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Avoid at all costs

Avoid at all costs. Worst tour company in vietnam.

Date of experience : April 17, 2023

Great service! Definitely come back next time :)

We wanted a hassle-free vacation and that's what we got. We had a 10 days trip starting from Saigon to Da Nang, Phong Nha, Ha Noi and Ninh Binh. Upon contacting Linh, she quickly developed an itinerary which covered everything we wanted to see and was still within our budget. The company was very flexible in adjusting to our needs. We had some little hiccups here and there, but Huong, the hotline agent, was very responsive and got all the problems resolved fairly quick. I'd definitely recommend the company to my friends and family :)

Date of experience : September 16, 2014

Reliable, safe and a travel agent that listens to your needs!

We wanted a hassle-free, minimal-tour guide and free and easy holiday in North Vietnam. We've also planned out a draft itinerary according to what we think is best. We conveyed it all to Ms. Sunny (our agent) and got EXACTLY what we wanted. She advised us on several things which would made our trip even more hassle-free, as well as friendly on our budget. There were no unnecessary tourist traps and fluff that we had to spend or waste our time and money on. The guides that were with us on some trips are reliable and made sure security was the top priority. I would recommend ANYONE to Halong Bay Tours anytime!

Date of experience : August 12, 2014

great service

we were a group of 6 arranging an independent tour to vietnam, Kami organised a 3N stay at the tirant hotel hanoi (recommended) and a 2N cruise in halong bay with indochina sails(recommend them as well). Also private transfers from airport to hotel and from halong bay direct to airport. Everything worked perfectly and on time and was far more cost effective than trying to do it directly myself. Always responded quickly to e mails and gave advice when vietnam airlines randomly changed flights (as they are prone to do). Would definitely recommend this company.

Date of experience : April 08, 2015

Faultless service from Blue Dragon/Halong Bay Tours

I chose the company by chance after reviewing tour operators for Halong Bay. We were a party of 6 and apart from our 3 day trip in Halong Bay, with Paradise Cruises (highly recommended also), our trip planner - Kami, organised a great tour in Hanoi, with a first rate enthusiastic guide and also all the transport whilst we were in the north of Vietnam. Everything worked like clockwork. I had also asked them to arrange our tour in HCMC and this was done wit a partner company and again this was faultless. We especially enjoyed the lunch stops, both in Hanoi and Saigon. Excellent food and as ever in Vietnam, charming service. We love he country and will return and certainly use your company again as well as strongly recommend to our friends who are now also looking to visit Vietnam.

Date of experience : August 27, 2014

Can't recommend them highly enough.

I contacted Lisa by e.mail and she arranged a 2 night Halong Bay cruise and a 2 day 1 night tour of the Mekong Delta. Both of these tours were fantastic, and the accommodation and organization including meals and transfers was perfect. I would recommend this company to anyone wanting tours within Vietnam.

Date of experience : March 08, 2015

GREAT SERVICE, GREAT FRIENDLY STAFF

Our tour Vietnam was thoroughly enjoyable largely due to the planning support received from HalongBay Tours. Good side tours and nice accommodation with perfect arrangements for the entire trip. Happy to recommend them to my friends. Steve Wilks

This is an amazing cruise operator!

This is an amazing cruise operator!! My contact was Mrs Jolie. We booked a package hotel+ cruise with Azalea and everything went smoothly. I highly recommend to use them if you want to visit Hanoi and Halong Bay. This is one of the greatest experience I’ve had in my life. Unforgettable moments.

Date of experience : March 06, 2020

Great tour with friendly people!

This was the first time I have been Ha Long Bay. I remembered at middle summer last year! I have had a short tour with Halongbaytours.com. Their staff were friendly and professional all the time of tour! They helped me more useful information about Halong Bay and Vietnamese. I will recommend to my family and my friends come here in next time! Thanks all!

Date of experience : March 11, 2019

Hanoi-Halong Bay Tour

I wanted to travel over the 4 days from Chinese New Year to Hanoi and wanted to included a cruise to the Halong Bay. As in Vietnam at the same time there is the Tet festival, the Vietnamese New Year, I read that a lot of tour operator are not providing any service. Very quick I was falling on Blue Dragon Tours which I contacted, which I did not regret! I got replies very quickly and very patiently they answered ALL my questions and tried to find the best planing for me, that I decided to take an all inclusive package with them including pick up from the airport to the hotel, pick up next morning for the cruise to Halong Bay, transfer back and also transfer back to the airport. The hotel they proposed me was fantastique (Medallion Hotel) with very friendly and helpful people and the cruise was also perfect organized! Nothing to complain! They helped me as well with the VISA. Everything quickly via Email. My trip was a big pleasure and I enjoyed it a lot! Thanks Blue Dragon Tours! Thanks Kami!

Date of experience : February 25, 2015

Great memory

Food service, delicious food and beautiful view. You can enjoy everything with pretty cheap price

Date of experience : July 27, 2017

Perfect Experience,

Perfect Experience, Everything was perfect! The stuff was very friendly!

Date of experience : August 23, 2017

Top Tours in Halong Bay, Vietnam

Halong bay tours.

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• The ranking of tours, activities, and experiences available on Tripadvisor is determined by several factors including the revenue generated by Tripadvisor from these bookings, the frequency of user clicks, and the volume and quality of customer reviews. Occasionally, newly listed offerings may be prioritized and appear higher in the list. The specific placement of these new listings may vary.

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What travellers are saying.

• Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - best selling: Kayaking, Swimming, hiking & Lunch
• Top 1 Tier: All-Inclusive OVERNIGHT Halong Cruises - many options
• Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour - Cave, Kayaking, Swimming & Lunch
• CozyBay Cruise-The Best Small Group 2D/1N inHalong-All inclusive
• Lan Ha - Ha Long Bay 1 Day boat trip - Kayaking from Cat Ba, avoid the crowds.
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• Packing List

Halong Bay Day Tour: Which Is Best For You? 2024

Choosing a Halong Bay day tour can be a little overwhelming when you have so many boat options. We’ve picked out the top 10 trips so you can find your favourite to book in just a few minutes!

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Ha Long Bay & Ti Top Island Cruise

We chose this exact Halong Bay day tour because of the great reviews! The trip was great – we enjoyed kayaking, hiking and exploring a cave, plus the boat journey was relaxing and comfortable. The food was decent and we highly recommend that you check it out!

Halong Bay is one of the most popular places to visit when travelling to Vietnam. There are stunning islets to view, caves to explore and hiking trails too – and don’t forget the incredible sunset views here!

Read More: Stay On An Overnight Luxury Cruise in Halong Bay

Taking a day tour to Halong Bay is one of the cheapest and easiest ways to visit this picture-perfect UNESCO World Heritage site, so take your time reading our top tips, recommendations and opinions!

Disclosure: We were guests of Go Asia Travel for this Halong bay day tour, but all opinions are our own!

Our Halong Bay Day Tour With Go Asia Travel Review

Our Halong Bay day tour began with a bus pickup at 8.45 am. We were originally told to be ready at 9:15 am but the bus arrived earlier than this, so do give yourself a bit of extra time to be ready just in case. Luckily we decided against going out for breakfast before our tour and were sat in the hotel lobby anyway when the bus arrived.

It took around another 45 minutes to drive around the Old Quarter collecting all of the other guests, and then we were on our way!

The bus was very comfortable and we had plenty of legroom – yep, even us Daddy Long Legs! Our guide Ivan was fantastic – he gave us lots of information about Vietnam and managed to make us laugh the whole time he was talking.

I think it makes a difference when you feel comfortable asking your tour guide anything, and Ivan really did make everyone feel welcome and was open to all of our questions.

Read More: All Of The Best TWO Night Halong Bay Cruises

After only 20 minutes, we stopped for a toilet/coffee break. We didn’t really think it was necessary as we already knew we’d be stopping again in about an hour. However, it made more sense when we stopped the second time as we realised that the point of this next stop wasn’t to use the bathroom, but to buy pearls from the pearl farm.

We were told that everybody HAD to get off the bus so that the bus driver could drive round to the pickup point. There is no need to stop twice in a 3-hour journey, so I think this was just a way of getting everyone closer to the shop – and I wish that the staff were transparent about this!

Saying that though, we weren’t pressured to buy anything and there were bathroom and toilet facilities to use if you needed them.

Once we arrived at the port, we were taken to our boat and shortly after arriving, we were on our way!

Read More: The Full Guide To Taking The Phu Quoc Cable Car

Lunch was served as we sailed to Halong Bay, and we enjoyed a decent selection of Vietnamese cuisine. I asked for a vegetarian meal, and I was given a whole plate of tofu bits and pieces, noodles, eggs, bread and nuts! I was impressed with the amount of food I had been given, plus there was seafood, rice and vegetables on the table for everyone to share.

Read More: The Best Street Food In Hanoi!

One thing I would say is that although plenty of food is included in the price, drinks are not – even water – and I don’t think that’s fair. We did receive free water on the bus but we’d finished that by the time we arrived to Tuan Chau harbour.

You should have to pay for beer and soft drinks on the cruise, of course, but I think that water should be handed out freely, especially as it can get so hot! A small bottle of water cost 20,000VND which won’t break the bank, but you’ll definitely need more than one so that costs can add up.

Bring a few large bottles but make sure that you keep them on the boat – you won’t be allowed to take plastic bottles onto the island (and rightly so!)

Cruising around Halong Bay was brilliant – it’s such a beautiful place so don’t forget your camera ! Ivan talked to us about some of the different rock formations and showed us the rocks that you can see on a 200,000 VND bank note!

The first stop on our Halong Bay day tour was Ti Top Island (or Titov Island). We had 45 minutes to spend there, with the choice of hiking up to the top of the hill to see the incredible views, cooling off in the sea or relaxing on the beach.

Read More: The BEST Tours on Phu Quoc Island

We chose to climb the hill and the views were stunning from the top, but in hindsight, we wished we had jumped into the sea because it was so insanely hot.

Plus, whilst on the boat, you can look at the rock formations all day, so I think swimming is a better choice because it’s something a little different. We did feel a little rushed as we had to get to the top, enjoy the view and then climb back down again all in 45 minutes, but we managed it!

Read More: How To Get Incredible Tailored Clothes Made In Hoi An

Next was the kayaking or bamboo boat trip. We decided to kayak as that sounded much more fun! We actually did have a great time and I would highly recommend at least getting off the boat (some people chose to stay on rather than taking part in the activity) because the views here are literally mindblowing!

Read More: Your Ultimate Guide To Backpacking Vietnam

You paddle through a cave and out into a bay and I have never seen anything like it! Honestly, we were just taken aback by the beauty of the place, despite the bright little kayaks all floating around nearby.

Again, we only had 45 minutes and this time we felt like we missed out a bit because of the time it took to get everyone onto a kayak or bamboo boat.

Check Availability Of This Exact Tour Here – With Possible Deals!

This actually isn’t something that was in Go Asia Travel’s hands – the problem here is that all of the boats arrived at a similar time (this is to do with the tide) and there just weren’t enough people to manage everyone who wanted to get in the water.

This would be an issue regardless of the boat trip company you chose – it’s just something to be aware of when booking a Halong Bay day tour. Make sure you’re ready to get off the boat quickly, grab a life jacket + paddle, and get to the jetty as quickly as you can!

Even if you don’t want to kayak (or if you have young children) then I’d still highly recommend getting on a bamboo boat to explore the area!

The final stop was to the caves – and we were actually so impressed! We thought that we’d pop into a little cave, look around and leave, but they are HUGE and so fascinating! It’s also much cooler inside the caves so we had a little respite from the heat which was very welcome.

This activity didn’t feel rushed at all – we had a pleasant walk through the caves, stopping to look closer every now and then, and to take photos, and we timed it perfectly to be back on the boat with everyone else.

The cruise back to the port was lovely as we were able to watch the sunset through the rocks – it was such a peaceful and beautiful time to reflect on the day.

Overall, we had a great time on this Halong Bay day tour and would recommend it if you only have one day free for a cruise. There is plenty to squeeze in, but to be honest I think that is to be expected when you have to drive so far to even begin the tour.

My favourite part of our Halong Bay day tour was the kayaking – definitely choose this option if you can! We really enjoyed our day and won’t forget the outstanding beauty of Halong Bay in a hurry!

Read More: Check Out The Best Beaches In Hoi An!

How To Choose The Best Halong Bay Day Tour

Most of the Halong Bay day tours have a similar itinerary, but there are some small differences in what you get for your money, as well as the quality of the boat.

Things like hotel pickup, kayaking and the bamboo boat are sometimes optional extras, which is good if you would prefer not to do them so you don’t pay for something you’re not experiencing.

Most people stay in Hanoi before their Halong Bay day, but if you’re actually staying in the Halong Bay area (Tuan Chau Island for example) then book a tour that doesn’t include pickup to save yourself some money. When you are booking on GetYourGuide or Viator, choose your dates and then you will see the different options to include pickup or not.

Here is a list of the best highly rated Halong Bay day tour types for you to choose from:

Key Information

• Pickup Included: Yes
• Kayaking Included: No
• Need To Take: Water, cash
• Extra Info: Kayak/Bamboo boat $3 pp

Click here to check availability and prices

• Kayaking Included: Yes
• Extra Info: Tour ends 9pm
• Pickup Included: No
• Extra Info: Private tour options

Read More: Try These Awesome Vietnamese Cooking Classes!

Where is Ha Long Bay?

Halong Bay isn’t particularly close to any other tourist destination in Vietnam. It’s in the northeast of the country, about 170km east of Hanoi. It takes around 2.5 hours to drive straight from the Old Quarter to the port – however, the tour buses will stop at least twice for toilet breaks (and Pearl Farm visits!).

Read More: How To Spend 24 Hours In Hanoi

The average journey time for a Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi is 3 hours. It’s a decent drive – the recent opening of the expressway has cut the time on the road almost in half!

Read More: 9 Fun Things To Do In Vietnam On A Budget

How To Get To Halong Bay

Most Halong Bay day tours offer free pick-up from the Old Quarter of Hanoi as it’s a popular area with travellers. However, if you’d rather make your own way to the harbour instead, or your tour doesn’t offer pickup, there are a few ways to get there.

I’ve listed these in order of ease, but obviously, price is a factor for most people too so I’ve given an approximate cost for each method.

There are public buses but to be honest, it’s not too much cheaper to get a shuttle bus and it’s much simpler!

Read More: How To Check Out The Hanoi Night Market

Shuttle Bus

Speak to your tour company to see if they can pick you up for a fee (if they aren’t including it in your Halong Bay day tour). This applies especially if you’re not staying in the Old Quarter of Hanoi!

If they don’t offer a shuttle bus from where you’re staying, check the form below for a good deal on your journey, or click this link .

Taxi/Private Car

Download Grab as soon as you arrive in Vietnam – it will make your life much easier! You can book a taxi to pick you up in Hanoi and take you all the way to Halong Bay, and you can book one for our return too.

If you’d prefer you can always ask your hotel and they’ll find you a driver. Keep the price above in mind so that you aren’t ripped off!

This is a slow way to visit Halong Bay, and I wouldn’t necessarily recommend it unless you have all the time in the world!

Just turn up to the train station to buy your tickets, and enjoy the pretty views on the way.

Read More: How To Get To Hoi An From Hanoi

What Does A Halong Bay Day Tour Include?

As I mentioned before, most of the Halong Bay day tour trips are similar but be careful that you’re booking a tour that includes everything you need it to.

On a standard day tour to Halong Bay, you can expect:

• Pick up from Hanoi’s Old Quarter
• Water on the shuttle bus
• Lunch (vegetarian options too)
• Island visit
• Kayaking or Bamboo option (pre-paid or not)
• Return to Hanoi’s Old Quarter

If your Halong Bay day tour doesn’t include one or more of these items then I’d recommend finding a different one. Don’t forget that the pickup and kayaking might be optional, but having the choice is a good thing!

Read More: The Gorgeous Hoi An Night Market

What To Pack For A Halong Bay Day Tour

Here are the things that think are most important to bring on your day tour! Plan ahead and check our whole recommended packing list for anything else to bring to Vietnam too!

Jade has used this backpack throughout the world on our travels and we have both been very impressed with the design. It comfortably holds a 3L water reservoir in the specifically designed pouch and contours very nicely over your back to distribute the weight well. I have always had a full camera bag so Jade usually has to take enough for two people which it can do. It's a very reasonable price for a very good day pack.

The Go Pro Hero 12 takes the world-renowned Go Pro formula and hits even greater heights. The best of these has to be the Emmy award-winning HyperSmooth 6.0 for incredibly stable video during your wildest of travel adventures, and the front-facing screen for easy selfie and video capture! Find out even more by clicking through!

If you have a GoPro, you probably love a little bit of adventure! This head strap is perfect for capturing the fun but hands-free! It's waterproof too. You can use it on your head or a helmet if you're wearing one, and is adjustable. This head strap is compatible with all GoPros and even other action cameras!

We have been using Anker portable chargers for years and highly recommend their easy design and reasonable size. This super cool 10,000mAh battery pack has magnetic wireless charging capability to help minimise wires and hassle even further. This makes it extremely versatile and helpful for those long periods away from a socket. A must-buy for any backpacking traveller.

Looking for a stylish, flattering, complimenting swimsuit that shows off all of your best features whilst also being great for swimming and having fun? Then check out all of the incredible styles and colours these tummy control swimsuits come in.

Do not let a brilliant experience be ruined by pesky insects biting you all over your body. Insect repellant is not expensive but not having it can affect much more expensive activities. Pick up a bottle of this Picaridin bug spray and enjoy your travel.

A decent pair of polarised sunglasses is difficult to get at a decent price, especially if you want them to look good. These from WOWSUN have lots of different styles (male/female) and colours to choose from and they are very affordable. Click through to see all of your options.

Walking boots are good for some situations but sometimes you don't need heavy, warm, and waterproof shoes to get the job done. These walking shoes by Akk will keep your feet a nice temperature and comfortable for those long days sightseeing and partying in the sun!

This will probably be the last selfie stick you ever buy! It has a sturdy aluminum telescopic 40" range, a tripod for propping your phone up in better locations, a detachable wireless shutter button so you can control when all pictures are taken, and extends down to a brilliantly compact size making it perfect for any type of travel.

This relaxed fit, strapback hat from Adidas is a classic that will keep the sun from your eyes and look decent whilst doing it. There's nothing special to see here, just a well made hat that gets the job done.

Need to change on a crowded beach? No more cowering behind a normal towel whilst someone holds it up! Need a compact towel that fits in your day bag? It's got that covered too. These have genuinely been a lifesaver over the years and there are literally no downsides!

We all know what sunscreen is and we all know how important it is but why go with Sun Bum? They are cruelty-free and are compliant with the Hawaii 104 Reef Act meaning that you will be helping decrease the amount of damage sunscreens have to the environment that you are swimming in. If that hasn't convinced you then click through to find out even more.

This very affordable waterproof fanny pack is perfect for water excursions like kayaking and snorkeling but also for beach days when you don't feel comfortable getting into the water with all your valuables chilling on the sand. This one is a no-frills, 'does the job' pouch that we highly recommend to keep your valuables safe.

If you're into hiking, walking or general outdoor activities, then you need to grab this water reservoir for your backpack. It holds p to 3L of liquid and slides easily into the pouch in the Osprey backpacks. There's a bite valve on the straw part and has a wide opening for easy filling and cleaning.

How Long is a Halong Bay Day Tour?

A typical Halong Bay day tour will last for around 12 hours. It sounds like a long time but you won’t really notice it as there is a good balance of travel time, activities and time to enjoy the views.

Most tours pick you up between 8:30 and 9:30 am depending on where you’re staying. Be ready a little earlier than planned just in case – you don’t want to hold up the bus and the earlier you arrive at the harbour, the better!

You’ll return to the harbour between 5 – 6 pm, and the bus will begin its journey back to Hanoi. There is usually only one stop on the way home, but the time it takes to get back mostly depends on the traffic. Weekdays will take longer, but you’ll usually be back in Hanoi by 9 pm. Don’t book a flight or onward travel for after your Halong Bay day tour though, just in case the travel time changes.

The Best Time To Visit

Vietnam is a great holiday destination all year round, but the best time to visit Halong Bay depends on what you’re looking for!

Our Halong Bay day tour was in June which is the school holiday time! It was fairly busy on Ti Top Island and at the kayaking place, but we were able to enjoy ourselves still. If you want to avoid crowds, go later on in the summer BUT it will be the rainy season!

December – March: Busy time for foreign tourists, cooler weather

April/May – Low rainfall, quiet season

June – August: Rainy season, low season for foreigners, domestic tourists are on their holidays

September – November: Mild weather, still quite busy

Try to avoid national holidays like Tet (Lunar New Year) and the weekends as it gets much busier then.

Tips For Your Halong Bay Day Tour

Before you book your Halong Bay day tour, read my top tips to help you enjoy the day!

• Book in advance. The Halong Bay day tours do really fill up – we travelled during a relatively quiet time compared to other years as foreign tourists aren’t fully back in Vietnam yet, and our boat was at full capacity.
• If you bring any plastic bottles for water, keep them in your bag whilst you visit the islands/caves. You’re not allowed plastic here to protect the environment, but you can buy canned water and snacks on land. The boats serve water in plastic bottles so you should be ok to drink your own whist cruising – just dispose of them in the bin, not the water!
• There are around 60 people on each boat. Even though your tour might only have 25 people on it, you’ll share the boat with another group so it’s just something to keep in mind if you’re only expecting a small group Halong Bay day tour.
• Bring swimwear and a towel for the swimming and kayaking. I would also bring water shoes because the kayaking jetty can get boiling hot and you might be waiting for a while.

Where to stay in Halong Bay

If you’ve decided to stay in a hotel close to the harbour to avoid lots of travel before your Halong Bay day tour, then here are some great options. You can also read our post for more information about where to stay!

Domo Tuan Chau Hotel

More budget-friendly rooms right next to the marina

Golden Palm Halong Hotel

Newly opened with breakfast included and a bar on-site.

Paradise Suites

A bit of luxury in Halong Bay with an outdoor swimming pool and posh whisky bar

Where to stay in Hanoi Old Quarter

Hanoi is full to the brim of cute places to stay, and I’d recommend staying in the Old Quarter before your Halong Bay day tour. It’s a fantastic place to explore, plus it’s easiest to be picked up from there:

Dream Central Hotel

Low-budget, comfortable rooms with excellent customer service

Leah Silk Hotel

Breakfast included, good massages offered

The Oriental Jade Hotel

Rooftop pool, great location, fitness centre

Frequently Asked Questions About A Halong Bay Day Tour

Is a halong bay day tour enough.

If you only have one day then yes, it’s enough time to enjoy Halong Bay and its beauty. It’s a good way to spend a day and the prices are good. However, if you do have a few more days (and pennies!) to spare, then it’s better to stay overnight!

Is a Halong Bay day tour too touristy?

It’s quite a touristy tour but unless you want to fork out for a private tour (where you would still see other tourists because they’d be visiting the same places) then I wouldn’t worry too much! Places are touristy for good reason sometimes – Halong Bay is just beautiful and everyone wants to go there!

How do I get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Th easiest way is to ask your tour company for pickup in their shuttle bus. You can get a taxi or take the train too, but I’d recommend getting the bus.

When is the best time to enjoy a Halong Bay day tour?

April and May are relatively quiet times with mild weather, and September – November are lovely too. December to March has the best weather but will be the busiest! June – August will have fewer tourists but more thunderstorms!

How long does a Halong Bay day tour last?

The whole day tour to Halong Bay will last for about 12 hours, including the transfers to and from Hanoi.

Enjoy your Halong Bay day tour and let us know in the comments if you found this post helpful!

Very insightful article, thank you!

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Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting? In-depth Honest Review 2023

This website contains no sponsored content. The content is written entirely on my own and is based on my personal experience and extensive research. This post may contain affiliate links. If you make a purchase through one of these links, I may receive a small commission at no extra cost to you. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please read the  disclaimer  for more information.

Is Halong Bay worth visiting? Want an honest Halong Bay cruise review?

The Halong Bay cruise price can be pretty steep – compared to the cheap travel costs of the rest of Vietnam. So is Halong Bay worth it ? That’s a legit question and I will share my experience and honest review of Halong Bay cruises in this post.

But if you have no time to read the in-depth evaluation and want a quick answer to your question on whether you should visit Halong Bay, here it is:

Halong Bay is worth a visit if you visit the less touristy areas in Halong Bay and opt for a budget-friendly Halong Bay cruise – one that provides excellent service, packs a tourist-friendly Halong Bay itinerary, and serves great food.

In other words, I feel splurging on a luxury 3-day Halong Bay cruise may not feel worth it, especially if you have been to other areas in Vietnam such as Ninh Binh which are scenic and much cheaper. But a 2-day 1 night – overnight Halong Bay cruise would feel worth your time and money if you choose a high-end cruise.

In this article, I would – share my personal experience of the Halong Bay cruise and what to expect on a Halong Bay cruise – talk about ways in which you could ensure that your Halong Bay experience feels worth it – suggest which cruise to opt for and how much to spend on a Halong Bay cruise – discuss a few strong negatives of Halong Bay that could ruin your Halong Bay journey and – elaborate on what you should do to avoid these Halong Bay mistakes.

Read through everything to get the best understanding for your trip or jump to a section of your choice from the Table of Contents below.

What is Halong Bay?

Halong Bay has been recognized as a UNESCO Natural Heritage Site . It is a unique area with about 1600 small islands and islets. But what makes Halong bay beautiful is its lovely emerald water and countless limestone pillars. The seascape at Halong Bay is truly unique and a sight to behold.

It is one of the most Instagrammed spots in all of Vietnam and a famous tourist destination. As a result, you will find plenty of small and big sea ships and cruises spread out all across the Halong Bay region.

Day trips to Halong Bay or overnight cruises to Halong Bay are the most popular ways of exploring this scenic region. But some travel enthusiasts go on longer trips i.e take a 3-day Halong Bay cruise or even a 4-day cruise to Halong Bay.

Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting? My Honest Experience

When people ask whether Halong Bay is worth it, what they are often wondering is – is Halong Bay Cruise worth it? As that is an expense that carries a lofty price tag and needs careful evaluation. So let me share my experience with you.

We had booked a 2 day 1 night overnight Halong Bay Cruise. We chose Le Theatre Cruises .

I have made a video detailing my full experience onboard the Le Theatre Cruises which you can see here.

But if you prefer to read, let’s continue:

So Le Theatre Cruises runs over Lan Ha Bay – which is Halong Bay’s less commercial neighbor. It is as scenic as Halong Bay but is visited by much fewer tourists.

Scenic beauty and sightseeing During our time on the cruise, we did everything that most Halong Bay itineraries offer, but in a different, less touristy area. Our Lan Ha Bay sightseeing included visiting the Ao Ech area around Lan Ha Bay. We went kayaking here and were also allowed to swim.

The next morning we also visited the dark and bright cave . The bamboo boat journey was refreshing, calming, and one-of-a-kind. The color of the water was the perfect emerald and the water was clean almost everywhere.

In addition to this, we were always surrounded by the most breathtaking seascape decorated with so many different and unique limestone pillars.

The scenic beauty was truly enchanting and far superior in person to what it looked like in the many photos and videos of the place that I had seen before going to Vietnam.

Cruise experience – food, room, service, etc.

We were visiting Halong Bay with a kid and were not sure how much our kid would like the experience. But the staff took excellent care of her food preferences. They even arranged a three-person kayak to ensure she could enjoy the experience with us.

The food served onboard was top-notch. Our dietary restrictions and allergies were taken care of and we still felt spoilt with choices. The happy hour at the sundeck on our Lan Ha Bay cruise was personally my most favorite time.

We were surrounded by outstanding natural beauty and having drinks against the backdrop of a setting sun, grooving to excellent music, and hanging out with a bunch of jolly co-passengers.

The executive suite in which we stayed further enhanced our Halong Bay experience as it came with a balcony, a fancy bathtub, a plush Japanese toilet, and all the necessary amenities.

Overall, at least for us, Le Theatre Cruise proved to be a wise choice.

Check the price and availability of Le Theatre Cruise here

How to make sure your Halong Bay Experience feels worth it?

Based on my personal experience, I definitely think that Halong Bay is worth visiting. But there are so many elements that could go wrong and ruin your experience as well as make you question your spending.

So to ensure that your Halong bay trip feels worth it and is memorable, take the following factors into consideration.

Visit Halong Bay When the Weather’s Ideal

The weather has a huge role to play in deciding whether Halong Bay is worth it or not. 

If you visit when it’s pouring or terribly cloudy, you wouldn’t end up liking Halong Bay much. You’d barely be able to see the limestone pillars or the many hues of the sky at sunset. 

Your outdoor activities like visits to the cave, beach, or kayaking may also be canceled due to poor weather. 

The best time to visit Halong Bay is between late November and February when the weather is dry and pleasant. 

The months between March to May are dry but unpleasant because of the hot and humid weather.

Even in the winter dry months, unexpected rain could dampen your experience. If you have flexibility in your itinerary, book a Halong Bay tour online just a couple of days in advance based on weather predictions. 

I recommend this 2-day 2 night tour for its-cheap price tag and almost 5-star ratings (Perfect for last minute booking)

Ensure that the Halong Bay Itinerary is diverse and engaging

An ideal Halong Bay itinerary must include a mix of cruise time, Halong Bay sightseeing, and fun activities. 

See if your sightseeing in Halong Bay includes at least a few items from the below

• A visit to one of the many Halong Bay beaches
• A visit to one of the caves like the Luon Cave, Bright Cave, Dark and Light Cave, Surprise Cave
• A trip to Cat Ba Island and National Park
• Island hopping at Titop Island, Cong Do, Tuan Chau, etc.
• Visit to the fishing village or pearl farming

Also, make sure there is enough interaction with the locals on your Halong Bay outings – this could be in the form of a visit to the fishing village, taking a ride with a local on a Bamboo boat, etc.

In addition to this, there should be ample cruise time. Ensure that your cruise time includes fun activities like a cooking class, squid fishing, tai chi sessions, etc.

Going on a Halong bay cruise that provides a good mix of sightseeing and onboard activities is important to get the best value for your money.

Choose the right Halong Bay cruise

This factor is critical in determining your overall experience.

The more you pay, the more the cruise needs to offer for you to find value in your Halong Bay excursion.

But unfortunately, my research has shown that most cruises deliver a very similar Halong Bay sightseeing plan. So whether you opt for a budget Halong Bay cruise or a luxury Halong Bay cruise – the itinerary would be fairly diverse. It would take you to a beach or a cave, show you a few islands, allow you some free swimming or kayaking time and tie it up with a few onboard activities like cooking and fishing.

The real differentiator in price is based on the quality of the cruise, the rooms, the onboard amenities, and the overall service.

Thus, if you don’t really plan to spend a whole lot of time indoors in your room, it doesn’t make sense to pay a few hundred dollars more just for a fancy suite. It would only result in disappointment.

Some factors that you should consider when choosing your cruise if you want Halong Bay to feel worth it are

– the newness of the cruise – there are many old cruises in bad shape that are doing the rounds of Halong Bay. Passengers feel ripped off as the worn-out condition of the rooms and the cruise ship just do not justify the steep pricing. Some new cruises in the bay are Peone Cruises , Orchid Trendy Cruises , Stellar of the Seas Cruise (9.5+ rating!)

– the in-room amenities – a bathtub and a balcony are a must to soak in the magnificent views. Some cruises which provide these options are Le Theatre Cruises (where I stayed), Stellar of the Seas Cruise .

2 night 3 day cruises that require you to spend more time onboard should have a swimming pool, a jacuzzi, or a spa. Le Theatre didn’t have this and I would probably not choose it for its 2-night 3-day package. But Stellar of the Seas Cruise is equipped with a stunning outdoor pool. Likewise, the luxury Ambassador Cruises offers excellent in-house spa treatments.

– Cruise equipment and staff – the cruise should be well-equipped i.e. they should have proper snorkeling or kayaking gear. Its kitchen should be able to cater to the dietary preferences of all of its passengers. The staff should be able to communicate with and understand the tourists’ language and needs.

– Moderate number of cabins – The number of cabins should be between 15-30. Bigger cruises take large crowds with them wherever they go. This means you hardly get to see the pristine beauty of Halong Bay islands and caves.

– Pick up and drop off in a limousine – To be honest, the price of a Halong Bay cruise is about 2-3 times that of luxury accommodation in Hanoi and so any fancy perks included in the Halong Bay package only enhance the overall experience. A limousine pick-up and drop-off make the 3-hour journey from Hanoi and back remarkably pleasant. You don’t feel fatigued and can easily take an onward flight, train, or trip to other parts of Vietnam or you can start Hanoi sightseeing without needing any extra time to rest from the long cruise. Cruises that offer limousine pick-up and drop-off are Ambassador Cruises , Stellar of the Seas Cruise as well as Le Theatre Cruise . Book directly through them and not an agent for this facility.

Go on a day trip to Halong Bay

If you are on a tight budget and want to make sure that your trip to Halong Bay feels worth it, opt for a day trip. A day trip to Halong Bay can cost as low as USD 50 which is usually less than one-third the cost of an overnight Halong Bay cruise.

A day trip Halong Bay itinerary is packed with tourist delights.

• fall in love with the limestone pillars seen on your day cruise
• go kayaking, swimming, or snorkeling
• explore one of the many beautiful caves
• check out how pearl farming is carried out
• have a gala time at an islet or a beach

The Halong Bay day trip package usually includes pick-up and drop from Hanoi allowing a seamless journey. Eat a lavish lunch and pamper yourself with cookies and tea – both of which are complimentary inclusions in your day tour to Halong Bay.

I think it would be hard to not find Halong Bay worth visiting if you explore it on a day trip. The day trip packs most of the inclusions of an overnight trip but at a much cheaper price tag.

I recommend this Halong Bay Day Trip for its affordable price

Related posts: 1 day in Hanoi – a perfect itinerary 2023 What to do in the Hanoi Old Quarter? A solid guide 2023 The best street food tours in Hanoi for foodies

Halong Bay Alternatives – And when should you consider these?

As I have said earlier, Halong Bay is absolutely worth visiting and it doesn’t make sense to consider skipping it or looking for alternatives. But the options suggested below are places close to or similar to Halong Bay but far less touristy or expensive.

So if budget, overtourism, weather, commute, etc are a concern for you, consider the options below.

Bai Tu Long Bay

Located just to the northeast of Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is a quieter and less touristy alternative. It offers similar stunning landscapes of limestone cliffs and emerald waters but with a more tranquil atmosphere. 

It is an absolute hit amongst tourists for its spectacular, clean, unperturbed beaches.

There are daily boats available to Bai Tu Long Bay from Halong Bay – perfect for a day trip. 

Cat Ba Island

This is the largest island in Halong Bay and offers a more laid-back vibe than the bustling Halong Bay area.  There is plenty to do here for tourists including exploring the national park, hiking through its hidden trails, visiting the fishing village inside the National Park.

In fact, many 2 night 3 days Halong bay cruise itineraries include a visit to Cat Ba Island. But you can visit it on a day trip by a direct ferry from Halong Bay.

This region is known as the “Halong Bay on land” due to its towering limestone karsts and winding rivers.

Take a paddle boat tour through Tam Con or Trang An and spend any extra time visiting the local temples, and pagodas or hiking through its scenic routes. Many tourists, in fact, like Ninh Binh more than Halong Bay as they find it more charming and less touristy.

This mountain town is located in the Hoang Lien Son range and is known for its stunning rice terraces and cultural diversity. You can hike through the surrounding hills and valleys, meet local ethnic minorities, and soak in the area’s natural beauty. Visit the Silver Waterfall along with the numerous other waterfalls dotting this area.

TOP TRAVEL RESOURCES

Here is a list of our favorite travel resources- the ones that I absolutely swear by when planning almost every trip. Go through this list to plan a hassle-free trip and save a lot of money!

Flight Booking: Check the availability of tickets, the best time to fly, and the cheapest fares on Skyscanner . You may also find a cheap flight via CheapOair

Accommodation: I absolutely love booking through Agoda . In most countries and particularly in Asia, I often find the best fares on Agoda. But I also love the no prepayment and no cancellation fee policy of Booking.com . For cheap accommodations and hostels, nothing beats Hostelworld .

Car Rentals: You may find and rent an appropriate car via RentalCars . It’s hassle-free and reliable.

Guided Tours: I absolutely love GetYourGuide for local sightseeing tours, walking tours, history tours, and food tours. The booking process is seamless, and the tours are super affordable. But in Asian countries, I prefer Viator or Klook for their affordably priced tours.

Lounge Access : Get Priority Pass – my personal favorite card that gives me unlimited access to premium airport lounges all over the world

Hey, if you found this post helpful, share it with more people or buy me a coffee !

Vrushali Ketkar is a lawyer turned travel blogger. She has travelled to 14 countries. She travels like a regular working woman with family. Her lawyer-level research skills make her a destination expert and help her get the most out of my trips. Today, her travel articles and videos help thousands of people across the world plan their trips to various parts of the world.

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Halong Bay Tours

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Full-Day Halong Bay Tour Including Kayaking from Hanoi

Gen Z Cruise 2-day Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi

Cong Cruise Full Day Explore Halong Bay

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Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Halong Bay Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024)

Finding Alexx

| Bucket list adventures around the globe

Asia , Vietnam · March 23, 2020

Is Halong Bay worth it? An honest Halong Bay cruise review

Real talk: Not all destinations are as they seem on Instagram. I don’t want to burst any bubbles or ruin any bucket lists here but I’m all about sharing the misadventures as well as the adventures, so I wanted to give you an honest Halong Bay cruise review and give you some Halong Bay alternatives too. Read on to find out, is Halong Bay worth it ?

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But first, a disclaimer!

Let me prefix this by saying that everyone has different experiences when they travel somewhere. Weather can impact your enjoyment of a place, expectations can affect how you feel when you’re faced with the reality, and the people around you can make or break it.

I had many people tell me that Halong Bay was one of their life highlights, and with perfect weather and a great group of travel buddies on your boat I can totally see how this could be true.

But in the interest of showing the reality of travel rather than just the highlights, I think it’s important to share honest experiences even when they might not look like what you would normally post on social media. Sometimes there’s rubbish, sometimes it rains, sometimes a place doesn’t live up to what you were hoping for, and that’s totally okay.

Let’s all commit to sharing authentic travel experiences truthfully, rather than just the infinity pools and the cocktails, and then other travellers have a more realistic idea of what to expect when they visit for themselves.

ALSO my three weeks in Vietnam were one of my top trip highlights and it’s definitely one of my favourite countries, so one unsatisfying experience doesn’t taint a whole destination.

What is Halong Bay?

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in northern Vietnam, and it’s probably graced your Instagram feed multiple times in the past. It’s famous for bright emerald water, an infinite number of jagged limestone karsts protruding from the ocean, and white wooden junk boats sailing around the islands. It is, in a word, otherworldly.

This tourist hot spot quickly became Vietnam’s most recognisable icon when it was picked out by UNESCO in 2000, and it sees over six million tourists a year.

How do you get from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

Most Halong Bay cruises offer a pick up and drop off service from your Hanoi hotel. If your tour doesn’t offer this service or if you want to spend extra time in Halong Bay before or after your cruise, you can choose a private driver , shared bus transfer , shared minibus or a train.

The distance between Hanoi and Halong Bay is about 170km, and a private driver will get you from A to B in three hours (not accounting for any stops). You can book a Halong Bay private transfe r on Klook from £56 for up to three people.

The best value option for getting from Hanoi to Halong Bay and back is a shared transfer, you can jump on a tourist bus from £4 or ride in style in an air-conditioned minibus from £8 .

There’s a Hanoi to Halong Bay train too and prices start at £2.50, but it’s a six or seven hour journey so I don’t think it’s worth it.

About my Halong Bay cruise

There are day trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay, or overnight cruises for two, three or more days.

I opted for the three-day two-night cruise, as I liked the idea of having one full boat day without hours on a bus. This meant we managed to explore deeper into the bay on a day boat, where there were far fewer people, which made a big difference.

I booked this two-night deluxe cruise on Klook for £193 for a single room (vs £295 for two people in a double room). All of the cruises I saw have a single supplement, except for a couple which will pair you with another traveller, not necessarily the same age or gender as you.

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The boat company my trip was with was Phoenix Cruises, who have 5 stars on TripAdvisor. Overall the Phoenix team were brilliant! Hotel pick-up and drop-off were smooth and easy, our guide was hilarious and super friendly, and the staff were always eager to help.

If you’re looking for a bit of a boat party kind of vibe then consider booking a trip to Castaways Island , the private island that is run by Vietnam Backpackers Hostel.

Or if you’re feeling fancy, check out this five star luxury cruise with President Cruises.

About the Halong Bay boat

Our boat was pretty decent, there’s a huge deck with seating upstairs as well as a dining room inside. My cabin was big enough for me but two people and luggage would be a bit of a squeeze, but that’s boats for you! The boat is meant to have free WiFi but unfortunately ours was broken.

You can’t get hungry on the boat, the meals were HUGE. All meals are included while you’re in the bay, and they bring out 8-10 dishes per table for you to choose from so there’s plenty there.

The food was a mix of both Vietnamese and Western food, and they can cater for dietary requirements too. Drinks are separate and cost around £1 for a soft drink, £2 for a local beer and £3-4 for a cocktail.

Our boat had 14 cabins and there was a huge variety of passengers from different countries, different backgrounds and different ages.

Unfortunately one of these passengers was racist, sexist and smoked like a chimney and hacked his lungs out publicly, despite the prevalent worries about coronavirus (this was mid-February 2020). I can normally ignore rude people but unfortunately when you’re stuck on a boat for 48 hours with someone that can be tough!

Luckily I had some pretty awesome other boatmates too. On the first night there was a bunch of five American university students who were part-way through a Semester at Sea study abroad programme, and we spent hours chatting about how to tie travel into their lives when they go back home. I’m sure one of them is reading this, so thought I better give them a shout out ????

Why my Halong Bay experience wasn’t ideal

Unfortunately, our experience at Halong Bay was hampered a bit by some angry weather, and pollution and tourists behaving badly didn’t help.

Don’t get me wrong, the bay was still beautiful, but the fog, rain, cold weather, crowds and rubbish did mean it didn’t quite meet my expectations and I want to be completely honest about that so you know what to expect.

The weather

Obviously no one can do anything about this, but the rain, fog and cold did really impact our time on the boat. Northern Vietnam gets cold in January and February (Halong Bay’s average high in winter is only 20°C with a low of 8°C), but the rain was somewhat unusual for that time of the year.

The best time to visit Halong Bay according to locals is October to December in terms of weather, but those months also bring the biggest crowds.

The fog did look beautifully eerie, but not being able to see the vastness of the never-ending limestone islands did somewhat ruin the magic that I was expecting.

Getting wet was the real kicker though, especially on the day boat where we had no warm and dry cabins and no change of clothes. Six hours of sitting in clothes wet from kayaking and I was a shivering mess!

Halong Bay overtourism

The Halong Bay cruise (and most cruises) include a number of activities like island visits, kayaking, seeing caves and visiting oyster farms. These activities are incredibly touristy, with hoards of other travellers arriving moments after you, all lining up to climb a mountain or explore a cave with camera flashes constantly going off in your face. Boomers, am I right?

Overtourism is something I’m passionate about and it’s a topic I want to try and focus on more in my travels, so I’ll admit I’m disappointed in myself for adding to the Halong Bay problem. Not only does overtourism affect the authenticity of a destination, natural landscapes and ecosystems, it actually negatively affects tourists’ enjoyment of the destination too. So it’s literally a lose-lose situation!

Day two of the cruise, the full boat day, meant that we could take a day boat further into the bay away from the one day and overnight trips, and even the reprieve from that alone made a big difference and definitely made the two-night trip worth it.

It’s also worth noting two things…

1) I am aware I, too, am a tourist. I’m totally a part of this problem too, and I wish I had read up more about the unfortunate Halong Bay overtourism before I went, which is why I’m sharing this with you guys.

And 2) My visit was mid-February at the height* of the coronavirus panic in Asia and when travel restrictions were in place, which meant what I experienced was probably 30-40% less busy than usual. I can’t imagine what a fully populated Halong Bay would be like.

*Editor’s note: I wrote this at the start of March where it seemed like mid-Feb was the height of the corona hysteria, now I’m editing this in my childhood bedroom at the end of March because I had to pause my trip and come home and self-quarantine as international borders close. The world has changed so much in three weeks!

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Tourists behaving badly

What’s worse than way too many tourists? Way too many irresponsible tourists.

The most frustrating instance of this was on one of the kayaking trips where a boat of visitors started throwing plastic-wrapped food, like packets of chips and chocolate bars, at the monkeys on the shore and laughing when they tried to eat them.

Not only is it harmful to feed wild animals, but what do they expect the monkeys to do with the rubbish? Put it in the bin? Sigh.

There were also pockets of floating rubbish all through the bay from where boats were obviously anchored the night before.

Halong Bay seems to have a ban on single use plastic that’s enforced on the boats (no plastic water bottles or snacks) but there are still plenty of local row boats who come around with bags of chips, lollies and soft drinks, plus I’m sure many people bring their own food on board and discard the rubbish overboard without thinking.

The final verdict of my Halong Bay cruise review

Halong Bay is undeniably beautiful, and I don’t blame anyone for having it at the top of their bucket list. If you managed to see it with less people (a two or more night cruise is best for that) or if you had brilliant weather then I imagine I don’t doubt it would be a Vietnam highlight, and if you managed to get both a quiet spot and brilliant weather then you win!

But for me, taking into account the drizzly cold, the litter pockets and the hoardes of tourists, I wouldn’t say I regret Halong Bay, but I also wouldn’t say I’ve added it to my ‘best things I’ve ever seen’ list.

Alternatives to Halong Bay

But wait, it’s not all doom and gloom (or rain and litter in this case)! There are a few options of places to visit to get a Halong Bay-esque experience without the crowds.

Cat Ba Island

Cat Ba Island was one destination that people raved about to me while I was planning my trip, and I wish I had the strength to overcome the Halong Bay FOMO and visit Cat Ba instead. Bad Alexx!

Cat Ba Island is actually the biggest island in Halong Bay, but it’s a destination worth visiting in its own right. From sleepy fishing villages (most in Halong Bay have been shut down by local government to ‘protect the ecosystem’ i.e. make way for more tourist boats), to thick jungle, to secluded grottoes hidden amongst the towering cliffs, Cat Ba and its own Lan Ha Bay are a brilliant escape from the Halong madness.

The good news is you can actually do a trip to both Halong Bay and Cat Ba Island if you really do want to see both. This two night adventure spends a night on the boat in Halong Bay and a night in a hotel or resort on Cat Ba Island, the best of both worlds.

Bai Tu Long Bay

A couple of people recommended Bai Tu Long Bay too, which is slightly north of Halong Bay but seemingly far from the well-trodden tourist trail. The cruises in Bai Tu Long Bay are more expensive but have smaller boats than in Halong Bay, so they’re a bit more private and exclusive. Guaranteed you’ll have less crowds and rubbish up here.

Tam Coc and Ninh Binh

Known as the ‘Halong Bay on land’, the mind-blowing landscapes of the Ninh Binh province, a couple of hours’ drive inland from Hanoi, are another of Vietnam’s hidden gems. With a similar silhouette of giant limestone karsts but with emerald rice paddies in place of turquoise waters, the views in Ninh Binh and nearby Tam Coc were definitely a trip highlight for me.

There are no junk boats but there are row boats, bicycle routes, caves to explore and mountains to climb.

If you’re planning on going, do you think you’ll keep it in your itinerary or consider one of the Halong Bay alternatives? And if you’ve been before, do you think Halong Bay is worth it or do you agree with me? Tell me in the comments!

Looking for Halong Bay cruises or Halong Bay alternatives? Check out all the day trips and overnight cruises right here on Klook .

Like this blog? Pin it!

Read more about my 52 in 52 adventure here , see all of my blog posts from the trip here , or check out my Instagram @findingalexx to see all of my travel photos.

All the basic details from my big 52 in 52 trip:

How do you find your flights? Skyscanner ! I use the Everywhere tool to find the cheapest place to fly to each Tuesday Do you fly every week? Not every week no, once I have the destination I check trains and buses to see if there’s any other transport options aside from flying. If so, I usually book these using the Trainline app. How do you book your accommodation? I book all my hotels, hostels and apartments on either booking.com or Hostelworld . Do you have travel insurance? YES, I always travel with travel insurance and you should too. I’m insured for an annual policy with Worldcare NZ . Do you offset your carbon credits? I sure do! I always offset when I book if the airline gives me the option (Ryanair does), and I also offset all my flights using Co2nsensus.com . What luggage do you travel with? I travel with a 75cm Samsonite Cosmolite suitcase , a matching Samsonite Cosmolite 55cm cabin luggage hardcase , and a cheap laptop backpack . What camera do you use? You can see the full list of what’s in my camera bag right here . What laptop do you use? I have a super portable HP Spectre x360 13.3″ laptop, which is an absolute dream to travel with. For more FAQs about my 52 in 52 trip, see this post .

I travelled on the Halong Bay two night cruise as a guest thanks to my ongoing partnership with Klook. As always, all opinions are my own and are based on my own personal experience.

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June 27, 2022 at 4:59 pm

Hi, thank you for this detailed, authentic article. We’re planning to go to Northern Vietnam mid to late December and have decided to skip Halong Bay because it seems very similar to the Phi Phi islands. And with limited time, we’ve decided it would be better to visit other destinations. That said, Tam Coc is a place we are considering but I’ve read a few accounts of how over touristy it is and tourists getting inundated by vendors pushing their wares to the point of ruining the experience- did that happen to you at all?

June 28, 2022 at 2:19 am

I didn’t have that experience in Tam Coc, Ninh Binh was a bit more intense in terms of the commercial aspect, but for me Tam Coc was quite calm and peaceful. However I was there in Feb 2020 when borders had already shut to some countries so I definitely didn’t see it at its busiest, my experience might have been more positive than if I had visited in a normal time!

August 18, 2022 at 2:13 am

I had plans to visit bali but my flight was through Vietnam and had some layover. I got tempted and kept a four days gap and got my Vietnam VISAs to explore some of Vietnam. I also underestimated the distance between Ha Noi and HCM and hence within these four days, I planned to travel from HA Noi to Ho Chi Minh. I will enter Vietnam at HaNoi and my flight to Bali will be from HCM. So, booked a flight after spending two days in HAnoi to HCM. Sorry for boring you with a lot of info.

I have only two days in Hanoi and hence booking one night two days trip will mean zero time for exploring Hanoi. So, I will have to settle with just one day, day trip to Hanoi. That means, I will be part of the ‘Problem’ and will be able to explore only one of the crowded areas of the Hay Long bay.

I am travelling with parents and in fact, the trip is for them to visit an international location for the first time. I have been to places but they haven’t and I am joining to make them feel comfortable. They are in their 70s.

Do you think we should still include a day trip to Halong bay or are there any alternatives that you have in mind?

Can you suggest the two days itinerary? We will reach early in the morning and will have two full days with us before our flight in the morning of the third day from Hanoi to HoChiMinh city. PArents are healthy but can only walk 200-300 meters and would not want to make extreme for them as they have total 12 days trip to Vietnam and Bali.

Our budget is medium and not very luxurious!

Thank you in advance!

August 18, 2022 at 6:30 am

Hanoi is a really cool city with lots to do, but if your parents aren’t very mobile then it might be tricky as the city is definitely made for walking or motorbiking, cars are limited on where they can go.

I would suggest doing a day trip to Halong Bay like this one: https://www.klook.com/activity/44865-hana-premium-cruise-halong-bay-high-way/?aid=5164

And you can read my Vietnam itinerary for more suggestions on what to do in Hanoi for two days: https://findingalexx.com/3-week-vietnam-itinerary

HOoe this helps!

September 23, 2022 at 5:34 pm

Just wondering how you got from Ha Long Bay to Nihn Bihn? What is the quickest and cost effective way to get there 🙂

September 24, 2022 at 12:53 pm

My Halong Bay cruise included transport to and from Hanoi, so I caught that back to Hanoi and then booked a bus from Hanoi to Ninh Binh 🙂

January 23, 2023 at 8:05 pm

Hi there: Thank you for your detailed description of the Halong Bay. We are at the point of adding to the over tourism problem. We have a specific question, namely we get into Hanoi midmorning and we have that night and the next day and night at most to spare before moving on to Da Nang. Within those time constraints, would you recommend exploring Ha Noi over a day and a half or try to forego the city in favor of the cruise. We will be traveling in late May and none of us have any mobility restrictions. Thanks in advance for your opinion

March 23, 2023 at 11:05 am

Hey! I’m so sorry for the late reply, you might have already booked but I will give you my thoughts anyway. Honestly it is totally up to your preferences, Hanoi is an amazing city with plenty to see and do in 1.5 days, and if you’re a foodie then I’d say you should do a food tour which will take up half a day of that time so then you’d want the next day to see more of the city. If you are more keen on natural landscapes and don’t mind a very hectic day of bus/boat/bus with (probably) lots and lots of other tourists then you could still do the Halong Bay day trip, I’d just suggest not having super high expectations as the chaos/amount of tourists/rushed nature might not give you the best experience if that makes sense!

September 29, 2023 at 5:13 am

Very much appreciate your candid and detailed descriptions of your travel experiences. So helpful.

December 29, 2023 at 1:41 pm

Hi Alex, Thank you so much for your honest assessment of Ha Long Bay. We are seriously thinking of going to Vietnam ( have been to Cambodia, Thailand, and Laos several years back) I am 68, hubby is 73 in good shape, minus the aches and pains. We will work with a high end tour operator who has an excellent reputation. You were there for three weeks and since we are coming from the east coast of the US want your opinion if not only 3 night cruise is worth it in Halong Bay or the other places you mentioned, but Vietnam in general (ie Hoi Ann, Hue, etc). We would like to combine two weeks in Vietnam with a week of a beach vacation somewhere else like southern Thailand -maybe even Palawan islands in the Philippines if not to far. Thoughts on Vietnam would be much appreciated!

January 3, 2024 at 12:34 pm

Hi Sandra! With two weeks in Vietnam you could do a few nights in Halong Bay or one of the alternatives (Bai Tu Long, Cat Ba, Lan Ha) + spend some time in Hanoi, Hoi An and Ho Chi Minh City. I’d recommend keeping your visit to 3/4 destinations in those two weeks though otherwise you’ll be spending a tonne of time on buses/in cars/planes getting from A to B. Thailand would be an easy option, just check the season to avoid heading to the wrong side during the wet season. Palawan is a little trickier because I don’t think there are direct flights from Vietnam to Puerto Princesa at the moment so I thiiiink you’d need to go via Manila which would make it a long trip. I’m not totally sure though so best to check your options on Skyscanner!

January 21, 2024 at 5:37 pm

I’ve got lots of great ideas from your various reviews and articles. Thank you. We are pushed for time and I had initially planned 2 nights Hanoi, 1 night Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise, 1 night Tam Coc. Private transfer between places so we go point to point. I’m wondering if we slow down the pace and just go to Hanoi and Ninh Binh. I visited Halong Bay on a boat cruise over 20 years ago and found the diesel fumes and water pollution startling – and that was way back then. Was hoping Bai Tu Long might be different but I’m not sure.

We travel a lot, travel light and move around well (family with kids) but are definitely not boat/tour/group kinda people – we like to travel independently and hang with locals.

January 22, 2024 at 11:42 am

Hey Kate, based on your travel preferences I would say perhaps skip Bai Tu Long Bay and spend more time in Ninh Binh instead, you’ll be more likely to find authentic local experiences there. If you or the kids are particularly keen to see the limestone karst landscapes then Bai Tu Long would definitely be better than Halong Bay, but if you aren’t into boats/sightseeing then there’s probably no need to make the trip and waste a day/night.

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Halong Bay Tours & Trips from Hanoi

An adventure starting in Hanoi is a great way to see Halong Bay. We have 114 tours that range from 2 days up to 28 days. The most popular time for tours from Hanoi is September, which has the most tour departures.

114 Halong Bay tours from Hanoi with 289 reviews

• Christmas & New Year

Hanoi to Ha Long Bay - 3 Days

Vietnam is awesome country in South East Asia, i love Halong bay, crowded city in hustles, busy horn, especially food in the local, lvp travel ⛺ organization is perfect ! I 'd love to return hanoi late next 2019, Cheap services with Old like us....i recommend you should visit Vietnam before you see another neighbors

• Book With Flexibility This operator allows you to rebook your dates or tours with them for free, waiving change fees.

Hanoi / Halong 4 Days 3 Night Sightseeing Trip

Excellent trip overall - good value for money. Guide was great. Nothing to complaint. Thanks

• Sightseeing

Vietnam Express Southbound

Very much enjoyed. I feel that navigating Vietnam without the tour would have been next to impossible in the things we did.

• In-depth Cultural

5 Days North of Vietnam

Tour guides needs more improvement, they need to be more adept to communication in English language.

Luxury Halong Bay Cruise and Mountain Resort - 6 Days

It was a very good tour, all the bookings and package was as promised. Right from Airport Pick up to drop, everything went smooth and I did not have to follow up even once with the tour operator

• 10% deposit on some dates Some departure dates offer you the chance to book this tour with a lower deposit.

Vietnam Experience 15 Day

Phat was the best group leader you could have asked for. He always made sure that we have the best time in Vietnam and was willing to give us so many information about his country and culture.

Private Tour: 5 Days North of Vietnam

• Walking Adventure

Vietnam: Hanoi, Halong Bay & Trekking Pu Luong

Here's an honest, unbiased review of my trip to Vietnam and Cambodia with G Adventures. First of all, I've never been on any adventure trip before, however I went with my wife, her sister and her husband, as three of us are turning 60 this year and we thought we'd do something a little different for a change. Booked with G Adventures, as my sister is a travel agent and said they'd never had any problem with them. First of all, we initially flew to Singapore for three nights and did Raffles, the Marina Bay Hotel and the cables cars etc. TIP - 1. they've got a modern underground, which is easy to use. 2. Raffles Long Bar opens at 11am, so get there sharp before the queues start. 3. Singapore is expensive, so beware. We then flew up to Hanoi where we met up with our tour guide (CEO) Phi Hoang and the other ten travellers. From then on we travelled down through Vietnam by bus, train and plane, as well as a night on a boat at Ha Long Bay. TIP - 1. Visit Train Street in Hanoi, it's fun having a train almost take your nose off ! 2. Do the bike ride in Hoi An, experience the free-for-all main roads, before heading out into the fields. Everybody in the group loved it. 3. There's a vegetarian brunch at a Monastery - I love my meat, but it was one of the best meals I've had. 4. Yes, the toilets are basic on the overnight train journey, but the cabins are clean, so pack plenty snacks and have fun. My wife and her sister were a little apprehensive beforehand, but it was a laugh and Phi came round all the cabins taking photos of us. 5. Don't miss the Cu Chi tunnels in Saigon - a must do experience. Try and do the war museum afterwards, which is very informative. We then headed by bus into Cambodia where we did the Killing Fields at Phnom Penn - a very sobering experience. We also did the sunrise at Angkor Wat, an amazing series of temples only a 15 minute drive from our hotel in Siem Reap. We then had a long bus journey to Bangkok where we spent the night, before flying home the following day. Phi was with us the whole trip and was an outstanding guide. If you're lucky enough to get him as your CEO then you'll have a superb time. He speaks excellent English, keeps you updated every day on what's happening, as well as setting up a Whatsapp group where he adds more information, as well as posting photos he takes of the group. He also arranges an evening meal every night at a local restaurant, which you can attend or you can do your own thing. At every activity though, you feel he's always floating around, keeping everybody safe and watching out for any issues. On that note, I never felt threatened or in danger in any of the countries we visited. The locals were always friendly and helpful. We stayed in quite a few hotels. Some were more basic than others, but all were clean, had hot water and air-con. TIP - it's very hot and humid, so pack plenty insect repellent. We had a lot better time than we thought we would and that was a lot down to our CEO. There's several long bus journeys in the trip, but there's regular stops along the way to break things up. We'd definitely use G Adventures again.

3-Day Ha Long Bay on Deluxe 4-star Cruise with Kayaking, Swimming, Cooking Class,...

The trip to the fishing village and the caves were great. Halong Bay was amazing. The swimming was very refreshing. Food was great and plenty of it. The staff were attentive and polite. Cooking class was fun.

• Hiking & Trekking

Mystique Vietnam Vacation In 13 Days by Realistic Asia

It was our third trip to Vietnam, before we were visiting it for a beach break, but for this time we decided to take and adventure trip in the mountains. We have heard a lot from other travelers about Sapa and Ha Long Bay and wanted to visit it. We were unconfident to arrange this trip by ourselves and decided to book it with Realistc Asia. It was a great decision for us. Our travel advisor Hien has recommended us this trip as we wanted to get a full insight into Northern Vietnam. We couldn’t expect more! We visited local villages, and the market in the mountains, met many interesting people. Personally I was blown away with the views in Mu Cang Chai, it is probably one of the most beautiful places I ever visited. For those who want to see rice terraces I recommend to go there. We got all what we wanted: adventures, less visited areas, beautiful sceneries and authentic experience. Hien, thank you so much for organizing everything! You are the best!

Essential Vietnam And Cambodia

14 days was not enough! In Vietnam , Cambodia and Thailand the few days we spent in each country was enough to make you want to revisit. Ha long bay in Vietnam was breathtaking. Angor Wat was a surreal experience. However, the 2 food tours we did in Thailand were definitely a hit! In each country the food was truly delicious. The majesty of the rescued elephants at the rescue sanctuary was humbling. I cannot say enough about local guides. They were friendly and knowledgeable. Our speedboat tour was cancelled due to bad weather, the credit was in our account as soon as we returned home.

Vietnam Experience 12 Day

Leader was originally meant to be a girl called Meg and instead got changed to Adam Case- so glad about this as he was everything we needed in a leader! Made sure we had lots of knowledge and facts about the areas we were staying in, all the hotels were nice and any issues we had were resolved asap. I’m an emotional wreck constantly and Adam kept checking I was okay throughout the trip and if I was ever feeling low he picked up on it and brought me back up. Couldn’t recommend the trip enough- got to see and do so much (the home stay in nihn binh defo my fav jsut wish we had longer here!) :) x

• Ocean Cruise

Hanoi & Halong Bay North of Vietnam

Everything went smoothly, thanks. Free potable water would have been appreciated; it was so hot in the bay.

• Mountain Hikes

The Beauty of Northern Vietnam in 8 Days

Vietnam Tour Fun had been providing excellent service and support throughout our trip. Ms Mai Hoa started to connect with us a few days before we arrived Vietnam. She was contactable throughout the whole trip. We scheduled to have Halong Bay cruise in the last 2 days in our itinerary. However a typhoon was approaching Vietnam and the government announced no cruise was allowed to set sail for safety reason. Ms Mai Hoa immediately contacted us and offered alternative trips for choosing. The difference in the tour fee was refunded to us after our trip finished. We were very happy with the services of Vietnam Tour Fun and Ms Mai Hoa. We had a great time there.

Northern Vietnam Adventure In 12 Days - Private Tour

My bf and I had a wonderful time in Vietnam. We really didn't think Vietnam was such an interesting place. Even though we only visited the north of the country, the culture and people here are amazing. We hope that in the future we will have the opportunity to return and explore more of this country.

What people love about Halong Bay Tours from Hanoi

Vietnam is awesome country in South East Asia, i love Halong bay, crowded city in hustles, busy horn, especially food in the local, lvp travel ⛺ organization is perfect ! I 'd love to return hanoi late next 2019, Cheap services with Old like us....i recommend you should visit Vietnam before you see another neighbors

It was the first time that I travelled Solo solely for the purpose of travel and turned out to be a trip of lifetime! Of course Intrepid tour leader - Cong, operated like clockwork, thought ahead and no derailment of trip in anyway at all! But what made it fantastic was the group of people who came on this trip and I am sure each one of us will share the same sentiment. Look forward to many more…

Tours starting from Hanoi

• Hanoi to Hanoi tours (59)
• Hanoi to Ho Chi Minh City tours (35)
• Hanoi to Siem Reap tours (11)
• Family from Hanoi (86)
• Explorer from Hanoi (73)
• Sailing from Hanoi (29)
• Private from Hanoi (23)
• In-depth Cultural from Hanoi (13)
• Self-Guided from Hanoi (7)
• Hiking & Trekking from Hanoi (7)
• River Cruise from Hanoi (5)
• Custom from Hanoi (5)
• Best time to visit Halong Bay (Vietnam) in 2024/2025

The 5 Best Halong Bay Cruises [2024 Reviews]

Located in northeast Vietnam, Halong Bay is an UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its breathtaking natural beauty. Magnificent green waters, countless islands, thick rainforests, and much more are here to explore in Halong Bay.

Limestone mountains and caves allow for great climbing opportunities, while boat tours let you take it all in without breaking a sweat. Taking a tour is one of the best ways to see the area, as you’ll be with a local guide who knows all of the best spots to show you.

We have all the top Halong Bay cruises right here, so buckle up and get ready for the ride! See sure to see our reviews of Ha Giang Loop Motorbike Tours and Hanoi City Tours .

Best Halong Bay Tours

Quick answer: the 5 best rated halong bay cruises for 2024.

• Halong Luxury Day Tour- 6 Hour Cruise
• Halong Bay cruise 2 days 1 night
• Amazing Sails – Luxury Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi
• Halong Bay Deluxe Day Tour
• Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour From Hanoi

Halong Bay Cruise Reviews

1. halong luxury day tour- 6 hour cruise.

• Duration: 10 hours
• Departure:  Hotel pickup and drop-off available / Hoàn Kiếm, Hanoi
• Departure Time: 8:45 am
• Includes:  Round trip transportation, set menu lunch, tour guide

Let’s start things off on the right foot with the Halong Luxury Day Tour – 6 Hour Cruise ! If you’re looking for a fantastic way to see Vietnam’s natural beauty in-depth, we can’t recommend this one enough.

This well-organized tour is one of the most convenient ways of exploring the area, with seamless transportation and professional guides.

Lasting 10 hours long, you’ll have the entire day for learning and seeing some of the most beautiful sites in the world. Your day starts off by getting picked up either at your accommodations or at a location in central Hanoi. It’s all up to your preferences.

Your transportation there is an 18-seater coach with air-conditioning and large windows for prime viewing. AC is crucial, because it can get sweltering hot over here. Head along the highway to Halong Bay, taking a rest around noon to stretch your legs.

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Once you arrive to the bay, you’ll receive a safety briefing on what to expect and how to stay safe. Get ready for a 5-hour journey that will take you through uninhabited islets, including Trong Mai/Cock Fighting and Thumb/Ngon Tay Islet.

The former looks like two roosters fighting or “kissing”, while the latter looks like a giant thumb emerging from the water. Speaking of the waters, they themselves are incredible to enjoy. When the timing is just right, there’s a layer of a mystical fog that sits on top, creating an otherworldly experience.

You’ll be served a delicious lunch to enjoy as you cruise the emerald waters. Arrive at Surprising Cave around 1:45, where you’ll get to explore a bit before going either kayaking or by bamboo boat in Luon Cave. After, ascend Titov Peak for unmatched panoramic views of the bay.

 More Information & Tour Booking

100% refund for cancellations within 24 hours of tour experience, 2. halong bay cruise 2 days 1 night.

• Duration: 2 days
• Departure: Hotel and port pickup and drop-off available
• Departure Time: 8:00 am
• Includes:  Overnight accommodation, English speaking guide, air-conditioned vehicle, sunset party, cooking class, bottled water, meals

Perhaps the idea of a bay cruise sounds wonderful, but you’d like to go all-in and really explore the area more in-depth. If that sounds like fun to you, check out the Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night tour. For what you receive, the price can’t be beat, and the quality is consistently high.

Right from the start, you’ll have all transportation and transfers included so there’s no need to worry about booking transportation on your own. What you pay for includes all of the necessities as well, so there’s no need to shell out more cash for meals, beverages, and things like that.

This tour is one where you do get quite a lot of input in what you do, but if not, you’ll just go on the previously-planned tour schedule. The guides are very friendly and offer all kinds of intriguing facts and anecdotes relating to the landmarks you come across.

You’ll be picked up at your accommodations in the morning, and head over to Ha Long Bay. Day one includes breakfast, lunch, and dinner, along with coffee, bottled water, and more. You’ll be kayaking, visiting caves, and just seeing everything the bay has to offer.

The next day includes a cooking class where you’ll learn about traditional Vietnamese dishes. After, celebrate life and your adventures with a beautiful sunset party!

If you’re on the hunt for a comprehensive tour in the Vietnamese rainforests, this one should be at the top of your list. You’ll learn and see so much, while learning from a local who knows all of the hidden gems most tourists don’t get to see.

3. Amazing Sails – Luxury Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi

• Duration: 12 hours
• Departure: Hotel pickup and drop-off available
• Includes:  Air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, all fees and taxes, English speaking guide, boat trip – sharing traditional boutique cruise

If you’re looking for a traditional experience that will make you feel like you’ve traveled back in time, look no further. The Amazing Sails – Luxury Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi is majestic, beautiful, and unlike any other in the world.

Lasting 12 hours long, they sure pack in a lot – from kayaking to venturing through caves there’ll never be a dull moment. Start off your day by getting picked up at 8 am from your hotel or other accommodations. The air-conditioned vehicle is spacious and comfortable, no matter what the weather is like that day.

Your guide speaks great English, and is always happy to answer any questions you may have. Set off right to the Ha Long Bay, enjoying interesting stories and sightseeing along the way. Once you arrive to the bay, you’ll receive a safety briefing and hop on your cruise along the magnificent green waters.

 As you cruise along between the towering limestone mountains, you’ll be served a delicious lunch! After fueling up, arrive at Surprising Cave where you’ll experience ancient formations of stalagmites and stalactites.

After walking around, step into either a kayak or bamboo boat in Luon Cave, where you’ll see the gorgeous lagoon from a more personal perspective. You can choose to sunbathe on the deck of the boat instead, if you’d like.

Everyone loves visiting Titov Island afterward, complete with a sandy beach and stunning bay views. If you feel up to it, hike up to the top for incomparable panoramic views or take a dip in the waters down below.

4. Halong Bay Deluxe Day Tour

• Duration: 12 to 13 hours
• Departure Time: 8:30 am
• Includes: Air-conditioned vehicle, lunch, all fees and taxes, bottled water, English-speaking guide, kayaking and bamboo boat

Perhaps these tours sound inticing to you, but you’re on a tighter budget. If so, you have to check out the Halong Bay Deluxe Day Tour . You aren’t going to find anything for this level of quality for this great of a deal anywhere else!

Lasting 12 to 13 hours depending on weather, traffic, and other external factors, this is a full day of adventuring and seeing some of the prettiest places in the world. That’s certainly saying a lot, considering how beautiful Vietnam is already.

This tour is another excellent choice for those who are on short trips and want to pack in as much as possible.Start off by getting picked up from your hotel or other accommodations in the Hanoi Old Quarter zone. They’re very punctual and always arrive anywhere from 8:45 to 9:00 am.

You’ll head straight to Halong Bay, where you’ll hop aboard a vessel and cruise through the brilliant green waters to Tuan Chau Island.

The staff will serve you a tasty traditional Vietnamese lunch made with seafood caught fresh right in the area! Munch on as you see famous islets like the Incense Burner Islet, Fighting Cock Islet, Thumb Islet, among others. You’ll then arrive to Surprising Cave, which is the largest and arguably most beautiful in the bay.

After this, paddle around by kayak or bamboo boat at the Luon Cave, where the natural limestone mountains dip low to create a secluded spot that has remained practically untouched for thousands of years.

You’re sure to burn some calories throughout these explorations, so head over to Titop Island and relax on the beautiful beach before partaking in a fun sunset party on the sundeck!

5. Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour From Hanoi

• Duration: 6 to 12 hours
• Departure: Pickup and drop-off included
• Departure Time: 8:30 to 9:15, depending on pickup spot
• Includes: Lunch onboard, restroom on board, all entrance fees & tickets, kayaking & swimming, English speaking guide, round trip shuttle bus from Hanoi to the boat & returns

The Ha Long Bay Cruise Day Tour – Best Selling: Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking & Lunch is another tour comparable to the one we just covered. It’s affordable, it’s customizable, and it covers a lot of landmarks in a short amount of time. Put on your sunscreen and sense of adventure, because you’re in for a real treat with this one!

Just like with the others, you’ll be picked up in the morning from your accommodations. However, the time does depend on where you’ll be picked up from.

If you’re staying in Hanoi Old Quarter, then it’ll be around 8:30 am. If you’re getting picked up from the Tuan Chau Marina Harbour, it’ll be around noon. First stop of the day is the Hanoi Opera House, which was erected by the French colonial administration in the early 1900s.

You’ll then set off to Tuan Chau Marina Harbour where you’ll learn about keeping safe onboard and what you can expect. Cruise along the serene bay which has been carved away over centuries by the wind and water.

See countless series of towering limestone islands and islets emerging intermittently from the sage waters. Arrive to Surprising Cave, which looks like you’ve landed on another planet!

Complete with massive stalactites and stalagmites, it features colored lighting and interesting pathways to add to the experience. After this, visit Titop Island, where you can choose to swim below or climb to the top for breathtaking panoramic views of the bay.

No matter what, you’re going to be able to revel in this natural beauty and learn all about the history of this majestic place.

Hanoi Tour Guide

Getting there.

While there are flights that head straight to Hanoi, many visitors opt for an indirect flight routed through Bankok, Singapore, or Hong Kong. This is because the flights are typically much cheaper this way. If you would like to add on a day or two at one of these locations, it’s a great way to see another city/country while saving some money.

There are many airlines that service both Hanoi and Ho Chi Minh City and offer an open-jaw ticket, so you can fly into one and leave from the other. This is perfect if you’re going to stay in other parts of Vietnam aside from Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Prices do vary quite a bit, with July and August, Christmas, and New Year’s typically being the highest.

Getting Around

Hanoi is relatively easy to get around, but the method in which you use depends on your priorities.

Taxis – These are probably the most convenient for most travelers, however, it’s going to cost you. Not only that, but it’s not uncommon for taxi drivers to rip you off if they think you’re a tourist. Of course, Hanoi is a more affordable city but if you’re looking to save then you may want to opt for another method of transport.

Bikes – Bikes are very affordable (around a dollar per day) and easy to rent, but it’s not exactly recommended. Why? Because Hanoi’s drivers don’t exactly follow any kind of law. You’re better off using a motor vehicle yourself.

Motorcycle Taxi Cabs – These are quick and affordable, especially if you aren’t traveling very far. Unlike regular cabs, they don’t come with meters, so make sure to settle on a firm price before hopping on. Oh, and make sure to wear a helmet! If you’re unsure of how much to pay for your journey, it’s best to ask your hotel concierge their opinion and write it down or put it in your phone’s notes.

Cyclo – These fit 1-2 passengers, and are perfect for navigating through the Old Quarter’s narrow streets. It’s more about the experience rather than the transport itself, though.

Bus – Coming in red, white, and yellow, these cover all the famous attractions around the city, along with the Hanoi Train Station. The ticket prices do vary depending on where you’re going, but are more affordable than moto cabs usually.

Walking – This is probably the best way to see the city, if you don’t mind putting in some footwork. There are so many hidden gems around Hanoi – especially in the Old Quarter. This is also the area most pedestrian-friendly, fusing the old and new generations.

Where to Stay

The Old Quarter/Hoan Kiem – If this is your first time in Hanoi, this is where you’re staying. It’s located right in the heart of it all, with accommodations meant to suit any type of budget. Not only that, but some of the biggest attractions and best restaurants are found here.

For a luxury option, check out the Hanoi La Siesta Central Hotel & Spa . For a nice mid-range option, the Hanoi Marvellous Hotel and Spa is a nice choice.

If you’re on a budget, the Hanoi Esplendor Hotel & Spa is a fantastic option.

West Lake/Tay Ho – If nightlife or top-notch gastronomy are a vital part of your travels, we recommend staying in Tay Ho. Luxe hotels, fine dining, and upscale everything is found here. However, don’t be fooled – there are plenty of affordable places to eat and lay your head, too.

We recommend the InterContinental Hanoi West Lake for beautiful views and upscale service. For the best bang for your buck, the Elegant Suites Westlake is fantastic.

Ba Dinh – Are you bringing along the whole family? If so, you’ll appreciate the laidback vibes of Ba Dinh. It’s very walkable, with beautiful botanical gardens, the Truc Bach lake, and gorgeous architecture. While there aren’t quite as many food or nightlife options, it’s easy to access from here.

Our top choice is the Le Jardin Hanoi which is dripping in luxury, has fast internet, delicious breakfasts, car hire, and much more. Located in the peaceful French Quarter, the Anise Hotel is very affordable yet still offers wonderful views and service.

Hai Ba Trung – Are you the type of person who loves an authentic experience, and throws yourself right in the middle of the action? Then check this place out! Located right next to the Old Quarter, you have everything available to you.

We like La Casa Hotel Hanoi for great views, an enclosed plunge pool on the roof, and comfortable rooms.  Save some money with the beautiful Emerald Hotel Hanoi .

Restaurants and Eating Out

• Bánh Mì 25 – If you look up the best banh mi in the city, this is probably going to be at the top of your results. Despite this, it’s still filled with mostly locals, due to its deliciously-authentic flavors and competitive prices.
• Bami Bread – These are “Hoi-An-Style” banh mi, which are thinner, crispier, and overall lighter. It’s not as heavy and are perfect for snacking on while venturing around.
• Pho Gia Truyen Bat Dan – This legendary pho location has been serving up this savory soup since the 60s, with tender meat, delicate flavors, and consistency that makes it a local favorite. No matter what time you go, you’re probably going to encounter a line, but it’s worth the wait.
• Bun Cha Dac Kim – This is one of the best restaurants for bun cha: a traditional regional dish of grilled fatty pork in a soupy bowl and pickled vegetables with rice. Their crab spring rolls are the perfect side!
• Bánh Cuon Bà Xuân – Located close to Truc Bach Lake, mostly locals come here and it gets packed. These rice rolls are soft and chewy, and are an excellent snack.
• La Terrasse Du Metropole – Located in the plush Sofitel Legend Metropole Hanoi, expect delicacies like oysters, French cheeses and cold cuts, streak-frites, coq-au-vin, or even just a coffee. It’s fancy and delicious.
• Sen 60 Ly Thai – Yet another sophisticated spot, this is a buffet housed in a beautiful neocolonial building. Inside, you’ll find supreme seafood selections like sashimi, crab, escargot, and more.

Nightlife and Entertainment

Hanoi has a vibrant nightlife with varied selections sure to satisfy just about anyone. While it may be known as “conservative’, it’s absolutely not! You just have to know where to go and who to go with.

Dragonfly – This club may not look all that lively on the outside, but once you step inside you’ll realize that you shouldn’t judge a book by its cover! With gorgeous lighting and a lively dancefloor, it’s a fun place to smoke shisha, sip a cocktail, or just hang out with friends!

Craft Beer Pub – The name is straightforward enough, as it’s literally a pub that offers craft beer. You’ll find a nice offering of both locally-brewed and imported beer from Europe. If you want to find a place to grab a refreshing beer and watch the big game, this is it.

1900 Le Theatre – This club is housed in a very interesting spot standing on the remains of a burnt-down theater. If you’re looking to dance the night away with mainstream music complete with a DJ, this is it. It gets pretty crowded, so we do recommend coming with at least one other person.

Hair of the Dog – Perhaps you want something less noisy and more casual. The Hair of the Dog is very relaxed and ideal for nice conversation and meeting others. The first floor is for locals while the second is for foreigners.

Standing Bar – Yet another ultra-creative name, here you’ll drink your beer while standing up. Enjoy gorgeous lake views while sipping on one of their 16 types of craft beer, or enjoy some comedy shows on Saturday nights!

88 Lounge – Are you looking for a prime location for date night? 88 Lounge is sophisticated, with garden and sofa lounge environments to sit and chat in all night long.

Savage – This is one of our favorite places, with a great sound system, underground electronic music, and friendly locals.

Oh boy, can Hanoi’s weather get intense. The wet season is muggy, hot, and overcast so air conditioning in vehicles and hotels is a must. However, the dry season is pretty comfortable and clear – albeit a bit humid. Temperatures range from around 50 to 90 degrees throughout the year. You’ll probably want to bring a jacket just in case, no matter what season you visit.

Attractions

Old Town Quarter – We’ve talked quite a bit about this area of the city, but only because it has so much to offer! A maze of alleyways located in the heart of the city, its history spans over 1,000 years. Mixed with medieval architecture and more traditional Vietnamese design, it’s a great way to get to know the local culture.

Here, you can find St. Joseph’s Cathedral constructed in 1886 and is a memento left behind from the French colonial era.

Hoan Kiem Lake – A beautiful, tranquil spot located right on the edge of the Old Town Quarter, it’s a place to stroll around and clear the mind. Head down the red bridge and you’ll see Ngoc Son Temple, which was made in honor of 3 important figures: La To, Van Xuong, and Train Hung Dao.

Temple of Literature – This is undoubtedly one of the most beautiful, unique places. Originally constructed as a university in the 11 th -century, Confucianism and literature was taught here at one time.

Ho Chi Minh Mausoleum – This was once a location of pilgrimage for many Vietnamese. Consisting of many museums and monuments, the mausoleum is a gorgeous marble structure where Ho Chi Minh’s embalmed body sits in a glass display. Whether that’s something interesting or weird is up for debate, but it’s certainly a place where you’ll learn a lot about the country’s history and people.

Vietnam Museum of Ethnology – This museum holds a fantastically large national collection dating back thousands of years in some cases. These meticulously-curated collections consist of countless artifacts and art pieces including intricate carvings, traditional clothing, and more.

Hoa Lo Prison – Yet another construction from the 19 th -century French colonialists, this building was used to keep Vietnamese revolutionaries and essentially anyone else who thought to go against their ruling. Not only that, but many American POWs were kept here during the Vietnam War, including John McCain.

Imperial Citadel – Once the seat of military power in Vietnam, it currently holds the title of a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Not only is the architecture impressive, but there’s a bunker dating from the Vietnam War where interesting artifacts are displayed.

Thailand – While you are over in Vietnam you should take a trip an explore Thailand as well. There are some spectacular places to visit. Be sure to take a tour of the Phi Phi Islands and the famous James Bond Island from the movie, “The Man With The Golden Gun”.

• Don’t show off expensive gear. This includes cameras (unless you’re taking photos), jewelry, watches, and make sure your wallet is secure and close to you.
• Keep on top of your visa situation. Many nationalities require a visa in advance to stay for a maximum of 30 days. You can use an online visa agent as well, which could be the easiest way.
• Plan for traffic. Known for its large quantity of bikers, there’s a lot of traffic and a lot of honking. When on the road, it’s complete lawlessness and chaos, so be prepared. When crossing the road you do need to be assertive but watch out for oncoming traffic.
• The exchange rate is confusing. Most times, when dealing with money it’s going to be in 6 figures. For example, 100 USD currently equals around 2,340,000 Vietnamese Dong. When you’re paying, it’s easy for someone to rip you off as making mistakes/purposeful errors with notes is also simple when dealing with so many.
• Don’t drink the tap water. Better yet, don’t drink any water at all unless it’s a sealed bottle of water.

The Halong Luxury Day Tour is our Editors Choice for the best Halong Bay cruise

Robert Baker

Related articles, the 5 best taj majal tours from new delhi [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best hanoi city tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best mekong delta & cu chi tunnels tours [2024 reviews], ▷ the 5 best james bond island tours [2024 reviews].

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The cabin was spacious and well-equipped. Andrew was kind and very helpful. The Vietnamese food was great. Kayaking was nice.

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Overall a nice experience. The cabin was chic and spacious. The view was amazing. The staff (Kent, Jimmy in particular) …

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16 of the Absolute Best Halong Bay Cruise Recommendations in 2024!

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Home » 16 of the Absolute Best Halong Bay Cruise Recommendations in 2024!

Are you looking for the best Halong Bay cruise recommendation for your next holiday in Vietnam?

Join in with thousands of happy travelers on a trip of a lifetime to Halong Bay  on the best Halong Bay tour in Vietnam !

The best way to see Halong Bay is on an overnight cruise.

There are so many Halong Bay tours to choose from, that it can be daunting to figure out which Vietnam Halong Bay cruise will be the perfect fit for you.

In order to make your planning that much easier, we have compiled a list of 15 of the best Halong Bay cruises.

But for those in a hurry here is our personal favorite cruise.

>>> Click Here to See the Best Selling Halong Bay Cruise  

Best Halong Bay Cruises & Our Halong Bay Cruise Reviews

In this Ha Long Bay cruise buying guide, we suggest you check out our comparison chart of Halong Bay's best cruises and then read our Halong Bay's best cruise review that best suit your requirements.  

10 Best Halong Bay Cruise 2024 Comparison Chart

Below is a helpful list of the top 10 Halong Bay cruise recommendations, which are mentioned in this article.

You can then read my reviews below featuring Halong Bay's best cruise in 2019.

Please scroll right to see full table on mobile.

Tips to Help you Choose the Best Cruise for Halong Bay

Let's face it!  There are SO MANY Halong cruises to choose from that it can get totally overwhelming.

To help you, I'm going to outline all the criteria that I was looking for when I chose my first Halong Bay Cruise and then I will share some recommended Halong Bay tours with you.

1. How Long Should the Cruise be?

Halong Bay Day Trip: If you are short on time, you might only be able to enjoy a day cruise on Halong Bay.

Be prepared for a hectic day if you are planning to travel from Hanoi (around 3.5 hour journey one-way).

You can find transfer info here .

Halong Bay Overnight Cruises: You can choose from either a 1 night or 2 night cruise.

The Halong Bay 2 night cruise option is the most popular as it allows you time to enjoy some activities, travel deeper into the quieter areas of the bay, as well as enjoy some down-time.

2. Traditional Halong Bay Junk Boat or Newer Boat?

Next question is whether you prefer to enjoy the older traditional junk boats or if you love newer and more lux boats.

The Junk Boats are gorgeous, but you need to be prepared for older style boats and smaller rooms.  

Our favorite Halong Bay Junk Boat Overnight Cruise is the Indochina Sails Cruise .

If you prefer newer boats with more luxurious spacious rooms that offer terraces and balconies, you might prefer researching a company such as Signature Royal Cruises .

3. Size of Boat and Number of Rooms on Board

Your next consideration is to look at the number of rooms on board. 

If you are young and love to party, you will most likely enjoy the larger boats with more people.  

But for most of us after relaxation, it would be wise to book a room on a smaller boat.

Our second best selling cruise, the  Aphrodite Cruise  is a nice sized boat with only 17 cabins.

For a much more intimate cruise experience, L Azalee has a 4 person boat available.

4. Included Activities

Look out for 'cheaper' boats that might come across as a bargain, but then charge an arm-and-leg for any activities.  

We prefer cruises that offer free water activities such as kayaking. 

5. Itineraries

Most itineraries of the cruise companies are pretty much the same.  

You will typically visit a Pearl Farm, a Fishing Village, a Cave, as well as get the opportunity to climb to the top of TiTov Island and enjoy a bit of swim (typical 2-night itinerary).  

The difference in the itinerary is when a cruise company makes the effort to avoid the crowds from the other companies.

Indochina Sails might be an older style boat and rooms might be small, but we always arrived at our sights before and after the crowds.  

We were the only group exploring the Cave, we were the only ones in sight kayaking and we enjoyed TiTov island with only a small group of other travellers.

I really appreciated the fact that they went out of their way to give us a more relaxed and peaceful experience.

6. Destinations Included

Everyone knows about Halong Bay, and it is no surprise that over the years this beautiful heritage site has become pretty polluted and littered with trash.

Many travellers leave disappointed after experiencing dirty water and masses of crowds.

Look for a cruise that ventures into both Halong Bay as well as Bai Tu Long Bay.  

There are only a few cruise companies that head towards Bai Tu Long Bay, which means that this part of the Heritage Site is still pristine and much less crowded.

I know that both  Indochina Sails  as well as Bhaya Cruises  include both Bays in their itineraries, but you better book way ahead of time as they sell out very quickly!

7.  Which Cruise Company do we Personally Prefer?

I'll be honest with you, our best selling cruises by our readers are both the Pelican Cruises and the Aphrodite Cruises .

They are both great cruises, but we personally love Indochina Sails .  

The trick is to find availability on the Indochina Sails Cruise as they are typically booked out way ahead of time.

Watch our video of our time on our Indochina Sails Cruise .

>>> Check Prices and Availability for Indochina Sails.

Reviews of the 15 Best Overnight Halong Bay Cruises 

In order to make your Halong Bay cruise planning a little easier, I’m going to give you all the information I’ve collected on the top Halong Bay cruises.  

Please find below both the positives and the negatives of these popular Ha Long Bay cruises.

1. Pelican Cruise Halong Bay Review 

* BEST SELLER *

From $210+ p/n 

This Pelican Halong Bay Cruise is by far our best selling cruise .

The combination of a 5 star luxury boat, together with the affordable price tag makes this cruise hard to resist!

The boat is an older style boat (which is why the price is so fabulous!), but the rooms are lovely, the food is yummy and the itinerary is full of included excursions and activities.

The boat is also brilliant for families, as it is one of the few boats that caters for families with their gorgeous 2 bedroom deluxe room.

Many travelers argue that Pelican Cruises is the best cruise on Halong Bay!

Length: 1 or 2 Night Cruises Available

Transfer from Hanoi Included: No

Activities Included:

• Sunrise Tai Chi Class
• Cooking Class
• Local rowing boat

Rooms Available: They have standard deluxe rooms, some truly beautiful suites, as well as a stunning 2 bedroom family deluxe room.

Star Rating: 5

Click the the button below to check the rates and availability:

2. Aphrodite Cruise Halong Bay Review

From $275+ p/n 

Aphrodite Cruise Halong Bay is our second most popular cruise and definately belongs on the list of best cruises in Halong Bay. This cruise also sells like hotcakes! 

It is more expensive than the Pelican Cruise, but you can often find this cruise marked down to much more affordable prices.

Aphrodite Cruises provides you with a 5 star experience and all the bells and whistles that you would expect from a luxury junk boat. It has an exceptional review rating from past travellers.

This cruise is one of the best Ha Long Bay cruise options if you are after a relaxed and laid-back itinerary (but probably not the best pick if you prefer to stay active with loads of activities due to the extra charges)!

Length: 1 or 2 Night Options

• Sampan boat trip
• Tai Chi session
• Kayaking (at extra cost)

Rooms Available: Standard rooms, luxury rooms with balconies. triple rooms for small families and a family suite for families of 4. 

3. Bhaya Cruises Halong Bay Review

From $245+ p/n 

Bhaya Cruise Halong Bay offers 2-day Halong Ba y tours for travellers who wish to experience the natural wonder of this World Heritage site.

What we love about this company is that it ventures out into both Halong Bay as well as Bai Tu Long Bay (less touristy but equally beautiful - and much cleaner).

You can read more about why we recommend you choose a cruise that includes Bai Tu Long Bay here .

Not only is this cruise cheaper than Aphrodite Cruises, but the activities are all included with your room fee.

Bhaya Cruise Vietnam offers a variety of Halong Bhaya cruise options. These include Bhaya Classic Cruise Halong Bay, Bhaya Premium Cruise (Bhaya Classic Premium) as well as a luxury The Au Co Cruise and a private Bhaya Legend Cruise.

Length: 1 or 2 Nights

• Morning Tai Chi
• MasterChef Competition
• Visit to a Fishing Village by Rowing Boat

Rooms Available: Standard deluxe rooms, rooms with balconies or terrace suite.  Rooms can accommodate 2 pax max.

Star Rating: 5 Stars

4. Signature Royal Halong Bay Cruise Review

From $615+ p/n 

The Signature Royal Cruise is the perfect cruise for those of you after something extra special. It might just be the most luxurious Halong Bay cruise in 2019! 

True 5 star quality with rooms that offer a touch of royalty, together with ample space. These suites are to die for!!

This Halong luxury cruise is absolutely brilliant for honeymooners or couples celebrating a special occasion. It is also the best Halong Bay cruise for family travellers due to their spacious family rooms together with their baby sitting services!

The only negative? Not only are these beautiful rooms pretty highly priced, but you will also need to pay extra if you wish to enjoy water activities such as kayaking.

• Kayaking, Swimming and Snorkeling Equipment (at extra cost)
• Cooking Demonstration (bad weather only)
• Tai Chi Session
• Entertainment Activities and Happy Hour
• Movie Nights, Board Games and Squid Fishing

Rooms Available: Executive rooms, beautiful suites, family connecting rooms or a family suite, rooms with terraces & jacuzzi suite.

5. Royal Palace Halong Bay Cruise Review

From $200+ p/n 

If you are after a really affordable option to explore Halong Bay, then the Royal Palace Cruise is for you!  

This boat is an older style boat and some aspects of it might be in need for a bit of a refurbishment. But we often find that traditional architecture often adds to the atmosphere of a cultural experience.

The boat is great for those after an affordable option. It also has a large room that can fit families of 4.

We only wish that there were a few more activities and excursions included with this cruise.

Rooms Available: Deluxe rooms, suites, family rooms

Star Rating: 4 Stars

6. Silversea Halong Bay Cruise Review

From $180+ p/n 

Halong Silversea Cruises are a great super affordable option for your cruises on Halong Bay. Not only are the rooms really affordable but your activities are free and included with your room price.  

You will love the spacious rooms, the delicious food and the sunset drinks. The boat is great for couples as well as families.

• A cooking class
• A sunset party
• Leisure time (karaoke, dancing, card games)
• Squid fishing

Rooms Available: Deluxe rooms, premium rooms, suites & family rooms

Star Rating: 4.5 Stars

7. Alisa Halong Bay Cruise Review

From $500+ p/n 

The Alisa Halong Bay Cruise Boat is a really popular cruise. The boat is newer than the traditional junk boats, so the rooms are lux and spacious.

The price is a bit steep, but if you are after rooms with their own balcony and really large windows, then this is the cruise for you.

The cruise includes a lot of activities and sightseeing destinations. Be prepared though for crowds as the boat tends to arrive with all the other masses of tourists.

The boat is great for couples as well as for families.

• Te Top Island Visit
• Visit to a Pearl Farm
• Visit to Suprise Cave

Rooms Available: Suites, Suites with Balconies, Family Suites & Family Connecting Rooms

8. Paradise Cruise Halong Bay Review

From $250+ p/n 

From the classic wooden interiors down to the touch of modern conveniences, the Paradise Cruise Halong Bay collection is already a destination in itself waiting to be discovered. A premium experience that’s incomparable to any other.

With a fleet of 7 vessels, Paradise luxury cruise Halong Bay offers 3 different cruises to explore Halong Bay.

These include Paradise Luxury Halong Bay Cruise , Paradise Halong Bay Elegance Cruise and Peak Paradise Halong Bay Cruise.

Whilst they are all fabulous cruises Paradise Luxury cruise is the one most loved by our readers here at Wanderlust storytellers.

Length: 2 Days - 3 Days

Rooms Available: Depending on the Ship, whether you choose to go on a Paradise Luxury Cruise, Paradise Elegance Cruise or Paradise Peak Cruise, the accommodation slightly varies.

Majority of the rooms can accommodate 2 adults and 1 child on additional bed, when requested. If you are travelling with a large family, you can book two rooms next to each other.

9. Indochina Sails Halong Bay Review

- EDITOR’S CHOICE - 

This is my pick for the best cruise in Halong Bay!

From $320+ p/n 

Indochina Sails Cruise to Bai Tu Long Bay takes you to a less visited and very beautiful part of Halong Bay.

The fleet of ships includes Dragon Legend Cruise, Red Dragon Junk, Dragon's Pearl Junk, Princess Junk as well as Prince Junk.

Indochina Junk Cruise is our top pick and the best way to see Halong Bay.

This is the cruise that we have experienced first hand and we absolutely loved every minute of it! You can read more about our Halong Bay trip with Indochina Sails here !

If you are after the best Halong Bay overnight cruise, best luxury cruise Halong Bay has to offer or even the best one day Halong Bay tour, then Indochina junk cruise has got you covered!

Length: 2 Day - 3 Day

Transfer from Hanoi Included: Yes

• Visit to Pearl Farm
• Visit to a Cave
• Visit to a Fishing Village
• Visit to Ti Top Island
• Squid Fishing

Rooms Available: Indochina Halong Bay ships are predominantly designed for couples. However some of the ships accommodate 2 adults and one child in one room.

Alternatively, it is best to book two rooms next to each other, for when travelling with large families.

When we were on our Indochina Cruise Halong Bay, we were on a parent only getaway and we chose to stay with Indochina Sails.

Our room was very much luxurious and included all the bells and whistles! Loved it! This was the best Halong Bay Cruise ever!

10. Rosa Cruise Halong Bay Review

From $150+ p/n 

The Rosa Cruise Halong Bay proudly offers the new premier cruise experiences in Halong Bay which combines the most modern and greatest comfort.

Wishing to provide customers the best culinary and premium cruise experiences.

Rosa Cruise are proud to bring visitors the most exciting experiences in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay with many unique destination attractions such as: Pearl Farm Village, Amazing Cave, Dark Cave and Bright Cave.

• On Board Activities

Rooms Available: Perfect for couples and romantic getaways. If you are travelling as a family you can choose to book two rooms with connecting doors.

Star Rating: 3.5

11. Oasis Cruise Halong Bay Review

The Oasis Cruise Halong Bay offers you a selection of One Day Tour or Two Day Tour options. This is a great cruise to discover Halong Bay, one of the World Heritage sites.

Oasis Halong Bay Tour also offers a wonderful day cruise. If your time is limited, then the Oasis Bay Cruise Halong Bay is the best choice for you.

That way you can venture out a get a feel for the famous bay, relax with a cocktail or two and spend a great couple of hours with your significant other.

This cruise is also known for its Oasis party cruise Halong Bay and the Oasis Bay Classic Cruise Halong Bay .

• Cooking Demonstration

Rooms Available: Varies

Star Rating: 4

12. Indochina Junk Dragon Legend Cruise Review

Venture out on a Dragon Legend Cruise Halong Bay into the beauty of Bai Tu Long Bay.

This is the less crowded of areas of Halong Bay. Here you can check out the stunning World Natural Heritage site and experience relaxation like never before.

Dragon Legend Halong Bay is regarded as one of the best Halong Bay luxury cruise options.

This is an experience of the highest standard and comes with tones of satisfied and happy Halong Bay cruise reviews.

Dragon cruise Halong Bay is one of the best value Halong Bay cruise and best Halong Bay cruise for couples.

• Cave Exploring

Rooms Available: Dragon Cruise Halong Bay accommodation includes 24 luxurious and very spacious cabins. Only two of the cabins have connecting rooms for families with kids. We would strongly advise to make sure and reserve those rooms well in advance.

13. V Spirit Cruise Halong Bay Review

A day cruise with V Spirit Cruise Halong Bay is the best choice for you to experience the magnificent Halong Bay with our ‘all-in-one’ itinerary for those with a limited time schedule.

You will not only explore one of the most beautiful caves in Halong Bay, but will also have the chance to go kayaking or bamboo boat rowing, as well as visiting and interacting with people at a local fishing village.

Holiday with V Spirit Halong Bay is a great option for travelling with a family.

Activities Included: The V Spirit Classic Cruise Halong Bay has plenty activities on offer for all young and mature kids.

Rooms Available: V Spirit Cruise ships are perfect for all travelers, singles, couples and families.

14. L Azalee Cruise Halong Bay Review

L Azalee Cruise Halong Bay is a smaller and a more boutique Halong Bay cruise company.

You can choose from 3 different types of cruises, including L Azalee Classic Cruise (day tour boat, no private rooms), L Azalee Deluxe Cruise (larger couples rooms available) and the L Azalee Premium Cruise (a more private 4-person boat for a more luxurious experience).

Length: 1 - 3 Nights

Rooms Available: L’Azalee Deluxe Cruise has rooms suitable for couples. If you are travelling as a family or a group, you can book two or more rooms next to each other.

15. The Au Co Cruise Halong Bay Review

The Au Co Cruise Halong Bay is the first and only luxury cruise operator offering unique day cruises and overnight voyages through world-renowned Halong Bay, Cat Ba Island and the Gulf of Tonkin.

The Au Co Halong Bay ship features the very latest safety standards and represents Vietnamese and Oriental culture at its best.

Each of her 32 spaciously-designed private cabins boasts luxurious bathrooms and panoramic balconies.

Length: The Au Co Day Cruises or Overnight

Rooms Available: One of 32 private cabins with balconies and luxurious bathrooms. Best for couples. Alternatively book two rooms to accommodate larger families.

16. Orchid Cruises Halong Bay Review

The Orchid Cruises on Halong Bay offer a super-luxurious experience and a 5-star relaxation and treatment. 

Make sure to check out the variety of amazing cabins, including the Exclusive Suite with private terrace, so that you can take a more educate choice of which cabin to stay at.

This cruise boat is perfect for either couples or families. There are plenty of choices of cabins (36 in total) sleeping two, three and even four passengers in each. 

Length: The   Orchid Cruises offer 2-Night Stays or Overnight

Transfer from Hanoi Included: Available

• On Board Activities & Spa

Rooms Available: One of 36 private cabins with balconies and luxurious bathrooms. Best for couples and perfect for families. There are 2 Exclusive Suites with private terraces.

The Best Halong Bay Day Tour 

Short on time and trying to find the best day cruise on Halong Bay? Find below the best company to make the most out of your short time at Halong Bay.

Alova Cruises Halong Bay Review

If you are looking for a perfect one day cruise on the Halong Bay, then Alova Cruise Halong Bay are your specialists in the area. These guys are here to indulge you with all the yummy drinks, whilst you enjoy the unforgettable cruising around the beautiful Heritage Site.

This cruise is ranking on many review websites as the best way to visit Halong Bay and the best Halong Bay 1 day tour.

Length: 1 Day (Best Halong Bay Day Tour and one of the Best Halong Bay Tours for Backpackers!)

Activities included:

Rooms Available: Halong Alova Cruise is a day tour and there are no rooms available.

FAQ about Halong Bay Cruises

1. what are the best prices for halong bay cruise.

Prices for Halong Bay cruises vary greatly, and although you can get some for very cheap, more often than not you’ll get what you pay for.

This is why you will want to make sure that you take a cruise that has a great reputation, and has been proven to be safe while also providing an enjoyable experience for the whole family.

2. What to know before going for a Halong Bay cruise?

The best way to prepare yourself for the trip to Halong Bay is to check out what available Halong Bay cruises there are, how to get there, and when is the best time to go.

In this post, you will find all the necessary information and more!

3. How to choose the best cruise in Halong Bay?

Since most of the Halong Bay cruises have the same kind of events and activities, you will want to choose the cruise that is right for you and your family on other criteria besides the events.

The best way to find the most suitable cruise for you is to look into the Star Rating, Price Point and Size of the Rooms. In our reviews, you will find all the necessary information.

To check out the prices and the cruises in more detail, please click the links in the Halong Bay Cruise you like the most.

4. What is the best time to go to Halong Bay?

The best time to go to Halong Bay is in Spring ( February to April) and in autumn ( August to October).

We ventured out to Vietnam and the amazing Halong Bay in September and the weather was sunny and beautiful. The temperatures are pleasant and there is not much rain.

However, if you would like to ensure that you visit Halong Bay in the lowest rain season, then you should book your adventure between March and April.

5. Which airport is closest to Halong Bay?

The closest airport to Halong Bay is the Hai Phong Airport.

6. What is the best way to get to Halong Bay from Hanoi?

One of the best ways of how to get to Halong Bay is by bus. You can take a Mini Bus from Gia Lam (Hanoi) to Bai Chay ( Ha Long ) which will cost about $ 6 USD and it will take around 4-5 hours.

We have a full post on how to get from Hanoi to Halong Bay which you can read here .

7. Is it safe to go to Vietnam?

Vietnam is a very safe country to travel in.

Although it is an extremely safe country for holidaymakers, you can expect some degree of hustling by the shop or street vendors.

This is a usual way of sales in the area and it is especially noticeable in large cities like Hanoi, Ho Chi Minh, and Nha Trang.

We have traveled throughout the country with ease and we have never felt in danger or otherwise uncomfortable. You can read our full guide on what you should know before traveling to Vietnam here .

8. Can you swim in Halong Bay?

You can definitely swim in Halong Bay, however, the water in the main parts of the bay is pretty polluted.

We did enjoy kayaking and swimming in the clear water of Bai Tu Long Bay (only some cruise boats go here so the water is less polluted – check the reviews above to find a cruise company that ventures into this area).

We also swam in the beach off one of the islands in the bay. The water was definitely murkier there, but it might be due to the rainy weather we had.

9. What is there to do in Halong Bay?

There are loads of things to do in Halong Bay . From caves to explore, kayaking to try out, swimming and hiking. You can also visit a floating fishing village as well as a pearl farm.

We loved climbing up millions of stairs to get a lookout over the area as well.

The cruises also offer classes such as squid fishing, cooking, tai chi and more.

Tip: Check out the best places to travel in Vietnam here.

Andrzej Ejmont

13 thoughts on “16 of the absolute best halong bay cruise recommendations in 2024”.

Hi. Nice article. Just one correction. The closest airport to Halong Bay is Hai Phong.

Thanks for the update! 🙂

Thank you so much for sharing Halong Bay. Halong is a must when traveller visit Hanoi. Overnight cruises are good but if you do not have much time so the day trip will be fine. Besides that Ninh Binh will be a good place to visit, being a local i really recommend it.

Yes, I think 2 nights is the perfect length! Ninh Binh is gorgeous too, but also quickly becoming touristy.

For the day cruise, Incredible Asia Journeys Cruise must be a good option with good reviews.

Thanks for the tip Tony 🙂

Now more and more people visit Lan Ha Bay as it is less touristic. Escape Sails Lan Ha Bay Luxury will be good as they use the expressway and Limousine bus/van so travellers have more time on the cruise and less time on bus.

Hi, Which is a goodd cruise for a family of 5 (kids 17, 15 and 11) Thanks

If you have 1 day you can take Escape Sails Luxury Cruise. If you have more than 1 day you can take Vspirit Premier or Perla Dawn Sails. They are all good cruises in Lan Ha Bay – The new trend from 2019 as it is less touristy part of Halong Bay.

We are planning on taking a cruise next February and were thinking of choosing a cruise boat that goes to Bai Tu Long Bay as we have read that it is just as beautiful and interesting as Halong Bay and is less crowded. When I wrote to the cruise company they said that the Bai Tu Long Bay route is now considered to be the more crowded route and they are now directing customers to their Halong Bay route. Have anyone else heard this?

Halong Bay Cruise is the best option for vacation. I like the beauty of Vietnam. It looks so peaceful; everyone must consider this option, especially the rates are very affordable for a two days trip. Anyone, please guide me regarding the starting destination of the next trip and how to reserve a room? Thanks!

Amazing! Thank you for your share. Unluckily, Most of cruises @ Halong now are getting in big trouble due to Covid :((

Yes, it is really heart breaking to see a lot of businesses on pause these days.

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Best Cruises in Halong Bay 2024

To help you make the best choice, here are our top picks for the best cruise trips in Halong Bay

• Choose Destination

Cat Ba island

Bai tu long bay, sung sot cave.

• Choose Prices
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• Free kayaking
• Halong Bay Cruises

• Essence Grand Cruise

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• Ambassador Cruise

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Ambassador Signature Cruise

Catherine Cruise

Indochine Premium Cruise

Elite of the Seas

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• Paradise Elegance Cruise
• Best cruises by type

Halong bay is one of the must-visits for any world traveler. Recognized multiple times by UNESCO for its unrivalled beauty, the Bay is best experienced on a cruise trip, which will take you past the myriad of caves and grottos that emerge from emerald water. Consider a 2 day or 3 day 2 night trip, or even longer, to see the fullest of the Bay. With a range of cruises to choose from to meet every budget and preference, you can pick one that makes your fondest memory in Halong Bay.

Best Cruises for Large Groups

• Indochine Cruise

Best Budget Cruises

• Amanda Cruise
• Renea Cruise
• Alova Cruise

Best Cruises for Couples

• Orchid Classic
• Stellar of the Seas
• Heritage Binh Chuan

Best Luxury Cruises

• Essence Grand
• Indochine Premium

Best Cruises for Families

• Genesis Regal
• Doris Cruise

Best Cruises for the Money

• Peony Cruise
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Questions and Answers (64)

Looking for quote on Oct 2024 trip - 3D2N and 2D1N on all-in price and full itinerary. What is included for the price, inclusive of activities eg kayaking, cooking class etc that are of party of 2 to a room. Does the cruise have complimentary karaoke sessions? How much it cost for round trip from hotel in Old Quarter. thx

@Johnson Chye, Thank you for contacting us. The all-in price, itinerary, inclusions and exclusions depend on each cruise policy. It will be helpful if you provide us with a specific travel date, preferred budget (cost-saving or luxury) or any preferences in mind. 

For inclusions and exclusions, you can refer to the following. However, please note that these are subject to change upon each cruise policy. We will provide you with the exact details when you have an interest in any cruise. Inclusions:

• 1 or 2 nights onboard with programs and activities
• Well equipped cabin with private bathroom, air-con and window or balcony
• All meals onboard (4 meals for 2D1N and 7 meals for 3D2N)
• Activities such as cooking class, kayaking/sampan boat, squid fishing, taichi, sunset party
• Cruise Itinerary and Program
• Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
• In-house English-speaking tour guide
• Onboard insurance

Exclusions:

• Transportation from your hotel to Halong Bay and back
• Visa arrangement, hotel, airfares
• Personal Expenses such as spa, massage, beverages, tips,
• Peak season surcharges
• All other services not clearly mentioned in the inclusions

Some cruises offer karaoke sessions such as Catherine, Essence Grand, Capella Cruise. However, there will be a surcharge for that.

For transfer, the cost for the shuttle service ranges from US$20 to 40/person for round trip.

Please let us know if you have further concerns. Looking forward to hearing from you!

Visithalongbay Team

Hello! We are two teachers from Portugal and we would like to book a cruise in the Ha Long Bay region. Ideally, August 15-17, 2024. But there are so many cruises and different bays that we are very confused. We like the Peony Cruise but can be another similar and cheaper. We would like a good cruise, preferably with a pool or jacuzzi, but not too expensive. Best quality/price. 3 days 2 nights. We are leaving from Hanoi, so we need a transfer and at the end of the cruise (August 17th) we want to go to Ninh Binh. What can you suggest to us? Thank you

@Telmo, Thank you for your inquiry. If you prefer more activities and awesome attractions for high viewpoints and photo hunting, Halong Bay is the one. Otherwise, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are both captivating and perfect for a relaxing vacation.

Peony is one of the best cruises with a competitive price. Besides, you can consider some other options with jacuzzi pool and well-equipped accommodation below: (1) Peony: $560/Deluxe + $18/person/bus one way Hanoi - Halong (2) Mon Cheri: $590/Ocean Suite + $18/person/bus one way Hanoi - Halong (3) Orchid Classic: $590/Suite Balcony + $18/person/bus one way Hanoi - Halong (4) Orchid Trendy: $570/Deluxe Balcony + $18/person/bus one way Hanoi - Halong (5) La Casta: $590/Junior Suite + $15/person/bus one way Hanoi - Halong From Halong to Ninh Binh, you can book the bus at the cost of $20/person/way or a private car at $100/car/way for 2 persons.

Please consider and let us know if you want to process the booking or have any other concerns. Regards, Visithalongbay Team

I am a solo traveller and looking for 2D/1N cruise recommendations in 1st week of June and I have some questions:

1. I am interested in photography, so which area do you recommend? Bai tu long or Lan ha (cruising via Halong bay)? Which area has better views for photography?

2. Are there any 3 or 4 hours tours to Halong bay, e.g. to Titov island, which I can do before starting the cruise to Bai tu long or Lan ha?

3. What time usually the 2D/1N cruise finishes on 2nd day? I have flight at 6pm in the evening and want to know if there is enough time to reach Hanoi airport from Halong area.

Kind Regards, Virat

@Virat, Please find our answers below:

1. Halong, Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long Bay have the same landscape of majestic limestone islands. Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long have more tranquil scenery with poetic beauty. However, if you want to find the best area for photography, you can consider Halong Bay area. There are jaw-dropping attractions with breathtaking views such as Surprise Cave, Titov Islands, Thien Cung Cave, Luon Cave, etc. 2. You can consider Phoenix Day Cruise with 5.5 hour duration and the itinerary to the 3 most signature landmarks Surprise Cave, Luon Cave, and Titov Island. Otherwise, the same itinerary can be found on Ambassador Day Cruise and La Casta Daily Cruise for an 8-hour duration. 3. The 2d/1n cruises usually finish at 11:00 - 12:00 on the 2nd day. It takes you 2.5 hours from the port directly to the airport or 3.5 hours if you return to Hanoi center and take a taxi after that. Therefore, you will have enough time for your flight at 6 pm. Should you need further assistance, feel free to contact us.

Hello, I would like to book a 2 day one night trip on Catherine Cruise for 2 people around early July. I would like to know the costs as well as the itinerary please. Is there a pick up arranged from Hanoi? If so at what time? Is there a return arranged? Is it possible to arrange a return to Ninh Binh rather than Hanoi? Thanks in advance. Kind regards, Clara Lemaitre

@Clara Lemaitre, The rate for 2 day/1 night trip in July starts from US511/Premier Suite for 2 people. The itinerary will include kayaking/sampan boat at Luon Cave, hiking/swimming at Titov Island, and visiting Surprise Cave. You can check more details via: http://tinyurl.com/5n955wm8.

About transfer, we provide a shuttle bus service both from Hanoi to Halong and from Halong to Ninh Binh. The shuttle bus costs US$18/person/way for Hanoi-Halong and US$20/person/way for Halong- Ninh Binh. The pick-up time is 8:15 - 8:45 am in your location in Hanoi Old Quarter.

Please share your travel date so we can check the availability for you. Looking forward to hearing from you.

My husband and I are looking for a cruise in Halong bay (generally speaking) for 3 days/2 nights, from February 6-8. We are looking for beautiful scenery, some active excursions (kayaking, swimming, maybe hiking or biking). We prefer to be more off-the-beaten-path, instead of fighting tourists at the most crowded spots. I am open to less crowded areas like Bai tu long or Lan Ha. Do you have any recommended cruises?

@Felicia Tan, Per your requests, we would like to suggest you some options below: 1. Orchid Classic Cruise: https://www.visithalongbay.com/cruise/orchid-classic-cruise.html - Activities: Visit Trung Trang Cave, swim at Tra Bau and Ba Trai Dao beach, kayak at Ao Ech, and cycle at Viet Hai Village - Rate: $790/Suite Balcony + $36/pax/round trip shuttle bus

2. Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise: https://www.visithalongbay.com/cruise/genesis-luxury-regal-cruises.html - Activities: Take a rowing boat at Dark-Bright Cave, kayak at Tra Bau, cycle at Viet Hai Village, and swim at Ba Trai Dao Beach - Rate: $680/Junior Suite + $30/pax/round trip shuttle bus

3. Peony Cruise: https://www.visithalongbay.com/cruise/peony-cruises.html - Activities: Swim/kayak at Tra Bau, swim at Ba Trai Dao beach, cycle at Viet Hai Village, and visit Trung Trang Cave - Rate: $580/Deluxe Balcony + $30/pax/round trip shuttle bus

Hope one of these works for you. Please consider and let us know if you have further concerns. Regards,

Hello. We’re looking to book a 3D/2N cruise checking in on the 24th of Dec 2023. We would like a 5star boat through Halong Bay that includes Kyaking and night squid fishing. Please advise the availability for this trip. Thank you Deanna N

@Deanna Naphin, Per your request, there are currently some luxury cruises available for 3 days/2 nights as follows: 1. Peony Cruise: https://www.visithalongbay.com/cruise/peony-cruises.html Cost: $560/Deluxe room + $75/pax/peak season surcharge + $36/pax/shuttle bus round trip

2. La Casta Regal: https://www.visithalongbay.com/cruise/la-casta-regal-cruise.html Cost: $590/Junior Suite + $40/pax/peak season surcharge + $30/pax/shuttle bus round trip

3. Erina Cruise: https://www.visithalongbay.com/cruise/erina-cruise.html Cost: $580/Junior Suite + $30/pax/peak season surcharge + $30/pax/shuttle bus round trip

Please take a look and let us know if you are interested in any of them.

Hi, I am interested in a 2 day/1 night cruise of Halong Bay. We are arriving on the Celbrity Solstice to Halong Bay on Wednesday, 1/24/24 at 11:30 am. Is it possible to still make one of the 2 day cruises? Could you please send me some options? Thanks so much!-Lisa Anderson

@Lisa Anderson, Kindly note that most cruises depart at around 12:00 and it takes you 15 minutes from Cai Lan Port to Halong International Port or 20 minutes to Tuan Chau Port. Therefore, it will be best if you can leave the port in 5-10 minutes. Otherwise, you can consider some cruises departing a bit later from 12:15 - 12:30 such as Ambassador Cruise, Essence Grand, Doris Cruise, Erina Cruise.

In case you cannot arrive at the port on time, you can take a speed boat at the cost of around US$100 - 150 to make the trip (personal expense). Regards,

Hello, we don't have the exacts dates, but we are trying to figure out how the tours work. Here is may questions, 1. - The max amount of days is 3 days 2 nights, to you have any tours that are longer like 4 days 3 nights? 2. - At what time does the cruise start and what time does the cruise end? 3. - You can offer 1 day tour, 2 day and 3 day tours, do you have small boat that takes to and from the cruise from the port? 3 . - Do you offer transportation like a 7 passenger private van from Hanoi and back to Hanoi Airport? 4 . - What is your pick up times and drop off times from Hanoi and Hanoi Airport. Thanks in Advance, Ines & Noah

@Ines & Noah, Thank you for your questions. Please find the answers below: 1. Yes. There are up to 5 day/4 night tours in Halong Bay. For 4 day/3 night tours, you can refer to Heritage Binh Chuan Cruise, Stellar of the Seas, Elite of the Seas, or Capella Cruise. 2. The time depends on each cruise's schedule. However, overnight cruises usually depart at 12:00 - 13:00 pm and return at 10:30 - 11:30 am. 3. Some cruises have their own jetty while some don't. As a result, you can walk to the cruise if they have and you will be transferred by a small tender to reach the cruise. 4. We do provide private transfers from Hanoi and back to Hanoi Airport. The rate is around US$250/16-seat van for a group of 7 for 2 day/1 night trip ( The rate may change upon specific schedule and cruise port). 5. For a private transfer, the pick-up time from Hanoi is around 8:30 - 9:00 am. Depending on the disembarkation time of each cruise, the drop-off time at Hanoi Airport after the cruise could be 2 - 3 pm. If you have more concerns, we are happy to help. Regards,

Hi, we will be in Hanoi from Dec 21-29, and would like to do a trip to Halong Bay (our first) during our trip in the form of a 2-day/1-night cruise. Could you make a cruise recommendation (between 200-300 USD/ per adult) that would be good for first-timers to cover the main attractions and suitable for families with 2 young kids? Additionally, as we also need hotel in Hanoi. Are there any cruises that are connected to (family-friendly) hotels in Hanoi to make our trip smoother?

Dear Mr George, You can consider some luxury cruises at your budget such as Catherine, Indochine Premium, Ambassador, Ambassador Signature, Stellar of the Seas, Elite of the Seas, Capella, and Nostalgia Cruise. Among them, Catherine, Indochine Premium, and Ambassador visit Halong Bay while the others visit Lan Ha Bay. All the cruises promise a schedule covering the highlights of the bay. Cruises' shuttle buses pick you up at your accommodation in Hanoi Old Quarter. Hence, you can choose some hotels in this area upon your budget for more convenience. Regards,

Hi, Are you representing all of cruises or several cruises in Halong Bay? I would like to book a room for 3 adults in Dec. 2023. Would you please the name and price of available cruises? Are you offering free pick up and drop off service for any of your cruise? Could you give me information of transportation to Noi bai Airport of the same day? Price and transerring time? I need to book a flight to Ho Chi Minh City on the same day. Thanks and regards

@Kwang woo Nam, (1) We have different price ranges for cost-saving, middle-level, or luxury cruises, so please kindly provide your preference for better suggestions. (2) For transfer, most cruises do not include free pick-up service. The shuttle bus costs from $20-40/pax/round trip. (3) For airport drop-off after the cruise, if you have a tight time, you can book a private car at the cost of $100/4-seat car to go directly from the dock to the airport. If you have plenty of time, you can go back to Hanoi center by bus and then we arrange a 4-seat car to drop you off at the airport for an extra $20/car. Looking forward to hearing from you. Regards,

I want to take a day tour of a cruise on Jan last week from Hanoi and at the same day want to reach Hanoi. And want to visit Sungot Cave and go for a boat ride. Can you tell me the total price for two persons, and which is the best cruise for these and amenities also?

Dear Pragati Singh,

For a day cruise, we would like to suggest you 2 options below which will have a stop at Sung Sot cave:

1. La Casta Daily (https://www.flickr.com/photos/191454442@N03/albums) - Price is $55/person and shuttle bus round trip $30/person - The Departure time is around 9:30AM - 10:00AM

2. Ambassador Day Cruise: Price is $65/person and shuttle bus round trip $30/person - The Departure Time is around 8:30am - 9:00am.

Hi Halong Bay, my name is Stephanie, i am from Malaysia, My husband and i will be travelling in december to hanoi, may i know what are the packages you offer for halong bay cruise for 2 day 1 night. One more question, which routes do you recommend? i saw there are 4 different routes.

Dear Stephanie,

May I know if you are interested in 3 star, 4 star or 5 star cruising so we can recommend you the best cruise? Also, do you have a specific trip date? The period from 22 - 31 December many cruises are fully booked due to peak holiday season.

For your question about cruise routes, there are 3 routes in total including:

• Halong bay - Recommended if you wish to visit Ti Top Island and Sung Sot cave (the largest cave in Halong bay)
• Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island - Recommended if you want to see Viet Hai Village (for 3D2N itinerary only) or Dark and Bright Cave.
• Bai Tu Long Bay - Recommended if you want to go the "off-the-beaten" track where there are very few cruises operating.

We are looking for a 3 days 2 nights cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay or Halong Bay. Departure Date: 3 May 2024, until 5 May 2024. Preferably with a nice room or suite, with extra bed for our 10 yo daughter. So 2 adults and 1 child. We already checked out the high end cruises like Stellar of the Seas and Elite of the Seas. We like the luxury on those boats, but it seems they are too big and not feel very authentic. We also checked out Indochine and Orchid Cruises, but it seems they are all going to the very busy parts of Halong Bay. And also, it seems that after day 1, the boat is going back to pick up new guests. And the boat is always staying in the same area for the night. So we are looking for less big boats, more authentic, but also preferably travelling to more quiet areas of Halong Or Bai tu Long bay. And it would be great if we can travel for 3 full days with the same group, and sleep in different areas instead of the same area with many different boats. Hope you can help us with a nice suggestion and price?

Dear Mr. Rogier,

Thank you for your questions. There are many cruises options that work for your family and May is a deal-season too.  I am sorry that due to local regulations, there are only fixed area that the cruises can dock overnight so there are no cruises that can sleep in two different areas in the same trip. If you prefer a less crowded area, you can consider Bai Tu Long Bay such as Dragon Legend Cruise, which has its own unique 3 day 2 night route and does not return to pier to collect more guests.

A more well-rounded option, in my opinion, is Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan. With 20 cabins and a very different approach to cruising, which focus more indepth experience and story telling, I believe your family will have a memorable time in Halong and Lan Ha Bay Area. Should you need any further assistance please let me know any time!

Hi, my girlfriend and I are looking to take a Luxury Cruise but I am having trouble deciding which one I would like to take. My biggest concerns are cleanliness of room and quality + options of food (I'm lactose intolerant, she's allergic to crustaceans). Our budget is <$200 per person per night. Thanks!

• Frequently asked questions

1. How many cruises are there in Halong bay?

The number of cruises grow by month and at the moment there are over 500 boats operating in Halong Bay , both overnight and for day trip purpose. These boat spread over 2 different terminals/ piers (Tuan Chau Marina and Halong International Cruise Port) with different level of luxuries and capacities. It is advised that you read some online reviews to pick the best value one instead of waiting until the day before your trip and get a random choice.

2. How much money should I bring on board?

In general, all cruise fares already include transportation, accommodation, food and entrance fee. However drinks are not included and you may also take part in the paid activities on board such as spa or bar services. You may expect to spend extra US$20-100/person for your cruise trip. Also you do not need to bring too much cash as all cruises accept payment by credit card.

3. When is the best time to book a cruise?

Generally there are many cruise options and you do not have to book too long in advance. However December is the peak travel season in Halong Bay and the top choices are always fully booked well in advance so we recommend you to book your trip at least 3 months in advance to guarantee space.

4. We are travelling with young children and wonder which cruise is kid-friendly?

If you have the budget, we recommend you consider the cruises with butler service where the cruise staff can help you baby sit your kids and you can have some time on your own. Cruises with butler service includes Hera Cruise, Orchid Premium and Paradise Peak. However if you need a more budget-friendly option, you can consider Orchid Trendy Cruise - the only cruise that has both connecting cabins and kid play room.

5. What cruise is best for couples?

There are many luxury cruises in Halong Bay that parallel the intercontinental mega-cruise in terms of services and luxury. For best luxury cruise for couples , you can take a look at exclusive cabin on Orchid Classic Cruise , or senior suite on Stellar of the Seas. If you prefer a smaller cruise boat which allows better privacy and intimacy, you can take Nostalgia Cruise or Orchid Premium Cruise.

6. Are there any 6-star cruises in Halong bay?

Halong Bay is known for its luxury cruises, but there are no true "6 star" cruises in Halong Bay as there is no official rating system for cruise ships in Vietnam. However, there are several luxury cruises that offer high-end amenities and services that are comparable to those of a 6-star cruise.

These cruises generally feature spacious and well-appointed cabins, fine dining, spa services, and various recreational activities. Some of the best luxury cruise lines in Halong Bay include:

• Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan: Unveils the premier Vietnamese boutique cruise experience on the Red River and the Gulf of Tonkin.
• Orchid Classic Cruises: Offers an unparalleled experience with its 5-star services, allowing passengers to uncover the enigmatic charm of the bays.
• Stellar of The Seas: The pioneering cruise company that launched the exclusive cruise itinerary through Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
• Ambassador Cruises: The largest luxury cruise in Halong Bay, offers 46 top-notch first-class cabins complete with a magnificent collection of premium facilities.

7. What is the newest cruise in Halong bay?

Catherine Cruise is the latest luxurious cruise ship in Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay, which was launched in October 2023. In late 2023 several cruises will debut, promising guests even more luxurious choices. This includes Essence Grand Cruise (November 2023), Ambassador Cruise II (September 2023), to name a few.

8. Which cruises are sailing in Lan Ha bay?

Lan Ha Bay is a popular destination for a variety of cruise lines, such as Peony Cruises, Orchid Classic Cruises, Heritage Cruises Binh Chuan, and Mon-Cheri Cruises.

9. How much does it cost for a cruise trip in Halong Bay?

The cost for a cruise tour varies depending on season, trip duration, and travelers’ needs. For example, the average total cost of a 2-day-1-night Halong Bay cruise per person ranges between US$115 and US$325, while the 3-day-2-night trip may increase the entire price range by US$550 per person.

You can refer to the estimated price for a cruise trip in Halong Bay below:

• The tour price usually excludes the transfer service and some personal expenses such as visa and hotel arrangements, beverages, tips, etc.
• The shuttle bus cost ranges from US$30 to US$40 per person per round trip and usually remains unchanged in either low or high season.

10. Is Halong Bay cruise worth it?

Certainly, a cruise trip in Halong bay is definitely worth it! Joining a cruise is the best way to experience the best that Halong bay has to offer. Cruises are divided into many categories, either cost-saving or luxury, either daytime or overnight. However, they all bring you closer to nature, give access to landmarks such as caves, islands, beaches, fishing villages,... and offer a bunch of activities to fulfill your experience such as kayaking, swimming, hiking, boating, etc.

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Halong Bay Tours

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Full-Day Halong Bay Tour Including Kayaking from Hanoi

Gen Z Cruise 2-day Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi

Cong Cruise Full Day Explore Halong Bay

Full-Day Private Tour Explore Halong Bay

Boss Cruise 3-day Explore Halong Bay from Hanoi

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Halong Bay Tours - All You Need to Know BEFORE You Go (2024) - Tripadvisor