Best Halong Bay Cruises 2025

Explore further

Halong Bay cruises allow you to travel deeper into the heart of the bay and witness the limestone formations up close. These cruises sail along the bay, occasionally stopping at famous attractions like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island, allowing you to fully experience their beauty and uniqueness.

Enjoy interesting activities

Beyond sightseeing, Halong Bay cruises offer a range of activities and comfortable amenities. During your time on the cruise, you can participate in various activities, both onboard, such as cooking classes, sunset parties, and Tai Chi lessons, and offboard, like kayaking or swimming in the hidden lagoons of Halong Bay.

They're relaxing

Halong Bay cruises are also perfect places to relax and enjoy delicious food. They're like floating hotels, with full amenities, from spacious cabins and sundecks to, in some cases, swimming pools. Their onboard restaurants serve delicious cuisine, blending Vietnamese and Western flavors.

Hassle free way to travel

Most Halong Bay cruises offer all-inclusive packages, ideal for travelers who prefer minimal planning. These packages include most essentials, from full-board meals and activities to tour guides, entrance fees, and accommodations. Of course, some exclusions apply, such as drinks and tips, so be sure to check the inclusions and exclusions of your chosen cruise.

By Duration

Day Cruises

This option is perfect if you have limited time. The day cruise will take you on a 4-6 hour journey through the bay, engaging in several exciting activities. For instance, you can explore mystical caves like Sung Sot Cave, hike to the summit of Ti Top Island, and partake in kayaking or bamboo boat tours through Luon Cave. Note that this can be tiring if you're traveling from Hanoi, as the round trip to the bay takes approximately five hours. Some Halong Bay Day Cruises to consider include Symphony Cruise, Lavoya Boutique Cruise, and Ambassador Day Cruise.

Overnight Cruises

If your time allows, an overnight cruise is ideal. It offers a more relaxing stay, comfortable and modern cabins, and the chance to explore further parts of Halong Bay. A significant advantage of overnight cruises is the opportunity to see the bay at different times of the day, including magical sunset and sunrise moments. However, though overnight cruises offer all-inclusive packages, they tend to be more expensive than day cruises. *Check out more overnight cruise here.

By Budget

Budget Cruises

Under $130 USD per person per night. These cruises are a great option for budget-conscious travelers. For under $130 USD per person per night, they provide a decent trip with basic facilities. Their itinerary will still cover the main attractions, ensuring you don't miss any highlights of the bay.

Mid-range Cruises

$130 USD - $150 USD per person per night. Mid-range Halong Bay cruises offer a perfect balance of price and comfort. They provide full onboard amenities and various extras, such as swimming pools, spas, and fitness centers.

Luxury Cruises

$150 USD and above per person per night. Luxury cruises offer the best experience in the bay. Designed in various styles (boutique or modern), they all feature luxurious amenities. From opulent cabins and private balconies to premium extras like mini-golf courses, fine dining, sky bars, and wine cellars.

Halong Bay main route

This is the main route of Halong Bay, covering all the main attractions and help you enjoy the whole beauty as well as discover the most breathtaking spots in Halong Bay. The route is the most beautiful on a 3-day 2-night cruise, but also pretty touristy due to it's huge reputation.

Here's the standard itinerary of what will cover during:

Day 1: Ha Long – Sung Sot Cave - Titop Island

Morning
Start at Tuan Chau Marina. At the cruise’s waiting lounge, the staff will welcome you with a warm smile, instruct you to check in, and offer you a refreshing drink. As the cruise departs at 12:30 PM, you will enjoy a delicious lunch while admiring the stunning views of Ha Long Bay on the boat, then take time to witness several attractions like Thumb Islet, Burning Incense Island, etc.

Afternoon
The journey continues with a visit to Sung Sot Cave and Titov Island. You can kayak, swim, or climb to see a panoramic view of Halong Bay before returning to the cruise. Back to board, take a Vietnamese cooking class and learn how to cook traditional dishes. Sunset party.

Evening
Enjoy tasty dinner.

Day 2: Lan Ha Bay - Dark and Bright Cave - Tra Bau Pearl Farm

Morning
The day 2 cruise will kick off by attending a Tai Chi class and admiring the sunrise on board. You will taste the delicious buffet breakfast, then transfer to day boat and sail to Lan Ha Bay - the side part of Halong Bay. Explore Dark and Bright Cave by kayak before sailing back to the day boat. Savor the lunch.

Afternoon
Three Peach (Ba Trai Dao) Beach will be the first stop for the afternoon. Thereafter, the guide will transfer the stop to Tra Bau Pearl Farm to gain more knowledge about the process of producing high-quality pearls. Back to the main cruise in the afternoon.

Evening
Dinner.

Day 3: Halong Bay - Tuan Chau Marina

Day 3 of our Halong Bay Cruise starts with an incredible buffet breakfast, and then we go to discover Luon Cave by kayaking. Following that, we will return to the cruise to check out, have brunch/lunch (depending on the cruise), and back to Tuan Chau Marina. Cruise end.

Lan Ha Bay Route

Lan Ha Bay is the neighbor of Halong Bay. It is less touristy with newer cruises, and famous for its relaxation type of cruise.

Here’s the standard itinerary:

Day 1: Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Tra Bau Pearl Farm

Morning
Let’s check in and enjoy lunch on the boat.

Afternoon
After taking a short break, sail to Tra Bau area. Here, you can swim in the tranquil waters of Lan Ha Bay or kayak. If you do not want to join offboard activities, you can choose to stay on board to relax on the cruise.

Evening
You will join a sunset party and taste drinks from a special offer: “Happy Hours” at the sky bar. Cooking classes will be held for you to join and learn how to cook traditional Vietnamese specialties. Dinner and free time on board.

Day 2

Morning
Have breakfast. You will change to a tender boat to explore the furthest corner of Lan Ha Bay. Stop by Cat Ba Island to visit Viet Hai Village. You can cycle or take an electric car to wander around the village and Cat Ba National Park to explore the natural beauty.

Afternoon
Have lunch at a local restaurant. Sail back to the main cruise and get back to Tuan Chau Marina.

Here are some of the attractions Halong Bay cruises will cover:

Cat Ba Island

The largest island in the bay, known for its diverse ecosystem and opportunities for exploration and adventure. The island is home to several natural landmarks and a national park.

Dark and Bright Cave

This serene cave system in Lan Ha Bay is famous for kayaking tours that let you explore its hidden corners.

Tra Bau Pearl Farm

A fascinating stop to observe the process of pearl farming in Lan Ha Bay and learn how these precious gems are harvested.

Kayaking

Paddle through caves, explore hidden beaches, and navigate the tranquil waters of Halong Bay. Many cruises offer kayaking excursions as part of the itinerary.

Swimming

Enjoy swimming in the serene waters, especially near secluded beaches such as Three Peach Beach and secluded coves.

Hiking

Hike up to viewpoints for stunning panoramic views of the bay. The climb to Ti Top Island is a popular hike on Halong Bay cruises.

Bike Tours

Take a bike ride through the quiet countryside of Cat Ba Island or visit local fishing villages to get a taste of rural life.

Relaxing on the Cruise

For those seeking relaxation, nothing beats lounging on the sundeck of your cruise ship with refreshing drinks and beautiful views.