LOOKING FOR THE BEST HALONG BAY CRUISE TOUR?
Recently named one of the New Seven Natural Wonders of the World, Halong Bay is a breathtaking destination that won’t disappoint.
But navigating the crazy amount of cruise options can be overwhelming. In fact, some of the cruises aren’t even licensed and can be downright dangerous. Not to worry we’re here to help find you the best Halong(Ha Long) bay cruise for your budget.
⚓️ Don’t have time to read the whole article? The best Halong Bay Cruise this All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise with Meals, Kayaking, Caving, with thousands of FIVE STAR reviews
The name Halong means “descending dragon.” The legend says, the dragons were sent there by gods to protect Vietnam from invaders.
The dragons spit jades and jewels to the sea and afterwords they turned into the islets and islands. These islands created a protective wall to shield against enemies.
This ring of limestone islands and islets, numbering in the thousands, and topped by rainforests are a remarkable site. The emerald waters and floating villages make Junk boat or kayak tours a must for any Vietnam itinerary.
By the way, they call their boats “Junks,” in case you were wondering.
Ready to get to this list of the 10 best Halong Bay Cruise tours (so that you can book one already)? Let’s dive in!
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise with Meals, Kayaking, Caving, Beach in Halong
✔️Meals
✔️Accommodations
✔️Transfers to cruise
✔️Activities
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Ha Long Bay Day Tour Cruise: Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking & Lunch
✔️Best Cheap Halong Bay Tour
✔️Day Cruise
✔️Kayaking, Swimming, Hiking and Lunch
⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️
Sena Luxury Cruises: Lan Ha Bay 2 Days 1 Night Full Board
✔️Best Luxury Cruise Tour
✔️Deluxe luxury cabin with private balcony
✔️Kayaking, swimming, cycling, squid fishing,
1. All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise w/ Meals, Kayaking, Caving
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (2,074+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? This is one of the highest rated Halong Bay tours available! It’s also the best, most complete Halong Bay tour of them all — with everything included and no pesky hidden costs.
Are you ready for an epic 2-day adventure cruising through the magnificent Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Bai Tu Long Bay?
Get ready to explore the hidden gems of these stunning destinations, including the breathtaking Sung Sot Cave and Titop Island (for Halong), the thrilling Cat Ba Island and Dark and Bright Cave (for Lan Ha), and the fascinating Thien Cahn Son Cave and Vung Vien Floating Village (for Bai Tu Long).
But that’s not all! You’ll be staying in a comfortable air-conditioned cabin with a private bathroom, and the boats and accommodations range from three to five stars.
There’s also a plethora of exciting activities to enjoy, such as kayaking, bamboo boat rides, cooking classes, and even tai chi. And the best part?
The All-Inclusive 2 Day/1 Night Cruise w/ Meals, Kayaking, Caving includes:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Activities
- Round-trip transfers from Hanoi, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
Ready to book your spot on this all-inclusive 2 day/1 night cruise?
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1,051+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? The staff is super friendly and you’ll get to explore the largest fishing village on the bay
On this tour you’ll hit up an island where you can swim, climb, and get the best panoramic view of the bay.
You’ll also explore one of the bay’s largest and most spectacular indoor caves. Get ready to be blown away by the natural beauty of the rock formations. It’s like a journey to another world!
And let’s not forget about the evenings. There is an assortment of board games and films to keep you entertained.
Plus, during squid season, they’ll take you on an evening excursion to a nearby fishing boat. It’s a chance to get a close-up look at the local fishermen as they catch squid and other fish.
The Indochina Sails Halong Bay Cruise includes:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Activities
Ready to book your spot on this Indochina 2 day/1 night cruise?
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (1,051+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? The staff is super friendly and you’ll get to explore the largest fishing village on the bay
On this tour you’ll hit up an island where you can swim, climb, and get the best panoramic view of the bay.
You’ll also explore one of the bay’s largest and most spectacular indoor caves. Get ready to be blown away by the natural beauty of the rock formations. It’s like a journey to another world!
And let’s not forget about the evenings. There is an assortment of board games and films to keep you entertained.
Plus, during squid season, they’ll take you on an evening excursion to a nearby fishing boat. It’s a chance to get a close-up look at the local fishermen as they catch squid and other fish.
The Paradise Elegance Cruise:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Activities
Ready to book your spot on this 2 day/1 night cruise?
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (870+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 6-12 Hours
Why choose this tour? If you’re short on time and looking for a cheap Halong Bay Cruise but still want to explore the beautiful area this tour is for you!
You’ll enjoy a full day out on the water with thousands of islands surrounding you in this beautiful and unique landscape. Local seafood lunch is fuel for a gentle trek on Titop Island, where you can explore a massive limestone cave.
After lunch you’ll include kayaking through tunnels and swimming and basking in the sun at one of the beautiful beaches.
This Ha Long Bay day tour includes:
- Lunch onboard
- All entrance fees & tickets
- Optional transportation
Ready to book your spot on this all day tour?
5. Bhaya 2-Day Halong Bay Tour with Optional Hanoi Transfer by Bus
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (433+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? Score an amazing deal with this adventure, complete with cozy on-board rooms, scrumptious meals, and non-stop fun activities galore!
Embark on a 2-day journey to explore the UNESCO-recognized landscapes of Halong Bay, complete with overnight stays and meals on board.
Navigate around distinct rock formations such as Chicken Rock, be captivated by the glistening Dark and Bright Lagoon, and delve into the enchanting Surprise Cave.
The excitement continues on board with various activities: practice Tai Chi, test your skills in squid fishing, or participate in a traditional Vietnamese cooking class.
The Bhaya Cruise includes:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Activities
- Optional round-trip transfers from Hanoi
Ready to book your spot on this 2 day/1 night cruise?
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (238+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? If you’re looking for one of the most luxurious Halong Bay cruises this ranks in the top for luxury cruises Halong Bay.
Ahoy, adventurers! Glide through the breathtaking Halong and Lan Ha bays on a luxurious boutique cruise, immersing in the awe-inspiring beauty of nature and the rich tapestry of Vietnamese culture.
With a smorgasbord of activities like kayaking, swimming, cycling, and even squid fishing, this voyage promises memories that’ll last a lifetime.
So, what are you waiting for? Dive into the fun!
The 2 day and 1 night Halong Bay Sena Cruise includes
- Air-conditioned vehicle transportation
- Deluxe luxury cabin with private balcony
- All meals on board (2 lunches, 1 dinner, 1 breakfast)
- Welcome drink, cold handkerchief
- Entrance and Sightseeing fees
Ready to book your spot on this cruise?
7. Mon Cheri Cruise 5 Star: Unique 2 Days Tuan Chau Halong Bay- Lan Ha Bay
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (198+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? If you’re looking for a more affordable luxury Halong Bay Cruise compared to Mon Cheri cruise this is a great option
Get ready for a fantastic 2-day adventure around the stunning Ha Long Bay, where you’ll not only soak up the beauty of this picturesque bay but also explore the captivating caves on Cat Ba Island.
Aboard this luxury cruise, indulge in mouth-watering gourmet meals, cozy oceanside suites, and even dabble in cooking classes and tai chi lessons!
It’s the perfect blend of relaxation and action-packed fun for an unforgettable getaway.
This Mon Cheri 5 Star Halong Bay Cruise includes:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Bottled Water
- Activities
8. Paradise Sails 2 Day 1 Night Halong Bay Cruise
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (194+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? You can upgrade to add on spa treatments, kayaking or drinks to this package.
Get ready for an epic day trip from Hanoi to explore the best of Halong Bay! Kick off the adventure with a swanky private check-in lounge before hopping aboard the Paradise Explorer.
As you cruise the bay, feast on a scrumptious lunch while admiring iconic sights like Fighting Cocks Islet and Thien Cung and Dau Go caves. Make pit stops at the awe-inspiring Sung Sot (Surprise) Cave, Luon Cave, and Soi Sim or Titop island.
And for the cherry on top, treat yourself to a spa session or sip on refreshing drinks during the cruise back. Adventure awaits!
This Paradise Sails Halong Bay Tour includes:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Activities
- Round-trip transfers from Hanoi, so you don’t have to worry about a thing!
- Optional Spa upgrade
Ready to book your spot on this all-inclusive 2 day/1 night cruise?
9. Overnight 2 or 3 Day Luxury Cruise in Ha Long, Lan Ha Bay with Kayaking, Swimming and Caving
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (187+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 or 3 Days/1 or 2 Nights
Why choose this tour? If you’re looking for a tour option that offers a longer experience and you enjoy a fitness center, a terrace attached to your room, massage, and use of a hot tub this cruise is for you!
Get set for an unforgettable adventure with Era Cruises, offering fabulous facilities like a fitness center, a terrace, gym, and massage room to ensure you have the time of your life!
Savor authentic Vietnamese cuisine at the on-board restaurant and wake up to a delicious continental or buffet breakfast.
Every room boasts its own terrace, and you can even pamper yourself in the hot tub!
Era Cruise whisks you away on 2 or 3-day cruising escapades, exploring the lesser-known gems of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island with fellow wanderers.
Dive into crystal-clear waters, paddle through mesmerizing landscapes while kayaking, and uncover hidden caves. If you’re a landlubber at heart, hop on a bike and pedal along quaint village paths, through lush rainforests and mysterious tunnels.
So, buckle up for the journey of a lifetime!
This Luxury Cruise includes:
- Meals
- Accommodations
- Activities
- Optional Round-trip transfers from Hanoi
Ready to book your spot on this all-inclusive 2 day/1 night cruise?
10. Aspira Cruises from Hanoi : Kayaking,Cooking class,Taichi, Private Balcony
⭐️RATING: 5 out of 5 Stars (149+ Reviews) ⎸ ⏳TOUR LENGTH: 2 Days/1 Night
Why choose this tour? Experience both Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays on this cruise, which boasts cultural activities, awe-inspiring landscapes, and luxurious amenities like private junior suite cabins and on-demand spa treatments.
Discover luxury in a private junior suite cabin as you embark on a memorable journey. Delight in exquisite Vietnamese cuisine and cultural activities while enjoying complimentary kayaking and bamboo boat rides.
Explore Ha Long and Lan Ha Bays, unwind with musical entertainment, and take advantage of free gym and mini pool access.
For added pampering, opt for a massage or spa treatment (extra fees apply). Adventure awaits!
This Aspira Halong Bay Cruise includes:
- Meals
- Accommodations in a junior suite
- Activities and squid fishing
- Welcome drink
Ready to book your spot on this Aspira Halong bay cruise?
What is The Weather Like In Halong Bay?
Halong Bay, experiences a humid subtropical climate with two main seasons
May to June – Summer
This is the warmest time but expect some rain. For swimming and kayak activities this would be an ideal time.
July and August
Are the times to avoid. Rough seas will make for an interesting ride and often trips are cancelled due to weather.
September to November – Autumn
This is a great time as well, perhaps a touch cooler but also less crowded.
WHAT TO DO IN HALONG BAY
Halong Bay is full of fascinating things to do in addition to admiring the nearly 2000 rainforest covered islands. It’s home to some of the most amazing sand beaches, caves, fishing, and floating villages.
Visit A Floating Village
The floating villages are definitely worth a visit. You will find schools, grocery stores, and floating markets that let you live the culture of the locals in Halong Bay. It’s truly a remarkable way of life.
Kayak
Paddle through the calm waters and explore the hidden lagoons, caves, and tunnels among the limestone karsts. Many guided tours are available, or you can rent a kayak and explore on your own.
Explore A Cave
The limestone islets are also home to some stunning caves. Get a break from the water and head on a hike to one of the many caves. Even better, take a kayak ride to the cave.
HALONG BAY CRUISE-OF COURSE
Don’t be fooled into trying to see Ha Long Bay in just a day. The drive alone form Hanoi will take you over 4 hours. No matter what, just plan on at least a night or two.
We typically aren’t into the “group” thing while traveling. We tend to prefer to go it alone but Halong was different and we’re glad we did a cruise.
Be sure to read:
International Travel Planning Guide – Plan an affordable and safe overseas trip
Picking a cruise kept things simple. Halong Bay is best seen from the sea and navigating by water lets you reach those remote areas you’d never reach on your own.
It also takes care of accommodations, food, and numerous activities. But not all cruises are equal so let me help you get on the right cruise for your budget.
HOW TO PICK THE BEST HALONG BAY TOURS
Whatever you do, don’t go for the cheapest option you can find. The poor service, lack of good food, and paying extra for activities will leave a sour taste in your mouth.
The two-day/one-night (2D1N) cruise is the most popular choice but you can choose longer options as well.
Picking a longer trip will allow you to see multiple areas of this immense bay.
Bau Tu Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay are two popular areas and could both be done in a 3D/2N cruise. On a one-night cruise you will just visit one of the many secluded bays.
While there are many different areas of Halong, in all honesty, you can’t go wrong as they are all magnificent. Keep in mind the larger cruise boats (50 person or so) won’t be able to get into some of the smaller areas that a private or 10-person boat can. So if a smaller boat is within budget you’ll avoid some of the crowds.
The trip will go something like this for a 2D1N cruise,
- Shuttle van to and from Halong from Hanoi.
- Includes two lunches, dinner, and breakfast
- Accommodations for the night
- Various day activities-Kayak, swimming, caves, fishing, or beach time
PICKING THE RIGHT HALONG BAY CRUISE
I mentioned earlier that skimping on the cruise is not a good option for most people. At the same time going all out will cost you a pretty penny. Let’s explore a few of the options.
PRIVATE HALONG BAY CRUISE
If you’re looking for the ultimate in luxury then the Indochina Junk private cruise is the ticket. Expect superb service, excellent food, and deluxe accommodations.
On suite bath and shower for a comfortable and luxurious trip. You can enjoy your candle lit meals on the outdoor deck dining area so you never miss a minute of the stunning Halong Bay views.
These are the ultimate for a couple seeking a romantic getaway. You’ll be in a smaller private boat which allows you to visit the less busy bays like Bai Tu Long.
Because these are a private cruise you will have a lot more flexibility with your day activities. Whether it be relaxing on the beach, kayaking around the islets, or visiting a fishing village.
SHARED HA LONG BAY CRUISE
We opted to take an Indochina Junk boat but on a shard cruise. This less expensive option will put you on a slightly larger boat that holds up to 10 people. You’ll still have private accommodations, very nice in fact, but you will be sharing the rest of the boat with other people.
We absolutely loved it and met some really great people. We opted for the Dragon’s Pearl which was highly rated and a perfect size, max 10 person, boat. Not to be confused with their Dragon’s Legend, also a good option but a much larger 50 person boat.
Expect to pay about $180/person for the Dragon’s Pearl. We got a really good early-bird deal at $150. I recommend shopping around between booking directly with Indochina or through Get Your Guide. We found the prices a little better on Get Your Guide and it was nice to book through an American website.
Our cruise didn’t feel crowded at all as you can see from the pictures. There were plenty of different areas on the boat for people to hang out. In the mornings there was Yoga and before dinner was a cooking class.
Do I need travel insurance? We think so but read on to decide for yourself.
Is World Nomads Travel Insurance Worth It
1-NIGHT/2-DAY ITINERARY
This was our itinerary from our 1N2D cruise on the Dragon’s Pearl.
DAY 1: HON GAI HARBOUR – BAI TU LONG BAY – THIEN CANH SON CAVE
7.30 – 8.00: Pick up at your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter area.
12.00 – 12.30: Embark at Hon Gai International harbor.
12.30 – 13.00: Check-in, enjoy welcome drink & cruise briefing.
13.30 – 15.00: Have lunch while cruising to magnificent Bai Tu Long bay; admire the fascinating formations on the way.
15.15 – 15.40: Explore the well- hidden Thien Canh Son cave.
15.45 – 18:00: Enjoy relaxing on a white sandy beach at Hon Co island, swimming or kayaking.
18:00 – 19.00: Back to junk for refreshing before having dinner on board.
20.00 – 21.00: Relax, enjoy fresh air & overnight on board.
DAY 2: VUNG VIENG FISHING VILLAGE – HON GAI HARBOUR
07.30 – 08.00: Morning view of Bay’s landscape with a cup of tea or coffee. Have breakfast in the fresh air.
08.30 – 09.30: Visit Vung Vieng fishing village by a rustic row-boat.
10.00: Check out of the cabin. Start cruising towards the harbor while an A la carte lunch is served.
11.45 – 12.00: Disembark. Drive to Yen Duc village in Dong Trieu province.
14.00 – 14.30: Enjoy water puppet show performed by local artists. 14.45 – 17.30: Arrive in Hanoi. Trip ends.
ADDITIONAL HALONG BAY CRUISE OPTIONS
While the above are the deluxe options there are certainly less expensive ways to see Halong Bay. Don’t think you have to spend that kind of money because you don’t. While I think those deluxe trips are a good value let’s look at some more budget-friendly options.
To drop down in price without loosing much in the quality simply means getting on some bigger boats. You’ll still find very nice rooms with private bath/shower, windows, and even private decks.
My only advice here is to stay above $70 a night. Once you get into the $40/night option I hear they throw additional charges at you to do anything other than use the bathroom.
I would recommend Get Your Guide for booking these options as most of these boats are not available to book direct with.
Our friends picked a cruise at $100/night and were very happy with it. Just be sure to read the reviews and you shouldn’t have any trouble finding a great cruise within your budget.
BOOKING AHEAD OF TIME
A lot of people have asked us if it’s better to book ahead or try to find a deal while in Vietnam. We looked around while we were in the area and simply didn’t see any better deals than what you could book online. And we certainly found some worse deals.
Our advice would be to book ahead as it will save you some headache and allow you to better enjoy your time in Vietnam. If you are worried about having a flexible schedule, we found that Get Your Guide will work with you if you need to change a date. If you book directly with one of the cruises be sure to ask about cancellations and get that in writing.
It’s also worth considering Travel Insurance as that can cover you for unexpected cancellations as well.
Getting around Vietnam is best with a light pack
Check out How To Pack Light for all the tips and tricks for a light bag
WHAT TO BRING
- Sunblock
- Hat
- Insect repellent
- First Aid kit
- Travel Insurance
- Sea sickness meds
- Swim suit
- Warm clothes for evening
- Passport and Visa
- Cash in Vietnamese Dong for tipping
While the food was magnificent I would bring some snacks. Perhaps some energy bars of your liking. As well as beverages of your choice. Purchasing snacks or beverages outside of your meals can get pretty expensive.
SUMMARY
While some people may say Halong Bay is “too busy,” remember it’s busy for a reason. We definitely felt it was worth a visit. Make sure to read the reviews on the cruise you’re looking at. Some cruises are definitely better than others.
Be sure to explore and get off the boat at least once. Seeing the villages and school were a really neat experience.
If you have any specific questions let us know.
Happy travels!
