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19/03/2024

Top 10 Best Recommended Cruises in Halong Bay 2024

Over 60 discerningly hand-picked cruises based on the review score & quality of service. Let’s choose the best and grab the hottest deals of up to 40% OFF!

  • Top 10 2024
  • Luxury Cruises
  • Lan Ha Bay Cruises
  • Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises
  • Budget Cruises
  • Day Cruises
STAR RATING
NUMBER OF CABINS
TRAVEL STYLES
Price per pax
CRUISE PROPERTIES
DEPARTURE FROM

Top Halong Bay Tour Recommendations

Among the world’s most beautiful bays recognized by UNESCO and top famous travel magazines, Halong Bay is best explored on a cruise tour into the pristine nature and cultural richness.

About 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the cruise will take you on a seascape through the majestic towering limestones and turquoise waters.

Choose Your Best Cruise

With a collection of the best cruises selected by BestPrice Travel, you will have different choices depending on 3 main factors: travel budget, itinerary, and cruise destinations.

Cruise Budget

Travel budget would be the first and foremost concern for most passengers. You can start from the lowest cost (3-star standard) and estimate the price range per day for one pax.

Cruise Price (pax/night) Highlight Facilities
3 stars US $112 - $140

13 - 18m2 cabin, window view

4 stars US $141 - $164

18 - 25m2 cabin, private balcony, bathtubs

5 stars US $165 - $199

28 - 35m2 cabin, private balcony, jacuzzi, pool

Most luxurious From US $200

45 - 150m2 cabin, private terrace & jacuzzi tub, private butler

NOTE:

  • The price is estimated at the lowest cost and does not include taxes & fees.
  • The most expensive option is a private charter cruise priced from US $218 to US $702/ pax/ night.

 

Cruise Itinerary

Joining a full day or an overnight trip, you can experience various activities to discover limestone caves, kayak and swim in secluded parts, get closer to the daily life in fishing villages, etc.

Halong Bay cruise itineraries

The most common cruise itineraries in Halong Bay

Itinerary Cruise length Attractions visit
1 day 6 - 8 hours

1 - 2 highlight spots

2 days 1 night 24 hours

2 - 4 highlight spots

3 days 2 nights 48 hours

3 - 5 highlight spots

4 days 3 nights 72 hours 6 - 7 highlight spots

 

Cruise Route

There are 3 main routes to separate parts: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay to diversify the cruise experience. More than 80% of cruises launch Halong and Lan Ha Bay routes, while only 10% set sails to Bai Tu Long Bay.

Halong Bay Cruise Route

Highlight attractions of Halong Bay

Classic Halong Bay route:

  • Route 2: Titop Island, Soi Sim, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Trinh Nu-Trong Cave, Me Cung Cave, Pearl Farm
  • Route 3: Cua Van Floating Village, Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake

Bai Tu Long Bay route:

  • Route 4: Cong Dam, Cong Do, Cap La Island, Vung Vieng Village, Thien Canh Son

Lan Ha Bay route:

  • Route 5: Dark & Bright Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Trung Trang Cave, Viet Hai Village

NOTE: You can only choose one of these destinations; however, some 3-day-2-night cruises combine an excursion to Halong and Lan Ha Bay (e.g.: Hermes Cruise, Hera Grand Luxury Cruise, Paradise Elegance, Essence Grand).

The 10 Best Cruises in 2024

Based on the customer review and our inspection, we have chosen the top 10 cruises in 2024 at different budgets to fit all travel styles.

Cruise Price Best for
Mon Cheri 5* US $175 Best seller cruise 2023
Scarlet Pearl 5* US $182 Best modern luxury yacht
Peony Cruise 4.5* US $153 Top favorite in Lan Ha
Orchid Classic 5* US $186 Best traditional boat
Ambassador 5* US $170 Best largest cruise
Paradise Elegance 5* US $174 Best 5-star service
Era Cruise 5* US $180 Best for medical care
Doris Cruise 5* US $164 Best budget 5-star cruise
Orchid Trendy 4.5* US $172 Best deluxe junk boat
Athena Cruise 4.5* US $169 Best family cruise
La Regina Legend 4.5* US $173 Best standard cabins (from 45m2)
Paradise Peak 5* US $280 Best luxurious wooden junk

NOTE: All price quote references for 1 person share in a double/ twin cabin. The exact price is based on availability and season.

Before You Go

Hope you are a wise cruiser and travel like a local with these pro tips in Halong Bay. Don’t skip because you might not find these notes anywhere else.

  • Some cruises (e.g.: Paradise Cruises) might charge offboard activities like kayaking/ bamboo boating.
  • The Hanoi - Halong transportation, beverages, wine cellar, and spa service are usually excluded from the cruise price.
  • Some 3-day-2-night cruises only set sail on specific days. For instance, Paradise Cruises operates 3-day itineraries on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays only.
  • The “connecting suite” combines 02 different staterooms that connect with an adjoining door.
  • US $3 - 5 is the average range of tipping for each crew or service.
  • Bringing 2-pin plug adapters is a must. Also, remember that the electricity power in Vietnam is at 220V / 50Hz.
  • After 17:00 is the best flight time after the cruise. Since the cruise disembarkation time is around 11:30 - 12:00 noon, you will need 2.5 - 3 hours to transfer to Hanoi airport.

All in all, it is important to find a reputable travel agent to book a cruise without scams. With more than 13 years of experience and consecutively awarded “Traveler Choice” of TripAdvisor, BestPrice Travel is the most popular name among thousands of travel agencies providing cruise booking services.

To book a cruise, please choose your perfect choice on our list and book online. Or send a request to us, then our travel consultant will help you book via email.

FAQs

Yes, Halong Bay is definitely worth a try. As one of the world-famous natural heritage sites, Halong Bay features the best destination for cruising in Vietnam. Why is it worth it?

  • Deeper exploration: Cruising is the best way to go further into the beautiful archipelago of the Gulf of Tonkin
  • Perfect seascape: Stay 2 - 3 days relaxing on the ship, soaking up the fresh air and tranquility of the bay
  • Exciting activities: Retreat by entertaining onboard (mini golf, poker, pool, spa, karaoke) and offboard (kayaking, boat rowing, cave visiting, catamaran, etc.)

For the best travel experience, the best time to go to Halong Bay is March - April and October - November, when the weather is cool (20 - 28°C) and dry (less rainfall).

Also, you can choose other months to visit:

  • May - September: Perfect time to get summer deals and flash sales up to 40% OFF
  • January - April: Enjoyable time to take part in Halong festivals and welcome Tet Holiday onboard

To better plan, please check out Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for Perfect Weather & Great Deals

On average, the prices of cruise trips range between US $125 - $300/person for 1 night, US $250 - $550/person for 2 nights, and US $65 - $120/person for a day trip.

Most cruises do not include the transfer in their package. You have to pay extra for the transfer if you want to be picked up from Hanoi.

Please see the price table for 2024 below for your reference:

Trip Type

Low season

High season

Day trip

US$ 65 - 95 US$ 75 - 120

2 days 1 night

US$ 120 - 200 US$ 130 - 300

3 days 2 nights

US$ 220 - 400 US$ 240 - 500

Shuttle bus round trip

US$ 30 - 40 US$ 30 - 40

* The price is per person in USD

* Low season: May - Sep, High season: Jan - Apr & Oct - Dec

How long you stay in Halong Bay really depends on your budget and available time.

  • 1 night: On a budget from US $125/pax, you can visit 1 - 2 attractions and join tai chi, cooking class, kayaking, or boat rowing onboard.
  • 2 nights: With US $225/pax or more, you can add on 1 - 2 hidden places to visit and enjoy more time sightseeing and relaxing. 

Still wondering about your plan? Please keep in touch with us via sales@bestpricetravel.com or +84 904 699 428 (WhatsApp).

It takes around 2.5 - 3 hours (including break time) to transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong Bay by limousine bus or car. For those who transfer from Hanoi airport, it takes about 3 hours of driving to Halong Bay.

The slowest way is by train (7 hours), while the fastest way is by seaplane (45 minutes).

For further information, let’s check 6 Best Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Here are the top places to visit on most of the cruises, varying from islets, caves, and beaches, to fishing villages.

  • Titop Island: A famous viewpoint with a panoramic bay view and stunning beach
  • Sung Sot Cave: An amazing cave to admire gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites
  • Ba Trai Dao Beach: A beautifully pristine beach to enjoy swimming and sunbathing
  • Dark & Bright Cave: Top favorite destination to do kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
  • Thien Canh Son Cave: One of the largest limestone caves in Bai Tu Long
  • Vung Vieng Floating Village: A tranquil village known for its serene beauty and pearl farming

There are 2 main ports where most cruises start from Tuan Chau Port and Halong International Port at around 12:00 - 12:30 pm. Additionally, some cruises may depart from Vinashin Port (Hon Gai), Cai Lan, and other ports around Halong City and Hai Phong (50 km).

Tuan Chau Port

Halong International Port

Address

Ngoc Chau, Tuan Chau Island

No. 9 Halong Road, Bai Chay Ward

How to get to

From Van Don Airport: 1.2 hours by car

From Cat Bi Airport: 45 minutes by car

From Hanoi: 2.5 hours by limousine/ car

From Van Don Airport: 1 hour by car

From Cat Bi Aiport: 50 minutes by car

From Hanoi: 2.5 hours by limousine/ car

The overnight cruise usually returns to the port at 11:00 - 11:30 on the last day of the itinerary. You will get to your hotel in Hanoi by 15:30 - 16:00 in the afternoon. 

For the day cruise trip, the disembarkation time is around 16:00 - 17:00 and the drop-off time in Hanoi is approximately 20:00.

Note: If you want to book a flight on the same day, choose a domestic flight after 17:00 and an international flight after 18:00.

Yes, you are allowed to swim in some areas of the bay, specifically:

  • Halong Bay: You can only swim in Titop Island, where most Halong overnight cruises pass by on the first day of the itinerary.
  • Lan Ha Bay: You are freely swum by the overnight anchor point around Ao Ech and Tra Bau Area.
  • Bai Tu Long Bay: Unlucky, swimming is restricted in this area for safety reasons.

Note: Please wear a life jacket if needed and don’t go swimming alone!

All cruises in Halong Bay must have permission from the Management Board to stay overnight in the Bay. Based on the weather predictions (high winds, monsoon, thunderstorm, cyclone, storm...), the Management Board has the authority to cancel all cruises on a certain day to guarantee the safety of tourists.

In those cases, the following policies will be applied for the cruise: 

  • If the cancellation is informed before you leave Hanoi (you have not used any service yet): 100% refund
  • If the cancellation is informed during the trip (you have already used some services: transfer, lunch, day trip, hotel,...): Only the fee of these services will be charged and we will refund the whole remaining amount
  • If the trip is cut down from 3 days/2 nights to 2 days/1 night, we will charge as 2 days/1 night trip, plus other services you have already used, and refund the remaining amount

Important notes:  

  • The cancellation is announced ONLY by the Management Board and often on short notice of time. Therefore your understanding of these situations is highly appreciated.
  • The period from May to July is considered stormy weather in Halong Bay with many unpredictable weather conditions. Hence more cruises will be canceled on short notice during this season.
  • In all cases, please contact our consultants directly for any urgent help. We are here to support you with all of our best!
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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Based on 5204 customer's reviews

9.4
Excellent
Traveler rating
  • 4616
  • 562
  • 19
  • 5
  • 2
9.0
Excellent - Nelia
Garden Bay Legend Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 18/03/2024
Excellent

Amazing in every way.
Approachable and respectful staff.
Goof food!!
The schedule went forward well, with instructions & options given ahead.

8.5
Very good - Mr.John
Swan Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 18/03/2024
Okay

Kent, the guide, was very considerate, helpful, and nice. The kayaking was lovely and enjoyable. Even for a vegetarian such as me, the food on the trip was delicious and well-prepared. Early in the morning, we loved doing Tai Chi on the upper deck. What a wonderful experience!
We were upgraded to a… More

9.6
Excellent - Akila D
Le Theatre Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 17/03/2024
Excellent activities, food, and crew!

We spent one night and two days on the cruise, but it felt like much longer!
The activities—kayaking, swimming in the bay, and cave exploring—were entertaining and well-paced, allowing us to recover in between.
The cooks went above and beyond to ensure that our vegetarian dietary requirements were… More

8.9
Very good - Sarab S
Verdure Lotus Classic Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 17/03/2024
Good but need improvement

It was wonderful, although we expected the cave excursion to cover more areas. Accommodations and staff were warm. However, bathroom maintenance was low.

9.5
Excellent - Sharon F
La Casta Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights | 16/03/2024
Great luxurious cruise

Great luxury cruise via Ha Long Bay and the calmer Lan Ha Bay (away from the more touristic areas!). Beautiful ship, more like a luxury hotel. The food and bar were excellent. A Yang, in particular, was really attentive and kind, ensuring that we always got the appropriate food (one of us is vegan).… More

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Questions & Answers (342)

Ask a Question
09/03/2024

Hi. I'm interested in a 2D1N cruise to Halong Bay on 9-10 April. 1 cabin for 2 pax. I prefer a 4-star type of Junk boat e.g. Dragon Pearl. Can you pls recommend based on availability & price? I prefer to include transfer to & from Hanoi. Shared van is okay. Thanks

Reply
1
09/03/2024
@Vishal:

Hi Vishal, Dragon Legend is available on 09 Apr (same company as Dragon Pearl but higher level) with a price of US $428/cabin. The shared transfer between Hanoi Old Quarter and Halong cruise port costs US $20 per passenger per way.

1 Reply
23/01/2024

My husband and I are looking at either three days two nights or two days one night. Feb 14th or 15th depart from Hanoi. Does transport get included in fee to the Bay?

Reply
1
25/01/2024

Most cruises haven't include a transfer round way you need to book the addon during the booking step.

1 Reply
30/12/2023

Hello, we are 8 pax who want to have a cruise 3D/2N budget of around USD 2000 - 2400 total. The date can be started from 26-31 Jan. What do you suggest?

Reply
1
30/12/2023
@Junie:

We have an option with La Regina, La casta match with your budget, please check email for detail.

1 Reply
27/12/2023

Hi. Do you have availability for 2 adults and 2 children (aged 13 and 16) for a 2 day, 1 night cruise of Halong Bay on 29th December? We would like rooms with a balcony please. Thanks for your help.

Reply
1
28/12/2023
@Liz Waller:

We have 2 cabin left on Seastar, please check email for price and booking process.

1 Reply
22/12/2023

Good evening, I am looking for a 2 day, 1 night cruise for the 25th of December 2023. I wanted to ask if WIFI is included and available on the ship. Please quote me for 3 people, one double room and one single room. Many thanks.

Reply
1
23/12/2023
@Chidori:

Yes, Wi-Fi is included on the ship, however, the signal sometimes is not as well as on the land.

You can refer to Peony Cruise: 01 Deluxe Double Balcony + 01 Deluxe Single Balcony are available on 25th Dec. Our travel consultant will assist you in processing the booking via email. 

1 Reply

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