10 Best Halong Bay Cruises: Price & Review Apr, 2024

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15/04/2024

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Top Halong Bay Tour Recommendations

Hanoi - Halong Bay Package with Seaplane 2 Days

2 days / 1 night

Halong Bay Cruise Package from Hanoi with Transfer 2 Days

2 days / 1 night +

Discover Halong Bay & Ninh Binh Package 2 days

2 days / 1 night

Hanoi, Halong Bay, Ninh Binh - A Budget Glimpse of North Vietnam 5 days

5 days / 4 nights

Saving Deals: Glory Legend Cruise + 3* Hotel 3 Days

3 days / 2 nights +

Excellent Choice: Peony Cruise + Hanoi Pearl Hotel 3 Days

3 days / 2 nights +

See all Halong bay cruise tour

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

1. Is Halong Bay worth it?

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.)

2. When is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

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

3. How much does it cost for Halong cruise 2024?

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

4. Should I spend 1 night or 2 nights on the cruise?

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).

5. How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

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

6. What to see in Halong Bay on a cruise tour?

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

7. Where do Halong cruises start from?

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

8. What time does Halong cruise end?

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.

9. Can I swim in Halong Bay?

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!

10. What is cancellation policy due to bad weather of Halong Bay?

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!

"Traveling is our passion"

Let us help you plan an unforgettable trip!

+84 904-699-428

Tailor-made your own trip

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Based on 5376 customer's reviews

9.4

Excellent

Traveler rating

Excellent 4752
Very good 598
Average 19
Poor 5
Terrible 2

9.4

Excellent - Mr.Barry S

Le Theatre Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 14/04/2024

Nice boat in a beautiful place

The staff was incredibly kind and helpful. The rooms were lovely and tidy. We liked the cuisine that was presented.
Do not expect a pool; it is purely cosmetic. Kids could play in it, but it is not clean, so I would not let them.
Kayaking and swimming alongside the boat are also acceptable activities.… More

8.9

Very good - Rhea Howel

Halong Catamaran Cruise Day Trip | 13/04/2024

All good

The cruise lasts about 6 hours without transfer time. During that time, I was able to visit the Dark & Bright Cave and relax in Frog Pond. Overall it was amazing. Nice service!

9.4

Excellent - Mr.Ivan

Ambassador Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 13/04/2024

Brilliant would be an understatement.

I would give an 8 out of 5 if I could. I only contacted Janet for the 1st time, and she was just great. BestPriceTravel deserves an A+.

Nothing was too difficult for her. Helpful ideas (a seaplane excursion, for example) and a thorough understanding of what could and could not be done.
Message via… More

9.0

Excellent - Ms.Eugenie El

Dragon Legend Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 13/04/2024

I had the pleasure of booking my trip with Mia Nguyen, who provided me with a highly competitive price and exceptional service. I am thoroughly satisfied with the experience on Dragon Legend Cruise and would wholeheartedly recommend Best Price Travel and their outstanding services to others.

9.2

Excellent - Ginny Waite

Indochine Premium Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights | 13/04/2024

Indochine 3 Days 2 Nights cruise

We had an incredible experience on the Indochine 3 Days 2 Nights cruise in Ha Long Bay! Mia Nguyen, our dedicated organizer, went above and beyond to secure our booking and ensure a seamless trip. Our cabin was exquisitely designed, featuring stunning full glass windows and a bath tub that provided… More

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Questions & Answers (346)

Ask a Question

Sophia 08/04/2024

Hi, I would like to inquire about Halong Bay cruise for 15/04/2024. Which cruise was available for that date? We have 8 people. We want to used around USD 400 per room.

BestPrice 09/04/2024

@Sophia:

Hi! For your request, pls consider our best options below:

Ambassador Signature Cruise - 5-star - from $390/cabin
Mon Cheri Cruise - 5-star - from $364/cabin
Peony Cruise - 4-star - from $324/cabin

Nancy 28/03/2024

Hello, we would like to take a 2 day 1 night cruise in HaLong Bay that includes a visit to Ti Top Island. We're a family of 3, including 12 yo. Are there any cruises that could accommodate all of us in the same room? Which cruises could you recommend that include a cooking class, squid fishing, Tai Chi etc.? Thank you!

BestPrice 30/03/2024

@Nancy:

Hi! For your request, you can consider below options:

Catherine Cruise - from $242/person
Essence Grand Cruise - from $215/person
Hermes Cruise - from $197/person
Ambassador Cruise - from $185/person
Paradise Elegance Cruise - from $170/person

Usually, most of cruises have cooking class, Tai Chi, and squid fishing. Pls note that the squid season is summer so if you want to enjoy that, you should book the cruise on the right time.

Max 21/03/2024

Hi! I will be doing a cruise in Halong Bay starting April 10. I want to do the Pradise Elegance Cruise 3 days 2 nights and it seems like I can make the reservation for april 10, but it is also written that it only leaves on tuesdays or thursdays so is April 10 reallly available for departure?

BestPrice 22/03/2024

@Max:

Hi, the 3 days program only run for Tue, Thus so you can take 9 or 11 Apr.

Jannick 11/03/2024

We are interested in of the Bay cruises as well as the subsequent transfer from Ha Long to Ninh Binh. Could you explain a little bit where exactly we’d be dropped off in Ninh Binh? Further, when would we depart in Ha Long Bay. We would like to take a cruise that ends on the 1st of April. Thank you very much in advance!

BestPrice 29/03/2024

@Jannick:

Hi! Usually, the bus is stopped at Ninh Binh city center. However, if you want to drop off at another place in Ninh Binh (such as Tam Coc, Trang An), the bus provider can arrange you a transfer transport.

The cruise departure time is usually from 12.00 - 12.30 pm. The options for cruise ends on 1st April are limited now. Please check your email for more information.

Vishal 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

BestPrice 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.