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
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9.5Excellent - 57 reviewsI had a great time on the Ambassador Cruise. The itinerary had a very appropriate… Joseph - New ZealandHalong Bay
- Flash Sale 30% OFF! »
- Free Hanoi Food Tour. Value $35/pax
Bar Cafe & Lounge Conference & MeetingWhy book?- One of the biggest overnight cruises in Halong Bay
- Piano bar with live Jazz music every evening
- Authentic Indian meal made by professional Indian chefs
- Luxury facilities: unique glass bridge, elevator, 06 spa rooms
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Titop Island
- Couples, Luxury travelers, Event & MICE, Young Adults
46 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2018$185 /pax -
9.6Excellent - 194 reviewsThis cruise is a must-do in Ha Long Bay! The service is well organized, and the… Yuliana T - JapanHalong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island
- Spring Deals: 40% OFF »
- Free Hanoi Food Tour. Value $35/pax
Fitness Center Jacuzzi Mini GolfWhy book?- Best-seller luxurious cruise in Lan Ha Bay 2023/24
- Spacious outdoor jacuzzi pool 15m2 and mini golf on the sundeck
- The first Halong Bay cruise serves authentic Halal food with a Halal certificate
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Trung Trang Cave, Tra Bau Area, Viet Hai Village
- Couples, Group Travel, Events & MICE
18 cabins - Metal Boat - Launched in 2018$175 /pax -
9.6Excellent - 88 reviewsThe cruise experience was truly exceptional, offering a luxurious setting and all… Adele Walk -Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island
- Free Hanoi Food Tour. Value $35/pax
Bar Cafe & Lounge Cigar/ Poker ClubWhy book?- The only overnight cruise ship in Halong Bay owns a private water slide
- Exclusive deck for meetings with a variety of opulent facilities
- Experience personalized service from private dinners to speed boat
- Exciting Cigar & Poker Club with many entertaining board games
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Ao Ech Area, Dark & Bright Cave, Viet Hai Village
- Family with Kids, Group Travel, Events & MICE
30 cabins - Metal Boat - Launched in 2020$218 /pax -
9.5Excellent - 245 reviewsThe staff on the cruise are exceptional and go above and beyond to ensure your satisfaction.… Adrienne Nes - Korea, SouthHalong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island
- Free Hanoi Food Tour. Value $35/pax
Bar Cooking Class JacuzziWhy book?- Best boutique luxury cruise to Lan Ha Bay
- Beautiful jacuzzi pool on sundeck
- All cabins have large private balcony & bathtubs
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Trung Trang Cave, Ao Ech Area, Viet Hai Village, Ba Trai Dao
- Seniors, Couples, Luxury travelers
14 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2016$186 /pax -
9.6Excellent - 143 reviewsWe made a reservation for the 2-day, 1-night cruise with Scarlet Pearl cruises and… Ms.Antoniolen - GermanyHalong Bay - Lan Ha BayCatamaran Jacuzzi LibraryWhy book?
- Best luxury ship for eco-tourism and unique itinerary in Lan Ha Bay
- Extensive President Suite up to 150m2 with private terrace and outdoor jacuzzi
- The only 5-star using Catamaran on Day 2 excursion
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Dark & Bright Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Viet Hai Village, Ao Ech
- Luxury Travellers, Couples
23 cabins - Steel - Launched in 2019$168 /pax -
9.6Excellent - 211 reviewsVery kind staff. Hera helped me organize my cruise in detail, she was very kind… Giovanni R - IsraelLan Ha Bay - Cat Ba IslandBar Cafe & Lounge PoolWhy book?
- Bestseller 4-star junk cruise in Lan Ha Bay 2023/24
- 20 deluxe cabins with private balconies & bathtub
- High-quality service as a luxury cruise
- 1 night 2 nights
- Trung Trang Cave, Tra Bau Area, Viet Hai Village
- Group travel, Family with kids, Events & MICE
20 cabins - Metal Boat - Launched in 2018$149 /pax -
9.6Excellent - 14 reviewsEverything was lovely and tranquil, and the waiter, Gin, was friendly and professional.… Colin G - AustraliaHalong Bay - Bai Tu Long Bay
- Spring Deals: 40% OFF »
- Free Hanoi Food Tour. Value $35/pax
Bar Cafe & Lounge Cooking ClassWhy book?- Off-the-beaten-path cruise itinerary to Bai Tu Long area
- Committed and skilled staff ensuring dedicated and professional assistance
- Enjoy a comprehensive selection of jacuzzi pool, spa, massage, and bar
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Village, Cong Dam Area
- Mid-range travelers, Couples, Groups of friends
20 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2020$148 /pax -
9.4Excellent - 26 reviewsThe boat was beautifully designed and provided a fantastic opportunity to explore… Abhishek Ve - AustraliaLan Ha Bay - Cat Ba IslandBar Pool Spa & MassageWhy book?
- A luxury cruise with a unique & combination of Indochinese design and Hue features
- Only 10 aristocratic cabins with higher solitude and more custom-made service
- Unique royal Vietnamese cuisine and Hue traditional tea after dinner
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Trung Trang Cave, Viet Hai Village, Ba Trai Dao, Ao Ech Area
- Couples, Luxury Travellers, Group Travel, Family with Kids
10 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2022$198 /pax -
9.4Excellent - 117 reviewsIn February, I planned a 2-day tour in Halong Bay with bestpricetravel.com. Everything… Hel Ott - GermanyHalong Bay - Lan Ha BayBar Karaoke LibraryWhy book?
- Best mid-range cruise with high service standard
- Cozy boutique boat with a unique fusion design
- Interesting itinerary through Lan Ha Bay with fun activities
- 1 night, 2 nights
- Dark & Bright Cave, Viet Hai Village, Tra Bau Area
- Couples, Families, Group Travel
16 cabins - Steel - Launched in 2019$144 /pax -
9.6Excellent - 149 reviewsMy Uyen, my travel consultant was courteous, quick, and efficient in responding… Dale A - NetherlandsHalong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island
- 30% OFF+ Free Food Tour. $30/pax »
Art Gallery Boutique Shop Cafe & LoungeWhy book?- The most lavish cruise for a journey to Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island
- Beautifully artisanal boutique products with an impressive art gallery
- Sumptuous facilities: 32m2 pool, spacious piano lounge, pretty library
- A culinary adventure with a standout royal-themed dinner
- 1 night, 2 nights, 3 nights
- Ba Trai Dao, Dark & Bright cave, Viet Hai Village, Tra Bau Area
- Luxury Travellers, Family with Kids, Couples
20 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2019$202 /pax
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.
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.
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.
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).
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.
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!
Customer Reviews
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Questions & Answers (342)
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
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.
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?
Most cruises haven't include a transfer round way you need to book the addon during the booking step.
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?
We have an option with La Regina, La casta match with your budget, please check email for detail.
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.
We have 2 cabin left on Seastar, please check email for price and booking process.
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.
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.
Amazing in every way.
Approachable and respectful staff.
Goof food!!
The schedule went forward well, with instructions & options given ahead.
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 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 Balcony Suite. It was beautiful and very comfortable. However, sometimes we couldn’t use the balcony or open the windows due to the fumes from the diesel engine. They were very apologetic, but could not move us as the boat was completely booked. We would greatly appreciate it if we could change to a better cabin. Less
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 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 met while still providing us with the same high-quality food as the omnivores.
The crew were always willing to assist and made it an extra unique experience; special thanks to Tequila and David for going out of their way to make it enjoyable! Less
It was wonderful, although we expected the cave excursion to cover more areas. Accommodations and staff were warm. However, bathroom maintenance was low.
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 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). Cooking lessons and kayaking are among the enjoyable activities available.
The hot tub on the top deck was fantastic for warming up after an evening swim. Less