Best Halong Bay Cruises 2025
Halong Bay, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is one of Vietnam’s most well-known attractions. The bay is famous for its stunning towering limestone formations, hundred-year-old stalactite caves, and rich cultural life. Covered by the calm waters of the Gulf of Tonkin, the best and most iconic way to admire the bay’s beauty is by embarking on a Halong Bay cruise. Check out our collection off Halong Bay Cruises and everything you need to know before departure now!
- Address: Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Route: Lan Ha Bay - Dark & Bright Cave - Viet Hai Village - Halong Bay
- Cabin: 22
- Launched: 2020
Visit less touristy Lan Ha Bay !
Modern Cruise with Private Balcony Cabins
Seasonal jacuzzi on top!
9.7 Excellent | 2 reviews
- Address: Halong International Cruise Port, Halong Bay, Vietnam
- Route: Halong Bay - Sung Sot Cave - Ti Top Island - Luon Cave - Lan Ha Bay
- Cabin: 46
- Launched: 2021
Visit both Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay!
Dining menu crafted by Michelin Chef!
ALL cabins with private balcony!
9.9 Excellent | 6 reviews
- Address: A20, Port 1, Tuan Chau Marina, Halong Bay
- Route: Halong Bay - Sung Sot Cave - Ti Top Island -Luon Cave
- Cabin: 55
- Launched: 2023
High-end yet eco-friendly technology built
Longest and one-of-a-kind itinerary in Halong Bay!
Travel 2 nights without changing to day boat!
9.7 Excellent | 5 reviews
- Address: No 3. Tuan Chau Marina, Halong City, Vietnam
- Route: Halong - Lan Ha - Con Vit - Dark & Bright Cave - Cat Ba Island
- Cabin: 28
- Launched: 2024
A brand new Halong - Lan Ha Bay cruise
30m2 cabins with private balcony
Metal boat - more stable & quiet
9.8 Excellent | 2 reviews
- Address: No 34, Tuan Chau Marina, Halong city, Vietnam
- Route: Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island - Tra Bau Area
- Cabin: 18
- Launched: 2018
Luxurious cruise cover Lan Ha Bay
All cabins with private balcony
The only cruise with Halal Food Certification
9.8 Excellent | 8 reviews
- Address: No 26, Tuan Chau Marina, Halong city, Vietnam
- Route: Halong Bay - Lan Ha Bay- Dark and Bright Cave - Tra Bau area - Viet Hai Village
- Cabin: 29
- Launched: 2024
Biggest cabins in the bay!
Full frame Balcony with Halong's view!
Excellent services and dining.
Q&As
Why taking Halong Bay Cruises?
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.
Cruise types
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.
Itineraries
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.
Where do these cruises sail?
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.
Activities
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.
Can't find your cruise ?
Frequently Asked Questions
The best time to experience the Halong Bay Cruise is between March and April or from October to December. The weather is cool and sunny, ideal for water activities like kayaking or swimming.
Most of the cruises offer all-inclusive packages, which include everything from 3 meals per day, convenient amenities on board, and other itineraries to discover Halong’s natural landscapes. However, you may need to pay extra fees for drinks, tips, or personal expenses.
Sunglasses or sunblock to avoid UV rays, swimsuits for water activities, etc.
Most cruises offer free Wi-fi. But depending on the location, the wifi connection can be unstable.
Most Halong Bay cruises depart from Tuan Chau Marina, which is about a two-hour drive from Hanoi’s Old Quarter. Buses ($10 USD), limousines ($15 USD), and private cars ($75 USD) are the most popular transportation options. Additionally, cruise operators often organize shuttle services to and from the marina, so it’s advisable to contact them for pricing before considering outside providers


