with us if you have any more inquiries or would like further details. Helping you enjoy your stay with us is something we are willing to do!

<<< Contact us via Hotline/What’s app: + 84 974 805 797 >>>

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Complete halong bay cruise guide, vietnam 2024.

Table of Contents

Are you ready to see one of the most stunning places in the world?  I have seen the jaw-dropping formations of the  Halong Bay  limestone mountains that are coated with deep green forestry. We cruised through the unforgettable cat-eye green waters. As a result, I write the ultimate  Halong Bay   cruise guide  review to share my thoughts and all the information you need for your trip. After you have visited Halong Bay, you should visit Sapa- You can check out my guide on how to get from  Hanoi to Sapa  here!

In this post I want to share with you everything you need to know about the  Halong Bay Cruise for travellers  and also my personal review on the  famous cruise of  Halong Bay.

More useful Vietnam Travel route guides;

  • Da Nang To Hue
  • Da Nang To Hoi An
  • Hue to Hoi An
  • Hanoi to Halong Bay

Which boat trip to do on the Halong Bay  Cruise?

You will most likely know that Halong Bay  is a very touristic destination. As a result, there is a wide variety of boat trips available including luxury cruises, cheap cruises and plenty of others cruises. Okay let’s have a look into the options a little further;

Day trips on Halong Bay | cost $60 PP – This is the cheapest option at $60. It includes pick from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter at 8am, from here you will depart on a 3.5-hour coach ride from  Hanoi To Halong  (it’s a nice scenic route). Then you spend the day cruising around Halong Bay,  kayaking  and  visiting a floating village in Halong Bay . Also, seafood dinner is included.

Personally, this didn’t appeal to me. I think if you’re going to book a cruise on Halong Bay , then you should stay over for at least a night. But I completely get that you might not have enough time or your on a budget. Nevertheless, it’s still worth doing to see the epic views.

2day/1night cruise on Halong | cost $140 PP – This is the same cruise as I did, however, you will stay for one night as opposed to two. This consists of hotel pick up at 8am, including hotel pick from Hanoi to Halong Bay . Check into the luxury cruise. Set sail into Halong Bay. Kayaking or learning about the visited pear farm. Visiting the Ti top beach (its has an incredible photo spot high up in  Halong Bay ) and then back to the cruiser for food and happy-hour cocktails.

Day 2 you will have breakfast, visit a cave and then depart back to your hotel.

3 day/2 night stay on the Halong Cruise | cost $220 PP –  This is the option I chose so I’m going to explain everything  you need to know about the Halong Bay Cruise . You will be able to make your mind up if the  Halong Bay cruise  is something you would like to do (you most definitely will).  

You may like  Tam Coc Travel Guide

Halong Bay glory legend cruise review

I walked onto the pier and took a glance at my home for the next 2 nights “yessss!” It looked amazing, a pearling white and stained wood ship.  The Glory Legend cruise   ship’s exterior is marvellous.    We ran (with excitement) onto the  Halong bay  cruiser to discover what was inside our new short-term water home. They’re amazing, let’s run through the ship visually.

The Golden legend cruise bedrooms  – Picture perfect is how I can describe the rooms. As you walk into the room the first thing that stands out is the sliding doors the allow the full view of the  Halong Bay  emerald water.

The rooms are of the wooden interior that clashes nicely with the beaming white bed linen (as I write this the beds are the sweetest I have slept on in 2.5 months). In addition to this, you also have a minibar, wardrobe, safe and table/chairs in your room.

The bathroom is all wooden with a glass shower and I have to say the shower is the best I’ve had in a long while. Powerful and instantly hot, heaven.  

YOU MAY LIKE  The ultimate guide to Sapa

The dining room  – The dining room is on the first level of the 2 level ship (excluding ground). The thing I loved most about this room is the windows views you get, whilst you dine. They’re out of this world. And I’ve not yet experienced any better backdrops as make my way through divine food.  In addition, the  Golden Cruise dining room  is not very large compared to the size of the cruise and it gets quite crowded with around 40 visitors on board. Also, there is a bar in the room that provides hot and cold drinks.

The Top Deck –  The Golden cruise liner wouldn’t be complete without a mega top deck to provide us with the amazing  things to do in Halong Bay.  The deck has sunbeds (only great for when the sun is shining), seating tables for drinks on happy-hour and a bar that provides epic cheap cocktails. Also, this deck is used for the Thai Chi class (I will go into this in a minute). The deck is the number one spot for sundown.

Best Things to do in Halong Bay

There are some great things to do in Halong Bay. You have probably heard about the kayaking on Halong Bay because this is definitely one of the most popular things to do. But don’t worry the Glory Legend cruise has you covered with some great activities during your stay. The top things you will do on a Halong Bay boat stay are;

Kayaking in Halong Bay

You will have a few golden opportunities to maximise your Halong Bay visit with some sweet emerald water kayaking. You will glide along the smooth waters of  Halong Bay.  I couldn’t believe how smooth the waters are! I kayaked in the sea in Cambodia and I remember how difficult it can be with a few waves. But you will have perfect waters to take some epic selfies and of the limestone mountains in  Halong Bay.  Furthermore,  kayaking  is done on all  cruises in Halong  including the  Halong Bay day trips.

A visit to the Ti Top island

This will give you an unbelievable  view of Halong Bay  and it will most likely be this best view you will see on your  visit to Halong Bay.   The island is great for climbing which you will need to this for the views (there is not that many steps 😉 ), kayaking which is another golden opportunity to hit the waters,  swimming which is very popular and general sports like volleyball and football. This really is a great little island and you will get to spend roughly an hour on the  Ti Top island.   However, this island can get extremely busy with tourists depending on the season of travel in Vietnam.

Visit Halong Bay’s floating village

Halong bay has given a home to the floating villages for thousands of years. And to this day the villagers still keep things very traditional. For example, they don’t have a power supply other than generators. The villagers don’t have WiFi which most of the world’s population would panic BIG time nowadays without it. You will see on your visit how they have kept things traditional and it’s a great thing they have going on, personally, I couldn’t live like that now but they seem happy! You will visit here and can either Kayak around the small village or have one of the local’s rows you around for 30 mins, Side Note –   We gave 50,000 vdk (around $1) to the lady who rowed our boat. She was astonished. All the villagers were amazed and they were was all so happy with this new given small richness of theirs. We couldn’t believe how so small money meant so much to them. It shows how we take things for granted.

A visit to Halong Bay’s pearl farm

This is where you will get to see how them amazing pearls that are a popular choice of jewellery, are created. In addition, you will be given a little tour through the different stages of the creating of these magnificent little moneymakers. This will also be your first stop on Vietnam’s   Halong Bay 2day/3night cruise  and it also where you will have your first chance to  kayak in Halong Bay.

Check out how to get from  Hue to Hoi An  here!

Squid Fishing in Halong Bay

After your 7pm meal, you can make your way to the rear of the boat to participate in night squid fishing. You can wobble a rod for around 30 mins to see if you’re lucky enough to catch one these tentacled swimmers of Halong Bay. However, I didn’t hear of anyone catching anything in the Vietnamese sea.

Halong Bay Cooking class

I’m a foodie and I do enjoy Vietnamese spring rolls. The Halong Bay cooking class teaches you how to prepare spring rolls and then you get to devour your marvellous creation.  The Hanoi to Halong   bay cruise  cooking class takes place just before tea at around 6pm and lasts for 30 minutes.

The famous Halong Bay tour happy hour  – Yeahhhh happy hour 🙂 cheap cocktails all-round. I don’t really drink much but I did take advantage of the 2-4-1 cocktails on the  Halong Bay cruise tour.   There is a good range of cocktails available on the  Halong cruise  and the cocktails on board contain plenty of alcohol. Furthermore, with happy-hour the cocktails work out at around $2.80 each. Not a bad price for a cocktail whilst you watch the  sunset on Halong.

That is the  best things you will do on the Halong Bay tour.  There is plenty for you to do and you are kept busy on your time on  Vietnam  Halong cruise.   Don’t worry if you are only doing the  Halong Bay day trip  there is still plenty for you to do.

Those doing a  2  day/1 night  and  3 day/2 night stay  will have a busy few days with these amazing  things to do on Halong bay.

You may like  Vietnam’s Marble Mountain Travel guide

Where will I visit on the Halong Bay Cruise?

The journey will start as soon as you make your way from  Hanoi to Halong Bay  or any other place in Vietnam. But, the places you will visit are;

  • Halong Bay –  This is where you cruise will start and it sets the scene for an amazing cruise.
  • Bai Tu Long –  Yes you will  visit Bai Tu Long  on the  Halong tour.  Here you will be amazed at more limestone rockery and Emerald waters.
  • La Ha Bay –  This is the 3rd bay you will visit on the  Vietnam boat cruise .  Some might say the views in  La Ha Bay  are just as impressive as  Halong Bay.  To be fair, I did find them very impressive!

Although you don’t directly visit  Cat Ba island  some boats do offer trips here. However, I was more impressed with a visit to  Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long and La Ha Bay.

Find more information on the below links for cruises to Bai Tu Long and La Han Bay;

  • Cruise to Bai Tu Long
  • Cruise to La Ha Bay

When is the best time to do a Halong Bay Cruise?

Early spring time in Vietnam – February to April  –  This is a good time to visit  Halong  as the  weather in Vietnam   starts to warm up. You may experience a few more tourists due to the nice weather. However, the weather will make it a good experience for you.

Halong’s summer time – May to August –  This is the best time to enjoy all the  best things you can do on Halong Bay.  For example, you can kayak in the sunshine without worrying about getting caught up in the rain. Sunshine makes everything better. Just a thing to thing about  Halong  will most likely get crowded due to the weather.

Autumn time – September to November – This is when you most likely get rough seas   due to the  weather in Vietnam . And this is when least tourists  visit from Hanoi to Halong   and everywhere else because of this. I wouldn’t recommend  visiting Halong Bay for a tour  this time of year.

Winter time – December & January –  Cold weather and low temperatures, do you really want to  visit Halong   this time of year? probably not! I would save your money and wait for a better time of year to visit.

See below link for the weather in Halong Bay to see the best time to visit for your Halong Cruise

Halong Bay Weather

Wondering  how to get to Halong Bay ? You should stay in Hanoi, and make your way from there!

What is the food like on the Halong Bay Cruise?

I was a little sceptical about what food the  Glory legend cruise tour  was going to provide due to  pre-cruise Halong information , stating it seafood. I do like seafood but I wasn’t sure I could handle a  3 day cruise on Halong Bay  just eating seafood. However, I was more than happy with the food. It’s delicious, I’ll run through one of the  Halong cruise  set menus for the evening meal;

  • Meal 1  – Chicken and vegetable spring rolls.
  • Meal 2  – Vegetable soup and bread.
  • Meal 3  – King prawn and squid salad
  • Meal 4  – Grilled fish and rice
  • meal 5  – Fish

More food than most can handle and it’s along super tasty!

If you like Vietnamese food, you will love the  Morning Glory Restauran t in Hoi An.

What if I don’t like seafood?

Don’t worry the Glory legend cruise has got you covered. They will make sure you visit to Vietnam’s Halong Bay is a special one and if you don’t like seafood they will change it for you.

Want some more inspiration for places to visit in Asia? check out  Khao Sok lake one day tour

Halong Bay Cruise Guide

This has been a positive post, why? Because I had an unforgettable time on the  Halong Bay cruise  and I want you to get a feel for what’s in store. For just $220 a person for a  2 night/3 day cruise on Halong Bay , with food included is an unbelievable price.

The only regret I have is how quick my 3 days on the cruise of  Halong  soon went. Nevertheless, I will remember this experience forever.

Thanks reading and hope your visit to  Halong Bay  is as spectacular as mine was.

Please share you experience with me.

You can check out my other Vietnam travel guides here.

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Explore Ha Long Bay On A Budget, Vietnam

Choosing a ha long bay budget tour.

One of the most popular things to do when in Hanoi is taking a tour of Ha Long Bay. This amazing UNESCO World Heritage Site is no doubt one of the top experiences to do when in Vietnam and leaves visitors breathless.  Though, problem is, there are so many options to explore Ha Long Bay. They range in price from the horribly cheap ‘I am not sure how this boat is floating’ type to the luxury junk boat cruise with a six course dinner included.

From the moment you arrive in Hanoi you will constantly be asked if you have booked your Ha Long Bay cruise yet. The amount of options seem endless and all the tour agencies which line the streets in the old quarter each seem to be selling a different one.

Well, being quite tight on a budget and having splurged on mac and cheese the previous night I decided to check out my options online. It seemed the main backpacker Ha Long Bay cruises were either with Ocean Tours or with Vietnam Backpacker Hostels . Though, through my research I came to find out the Vietnam Backpacker Hostels tour of Ha Long Bay was more of a booze cruise, with everyone getting obliterated, vomiting and getting down with it on the beach. I may be a backpacker, but that is certainly not my scene.

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How Much To Spend On A Budget Ha Long Bay Tour

Alternatively, I decided to book my Ha Long Bay on a budget adventure with Ocean Tours. They have two options, a Ha Long Bay Cocktail Cruise or a Ha Long Bay Adventure Cruise. I decided to go with the cocktail cruise option, as in contrast to the name, a lot of reviews seemed that this wasn’t a booze cruise, more just a few chill drinks and relaxing vibes. Though, it certainly isn’t a family-friendly Ha Long Bay cruise either.

I felt I would get the most value for money, and having found a promo code online, a managed to book a three day, two night excursion for $115.00. Alternatively, if you are staying at Chien Hostel or Hanoi Rocks Hostel they generally do a special deal if you book directly through them (a free nights stay or a free meal). Otherwise check out Halong Hub for many online details on a variety of cruise options.

Checking out the current prices online it seems to cost $89.00 for a two day, one night cocktail cruise or $149.00 for the three day, two night cocktail cruise.

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The Difference Between Ocean Tours Budget Ha Long Bay Cruise And Other Options

The main difference between booking with the Ocean Tours cocktail cruise and other tours to Ha Long Bay is the accommodation options. One of the main appeals with many other cruise providers is that they provide the opportunity to sleep in Ha Long Bay. These boats have separate cabins, allowing you to fall asleep to the motion of the ocean and wake up to the sound of waves.

Instead, Ocean Tours has their own island, Cat Ong Island within the Ha Long Bay/ Lan Ha Bay area, opposite Cat Ba Island. I had heard horror stories about junk boats and the type of accommodation they provide so knowing that I would be sleeping in a bed on land was of great relief. Also knowing that we would have a private beach to ourselves was another bonus.

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Ha Long Bay Cruise With Ocean Tours

Heading to haiphong.

We stayed at Chien Hostel in Hanoi and this place was amazing. For only $5.00 a night we slept in a very modern dorm room. There was an amazing rooftop view with an amazing buffet breakfast spread included every morning. The staff here are super helpful and there are free drinks every night for anyone interested.

Since Chien Hostel sells the Ha Long Bay cocktail cruise tour we were picked up right at our accommodation. A chirpy English Bloke called Nick bursts into the hostel with a massive smile and dreadlocks pointing every direction. He would be our tour guide for the next three days.

We jump on the bus and drive for the next three and a half hours to HaiPhong. This is where we leave the comfort of the bus and are squished into a speed boat to take us to our final stop. The speed boat is an experience of its own, legit like sardines in a can. Though, luckily it only lasts forty minutes where we stop at Caiveing.

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Boarding The Boat And Heading To Ha Long Bay

Waiting for us in Caiveing is a beautiful red junk boat which we would be chilling on for the next six hours while exploring Ha Long Bay and La Ha Bay. Table are set up along each side of the boat where we grab a seat and meet our new boat mates.

A quick introduction is given and we are shown our sailing route on a map. Its amazing how far the Ocean Bay Tour takes you compared with other tour companies. They usually just stay in one small area of Ha Long Bay. Oh and we are given cocktails, as no cocktail cruise can begin without drinks. Though, it is a lot too strong for my liking and I give it up to another member of the group.

The interior of the boat is wood, as well as all the furniture on board. The back of the boat open right up, with no rails and one hundred and eighty degree views. On the second story is a large lounging area, perfect for sunbathing.

Chilling out and enjoying the views we watch fisherman speed past in their little boats which look like they are barely holding together. The beautiful limestone karsts which shoot out of the ocean are stunning, especially against the blue water.

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Lunch On The Junk Boat In Ha Long Bay

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Kayaking in Ha Long Bay

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Swimming In Lan Ha Bay

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Arriving at Cat Ong Island

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Tasha Amy is a true backpacker at heart and has been discovering the world on a budget since 2015. Based in Gisborne, New Zealand she will spend many months each year traveling overseas as a solo female traveler before coming home and sharing her adventures online with you.

39 thoughts on “ Explore Ha Long Bay On A Budget, Vietnam ”

Avatar for Caio Lins

Such a great article. I’m visiting Vietnam for the first time next month and this helped a lot. I’ll do my best to use your links if I book anything mentioned. Thank you

Avatar for Alberto

Congrats for the good article. I agree with you on everything, especially the first part, as there hundreds of cruise companies working in Halon Bay. Unfortunately, not all of them achieve some minimum quality standards, and there have been accidents before. I am writing this seated in HCMC, the city where I live since 2019. In my free time, I also like to write posts about tourist attractions in Vietnam

Avatar for vietnamvisa.cheap

Nice write up! I’ve enjoyed reading your post. I think this will be very helpful in my upcoming trip to Halong Bay. Thanks, Tasha!

Avatar for kelly stevenson

Beautiful pics and great tips, thanks so much!

Avatar for Hannah

Love all the pictures and details in sharing your experiences. We are taking notes from your trips. We can’t wait to start our trip to Vietnam soon. Could you please share how do you keep your money/credit cards and other possessions safe while traveling? Did you use/pay with cash only or with credit card?

Avatar for Clazz - An Orcadian Abroad

Wow, your photos are amazing!! I didn’t have much luck with weather so I want to go back, maybe on a 2 night trip this time. Halong Bay is so beautiful!

Avatar for Hải Xuyến

wow, very attractive photos, can you tell me which camera you used ?

Avatar for Krista

this brings back so many wonderful memories! your photos look amazing, and that food ?? Wish I had gone kayaking when I was there! (also I love love the color of you hair!!)

Avatar for Tisha Miltiades

These pictures are BEAUTIFUL! Will definitely add this to my list of places to visit!

Avatar for Julia Elizabeth

Looks like PARADISE and the kayaking looks so fun!! What an amazing trip <3

Avatar for Livia Andrei

Wow, amazing experience. The pictures look great. I’m adding Vietnam on my travel list.

Avatar for Anisa Alhilali

I really want to go to Ha Long Bay, it just looks so beautiful. I think I may do it for my honeymoon next year. If that is the case, I think I will go for the luxury options.

Avatar for Nina

Gorgeous pics and the kayaking/swimming must be amazing there!! I would love to get there soon…hope so!

Avatar for Amy | Toothbrush Travels

I haven’t been yet but it’s definitely on my list of places to go! Your pictures make it look gorgeous! x

Avatar for Soraya @ Hello Raya

How amazing!!! I visiting Halong Bay YEARS ago and fell in love with the place. Your trip and photos looks amazing, and has sparked my interest to want to visit again!

Avatar for Nana Hm

what a beautiful experience :)) I was supposed to go to Vietnam this year, but we ran out of time and I want to explore the country at least a month so.. next time :))

Avatar for Sarah Shumate

Really interesting reading about your experience as it was similar, but still very different from our own in Ha Long Bay. Looks like you had fab weather for your visit, too! Looking forward to reading part two since we didn’t get to visit those islands when we were there!

Avatar for Ufuoma

Your photos are beautiful. Vietnam looks like the place to be. I particularly love the photos from your kayaking activities. Looks like such a thrill.

Avatar for Charmaine | Canadian Wanderer

This is one of my favourite places in the world! I love how detailed your post is. Sounds like an amazing time!

Avatar for Tayo

Great photos and sounds like a good company to travel and explore this area. Food pics look so inviting and yum!

Avatar for Charlotte Dovle

Great post! So many beautiful photos. The spring rolls made me hungry :D

Avatar for Ruth Rieckehoff

What an excellent post! I hope to visit one day and take gorgeous photos like you.

Avatar for gab_gone_dutch

ah this has been on my list for so long and your pics remind me why! looks simply gorgeous!

Avatar for Mitali Deshmukh

wow…i am actually planning a trip to hanoi in next month only waiting for my friend’s leave’s approval. this is the best guide i could have had for my halong bay trip… perfect and btw great photos..

Avatar for Sheree Strange

I second your preference for sleeping on dry land!! The photographs accompanying this post are absolutely stunning, well done – and those spring rolls have my mouth watering!! Thanks for adding another experience to my travel bucket-list ;)

Avatar for Kattrina Sales

Super enjoyed this post and I would definitely go and check it again once I make it to Ha Long bay :)

Avatar for Akvile Stan

Your experience sounds unreal. I have never heard of this, most likely because I haven’t looked at travelling that direction yet… it’s something I would love doing – both pictures and your experience sound so good! And that water…. WOW

Avatar for Lindsey Messenger

Good to know you can do it on a budget! I have been wanting to go here, it looks beautiful!

Avatar for Sarah @ Sarah Sees The World

Your post bought back all the memories of Ha Long Bay for me! The kayaking and swimming were highlights. This cocktail cruise looks like a perfect way to explore and I wish I’d got the chance to visit Cat Ong Island.

Avatar for Road Novel

Love your post! I worked in Cat Ba for 2 months and although I could do a tour for free, I didn’t do it. I still regret it all the time when I see pics from Ha Long Bay and surroundings!

Avatar for Ketki Gadre

I regretted not spending a night at Halong and only a day trip which lasted only couple of hours. But the tour operators seriously rip tourists which i feel is bad. I went to atleast 6-7 shops and checked online only then did i book those tours. Nevertheless it was amazing and i cant go to explore the other caves and beaches around that area. Thank you for reminding about my trip with your amazing photos.

Avatar for Eva Grosso

Sounds like you made the right choice and had a really great time. I really enjoyed the pictures of the food, it looked very yummy!

Avatar for Julia K

OMG! It looks amazing! I do not like hostels but you made me want to go to do it and get the hostel experience. I want to do it now!!!!! I remember it was 145$ per night on a fancy boat but now I KNOW!!!! Do you know what is the best season to go?

Avatar for Weekend Haven

Yay, thanks for the guide. I’ve been dreaming of going back to Vietnam lately. And Halong bay is on top of my list. :)

Avatar for Sandy Kul

This is such a useful article! I took heaps of notes and so excited to visit Vietnam! Thanks for sharing <3

Avatar for Meg Marie

I wish I knew about this when I was in Ha Long Bay! I got SCAMMED and didn’t even get to see the islands but from afar, a typhoon moved in and the weather was horrid.

Avatar for Julie Laundis

Your pictures of the lagoon are amazing! Halong is definitely on our list and this post cleared up a lot of questions for me. Amazing to know you can do it on a budget!

Avatar for Handaguide

This is great! My husband and I were arguing over Palawan Philippines (my choice) next or Vietnam (my husband’s choice) last night and this may have swayed me towards Vietnam! The pictures look gorgeous and so glad to know we can do it on a mac-n-cheese budget! :)

Avatar for Kay Rodriguez

Wow! I did a similar trip a few years ago but my boat was definitely NOT that nice, and it ended up raining a lot of the time…womp. Halong Bay is beautiful though, and it looks like you had an awesome experience. Amazing photos, too!

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Ha long bay luxury cruises – the ultimate guide – 2024.

The backpacking family Ha Long bay luxury cruises

Table of Contents

In this article we are going to review and recommend the best Ha Long Bay luxury cruises for 2024. We absolutely loved taking a luxury cruise around the beautiful and iconic Ha Long Bay in Vietnam. It is amazing how much you can get for your money in Vietnam. If you have ever wanted to experience a luxury cruise – this is a great place to do it! 

PLEASE read this guide carefully if you’re considering a cruise. There is a lot to know before you go! In our opinion, this is one of the best activities that you can do in Vietnam and we highly recommend it. This is a very popular activity, therefore there are loads of luxury cruises to choose from and it can be a bit overwhelming trying to find a good option.

In this article we are going to review the best luxury cruises so that you can make a fast and informed decision and pick the best option for you. We will also try and answer some of your questions about Ha Long Bay luxury cruises. We have included links to help you book your Ha Long Bay luxury Cruise. Please use our links to book your trip. When you book through these links – everything in the package is automatically included (transfer, food, activities and more). 

We use affiliate links which enables us to earn a small commission for every booking at no extra cost to you. This keeps us on the road and helps us to share the best travel information and inspiration with you. 

Planning a stay on Hanoi? Don’t miss our guide to the BEST 5 star hotels in Hanoi

Dreaming of a splash of luxury in the mountains? Don’t miss our guide to the best luxury hotels in Sapa

Summary of the best Ha Long Bay luxury cruises 

Here is an overall summary of the best Long Bay luxury cruises. The prices below depend on the occupancy, season, availability and the specific cabin that you select. It is also possible to pick longer cruises, however we have focused on 2-day 1-night cruises.

What do Ha Long bay luxury cruises normally include?

the backpacking family halong bay luxury cruise ensuite bathroom

Long Bay luxury cruises are normally all-inclusive (except for alcoholic drinks such as cocktails and beer). We are very impressed with the range of things that these cruises normally include. make sure you check exactly what is included when you book your trip. A good at Long Bay luxury cruise should include the following things: 

  • Amazing meals, normally lunch and dinner on day 1 and breakfast and lunch on day 2. Most cruises offer creative, delicious and fresh buffet food.  
  • Additional drinks, snacks and fruit between meals 
  • Complementary welcome drinks such as juice and cocktails 
  • On board swimming pools and jacuzzis
  • Amazingly furnished rooms with large windows and comfortable beds. Minibar, ensuite bathrooms normally including features like bathtubs
  • On board entertainment that may include singing, dancing and even activities such as cooking classes and fishing (all equipment is generally included)
  • Tours and activities such as kayaking, cave trips and swimming 

We recommend that you check whether your transfer to and from your hotel in Hanoi is included. Many companies offer a luxury limo van pick up service but this may cost extra.

TOP TIP: Plan to be disconnected! Many of the luxury cruises advertised Wi-Fi. However, be aware that Wi-Fi services may be weak, slow or non-existent. If you are taking a Ha Long Bay luxury cruise, make sure you do all your online jobs before you go and let people know you’re going to drop off the digital map for a bit! 

Is it worth taking a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay?

Kayaking halong bay the backpacking family

Yes, in our opinion it is well worth taking Ha Long Bay luxury cruises. This is genuinely one of the most unique and enjoyable travel experiences around. If possible we recommend taking a 3 day 2 night trip (depending on time and money). However, even a 2 day 1 night cruise is worthwhile. 

Our cruise in Halong bay was one of our highlights of Vietnam. Luxury cruises are a great opportunity to splash out and enjoy this beautiful part of the world. Whether you’re celebrating a special occasion (we celebrated our 10th anniversary on a cruise!), having a romantic weekend or enjoying an epic family holiday – these cruises are fantastic. 

How much does it cost to take a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay? 

luxury cruises halong bay

Although we strongly recommend Ha Long bay luxury cruises, it is worth being aware that this is quite an expensive experience. The cheapest luxury cruises in this area cost around £200 for 2-days 1-night all inclusive. Some of the premium cruises cost around £2,000 per night for a luxury suite. 

Most of the luxury cruises did not include alcoholic drinks. It is important to be aware that alcoholic drinks are not normally cheap on these cruises. Therefore, if you’re planning to buy drinks make sure that you consider this in your budget. You can normally buy a small can of beer for around 60,000 – 100,000VND (roughly £2 – £3 or $2.50 – $4). Expect to pay around 100,000 – 150,000 for a cocktail (roughly £3 – £5 or $4 – $6).

In some cases cruises may charge for coffee, tea and soft drinks during meals. This can feel disappointing for the prices you are paying. 

What is the food like on the Ha Long bay cruises? 

Halong bay luxury cruise food buffet meal

The food on the Ha Long bay luxury cruises tends to be very high quality. Most cruises offer lunch and dinner on day 1 and they also offer breakfast, brunch and possibly lunch on Day 2. The food on the cruises tends to be very fresh and delicious. You can expect things like seafood, soups, pastas, cheese, cold meats, chips, roast meats, BBQ food and much more. Cruises may offer buffet meals and or set menus. Food tends to be very creative and beautifully presented. 

Halong bay luxury cruise food buffet meal

If you have special dietary requirements we recommend that you contact the company before booking to find out what provision is available. Even some of the more expensive packages do not include good options for vegans and vegetarians. If you love a good coffee, we also recommend checking if this is available. Seriously – this is important!   

What is the best way to book a luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay? 

Ha long bay luxury cruise backpacking family cocktails

If you are looking to get a luxury cruise as cheaply as possible we recommend contacting some companies directly and trying to negotiate a better price. Some companies may be willing to offer slightly cheaper prices to secure a booking. However, if you want the reassurance and transparency of booking through an official platform we recommend using booking.com or agoda to book your luxury cruise of Ha Long Bay. When you book online, everything should be included in the package (transfer, meals, activities and more).

TOP TIP: Book in advance! It is not any cheaper to book your luxury cruises at Ha Long Bay. Therefore, we do not recommend traveling to Ha Long bay independently and trying to book your cruise there. Companies tend to charge more if you try to book at Ha Long Bay. This is unusual – because it is normally cheaper to book at location. But Halong Bay cruises are an exception to  this general rule. 

How long does a Ha Long bay cruise take?

cooking demo halong bay luxury cruise

You can take Ha Long Bay luxury cruises as long as you want. There are free boat transfers for new arrivals and people leaving the cruise every day. Most people take a 2-day 1-night luxury cruise – however this can be rushed. If you have the time we do recommend a 3 day 2 night cruise. If you opt to take longer cruises you are normally offered a special itinerary to make the whole experience varied and enjoyable.

Typical itinerary of a Halong Bay cruise (2d 1n)

Ha long bay cruise backpacking family

You will normally be picked up in Hanoi on the morning of the first day of your cruise and transferred to Ha Long Bay. Transfers are normally in a comfortable luxury limo and include 1 stop at a pearl market. This is pretty touristy and intense. When you get to the port you will normally need to wait for a taxi boat transfer to your luxury boat. 

It is unlikely that you will arrive on your luxury boat until around lunchtime early afternoon. You will probably be greeted with a complimentary drink and a lovely meal. From here, the itinerary is quite busy and very enjoyable. If you are doing a 2 day 1 night trip it can feel a little disappointing and rushed on the second day. Most companies ask guests to check out by around 10am on day 2. We can see why companies need to do this, however it is important to recognise that you may feel a little bit rushed on Day 2.

cocktails

On day 2 you will probably have an early breakfast, one activity, and then after this you may need to check out of your room. Most companies start the checkout process by around 9 – 10am. They will normally offer brunch or lunch before you take the taxi boat back to Ha Long bay port. From here it can feel like quite a slow process to be transferred back to the port and get your bus back to Hanoi. 

Are Ha Long Bay luxury cruises suitable for families? 

kids food luxury cruises halong bay

Yes, Ha Long Bay luxury cruises are family friendly. We took a 2-day 1-night cruise with our two beautiful boys (5 and 2 years old). We absolutely loved the experience as a family. Our boys really enjoyed the magic of having a bath whilst looking out of the window at the panoramic landscape. They also loved the activities and experiences. The food on The Long Bay luxury cruises is excellent. Many cruises include a varied buffet set with plenty of options (including western food like pastas, pizzas and chips), so it should be reasonably easy to find kid-friendly food.

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

If you are not sure whether there will be food suitable for your children, we always recommend contacting the company to check the menu before you book. Ha Long Bay luxury cruises also include excellent facilities and amenities for families. For example, high chairs will generally be included in the restaurant. You may also be able to arrange additional beds or cots to be added to your room (if you contact the company in advance). If you are unsure what facilities are included on your cruise, always check this before you book. 

What is the best way to get to Ha Long Bay? 

Ha long bay islands backpacking family

Most of the Ha Long Bay luxury cruises should include a two-way transfer service from your hotel in  Hanoi. This should include hotel pickup and drop off. The luxury cruises often use spacious and comfortable VIP limo vans. The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long Bay generally takes around 2 to 3 hours and includes a stop at a pearl market on the way. Always check exactly what is included before you book. If you are traveling to Long Bay independently you can arrange buses or minibuses. 

What things should you bring on a Ha Long Bay Cruise? 

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

The Ha Long bay luxury cruises tend to be all-inclusive, therefore you do not need to bring much with you. Here is a list of things that we recommend you to bring on your Ha Long bay trip:

  • Nice evening attire for a posh meal 
  • Swimming stuff (towels generally provided)
  • Suncream (SPF 50 recommended)
  • Bring a waterproof bag for valuables on the raft trip or kayaking (not essential)
  • Toiletries – some may be included any way
  • Bring plenty of cash (most of the boats have a nice bar) 

TOP TIP: Some boats can take card transactions but it is common to charge an additional 3% fee. So we do recommend taking plenty of cash for the trip. 

Can you bring your big bags on a Ha Long Bay luxury Cruise? 

baby travel checklist check in bag

Yes, it is possible to bring plenty of baggage on Ha Long Bay luxury cruises. However, if possible we recommend traveling light if possible. Firstly, the transfer from Hanoi to Halong Bay is in a minibus. There is room for baggage at the back, but be aware this can be fairly packed. Furthermore, you will also need to take a second boat from Ha Long Bay port to reach your luxury cruise boat.

It is likely that your cruise company will take responsibility for transferring your bags, however it can be a little bit awkward and unnerving if you have more baggage. The rooms on the cruise ships tend to be quite large and have sufficient space for storing large baggage. So if you are traveling with your large bags, it should not be a problem. However, for convenience and enjoyable travel we recommend leaving your large bags at a hotel in Hanoi and just taking what you need on the cruise with you in a smaller bag. 

TOP TIP: As a general rule, when we are traveling we always try to keep a small valuables bag on our person. do not leave valuables bags unattended. 

What things can you do around Ha Long Bay? 

Ha Long Bay is a very beautiful and unique landscape with thousands of impressive small islands, with steep cliffs, untouched jungle, secluded beaches and ocean caves. Here are some of the most popular activities that you can do in Ha Long Bay. May of our recommended tours include some of these activities:

  • Sea Kayaking and exploring islands and beaches
  • Snorkeling and swimming (the water is clear in some places but this may not always be included on your tour so please check)
  • Exploring sea caves and arches – local guides may take you by raft
  • Fishing (by day or night). This may be included on some tours. 
  • Take a sea plane or helicopter tour of Ha Long bay (not normally included with cruises)

It is worth being aware that many of these activities can be quite busy, especially during peak season. Many of these tours include the same attractions and sights, so be prepared to share these experiences with other people.

Things to check with your cruise company before you go

hanoi kids backpacking family

Here is a super helpful checklist of things to communicate about before you go:

  • Pick up arrangements (time and location)
  • Any special dietary requirements 
  • Accessibility requirements 
  • Any special requests for your room (cots or extra beds)
  • Let your company know if you are celebrating a special occasion – they often help you celebrate! Whether it’s a birthday, anniversary or honeymoon, most companies will make it special

What are the most common complaints on a Ha Long Bay Cruise?

We don’t normally like to complain; however, understanding some of the limitations can help you keep your expectations in check. Understanding the problems can actually help you enjoy the experience more. So we just wanted to take a moment to share some of the common complaints on these cruises:

Firstly, some guests find the trip can be a little bit too rushed, and the destinations that cruise ships visit can get quite crowded at times. Be prepared for an early check out on day two. The journey back to Hanoi can take a long time. Also be aware that on board swimming pools or jacuzzis are unlikely to be heated. 

Another common issue on these luxury cruises is the lack of Wi-Fi. Many cruise ships offer Wi-Fi on board, however the signal may be weak and the connection very slow. We recommend that you are prepared to be disconnected.

One issue that guests sometimes struggle with is the lack of provision for special dietary requirements. If you do have any special dietary requirements we recommend that you contact your preferred company before you book to check whether they can make a provision for you. 

Another common complaint is charging for soft drinks and water. We recommend factoring this into your budget or contacting your company directly to find out exactly what drinks are and are not included. Finally, some guests find the onboard bar prices quite expensive. 

Remember – keep it in perspective. These all inclusive luxury cruises are cheaper than one night in a luxury hotel in many parts of the world.

1 Cozy Bay Cruise

COZY BAY CRUISE 1

This lovely little cruise ship has a surprisingly good range of rooms and suits available – whether you’re a solo traveller, a couple or a family. They uniquely offer a single room for just over £100 (or $120) making this one of the cheapest luxury cruise options around.

COZY BAY CRUISE 2

They also have double rooms, twin rooms and a family suite available. The family suite is great value for money generally costing around £300 – £400 per night. The Cozy Bay ship is a small two floor boat with a small upper deck area. Rooms a very beautiful and comfortable with large windows, wooden interiors and a classy clean feel.

COZY BAY CRUISE 3

Cozy Bay Cruise also offer a fun action packed itinerary that is similar to many of the more expensive cruise options. The food on Cozy Bay is generous, fresh and tasty and includes seafood, Vietnamese food and western food. If you’re looking for a luxury cruise for a great price – Cozy Bay is a great option.

2 Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise

Paradise Luxury Sails 3

Price range: £200 – £500

Paradise Luxury Sails Cruise offers great value for money. There are some of the cheapest luxury cruises of Ha Long bay. The cruise boat has the classic “junk boat style” with sails and a beautiful deck. The boat is well designed and stylishly furnished with classical interiors.

Paradise Luxury Sails 3

This is one of the larger cruise ships in the area. The facilities and amenities on board the paradise luxury sales are very good. They have a spacious restaurant, minibus, spa and they also offer movie nights and entertainment. Activities include a bamboo boat tour, kayaking, Tai Chi lessons and squid fishing. Be aware that some of the facilities can get busy at times.

Paradise Luxury Sails 3

Also, be aware that it is more likely that you will be sharing tours and experiences with more other people. This may be an advantage or disadvantage, depending on your  preferences. They also offer a suite room with a private terrace. 

Disadvantages: The main disadvantages are that there is no on board swimming pool. Also rooms don’t include bathtubs (this was one of our favorite features).

3 Victory Star Cruise

Victory Star cruise

Price range: £200 – £550

Victory Star Cruise is on the cheaper end of the Ha Long bay cruises. Overall the price, experience and facilities are very similar to Paradise Luxury Sales Cruise. The main difference between these two options can be found in the availability of different types of rooms. The Victory Star Cruise has a slightly wider range of options available.

Victory Star cruise

There is a triple room available (unique for these cruises) and there is also a spacious presidential suite available with a private balcony. Victory Star has great facilities on board including a spa and the all important bar (be aware that drinks are not cheap). The main disadvantage of the victory star cruise (relative to some of the more expensive options) is the lack of an on board swimming pool or bathtubs in the rooms. These are features that we find and very appealing.

Victory Star cruise

The victory star boat is one of the larger cruise ships, with 3 floors and plenty of space. One of the disadvantages of the larger boats is that they can get busy at times. The victory star cruise also offers an excellent itinerary including rafting, kayaking, Tai Chi on the deck and cooking demonstrations.

4 La Regina Royal Cruise

La Regina halong bay

Price range: £200 – £600

La Regina has a fleet of luxury cruise liners offering a range of different facilities and services. Regina Royal Cruise is a luxurious and decadent option offering great value for money. The suites available on this cruise ship are relatively spacious and include an ensuite bathroom with a large whirlpool bathtub.

La Regina halong bay

You can also get triple rooms on this ship. This cruise ship also has a spa onboard and a sauna. There is a bar available on the deck too. This cruise also offers some great activities including fishing trips, Tai Chi, cooking demonstrations and much more.

La Regina halong bay

Overall this is a very good option if you are looking for a balance of great value for money and luxury. 

5 Dora Cruise (sister ship of Rosa Cruise)

Dora value luxury cruise halong bay

Price range: £200 – £1,000

Dora cruise is one of the best value for money options in Ha Long Bay. As a smaller boat this cruise offers a more intimate experience. On average there are more staff allocated to each customer, facilities and public spaces are less crowded and it can be easier to get to know other people on the ship. This beautiful cruise ship offers excellent facilities, amenities and services.

Dora value luxury cruise halong bay

Dora cruise rocks a stylish classic continental interior design theme with some indochine features. They offer excellent food and an action packed itinerary. The activities can feel pretty rushed – but this is true on many of these cruises. We love the use of artificial grass on the top deck. Rooms offer ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs.

Dora value luxury cruise halong bay

They also have small balconies so you can sit out and enjoy the views. They also have a two room connecting family suite that can sleep up to 4 people – this is unique for Ha Long bay cruise ships. Dora cruise is one of the cheapest cruise liners in the area that also offers an outdoor swimming pool on the top deck. 

6 Signature Halong Cruise

Signature Ha long bay cruise

Price range: £200 – £1,200

If you’re looking for a fun luxurious cruise then check out Signature. The smaller boat offers a more intimate and less crowded experience. This lovely boat offers light vibrant rooms with vintage interior designs and luxurious furniture.

Signature Ha long bay cruise

The food is excellent, they offer delicious buffet sets with plenty of choice. Signature also offers a spacious two room connecting family suite which can sleep up to 4 people, a unique feature on these cruises. Suites are also equipped with en suite bathrooms with spa bathtubs. The main disadvantage is that the windows are quite small in some of the suites.

Signature Ha long bay cruise

The Signature cruise offers excellent activities including cooking classes, snorkeling, kayaking and more. The Signature cruise ship does not have an on board swimming pool. 

7 Madeline Cruises

Madeline halong bay

Price range: £200 – £1,300

Overall this is one of THE BEST Ha Long bay cruises around. This ship is super classy and offers an excellent service all round. The Madeline Cruise liner is a stylish floating 5 star hotel. Madeline offers a sleek minimalist interior design theme with some beautiful classical features.

Madeline halong bay

We love the classic staircase in the dining room. There is a good range of suites available; rooms are comfortable, clean and beautifully furnished with large windows giving plenty of natural light and great views. The main downside of Madeline Cruises is the lack of bathtubs and onboard swimming pool. If this is important to you we recommend looking at some of our other options.

Madeline halong bay

Madeleine makes excellent use of deck spaces allowing you to relax and enjoy amazing views of Ha Long bay. 

8 Paradise Elegance Cruise Halong

Paradise Elegance 1

Price range: £220 – £600

Paradise Elegance Cruise is an amazing option if you’re looking for luxury, awesome features and competitive prices. This beautiful cruise liner utilises a 1900’s classic interior design theme. Large french windows afford plenty of natural light and excellent bay views. We are particularly impressed with the premium suite with terrace and captain view.

Paradise Elegance 3

Firstly, this suite is equipped with an ensuite bathroom and a bathtub – large windows mean you can relax with amazing views of the beautiful bay. Also, having a forward-facing terrace allows you to relax with the most exhilarating and impressive views on the boat. Paradise elegance also offers an engaging and exciting itinerary of activities and experiences.

Paradise Elegance 2

They also have an onboard spa, bar, top deck swimming pool and the food is amazing! You really do pay a little more to get a lot more on Paradise Elegance. 

9 Rosa Cruise

rosa cruise

Price range: £230 – £1,200

If you’re interested in the Rosa cruise we recommend checking out the Dora cruise too. The Dora ship is slightly cheaper and is very well equipped. Be aware that the company may allocate you to a Dora cruise anyway. Rosa Cruise is a small boat offering an intimate experience.

rosa cruise

Facilities and public space are less likely to be over crowded and you are more likely to get to know other passengers on a smaller ship. This lovely ship also has an excellent range of options, especially for families or larger groups. You can choose between a triple suite, a connecting room Family Suite or an impressive honeymoon suite. 

rosa cruise

Overall Rosa offers a great service, excellent facilities and brilliant value for money.

10 Doris Cruise

Doris cheap luxury cruise halong bay

TOP PICK for value for money

Price range: £230 – £1,000

This is one of our TOP PICK luxury cruises in Ha Long Bay. The Doris cruise ship is a small, stylish and classy ship with excellent facilities and amenities. The smaller ship experience offers a more intimate ambiance and is less crowded than some of the bigger boats.

Doris cheap luxury cruise halong bay

We absolutely love the stylish and tasteful design of the rooms and Suites on the ship. Large french windows for plenty of natural light and allow great views of Ha Long bay. Rooms include an ensuite bathroom with a luxurious bathtub next to a large window allowing excellent views of the bay as you bathe.

Doris cheap luxury cruise halong bay

We absolutely loved the swimming pool which is designed at the front of the boat to give an exhilarating experience and epic views when you take a dip. This package also offer an excellent itinerary with engaging and fun activities. 

11 Aspira Cruises

Aspira luxury halong bay tour

Price range: £250 – £800

There are some great features on this boat (e.g. small rooftop pool, bathtub rooms and nice vibes). Aspira is a mid-size ship with 3 levels. There is a small pool on the top deck, sun loungers and canopies for shade. This boat has a fun ambiance.

Aspira luxury halong bay tour

You can get a good range of suites on Aspira. We love the use of large windows for great views. Whether you want to relax in bed gazing at the view or sit out on a terrace sipping a drink. The staff on Aspira are fantastic – welcoming friendly and quick to help.

Aspira luxury halong bay tour

Overall this is a very good option. You can get similar boats slightly cheaper, so we do recommend shopping around.

12 Mon Chéri Cruises

Mon Cheri ha long bay luxury

Mon Chéri cruises offer a very good experience. This is one of the big names for luxury cruises in Halong bay. This stylish cruise ship has excellent facilities, amenities and services. We are particularly impressed with the forward facing president suite.

Mon Cheri ha long bay luxury

This large decadent suite has large french windows and a forward facing private terrace offering amazing views. There is a small top deck swimming pool on this boat. Mon Chéri also offers an engaging itinerary of activities and experiences.

Mon Cheri ha long bay luxury

Free drinking water is available in the reception so you can top up your bottle. 

13 Genesis Luxury Regal Cruises

Genesis luxury boat

Price range: £250 – £900

Genesis is one of the most beautiful Long Bay cruise ships around. This stylish small ship has a tasteful indochine interior design theme. The staff are genuinely amazing on Genesis and will make your trip magical and memorable. The Genesis cruise ship has a jacuzzi on the top deck at the front of the boat for excellent views.

Genesis luxury boat

We love the stylish and comfortable suites on the luxury boat. Bathe with a view! Rooms on Genesis come with a bathtub as standard so that you can enjoy the view as you soak. We are also impressed with the range of room options on the Genesis boat.

Genesis luxury boat

They have a connecting family suite and several larger room options available too – so this is a great option for families. Overall, Genesis offers a great balance between price, luxury and service.

14 Peony Cruise

Curious to find out more? Don’t miss our dedicated review of Peony Cruise

Peony cruise Ha Long bay

Price range: £250 – £1,000

Keep an eye on Agoda for GREAT deals and discounts on Peony .

This is our top pick for families on a budget. Peony is a small traditional style boat with sails. There are two decks, with a top deck bar, swimming pool and sun loungers. There is a dining room and they offer buffet and set menu meals. The food is fantastic – creative, tasty, fresh, varied and high quality. They also have great facilities for families – baby chairs and kids meals are available.

Rooms and suites are spacious, comfortable and stylish. All rooms have bag storage space, a fridge and balconies. All rooms include a bathtub – even at the cheapest end. This is a lot of fun for kids. We love the large windows so that you can gaze at the panoramic scenery as you bathe. Peony also offer a fun and action packed itinerary including bamboo rafting, kayaking, swimming, squid fishing and a cooking demo. We loved the fun happy vibes on this luxury cruise.

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

We have chosen this as a TOP PICK for families on a budget. They allow families to book the cheaper suites (which can be as cheap as £200 on offer). These suites have a “sofa bed” by window for children. Contact them directly to request this.

15 Indochina Sails Premium

Indochina luxury liner

Price range: £275 – £400

The Indochina Sails offers a superlative 5 star cruise with an excellent itinerary. This luxurious ship has very good facilities on board. Some of their suites include a bathtub (e.g. the suite with balcony) – but this isn’t standard – so check when you book.

Indochina luxury liner

Indochina offers impressive food and can cater well to special dietary requirements (remember to communicate before you book and also when you are on the cruise). Indochina is one of the smallest style cruise ships offering a tranquil, peaceful and non-crowded service. A huge advantage of a small boat like this is the level of personal service staff provide.

Indochina luxury liner

The staff are excellent and can cater for specific needs and special requests. The main disadvantage is that the final day can end quite early – this can be disappointing, especially if you’re only on a 2 day 1 night experience. Keep your expectations in check. 

16 Alisa Luxury Cruise

Alisa luxury halong bay trip

Price range: £275 – £1,200

Alisa Luxury cruise is a classy and luxurious boat with a swimming pool and excellent facilities. The price, level of service and the advantages are similar to Indochina Sails. The main difference is that Alisa is a larger boat than Indochina.

Alisa luxury halong bay trip

Alisa offers an impressive range of cabins to meet everyone’s needs. An ensuite bathroom and bathtub are standard. The food on the Alisa Luxury cruise is excellent – with a strong emphasis on seafood (this is normal for these cruises).

Alisa luxury halong bay trip

Overall this is a fantastic option if you’re looking for a high level of service. 

17 Stellar of the Seas Cruise (sister ship of Elite of the Seas)

Stellar luxury cruise

TOP PICK for couples

Price range: £300 – £2,000

This is one of the best Ha Long bay cruises. The Stella cruise boat is a modern style yacht – this is very unique for Ha Long Bay cruises. The facilities and amenities on the Stellar Cruise are excellent. There is a mini putting course, top deck swimming pool (you can do floating breakfasts!) and there is also a spa on board. Stellar has an excellent range of rooms.

Stellar luxury cruise

Rooms come with a bath as standard. We particularly love the bathtubs in the larger suites – large windows allow excellent views as you relax in the bath. The presidential suite with private sun terrace is very impressive – this suite is genuinely more decadent than many 5 star hotel rooms. The staff on Stellar cruise are amazing – they offer a very personalized service with attention to all of the small details.

Stellar luxury cruise

They also offer a fun and engaging itinerary. This is not a good choice if you are dreaming of taking a cruise on one of the traditional style “junk boats”. But if you are hoping for luxury, service, amazing food and epic facilities – this is one of the best choices in Ha Long bay. 

18 Elite of the Seas (sister ship of Stellar)

Elite luxury cruise boat

Price range: £330 – £2,500

Elite offers many of the benefits of a modern stylish yacht. The service, philosophy and style is similar to Stellar – but the price tag is a little higher. Here are the main differences: The Elite of the Seas is a larger and slightly older vessel (but still amazing and new in its own right).

Elite luxury cruise boat

The additional space allows more facilities and gives the ship a more lively vibe. There is also a bigger range of rooms and suites available. At the cheaper end of the room options we think the suites are better on the Elite of the seas – however the difference isn’t massive.

Elite luxury cruise boat

Although Elite is a large vessel it does not include a spa on board. Just like the Stellar experience – the staff really bring the whole thing together – with friendly warm personalized service and Vietnamese hospitality. 

19 La Regina Grand Cruise

La Regina Grand luxury halong

TOP PICK for families

Price range: £330 – £900

La Regina is our top pick for families. This large luxurious cruise boat has beautiful tasteful features and excellent facilities. We love the classy indochine interior design theme. Rooms and suites are beautifully furnished.

La Regina Grand luxury halong

La Regina has amazing common spaces around the boat – decadent lounges, a landscaped garden, a jacuzzi and an engaging kids play room. The Lan Ha Trio suite is very impressive – this spacious suite can sleep up to 4 people.

La Regina Grand luxury halong

We love the small touches like a wooden bathtub and east Asian artwork. La Regina is one of the more expensive cruises. They offer a fun and engaging itinerary of activities. 

20 Le Theatre Cruises – Wonder on Lan Ha Bay

Le Theatre luxury boat

TOP PICK for luxury

Price range: £350 – £1,300

This is our TOP PICK for luxury. Le Theatre cruises offer all of the best features of these cruises on one boat. This large spacious cruise liner is the epitome of luxury. There is a large exquisite dining room with decadent furniture, a stylish bar, a top deck swimming pool, sun loungers and a spa on board.

Le Theatre luxury boat

The dining room has a grand piano and upper deck area with balconies. The suites on Le Theatre are all superlative. We were particularly impressed by the panorama suite with its large windows and impressive views. This suite comes with an ensuite bathroom and bathtub with a view.

Le Theatre luxury boat

If you’re already splashing out on a cruise and your budget can stretch a little further, we thing you will really love La Theatre. 

21 Orchid Classic Cruise

Orchid ha long bay cruise

Price range: £400 – £900

Orchid is one of the most expensive Ha Long Bay cruises around. The Orchid ship is smaller offering a more intimate feel and personalized service. The suites are impeccably designed to prioritize comfort, natural light and stunning views.

Orchid ha long bay cruise

The spacious Orchid exclusive suite offers style and a large free standing bathtub. For a small luxury boat Orchid offers very good facilities including a spa, top deck jacuzzi, fitness suite and bar. They also offer an excellent program of activities including Tai Chi and a cooking class. If you’re trying to choose between Orchid and Le Theatre, consider the boat size.

Orchid ha long bay cruise

This makes a big difference to your experience. If you prefer a smaller boat with a more personal and intimate feel, then Orchid is best. If you prefer a larger boat with good vibes, then Le Theatre is the best option. Le Theatre also offers a wider range of rooms and suites. 

What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for price? 

In our opinion the BEST value for money Ha Ling bay luxury cruises are offered by Dora Cruise and Doris cruise . Both companies have beautiful boats, amazing facilities and suites and an excellent itinerary. Both Dora and Doris offer some of the lowest price packages – so overall we rate these as the best value for money. They are not the absolute cheapest options – but we do think they are both excellent options on the low budget end of the spectrum. Peony is also a great option for families on a budget. You can get some great deals on Peony and they also have window sofa beds in their cheaper suites.

What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for couples?

The best Halong Bay cruise for couples in the Stellar of the Seas Cruise . Everything about this luxury yacht screams romance. The service is epic and the space lends itself to a fun and romantic experience. 

What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for families? 

Many of the cruise liners offer larger family suites – and in some cases you can find connecting rooms. The overall best option for families is La Regina Grand Cruise with a range of large suites available, awesome kid-friendly food and they even have a kids playroom. It is the small touches that matter when your traveling with kids. 

What is the best Ha Long Bay cruise for luxury? 

In our opinion Le Theatre is the most luxurious Ha Long bay cruise. All of the cruises offer luxury – but at the high end of luxury we recommend the classy Le Theatre Cruise. The large boat has a vintage, classic cruise liner feel. Suites are decadent stylish and beautifully furnished. This is a very impressive luxury cruise.

Looking for more inspiration?

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Don’t miss our step by step 10 day Vietnam itinerary . We wrote this guide to show you how to SEE and EXPERIENCE all of the best attractions in Vietnam in only 10 days.

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Life loving, adventure chasing, Mum of 3 who loves travel. Over 10 years of travel writing experience. Emma now loves to give the best tips to help other travel loving parents plan adventures with their kids. Whether you need to find the best accommodation or just need to know how to pack your bag Emma is that travelling mum who love to help you.

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A Backpacker's World

6 Best Cheap Halong Bay Cruises (2024)

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As a budget traveller, it can be difficult to find a cheap Halong Bay cruise which is actually good quality.

Halong Bay is one of the most popular places in Vietnam, and one of the most expensive places too.

Thankfully, there are hundreds of tour options to choose from. And after researching for my own trip where I took a cruise of Halong Bay, I’ve put together this list of the cruises with the best value for your money.

Best Cheap Halong Bay Cruise

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When I was looking for a cheap Halong Bay Cruise for myself when I spent a month backpacking Vietnam , I couldn’t find any good blog posts with any helpful information. They were all giving $100 tours as the best “cheap” option, but in reality, there are so many cheaper options with just as good reviews.

While there’s an argument to be made for quality vs price and “you get what you pay for in Vietnam”, there’s a level where something can only become so good. At the end of the day, you only need a boat to take you through the bay, right?

And since you’re reading this post, I’m guessing you want to save as much money as possible.

After a lot of research, I came to the conclusion that the DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour From Hanoi, Daily Operated 2024 – 2025 is the best tour.

Serene Ha Long Bay view showing jade-green waters with local boats nestled between towering limestone islands under an overcast sky. Taken during a cheap Halong Bay cruise.

I know what you’re thinking: the name doesn’t exactly roll off the tongue. And don’t worry, you can meet in Ha Long City, you don’t need to start from Hanoi.

What I really liked about this tour is that it includes the entry ticket to Ha Long Bay UNESCO Site , which would otherwise cost an additional $12.

It also includes lunch and water, which other tours that appear to be cheaper do not. So while it won’t be the cheapest online, it works out the cheapest when you consider the entry price and lunch.

Book DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour From Hanoi, Daily Operated

I was really pleasantly surprised by the quality of the tour. I was expecting it to be a bit crap, to be honest, but it was really really good. The guide was really funny and he spoke perfect English, and the boat wasn’t too crowded either.

Seeing the iconic bay in real life was surreal to me – even if the weather was really bad and I could barely see half of the karsts. But it was still unbelievable.

My favourite part of the day was definitely kayaking, which is included as part of the tour. I love getting active while travelling and it’s hard to find a better place to go kayaking than somewhere as beautiful as Halong Bay.

Smiling man in a life jacket kayaking in Ha Long Bay, with the limestone karsts in the background reflecting on the water

Thankfully I had made friends on the tour – one of the benefits of travelling solo – so I wasn’t stuck having to awkwardly kayak with someone I hadn’t spoken to.

I also really liked all of the swimming stops. I don’t think I’ve ever swam somewhere as picturesque as Ha Long Bay.

Aside from this, sailing through the infamous emerald water and taking in all of the sights was a pinch-myself moment. It had been on my bucket list for years and being able to finally explore Ha Long Bay was incredible.

I really liked the outdoor viewing deck on the boat which is where I spent most of my time. The boat is actually pretty modern compared to other ones we sailed past, it was nice inside too.

Tourists on a boat enjoying the Ha Long Bay scenery, with rocky islands in the distance and a flowering plant in the foreground

And the lunch was tasty as well. It’s a Vietnamese and seafood platter served to each table, so you do have to share with others but that’s just the way it is on tours in Vietnam.

If you’re considering booking the tour , I definitely would, but the good thing about Halong Bay is that it’s so popular there are always lots of tour spots available, so you don’t need to book far in advance – there is room to be spontaneous. And as the name says, they run tours daily.

The only downside about booking this tour is the actual booking process. When you go to book, there will be about 10 different options to choose from. You can choose whichever suits you, but I had to read every option in-depth to see which one was right for me.

If you’re already in Halong City, then it will be the cheapest one where you meet them at the meeting point. You can include a transfer if you like, even from Hanoi. You can also pay for a deluxe cruise which gives you a bit more time – I personally just went for the basic option and I still had about 6 hours on the boat which I felt was more than enough.

Traditional Vietnamese junk boat sailing in Ha Long Bay with lush limestone mountains in the backdrop and calm waters. Taken during a cheap Halong Bay cruise.

And it’s not just my opinion, the reviews speak for themselves. The tour has over 250 reviews with an average of 4.5/5 which is a really high standard in Vietnam.

But all in all, I really liked the DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour and it definitely exceeded my expectations. The value for money is exceptional and in my opinion, you aren’t going to find a better cheap Halong Bay cruise for the price.

Other Cheap Halong Bay Cruises

Even though I think the DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour is the best cheap cruise of Ha Long Bay, I know that not everyone is the same and you might have different preferences to what I do. Here are 5 other options to consider, all of which are cheaper than the vast majority.

Halong Bay Discovery With 6 Hours Boat Tour from Halong City

This tour is *the* cheapest you will find online , costing only $17, but the big downside with this option is that it doesn’t include the $12 admission fee, and has a $6 fee for lunch. When you put it together, it’s more expensive than the first option.

And the reviews aren’t as good either. But if you want to spend as little as you can online and spend more in person using cash, then it’s an option to consider.

Buffet on Paradise Delight Dining Cruise Halong Bay Day Tour

Buffet on Paradise is actually slightly cheaper than the tour I ended up going with, and I was actually originally planning on going with it. The reviews are impeccable and the value for money seems to be amazing.

The only downside is they only run cruises on Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays , so if you aren’t in Halong on these days of the week, unfortunately, it’s not an option.

But if you do happen to visit over a weekend, then it’s worth considering for sure. As I said, the reviews are overwhelmingly good.

Misty view of Ha Long Bay with silhouettes of multiple limestone formations rising from the tranquil sea

BEST SELLER – Halong 5 Star Day Cruise: Buffet Lunch, Wine& Fruit

If you don’t mind spending a tiny bit more money, then this is a really good option. As the name says, it is indeed a best-seller and it is rated 5-star with more than 800 reviews.

The extra price goes towards a sunset party which is included as part of the tour. However, the name is slightly misleading as alcoholic beverages are not included.

Still, it seems really nice and if I wasn’t on a shoestring budget, it’s one I would consider.

Ha Long Bay: Luxury Day Cruise, Caves, Kayak & Buffet Lunch

If you want a luxurious cruise experience without breaking the bank, then look no further as the interior of this ship is stunning. It looks like a fine dining restaurant!

It also includes a welcome drink too which is a nice touch, as well as a full meal and the typical Ha Long Bay activities.

If you’re willing to spend a bit more, it’s the perfect option. Vietnam is so cheap that you can feel like a VIP for little to nothing.

Man standing in front of Ha Long Bay's calm waters, wearing a casual white tee and shorts, with distant limestone islets

All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Halong Luxury Cruise, Meals, Cave, Kayaking,Swimming

While the name is for a 2-day, 1-night tour, there is an option on Viator for taking just a day tour. I wouldn’t recommend the overnight tours as you don’t really see or do anything extra, you just spend more time at each place.

The day tour still takes you to all of the most popular spots and includes enough time for kayaking and swimming. Even if you have the time, I still wouldn’t do the overnight tours – they’re a waste of money.

It’s not the cheapest on the list, but it’s definitely not the most expensive either – far from it. It’s a pretty solid option for a middle-ground price.

Below are some commonly asked questions related to the best cheap Halong Bay cruise along with my answers to each question.

The cheapest way to book a Ha Long Bay cruise is by booking in person. You can book through hostels, hotels or tour agents. Booking in person is always cheaper than booking online in Vietnam.

The average Halong Bay cruise costs around $40-50. It’s one of the more expensive activities in Vietnam but it’s worth it because the area is breathtaking. The popularity of the UNESCO Site means it has higher prices.

Yes, it’s possible to visit Halong Bay on a low budget. Most backpackers will stay on Cat Ba and take a tour which goes through both Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay. It usually works out cheaper than staying in Halong City.

It is not necessary to book a Halong Bay cruise in advance as there are hundreds of options so there is always space. You can usually book a cruise for the next day, or even the same day. It doesn’t hurt to book in advance if you want a specific company though.

Final Thoughts

And there you have it, a complete overview of the best cheap Halong Bay crusies.

Remember, the best one in my opinion is the DELUXE Halong Bay Day Tour From Hanoi, Daily Operated 2024 – 2025 .

It has the best value for money and includes lots of good activities like swimming and kayaking, as well as a good lunch.

If you want to save even more money, then consider Lan Ha Bay over Ha Long Bay , as it offers a very similar experience for a fraction of the price.

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Josh Band is the founder of A Backpacker's World. He is a full-time traveller currently on a mission to visit every country in the world. As a full-time traveller, Josh knows exactly how to make the most of any trip and shares these tips with his readers. Josh mostly travels as a backpacker on a budget, so he is also an expert when it comes to getting the most of your money while travelling.

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Ha Long Bay Cruise: Exploring Vietnam’s Limestone Labyrinth

S ee a calm, soothing side of Vietnam with an extraordinary cruise in Ha Long Bay. The UNESCO World Heritage Site is famous for its spectacular and mesmerizing scenery—rugged limestone islands encircled by emerald green waters.

Located in the Gulf of Tonkin in Northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay has more than 1,600 karsts and islets covered with jungle vegetation.

The neighboring Lan Ha Bay sports about 300 limestone islets. And northeast of both is the less visited Bai Tu Long Bay, which boasts 3,000 rocky islets.

These natural wonders of Southeast Asia developed over a period of 20 million years, with the sea sculpting the rocks.

The jagged islets and ancient karsts have been notched and carved by rain and seawater, creating hollow islands and caves.

Two popular caves accessible to tourists on a Ha Long Bay tour are Sung Sot Cave (“Surprise Cave”) and Luon Cave.

Famous for its vibrant green water and epic scenery, Ha Long Bay and La Ha Bay look like scenes from a movie. If you've seen the 2017 film Kong: Skull Island , you know it has been.

The magical scenery became the central set for the action film. Helicopters fly over the island mountains and eventually land on one lush islet, where a King Kong surprise awaits.

Rosy Cruise

We ventured to see the myriad of islets with a two-day, one-night Rosy Cruise . The boutique cruise company operates out of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay, offering sweeping views of the beautiful scenery.  

Built in 2020, Rosy Cruise features 22 luxury suites that meet international standards. With a maximum of 52 guests, the ship provides an intimate sailing experience, and wandering the boat never feels crowded. 

The spacious cabins are draped in comfy bedding and decor with ensuite marble bathrooms and stand-alone bathtubs with showerheads. Western-style toilets ensure a comfortable experience.

Every suite features floor-to-ceiling windows and private balconies, offering incredible, up-close views of the monolithic islands and the lapping green water of the bay.

The steel vessel boasts five decks with an outdoor jacuzzi on the third deck, a restaurant on the fourth, and a sundeck on the fifth.

All meals are served in the spacious dining room, with bay views on three sides. On the fifth floor, the sundeck offers a place to relax, enjoy a drink at the Skybar, and capture 360 views of the natural beauty. 

Our overnight cruise began at Tuan Chau International Marina in Ha Long Bay, located in the Quang Ninh Province, about 100 miles east of Hanoi .

After a short wait at the Rosy Waiting Lounge in Terminal 2, we were led by our English-speaking cruise manager onto the dock.

We hopped on Rosy Cruise's tender (a small boat) and took our seats on flat benches there.

As the tender sped away from the busy harbor and docked boats, we got our first glimpses of the monolithic islands covered in green vegetation. 

Our home for the next few days stood out among the natural scenery. As we approached, the crew crowded the back of the ship, enthusiastically waving at us. We transferred from the tender to begin our cruise.

After dropping luggage in our cabin, we enjoyed a welcome buffet in the dining room, with various hot and cold dishes, including fresh fruit, pumpkin soup, stir-fried vegetables, rice, potatoes, and barbecue chicken breast.

With windows on three sides of the restaurant, we could admire the beauty and isolation as we glided by limestone cliffs.

After lunch, we dropped anchor on the east side of Cat Ba Island, allowing passengers their first opportunity to venture out independently.

A few hopped into kayaks, enjoying close-up views of the rugged islets surrounding us. We took the free time to enjoy our private balcony and the stunning scenery.

In the early evening, we ventured up to the sundeck for the first time, taking in the full-circle views. We enjoyed tropical cocktails, fresh fruit, and rice crisps, a local snack.

Note the cocktails were not included in our cruise price, but they did offer a 2-for-1 happy hour price. Mocktails, soft drinks, and iced tea were available as well.

The chaise lounge chairs were optimal for taking in the view, the limestone islands jutting up from the calming waters.

Cooking Demo

In the early evening, we got a taste of the local culture with a cooking demo for spring rolls, a traditional Vietnamese dish . We learned how to pack the spring roll paper and properly roll it, laughing at our messy attempts.

Smartly, a Rosy Cruise employee deep-fried the rolls for us. But we got to enjoy the spoils of our labor, dipping the rolls into a spicy, tangy sauce.

We ventured back down a floor for a five-course gourmet dinner. We started with a seafood soup and a green mango salad topped with shrimp.

A third course featured a steamed shrimp cocktail and a fried squid cake. The entree included grilled sea bass with passion fruit sauce and vegetables. Dessert was a spongy cake with bananas and a caramel sauce.

After dinner, guests could enjoy additional cocktails at the bar and try their hand at squid fishing. Tired, we skipped the unique experience of squid fishing. The next day, we heard they didn't have much luck.

Guests awake at sunrise had the opportunity to enjoy tai chi on the sundeck.

A lovely breakfast awaited us in the dining room, with fresh fruit, croissants, pastries, and pho. We took advantage of the local availability to savor dragon fruit, a pricey tropical sweet in the United States.

After tai chi and breakfast, guests could board a tender to visit nearby caves and karsts, a noted area for some of the Skull Island filming.

The small vessels allowed people to come closer to the islets, venturing further into the bay. The crisp air and calm water made it a lovely way to spend the afternoon. 

Warned we might get wet, we opted to skip the trip because of the chilly weather. We took advantage of the time to relax and enjoy the quiet of the boat and surroundings. 

However, we regretted the decision after seeing the cool pictures our friends took. In bamboo boats, locals rowed the guests into the Light Cave, letting them see the limestone landscape hollowed out by the water. 

A slight chill kept us from swimming, but several passengers opted to kayak around Lan Ha Bay.

A final five-course brunch was served in the dining room before we disembarked for the mainland.

We began with potato and beetroot soup. A green papaya salad with beef followed, a refreshing dish. Slivers of smoked duck breast with orange sauce came next.

And the main course was a cordon bleu-like chicken dish with a cheesy sauce, rice, and bok choy.

A sweet, delicious mousse with slices of watermelon and dragon fruit wrapped-up lunch on our last day.

Then, we headed back to the marina, taking final glances at our floating home flanked by the small islands made of limestone.

The travel time for our return shuttle ride to Hanoi was about two hours. Our roundtrip shuttles to/from Hanoi were organized through Rosy Cruise.

Cruising Notes

We met a few other people who chose the two-day trip, but the three-day cruise seems like a better value in terms of money and time.

Still, we loved the relaxed, leisurely trip. Sitting on our balcony as we sailed around Ha Long Bay, lounging on the sundeck with a cocktail—everyday worries and the frantic cacophony of the city noise washed away. It all made for an unforgettable experience in Vietnam.

The cruise itinerary can change because of weather and water conditions. In the warmer months, swimming is more widely available.

The cruise line also sometimes visits Three Peaches Beach and Viet Hai village, a remote fishing village in the jungle of Cat Ba National Park. 

Less than three percent of the islets are inhabited, with people living on 40 of the larger islands. Less than 2,000 Vietnamese citizens live in the Ha Long Bay area, making it a haven for isolated beauty. 

Despite the seclusion, wasps of daily life are visible. Other cruise ships sail past, and smaller fishing boats weave through the waters.

At one point during our trip, a woman in a small canoe paddled along our ship, selling water and snacks. We marveled at her transferring goods to balconies on a higher deck.

When To Visit

Our two-day cruise was part of a five-day group tour of Vietnam planned by friends. Regarding cruise options, we recommend the three-day cruise in Ha Long Bay for $345. 

This will give you one full day on the cruise ship to enjoy this unique environment.

The best time for a Ha Long Bay cruise is April and May when there's plenty of sunshine and blue skies. This is also peak season, so cruise boats will likely be full.

September to November offers cool, clear skies. It's gray and misty in winter, from December to March.

Our February trip was clear, but the sky was a flat, muted gray. We enjoyed our first cruise but would love to return for brilliant blue skies in late spring.

We highly recommend avoiding June through August, which is monsoon season, making the weather unpredictable.

The post Ha Long Bay Cruise: Exploring Vietnam’s Limestone Labyrinth appeared first on Go Backpacking .

Ha Long Bay (photo by Dave Lee)

logo with a sun and stars over mountains

CRUISING LAN HA BAY - THE LESS-TOURISTY, BUDGET CRUISE IN HALONG BAY

17 Nov 2022   ||    SOUTHEAST ASIA    |    VIETNAM

The legendary Halong Bay (Bay of Descending Dragons) is at the forefront of most Vietnam tourist itineraries. Within easy reach of Hanoi , it is no surprise that this spectacular UNESCO World Heritage Site is so popular, attracting millions of visitors every year from all over the world. The 1553 square kilometre ocean spectacle is scattered with more than 1600 towering limestone karsts, meaning a cruise in Halong Bay is the only way to experience the unique natural beauty of the area.

The issue for many budget travellers is that cruising Halong Bay is typically very expensive! Many backpackers and travellers visit Vietnam on a tighter budget , where multi-hundred pound per person cruises are just not feasible. These types of cruises are also not ideal for solo travellers as they are often designed for pairs of people. As (mid-range) budget travellers ourselves, we spent a fair bit of time researching the best option. During our investigation, we also read that Halong Bay was rammed with tourists and quite dirty, neither of which (obviously!) appealed to us.

After much thought, our final decision was to take a slightly alternative route. This was affordable, void of trash, empty of tourists and putting it simply, utterly perfect. We were so happy with our choice! This post details everything you need to know about getting a budget cruise in Halong Bay, what the alternatives are, how much things cost, where to stay and more.

IN THIS GUIDE //

LAN HA BAY - A HALONG BAY ALTERNATIVE

Where is halong bay.

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT HALONG BAY

WHICH BAY IS BEST ON A BUDGET?

ARE THERE BEACHES IN HALONG and LAN HA BAY?

IS HALONG BAY TOURISTY?

HOW TO PLAN A CRUISE TO HALONG BAY

WHERE TO STAY FOR A LAN HA BAY CRUISE?

WHAT IS A DAY CRUISE LIKE?

DAY TOUR OR OVERNIGHT CRUISE?

GETTING FROM HANOI TO HALONG BAY

FINAL THOUGHTS  – HALONG BAY ON A BUDGET

Halong Bay is off the coast of northern Vietnam, situated in the Gulf of Tonkin, around a two/three-hour drive east of Hanoi, the capital of Vietnam. 

The nearest town is the tourist centre of Halong, with the larger town of Haiphong, home to Cat Bi international airport, just inland. South of the bay is Cat Ba Island, another small but pretty tourist hub.

The area is actually home to three bays: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay. All three are geologically similar, showcasing remarkable limestone karsts dotting throughout the sea. Sometimes Halong Bay is considered to encompass all three bays (they all look the same!). This is because geologically, they are part of the same plateau. However, they are split into clearly defined sections on a map.

A person floating in the blue-green waters of Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam

WHAT IS THE BEST MONTH TO VISIT HALONG BAY?

According to our tour guide, the summer months of July and August are very busy in Halong Bay with Vietnamese families taking full advantage of the school summer holidays. Our guide told us that tour capacities are at a maximum during this time due to domestic tourism. Therefore, if you are intentionally avoiding the crowds, choose a different month! If you must travel during the summer, the end of the season is best for avoiding crowds, however the weather is the least favourable.

June, July and August are also particularly hot (above 30 degrees C) and the area also receives a lot of rainfall and stormy weather, especially August. The water is also warmest during this season. 

October and November have great weather. We chose to visit at the beginning of November, and there were glorious conditions with no rain for the entire five days we were in the area. This can be a busier season in Halong Bay itself due to the weather, however other spots in the region such as Cat Ba Island and Lan Ha Bay were at way below half capacity according to our Lan Ha Bay cruise guide. It was warm enough to swim and hang out at the beaches during the day, but not so hot that sitting on a boat was uncomfortable. 

Halong Bay in March and April has similar weather to October and November, with mild temperatures and little rain.

Be aware that winter in northern Vietnam can get a little cold, which comes as a surprise to some who picture the country as sweltering and steamy all year around! Water temperatures in December through February can be chilly, so do not plan to swim during this time. It can also be quite foggy. There is minimal rain though!

A person enjoying the views from a Lan Ha Bay tour

Which Bay to visit on a budget - Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay or Halong Bay

If you are researching a trip to Halong Bay, the first thing to figure out is which bay to visit! The three bays mentioned previously (Lan Ha, Halong and Bai Tu Long) all look near enough the same, but many shorter boat tours and cruises travel only through Halong Bay. Halong Bay itself is the actual World Heritage Site and is by far the most popular. It’s also the best option if you are very short on time, so has an extraordinary number of visitors. Many tourists visit as a very long, rushed day trip from Hanoi – we do not recommend this at all (although you may have no choice with little time).

Bai Tu Long Bay is further away, receives less tourists but is not easily done as a shorter trip (often three-day, two-night minimums). This usually places it out of reach of most budget travellers.

For a quieter, cheaper option, consider a Lan Ha Bay cruise. This area is smaller (not that you can tell from a boat!) with around 400 islets across 76 square kilometres. There are lots and lots of beaches in Lan Ha, last I read there was around 140! It’s a far better location for swimming and snorkelling too, as the water is much cleaner and quieter than Halong Bay. Often, you might find a beach all to yourself if you head off in a kayak.

Lan Ha Bay is accessed via Cat Ba Island. Cat Ba Island has a great, affordable selection of hotels and restaurants. IT also had the cheapest scooter/motorbike rental we found in Vietnam and lots of tour agencies. 

Cat Ba Island is also home to Cai Beo fishing village, a fascinating opportunity to see a real, working village that minimal tourists ever visit (unlike the busy Halong Bay equivalent). They have solar panels to power their televisions, keep dogs to deter the birds from eating their fish and there are no hospitals or schools, so the children go to school on the island, living away from their families.

This makes Lan Ha a fantastic but simple ‘do-it-yourself’ option to see Halong Bay that will not stretch the budget.

Karst rocks in Lan Ha bay

Are there beaches in Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay?

Yes, Halong, Bai Tu Long and Lan Ha Bay have beaches! In most photos, there are just limestone karsts jutting out of the sea, but there are also small beaches, tide dependent.

From our research and our friends’ experiences, the beaches in Halong Bay can get extremely crowded, especially during peak season.

This isn’t a location for beach lovers though, really. Although any boat tour, both overnight and day, will stop at some kind of beach and provide opportunities for swimming in the bay, the purpose of the trip is to see the karst rock formations.

In our opinion, beaches in Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island are amazing, clean and quiet if this is a priority for you!

A small tidal beach in one of the lagoons in Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam

Short answer – yes. The main Halong Bay area is extremely touristy all year round. It was voted one of the seven wonders of the natural world in 2011 and is a very famous UNESCO World Heritage Site. This tends to bring the tourist hordes – around 6 million people a year and it is Vietnam’s most popular tourist destination. 

This, plus the terrible stories of pollution, is why we opted to stay on Cat Ba Island and visit Lan Ha Bay instead.

SAVE FOR LATER

♦ The Truth About the Tam Coc Boat Tour

♦ A Complete Guide to Riding the Ha Giang Loop

♦ Scooters in Vietnam – Are You Insured?

♦ A Guide to Visiting Ninh Binh

♦ Cat Cat Village, Sapa – Why You Should Avoid It

♦ Three Vietnam Itineraries for Shorter Trips

♦ Vietnamese Sleeper Buses – What Are They Like?

How to plan a cruise to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay on a budget

If you are looking to do Halong Bay on a budget, consider a day trip to Lan Ha and Halong Bay from Cat Ba Island.

Agencies offering everything from day tours to multi-night cruises can be found all along the main seafront promenade and in almost every hotel. The best option for finding the most affordable tour is to visit a few of these agencies over the course of a morning. Check out what they offer and what they cost (we found that they were all similar in terms of price).

We checked around six companies/hotels before settling with a full day tour of both bays with Cat Ba Ventures. This cost US$32 each which, although we were unsure about initially, in hindsight was outstandingly good value. The tour was a full day, leaving at 9am and getting back at 6pm, with a massive, quality meal and kayaking included. 

We booked the day before and the tour wasn’t full the next morning, so there’s no need to book well in advance. This was also the experience of our friends who booked last minute.

Kayaking in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay

Every tour we checked out had the choice of kayaking in Lan Ha Bay. We opted for this (it cost a couple of extra dollars) and was pretty cool. There are caves in Halong Bay that cut right through the limestone monoliths making it a particularly fun place to get out on the water. We would fully recommend choosing this addition!

A person in swim wear looking over at the karst rock structures of Lan Ha Bay in Vietnam

WHERE TO STAY FOR A LAN HA BAY CRUISE

Lan Ha Bay cruises leave from the port on the east side of Cat Ba Island, just south of Halong Bay.

Cat Ba Island is an excellent destination in its own right to spend a night or two (we spent five!). There are superb quality, affordable accommodation options and some of the nicest, cheapest food we found in Vietnam. The seafront promenade is so pretty and is perfect for sunsets. The traffic is extremely light making it very easy and peaceful to ride a scooter around the island.

Our recommended budget accommodation – Cat Ba Bay Vision Hotel

Our recommended restaurant – Yummy 1 (this is the real name – check on Google!)

THINGS TO DO ON CAT BA ISLAND

If you have a few spare days around your Lan Ha Bay Cruise, we thoroughly recommend hanging around for a while on Cat Ba Island.

♦  Cat Ba Island is home to some fascinating caves, including Hospital Cave which was used during the Vietnam/American War. 

♦  There is also the national park with epic, sometimes challenging hikes with panoramic vistas as your reward.

♦  Cat Ba Island also has several absolutely pristine beaches that can be reached on foot from the main accommodation area of Cat Ba Island – great for hanging out on a chill day off.

♦  Rent a scooter (120-150K dong is the going daily rate) and explore this little island – there are viewpoints, small beaches, amazing scenery and empty roads.

Waterfront hotels and guesthouses on the island of Cat Ba in Vietnam

What is a day cruise to Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay like?

Our experience went something like this:

The day started with a several-minute drive by bus to the port, where we boarded the boat. Ours had a capacity of (I think) 42 – but the tour only had around 20 people that day.

Onboard, there were two western flushing toilets with showers (not the nicest but far from awful). The boat had two floors, the top with shade, loungers and seating and the bottom with panoramic windows and tables for lunch.

We started the journey by passing through a huge floating fishing village (Cai Beo) – our guide provided loads of useful information that made the area even more interesting. As we travelled onward through the impressive limestone landscape of Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay, showing off the countless islets, the guide pointed out wildlife, cool geology facts and even some film locations.

For lunch, vegetarian, meat and seafood options were available. With the vegetarian selection, we had rice, cabbage, tofu, omelette, mixed salad, papaya salad, peanuts with salt and sugar, various fruits, corn fritter things and spring rolls. It was surprisingly good and there was *a lot* of it! 

Everyone was given a large bottle of water each (this seemed like a lot of plastic waste considering it would be possible to put a water dispenser onboard). Soft drinks and beers were offered throughout the day for a surcharge (30k for a beer, 20k for a soft drink).

After lunch, we cruised around and then kayaked through lagoons and caves in Halong Bay for 1-1.5 hours. 

Swimming near several beaches was offered mid-morning and late afternoon. The boat took us back during sunset to the pier, where we were driven back to the tour office at the Cat Ba seafront promenade.

A person on a makeshift transport boat driving through Cai Beo fishing village

Day TOUR or Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay?

If you are on a slightly less strict budget, consider doing an overnight cruise from Cat Ba Island through Lan Ha Bay and Halong Bay. You would still get the benefit of the reduced crowds and cleaner environment, whilst getting more time on the water than a day tour. 

The tour operators that offer day trips also have overnight options, so inquire if this is an option you are interested in. Prices we saw were around US$140 per person for two people sharing – here is an example of an overnight Lan Ha Bay cruise .

For perspective, a decent private room in a sea front hotel on Cat Ba Island is around US$30-40, so we felt that for us, a day tour was more economical. We also loved the restaurants, vibe and things to do on Cat Ba Island, so were happy spend our time there.

We also considered a day trip directly from Hanoi, but the typical Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi seemed horrific. It costs a little more (US$40-50) and you spend most of the day travelling and only a few hours on the water. Personally, we would not recommend this option unless that is your only choice and you are desperate. Check out this Halong Bay in one day as an example.

Warm orange sunset over silhouettes of Cat Ba island

There was a new highway completed at the end of 2018, reducing the distance from Hanoi to Halong from 175 kilometres to 125 kilometres. The journey now takes 2 – 2.5 hours by car or motorbike.

Public Bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Most public buses from Hanoi to Halong depart from My Dinh bus station in the West of Hanoi. From our investigation, 150K dong is the average bus fare for the journey, although most people get their transport organised through their accommodation or a tour agency. My Dinh bus station is easy to navigate (we got other public buses there) so you can head down and ask. Public buses may not be quite as comfortable as other options but are certainly the best budget choice for a trip to Halong Bay.

‘Limousine’/Mini Van/Shuttle Bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay

This is normally a smaller vehicle and often a more luxurious option, typically organised privately through hotels and tour agencies. The prices are more expensive, around 300K dong. You can see representative cost on 12goasia (this tends to be a bit more expensive than walking into tour operators directly which we would definitely recommend over booking online). This option usually picks you up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter.

If you book a full tour to Halong Bay from your hotel or tour operator in Hanoi, often this will include the transport. Check what your tour includes.

Getting the Bus from Hanoi to Cat Ba Island

This route is easiest to organise through a tour operator or hotel in Hanoi (or another city in Vietnam by sleeper bus ). The route involves a short ferry or speedboat ride, so is worth getting a ‘package deal’ – although it is possible to do by public transport if you want. It costs around US$13-14 from agencies.

As with all other shuttles organised by private companies, they pick you up at your hotel in Hanoi and drop you off at the promenade in Cat Ba Island.

We actually got the bus from Sapa to Cat Ba Island, then Cat Ba Island to Ha Giang , so only passed through Hanoi (had to change bus there though).

FLIGHTS TO VIETNAM

We exclusively book our flights through Skyscanner . It’s the cheapest way to book flights from anywhere in the world.

If you book your flights to Vietnam through our link below, we make a tiny commission that helps to keep this site running, at zero cost to you. Thank you!

Final Thoughts – Budget Cruise in Halong and Lan Ha Bay

A cruise in Halong Bay should unquestionably be included on your Vietnam trip, even if you are on a tight budget! The spectacular scenery is (almost) unmatched and it’s unthinkable to miss a trip here (although we actually did miss it on our first two trips to Vietnam because of our budget).  If you are still craving more karst rock scenery after your trip, check out the ‘Halong Bay on land’ – Ninh Binh . It’s one of our favourite places in Vietnam.

There are lots of options and for a budget or backpacking trip, we believe that our choice of Lan Ha Bay combined with Cat Ba Island is perfect for this scenario. We hope this helps your planning and that you have a fantastic trip to Vietnam!

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2 thoughts on “Cruising Lan Ha Bay – the Less-Touristy Budget Cruise in Halong Bay”

Really interesting and well written! Thank you for sharing and giving some inspiration! We planned originally 2 days but now we are considering 3 days 🙂

Thank you so much! I hope you have an amazing trip – it’s definitely worth three days 🙂

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Halong Bay: The Ultimate Party Cruise!

Adventurous Kate contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase through these links, I will earn a commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks!

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Halong Bay is, without a doubt, one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam. Thousands of giant limestone islands fill the bay, and when it’s misty, it gives off the feeling of a haunted Jurassic Park.

I knew I had to visit Halong Bay, and there are plenty of tour operators offering different cruise packages.  But over and over, I kept hearing the same refrain from fellow travelers:

“You have to do the trip with Hanoi Backpackers .  It’s expensive, but so worth it.”

Plenty of Halong Bay tour operators run two-day tours for about $25 and three-day tours for $35.  The Rock Long, Rock Hard Tour of Halong Bay from Hanoi Backpackers costs $70 for two days and $120 for three.

I decided to go with the two-day tour – and everyone was right.  It was so worth it.

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

We stepped on board and our tour leader, Sebastian, gave us a brief overview of the rules.  “Do not climb the rope ladders – they won’t hold your weight.” Check.  “Do not swim after dark – you’ll freeze and nobody will pull you out.” Check again.

Then came rule #3:

“Do not, under any circumstances – and people have been sent home for this in the past – drink from your right hand.”

“If anyone does, you may shout, ‘Buffalo!’ at them and they must consume the rest of their drink in its entirety.  The person who called Buffalo gets to then draw anything they want on that person’s face.”

This wasn’t our parents’ cruise, that’s for sure.  (Also, see the above photo.)

“If anyone uses the words  drink , drank or drunk , that person must immediately drop and do five push-ups.”

Oh, I was so in the right place!

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Amazingly, for the first time in my nine days in Vietnam, the sun came out. The sun warmed our faces, the sea looked like a smooth piece of jade, and it was absolutely glorious.

People jumped in from the top floor of the boat!

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Next, we went kayaking around the bay.  The scenery?  Incredible. I paired up with the only other American on the boat, a girl from Philadelphia, and we paddled our boat while cheering, “U-S-A! U-S-A!”

We even paddled through a cave.

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

But after dinner, the party really got started.

“You’re going to need a lot of drinks for this one,” Sebastian warned us.  It was time for an elaborate, enormous game of King’s Cup.

King’s Cup is a drinking game played by a large group with several decks of cards on the table.  People turn over the cards, and there is a rule for each card turned over.

Every time we turned over a 2, we jumped up and screamed, “F*CK YOU!” at the top of our lungs , forcing the other table to drink.  (“We usually hear complaints about that from the other boats,” Sebastian told us.)

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

My first card that I turned over was a Queen, which stood for cross-dressing – so I had to swap clothing with the first guy on my left .  I was SO glad I wore my hippie pants !  Don’t they look good on him?

The two best and most creative cards?  The troll and Stephen Hawking.

If you were the troll, you had to sit underneath the table – but you could tap people on the feet, and they would have to feed you their drinks!  One of the girls became an evil troll and drew all over everyone’s feet.

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Poor Mike was stuck as the troll for 20 minutes.  (I wanted to be the troll!!  I kept getting the God card and had to make up rules for the other team to follow!)

If you were Stephen Hawking, you had to sit motionless – the only way you could signal for a drink was to tap your finger on the table.  That went for smoking, too!

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

It was a crazy, crazy night. Before long, everyone at my table had to kiss the person to his or her left on the cheek before drinking, and all the guys at the other table were sitting in their undies.  (Big surprise — I came up with the latter rule.)

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Nothing made me laugh as hard as when the Stephen Hawking on the other team was chosen for cross-dressing — and had to be undressed and redressed by his teammates!

The game came to an abrupt end when a guy was pantsed by his mates …and then refused to pull his pants up, swaying in the breeze.  “I don’t even care!  This is fine!  Do you like it?”  In fact, his look-at-me-I’m-naked-from-the-waist-down speech went on so long, his mates had to “unpants” him.

But it was fine – because the boat turned into a dance party.

All of us who had been in Vang Vieng led the party in the Americano dance!

What a night.

The next morning, we cruised peacefully through the bay, admiring the stunning cliffs before us as we returned to the mainland.  The sky had turned gray again, but that didn’t make it any less beautiful.

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Would I recommend this Halong Bay cruise?  Absolutely. My friends and I are still talking about this cruise, nearly a month later.  We keep running into friends from the cruise as we travel through Vietnam, and each time, we reminisce about Stephen Hawking and the troll.

It was worth it to be on a cruise that was well-run. I’ve heard lots of stories about cruises being overbooked, and whenever this one overbooks, they tie on another boat and sail in tandem!  Every moment was well planned and executed.

It was worth it to be on a cruise with cool people. While other Halong Bay cruises are filled with “newlyweds and nearly-deads,” this cruise was filled with young people – many of whom were already our friends from the hostel!

It was worth it to be on a cruise with organized fun. Yes, I’ve had loads of fun everywhere I’ve been, but having crazy games was a nice change from the usual low-key hanging out at the hostel.

My one regret?  Going in January. I do wish I had decided to travel in chilly northern Vietnam during the summer months.  Had that been the case, I would have signed up for the three-day cruise, complete with camping on the beach and wakeboarding!

Here’s something I learned later : the first day of the Halong Bay cruise was my 100 th day on this trip. I could think of no better way of celebrating 100 days of travel!

Find a hotel for the night before or after your cruise here .

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

ha long bay cruise for backpackers

Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

Table of contents:, history of the city, park of culture and leisure, historical and art museum, october cultural center, kristall ice palace, memorial complex, museum and exhibition complex.

Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

2024 Author : Harold Hamphrey | [email protected] . Last modified: 2023-12-17 10:06

In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal. Its sights for the most part have no historical value due to the fact that the city has a relatively small history. But for a visiting tourist or city dweller, they will be of interest. There is something to see, where to go to have an exciting leisure time.

Today the population of the city is 158 thousand people. Until the beginning of the 20th century there were several small workers' settlements here. After the opening of the electrometallurgical and equipment factories, the place began to be called the natural boundary of Calm. The construction of the railway made this settlement accessible, and workers and families flocked here to earn money. In 1925, the station was named Elektrostal, and the rapid increase in population allowed the village to receive the status of a city.

attractions elektrostal photo

The founder of the city is a prominent Russian industrialist Nikolai Vtorov. It was he who opened the plant here, creating, in fact, a city-forming enterprise that is still operating. In Soviet times, it was a closed facility, and it was not easy to get to work here.

Today Elektrostal is a promising industrial city with a great future and a heroic past. It bears the proud name "City of Military and Labor Glory".

You can learn about the sights of Elektrostal with descriptions and photos here. There are places for walking, outdoor activities and cultural development.

sights of the electric steel of the Moscow region

Those who come to the city by train are met by a monument to the metallurgist. It was installed in November 2017 for the 100th anniversary of the Elektrostal plant. The attraction is made in the style of constructivism. The monument quickly won the love of the townspeople, because this city is supported by ordinary workers.

Elektrostal attractions photo with description

Elektrost altsy and the founding father of the plant, Nikolai Vtorov, are honored. In 2002, a monument was opened in honor of him, which became a landmark of the city of Elektrostal. The bronze sculpture is installed on the site where once stood a monument to the leader of the world proletariat, V. I. Lenin. Times change, characters change. Today, the plant, founded a century ago, is the largest in Russia. Vtorov himself, whose fortune was estimated at 60 million rubles in gold, according to Forbes magazine, was the owner of the largest capital at the beginning of the century. He was a banker, an industrialist, an entrepreneur, a man of action.

The monument was erected byinitiative of the townspeople who wished to perpetuate the monument to the great man.

One of the popular places for spending weekends and evenings among citizens and guests of the city is the Park of Culture and Leisure. Here you can ride attractions for children and adults, play slot machines, rollerblade or bike. The park is divided into two zones. Fans of unhurried walks in the fresh air make a promenade on the Quiet Alley, and those who prefer outdoor activities flock to the Entertainment Alley. The park has a summer stage, where concerts and cafes are regularly held.

Elektrostal attractions

Until 1999, there was no central museum among the attractions of Elektrostal in the Moscow Region. The expositions were exhibited in schools, the house of culture, in factory museums. The city was closed, so there was no large influx of tourists and visitors. The appearance of the historical and art museum made it possible for residents and guests of the city to learn a lot of useful information about their native land, the formation of the production process, and the difficult years of the war. The exposition consists of paintings by local artists, historical artifacts, household items, documents, books and much more. The collection is updated regularly. It also hosts outdoor exhibitions, which are always popular with the townspeople.

One of the main attractions of Elektrostal, the photo of which is available to almost every resident or visitor, is the Main Alley. On herpassers-by like to stroll along shady paths, townspeople rest by the fountain after a hard shift at the plant. Flower beds are the decoration of the alley. In 2006, a flower festival was held here for the first time, which has become traditional. Each enterprise of the city and private individuals give residents a real composition of fresh flowers, which pleases with bright colors all summer long. A riot of colors, aromas and a flight of fantasy reigns here. Walking through the park, you can see Snow White with a basket, a bright well, a multi-tiered cake made from fresh flowers, hearts of lovers or a fabulous house. It is almost impossible not to take a photo against the background of these compositions.

There is a cultural center in the city. It hosts performances by local creative teams and visiting stars, performances and circus performances.

In 1971, the ice palace "Crystal" was opened in the city. Almost immediately, a children's and youth hockey team was organized, which gained sports fame. This is the home sports arena for the Elektrostal hockey team. Matches of different levels are held on the ice.

There are sections for children who go in for hockey or figure skating. Citizens come here with their families to cheer for their favorite team or go ice skating.

Elektrostal is a city with a heroic past. During the war years, more than 12 thousand citizens came to the recruiting station and went to the front to defend their homeland. Almost 4 thousand of them did not return from the battle. To these heroesdedicated to the memorial complex with the inextinguishable Eternal Flame, opened in 1968

But the electricians took part in the war in Afghanistan and Chechnya. By decision of the city authorities, their memory is also immortalized in the memorial complex.

It has become a good tradition for newlyweds to lay flowers at this monument.

attractions of the city of Elektrostal

In 1999, a museum and exhibition complex was opened in the city, where, in addition to the exhibition hall, there are numerous circles for children, classes for young people, and a creative workshop. Various festivals, exhibitions, city holidays and other events are held within the walls and on the territory of the complex, which attract many spectators.

Elektrostal attractions

Listing the sights of Elektrostal, it is impossible not to mention the temples. There are several of them in the city: the church of St. John of Kronstadt, St. Andrew's Church, the hospital church of St. Panteleimon. Another new church is being built. In appearance, the temples look ancient, monumental, in the Novgorod style. But they were all built at the end of the 20th century.

Let there be no ancient artifacts among the sights of Elektrostal. But on the other hand, all of them are connected with the history of the city, with everyday work and military exploits of ordinary residents.

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In the south of the Moscow region, about 80 km from the capital, on the banks of the Oka River (at the confluence of the Lyubozhikha River) is one of the scientific centers of Russia - the Science City of Pushchino. Its population is just over 20,000 people

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ha long bay cruise for backpackers

PEKIN, Elektrostal - Lenina Ave. 40/8 - Restaurant Reviews, Photos & Phone Number - Tripadvisor

IMAGES

  1. 10 Best Halong Bay Tours for Backpackers

    ha long bay cruise for backpackers

  2. 10 Best Halong Bay Tours for Backpackers

    ha long bay cruise for backpackers

  3. Best Halong Bay Cruise for Backpackers: 2023 Complete Guide

    ha long bay cruise for backpackers

  4. 10 Best Halong Bay Tours for Backpackers

    ha long bay cruise for backpackers

  5. 10 Best Halong Bay Tours for Backpackers

    ha long bay cruise for backpackers

  6. 10 Best Halong Bay Tours for Backpackers

    ha long bay cruise for backpackers

VIDEO

  1. Ha Long Bay Cruise on Orchid Trendy Ship

  2. Ha Long Bay Cruise in Vietnam

  3. Is It Worth It? Ha Long Bay 5-Star LUXURY Cruise Experience 🚢🇻🇳

  4. 48Hrs on Luxury Cruise in HA LONG BAY 2023 / Was it worth it? / Vietnam Vlog Episode 1

  5. Ha Long Bay Cruise 2

  6. Ha Long Bay Cruise 4

COMMENTS

  1. Best Halong Bay Cruise For Backpackers [+6 Discount Tips]

    1. Viet Nam Open Tour Day Cruise. Coming in at roughly $40 per person, this cheap Halong Bay cruise offers you the chance to do many of the typical Halong Bay activities. It is longer than many of the other 1 day cruises available and seems to have great reviews.

  2. Best Halong Bay Cruise for Backpackers: 2023 Complete Guide

    Alova Day Cruise offers a comfortable and enjoyable experience with English-speaking tour guides, delicious meals, and exciting activities such as kayaking and swimming. It is a great option for those who have limited time but still want to explore the beauty of Halong Bay. Itinerary: 1 day. Rate: 51USD/pp.

  3. Official Website of Halong Bay Cruises

    From $206 $165/p.p. Best Price Guarantee. FLASH SALES NOW -20%. Scheduled to set sail in December 2022, Nostalgia Cruise promises an exceptional voyage to amazing yet less touristy corners of Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. With only 11 elegant cabins, this unique boutique cruise ship pays much attention to details of both interior and exterior, as ...

  4. 27 Must-know Halong Bay Cruise Tips

    3. Hanoi and Ninh Binh Are Popular Bases. Hanoi and Ninh Binh are the most popular starting points for a Halong Bay tour. Since Hanoi is about a 2.5-hour drive from Halong Bay and Ninh Binh is about 3.5 hours, I recommend basing yourself in Hanoi if you want to see Halong Bay in a day.

  5. Halong Bay Backpackers Cruise

    Budget Halong Bay Cruises for backpackers - Tips for solo travelers. When visiting Vietnam, Halong Bay is unquestionably a destination that all travelers should not miss. However, the well-known Ha Long Bay excursion is sometimes mistaken for a luxury journey on big cruise ships with pricey services.

  6. Halong Bay Cruise

    All year round. $ 229.00. Currently Unavailable. Save your place with a small deposit today. Deposit 100% refundable. Checkout secured by Stripe. Reviews (6) A Halong Bay cruise is a Must-Do Activity in Vietnam - just ask backpackers on the trail in Southeast Asia!

  7. Backpacker's Guide to Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam

    A World Heritage Site, Halong Bay evokes awe. Abhijeet Deshpande shares this backpacker's guide to Ha Long Bay, Viet Nam - an inspiring country. Tuần Châu marina, an island pier in northern Vietnam, had a busy feel to it. Many popular cruise companies have made it their base. Unlike Mt. Fansipan in Sa Pa, we had made advance reservations ...

  8. HALONG BAY CRUISE 1,2,3 DAY GUIDE FOR 2023

    HALONG BAY CRUISE 1,2,3 DAY GUIDE FOR 2023. Travel Blog » Blog » Halong Bay Cruise Guide in Vietnam.

  9. Help! Which Halong Bay Tour is Right for ME?

    Prices for a 3-day, 2-night trip to Halong Bay range between $150 - $300 US. The cheapest we've found is $135 US and some of the more expensive luxury cruises or private tours can cost up to $500 US or more! The average is around $250 US from our experience.

  10. Halong Bay, North Vietnam

    Trips to Halong Bay (via Haiphong City) can be booked from any of the travel agents and many hostels and guest houses in Hanoi. Trip prices range from $100 to up to $400 and you definitely pay for what you get. If you can afford it, we suggest you go mid-range, where the boats and food served are a lot better quality.

  11. Explore Ha Long Bay On A Budget, Vietnam

    Ha Long Bay Cruise With Ocean Tours Heading To HaiPhong. We stayed at Chien Hostel in Hanoi and this place was amazing. For only $5.00 a night we slept in a very modern dorm room. There was an amazing rooftop view with an amazing buffet breakfast spread included every morning.

  12. Ha Long Bay Luxury Cruises

    17 Stellar of the Seas Cruise (sister ship of Elite of the Seas) TOP PICK for couples. Price range: £300 - £2,000. This is one of the best Ha Long bay cruises. The Stella cruise boat is a modern style yacht - this is very unique for Ha Long Bay cruises. The facilities and amenities on the Stellar Cruise are excellent.

  13. 6 Best Cheap Halong Bay Cruises (2024)

    What is the cheapest way to book a Ha Long Bay cruise? The cheapest way to book a Ha Long Bay cruise is by booking in person. You can book through hostels, hotels or tour agents. ... Yes, it's possible to visit Halong Bay on a low budget. Most backpackers will stay on Cat Ba and take a tour which goes through both Lan Ha Bay and Ha Long Bay ...

  14. Halong Bay Overnight Cruise with Water Activities

    Halong Bay, Northern Vietnam. Peony Cruise Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay (2D1N) 2. from $185.00. Price varies by group size. Tuan Chau Island, Halong Bay. All Inclusive 2 Days 1 Night Halong Luxury Overnight Cruises. from $55.00. Price varies by group size.

  15. Ha Long Bay Cruise: Exploring Vietnam's Limestone Labyrinth

    Located in the Gulf of Tonkin in Northern Vietnam, Ha Long Bay has more than 1,600 karsts and islets covered with jungle vegetation. The neighboring Lan Ha Bay sports about 300 limestone islets.

  16. Cruising Lan Ha Bay

    The 1553 square kilometre ocean spectacle is scattered with more than 1600 towering limestone karsts, meaning a cruise in Halong Bay is the only way to experience the unique natural beauty of the area. The issue for many budget travellers is that cruising Halong Bay is typically very expensive! Many backpackers and travellers visit Vietnam on a ...

  17. Halong Bay: The Ultimate Party Cruise!

    It's expensive, but so worth it.". Plenty of Halong Bay tour operators run two-day tours for about $25 and three-day tours for $35. The Rock Long, Rock Hard Tour of Halong Bay from Hanoi Backpackers costs $70 for two days and $120 for three. I decided to go with the two-day tour - and everyone was right. It was so worth it.

  18. Halong Hideaway Tour, Halong Bay Vietnam (2D,1N or 3D,2N)

    Vegetarian/vegan available. 🚌 Transport: Bus to/from Hanoi included. Cruise ship during tour. 🇻🇳 Start | End: Hanoi. (Alternative start/end points: Cat Ba Island, Halong City (min. pick-up 3 people) 📍 Meeting Point: Leaves daily from Central Backpackers Hostel or Hanoi Buffalo Hostel @ 7:45 am. From $ 123.50.

  19. 628DirtRooster

    Welcome to the 628DirtRooster website where you can find video links to Randy McCaffrey's (AKA DirtRooster) YouTube videos, community support and other resources for the Hobby Beekeepers and the official 628DirtRooster online store where you can find 628DirtRooster hats and shirts, local Mississippi honey and whole lot more!

  20. Electrostal History and Art Museum

    Art MuseumsHistory Museums. Write a review. Full view. All photos (22) Suggest edits to improve what we show. Improve this listing. Revenue impacts the experiences featured on this page, learn more. The area. Nikolaeva ul., d. 30A, Elektrostal 144003 Russia.

  21. Sights of Elektrostal, Moscow region

    In the Moscow region there is a small cozy town Elektrostal. Its sights for the most part have no historical value due to the fact that the city has a relatively small history. But for a visiting tourist or city dweller, they will be of interest. There is something to see, where to go to have fun

  22. Halong Bay Oasis Bay Party Cruise

    17:15-18:45: The Sunset party begins offering Happy Hour deals on cocktails and other drinks. 19:00-20:00: Enjoy an amazing meal prepared by the best chef in Ha Long Bay in the cruise dining area. 21:00 onwards: Join Oasis cruise night-life activities such as dancing, playing games, or enjoying your drinks in the jacuzzi.

  23. PEKIN, Elektrostal

    Lenina Ave., 40/8, Elektrostal 144005 Russia +7 495 120-35-45 Website + Add hours Improve this listing.