Looking for the best cruises in Halong Bay, Vietnam? You’ve come to the right place!
In this article I have outlined everything you need to know to choose the perfect Halong Bay cruise for you. Including an overview of different cruise types, itineraries, reviews and more.
With its imposing limestone cliffs, scattered amongst the vast blue lagoon, Halong Bay offers a unique landscape that leaves travellers in awe.
It’s one of the main tourist attractions in Vietnam, and it’s easy to see why. The most common way to visit Halong Bay is with a cruise, either an overnight one or as a day trip.
When choosing your Halong Bay cruise, the main deciding factor will probably be your travel budget (day cruises are considerably cheaper than overnight ones), but this isn’t the only thing to take into account.
So what are you waiting for? Let’s dive in, and find the perfect Halong Bay cruise for your Vietnam trip!
Table of Contents
What is Ha Long Bay?
Halong Bay is a beautiful bucket list destination in northern Vietnam. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1994, the emerald waters of this large bay are dotted with thousands of small islands.
Limestone rock formations dominate the landscape with hidden caves, dreamy beaches, and lush lagoons adding to the beauty.
The name, Ha Long, translates to “descending dragon”, a nod to the legend of dragons that are believed to have lived in the area.
Despite the popularity among travellers, making the views rather busy, Halong’s magic remains.
A trip here is high up on most people’s Vietnam itineraries, with most opting to take an overnight trip from Hanoi to Halong Bay, or joining an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay.
How to get to Halong Bay
The Best way to visit Halong Bay is by boat. There’s a whole host of Halong Bay cruise options to choose from, but you first need to get to Halong Bay in order to board a boat.
Tour boats usually leave from a harbour that’s located around a 2-hour drive from Hanoi.
You can opt to travel independently from Hanoi to Halong Bay via the public bus or private car, and then simply join a tour when you arrive. However, most tours include a transfer to and from Hanoi as part of the price.
The transfer to Halong Bay is usually in an air-conditioned minibus and will include a pick-up service from your accommodation in Hanoi.
When you book your Halong Bay cruise, it’s a good idea to check the details of the transfer. Although many of the tours offer a similar itinerary, there can be a difference in the transfer depending on how much you pay.
For example, some of the tours will stop at tourist shops along the way, such as a pearl farm, in the hope that you’ll spend some money.
Different types of Halong Bay cruises
Halong Bay cruises come in all shapes and sizes. From the most basic and budget-friendly, to luxury cruises with private cabins and lavish meals included.
Ha Long Bay day cruise
For those counting the pennies, the day trip cruises are the cheapest option. These day trips begin early in the morning with a pickup from Hanoi and whisk you to the bay.
The itinerary for the day is usually filled with all the same activities as the overnight trips, just on a tighter schedule.
The only real downside is the fact that it can feel very rushed, and you might not feel as if you have enough time to soak up the beautiful scenery.
Ha Long Bay overnight cruise
If you have the time and more money to spend, you could book yourself onto an overnight tour.
The overnight cruises will be much more expensive than the day trips, but the experience of sleeping on a cruise boat in Halong Bay is magical.
The overnight cruises come with a choice of spending either one night and two days, or two nights and three days in Halong.
Ha Long Bay tour mood
There’s also a choice of more adventure-focused ways to explore. Those who want to see a different side of the national park can choose to join a kayak-only tour of the area.
This is a cheaper way to see the sights but also limits the distance you can travel in one day. Some of the cruises can be more focused on partying than experiencing the natural scenery of the area.
If you’re looking to let your hair down during your trip to Halong, it’s a good idea to look up the best party cruises in Halong Bay, so that you’re not disappointed.
No matter what type of cruise you’re looking for, when looking for the best Halong Bay tours, it’s a good idea to read reviews and choose the one which best fits your budget and travel type.
Halong Bay cruise activities
So what do you actually do during a Halong Bay cruise, besides cruising around? Here are some of the most common activities.
Kayaking at Light & Dark cave
Kayaking around is one of the top activates included in a Halong Bay cruise.
Even the Cheapest Halong Bay cruise will usually offer kayaking as part of the itinerary, or as an additional add-on. Kayaking is a super fun way to see the limestone formations and caves such as Light & Dark caves up close.
Visit to Cat Ba Island
The bay is scattered with a collection of islands that are really interesting to explore. The famous Cat Ba islands are the largest in the bay, and are actually home to various communities.
Tours of the island and the villages, such as Viet Hai village, are a great way to learn more about life in the area.
Sunrise tai chi on deck
If you’re lucky enough to be spending the night in Halong Bay, then taking part in onboard activities such as tai chi at sunrise is the ideal way to start the day.
These classes are held on the deck, meaning you can gracefully greet the day surrounded by the serene landscape of Halong. Simply dreamy if you ask me.
Night squid fishing
Fishing has been the main industry for the people who live around the bay for generations. You can get a hands-on experience of fishing in Halong Bay with some overnight cruises.
Night squid fishing is a great way to spend a few hours in the evening, especially if you’re not looking to party.
Visit a fishing farm
Fishing farms are amazing places to visit to learn more about life in the area. These watery villages are where many people live and work alongside their families.
The fish produced in the farms are sold across the region and all over Vietnam.
Swim around the boat and/or at a beach
There’s no better feeling than jumping into the cooling waters of the bay on a warm day. Most, if not all, Halong Bay tours will include the option of swimming around the boat or at one of the area’s beautiful beaches.
Pearl farm visit
Although a bit of a tourist trap, the pearl farms are actually a really interesting way to see how many people make their money in the area. It’s also fascinating to see how pearls are grown and harvested.
This is usually done as a stop on the drive over from Hanoi, as opposed to an organised activity during the cruise.
Visit Ti Top Island
One of Halong’s most beautiful islands, Ti Top boats a golden sand beach, peaceful waters and amazing views over Halong Bay. Here you can get a great view of the area’s iconic rock formations from above.
Cruise around the bay between the unique limestone formations
Aside from swimming and hanging out on the boat, the main activity when visiting Halong Bay is cruising around the placid waters, passing by the lush islands and eye-catching limestone formations. It’s honestly so beautiful.
Cooking class
One activity usually offered on overnight cruises is taking a cooking class. Learning how to make your favourite Vietnamese dish surrounded by the famous Halong scenery is seriously a moment to remember.
Best Halong Bay overnight cruises
When you first start planning your Vietnam trip, you will quickly see that overnight cruises in Halong Bay are considerably more expensive than the average homestay or hotel in Vietnam.
Personally, I think they’re worth the price as they’re not just a hotel stay, but a unique experience. Here are the best overnight cruises in Halong Bay.
5-star Aspira Cruise: Luxury 3 Day-2 Night Halong-Lan Ha Bay
Aspira Cruise is the company we joined for our Ha Long Bay cruise, and I was pretty happy with our experience. Step aboard this beautiful luxury boat, and head off on an adventure to remember.
One of the best 3-day 2-night cruises to Halong Bay, the boat boasts spacious rooms with balconies, and even fancy bathrooms with a bath tub with a view.
On top of that, you also get to enjoy all of the tasty food served in the onboard restaurant, top quality great service and a top deck with a pool & lots of outdoor seating.
Click here to book your Ha Long Bay cruise with Aspira Cruises!
Hanoi: Halong Bay 2-Day Tour with Lodging and Luxury Cruise
Up there as one of the most luxurious Halong Bay cruise options, this high-end cruise is ideal for those who want to splash a little cash.
Not only do you get a polished private room all to yourself, but the cruise also comes with meals included in the packages. You won’t get bored either as activities include cooking classes, kayaking and even a happy hour.
Click here to see prices & availability for your Halong Bay cruise!
2 Day/1 Night Cruise with All-Inclusive in Halong
This all-inclusive tour is a great choice for those looking for the best cruise in Halong Bay, but who don’t want to spend too much cash.
Offering a mid-range cruise, the itinerary takes you to all the area’s main highlights including Sung Sot Cave, Vieng Floating Village, Cat Ba Island and Titop Island.
There’s a choice of rooms to opt for depending on how much you want to spend, from two to five-star cabins. A choice of activities, meals and transfers to and from Hanoi are all included in the price.
Click here to purchase your budget overnight cruise in Halong Bay!
If you are looking for the best Halong Bay overnight cruise, and want to treat yourself, then take a look at this option; the Signature Halong Cruise.
The overnight adventure is all about discovering the area in style, so you can experience chic private rooms with balconies and optional hot tubs.
Excursions are more focused on the off-the-beaten-track areas of Ha Long, so there are fewer tourist crowds to contend with. The itinerary includes a visit to Lan Ha Bay, tai chi lessons and kayaking.
Check out prices & availability for your Signature Halong Bay Cruise here!
Exploring Ha Long Bay in style has never seemed so tempting. This 5-star cruise is easily one of the best Halong Bay overnight cruises I’ve seen.
The whole boat is decked out with chic interiors so you can sit back and relax as you’re toured around the region.
Cabins boast balconies and hot tubs while meals are all served in the onsite restaurant. What else could you want?
Click here to book your Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise in Ha Long Bay!
Best Halong Bay day cruises
Halong Bay overnight cruises are amazing, but also pretty pricey. If you’re travelling on a budget, here are some great options for day cruises to Halong Bay (which are usually considerably cheaper).
Beginning the day with a pick-up from your accommodation in Hanoi, this Hanoi to Halong Bay day cruise whisks you from the city all the way to Halong Bay in a day.
Once at the dock, you’ll board a boat which will take you to see a collection of the area’s top attractions.
From the dazzling Sung Sot Cave to the tranquillity of Ti Top Island, the tour even includes kayaking at Luon Cave and swimming at the blissed-out Titov beach.
Book your Hanoi to Ha Long Bay day cruise here!
Hanoi: Islands, Caves, Kayak & Halong Dragonfly Boat Cruise
You don’t have to spend the big bucks to be able to see the beauty of Halong Bay.
This affordable cruise provides the chance to see all the main sights dotted around the bay as well as take part in a choice of fun activities.
The trip includes time to sun yourself out on the deck, lunch on board the boat, bamboo rafting and kayaking.
Click here to see prices & availability for a Dragonfly day boat cruise to Halong Bay!
Ha Long Bay and Ti Top Island Cruise with Stops
If you’re looking for the cheapest Halong Bay cruise, this tour is a good option.
The day trip includes stop-offs at a lot of the area’s main attractions including all of the famous rock formations, a trip to Ti Top Islands as well as a visit to Tuan Chau Island.
Kayaking is also offered as an added extra. Not only that but for the price of the trip you also get lunch onboard the boat included in the price. There’s also the bonus of a pick-up service from your accommodation in Hanoi.
Check out prices & availability for your budget day trip to Halong Bay here!
How many days should you spend in Halong Bay?
The amount of time you spend in Halong Bay will depend on a couple of factors.
Halong Bay cruise prices can vary wildly depending on the type of cruise. Travellers with more money to spend can opt for a longer cruise, whereas budget travellers may want to opt for a day trip.
There’s also the time you have to spend in Vietnam overall. If you only have a couple of weeks in the country, then spending more time in Halong may mean you spend less time in other places.
I would say, for most people, the ideal time to spend in Halong Bay is one night and two days.
Is visiting Halong Bay worth it?
Yes. Although super popular, visiting Halong Bay is really worth it. It may be more expensive than other destinations and activities in Vietnam, but it’s a place of stunning natural beauty.
There are lots of fun things to do and places to see. Alongside Ninh Binh, with its stunning Hang Mua Viewpoint,Bai Dinh Pagoda and landscapes, Halong Bay was amongst my favourite places in Vietnam.
If you’re a little worried about the amount of tourists, it might be a good idea to take a look at some of the best Lan Ha Bay cruises, as it’s a good option for a more off-the-beaten-track destination in the same area.
Best time to visit Halong Bay
For the best chance of fine, dry days, October to November is a particularly ideal time to explore Halong Bay. Temperatures are mild and the rain usually stays away.
Visiting anytime between February to April may be cheaper, but it also means that the famous bay won’t look anywhere near as impressive when compared to the dry season as there’s a lot of drizzle and fog (I would know, I visited in March and we were constantly surrounded by grey fog and covered by grey skies).
High season runs between May to September, and sees crowds of domestic tourists also making their way to the region.
What to pack for a Halong Bay cruise
There isn’t really anything specific you need to pack for a Halong Bay cruise, besides the usual travel essentials. But just as a reminder, here are some things you should definitely not forget!
Passport/visa documents: You usually need these to book a Halong Bay cruise in the first place, and you may actually be turned away if you don’t have them with you when you embark. Best to bring just in case.
Raincoat: This is a Southeast Asia essential for wet season travel. Nobody wants to get soaked when you’re out trying to sightsee, or trying to have a luxurious time aboard a boat!
Sunscreen: And when it’s sunny you’ll want sunscreen to protect from sunburn and harmful UV rays.
Sunhat and sunglasses: Same reason as above. It’s not fun getting sunburnt!
Hiking shoes: Some sturdy footwear that you know won’t slip on rocks is a good idea for hiking activities on a Halong Bay cruise.
Water bottle: Many cruises give you complimentary water, but if you have a decently sized refillable bottle of your own, fill that before you come so you have a reserve supply.
Power bank: If you join an overnight cruise you will have sockets to charge in your cabin, but if it’s a day cruise you might not have easy access. So better safe than sorry, you don’t want your phone dying on you as you snap pictures of Halong Bay!
Adapter: There are actually three different plug types used in Vietnam, so it’s best just to get a universal adapter so you’re prepared.
Final thoughts on the best cruises in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam
There you have it, the ultimate guide to the best cruises in Ha Long Bay, Vietnam! Have you been to Halong Bay before? How did you find it? Let me know in the comments below!
Halong Bay is one of those places that was so high on my travel bucket list, it pretty much inspired my whole trip to Vietnam. So obviously, I did loads of research beforehand to ensure we picked the best cruise.
I don’t know if Aspira Cruise (the company we did our Halong Bay overnight cruise with) is the best, but I can definitely say it was luxurious and thorough.
During our 3-day 2-night cruise we visited all of the main sights in Halong Bay, all while being pampered onboard a luxury cruise ship. Despite the grey weather, it was a great experience.
Similarly to Sapa, the main selling point of Halong Bay is the natural landscape, as opposed to temples and history like in Ninh Binh ( Bich Dong Pagoda is amongst these).
If you want to see a truly unique landscape, formed of imposing limestone formations dotted around a beautiful blue lagoon, then Halong Bay is the place for you.
I hope you found my guide to the best Halong Bay cruises useful, and that it will help you choose the right Halong Bay cruise for you! If you have any questions, just let me know in the comments below!
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