Best Halong Bay Cruises 2026
You've set your mind for Halong Bay but do not yet know which cruise to travel with? This list will give you an idea to start! Our best cruise list is selectively picked based on several factors (1) Guests' reviews and feedbacks (2) Cruise deco & facilities (3) Cruise itinerary & service (4) How it best fits each category of travellers. We divide all cruises by budget range which makes it easier for you to find one that offers best value too. If you are still in doubt, leave a question below for instant response.
The 2026/2027 HalongBayTours’s Best Cruise List
Every year, HalongBayTours team curates our cruise recommendations through hands-on review by our travel specialists, drawing on verified guest feedback and real booking experience rather than automated scoring systems. This local and human-led approach allows us to provide balanced, experience-based ratings of the most reliable cruises currently operating in Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay. While the list highlights standout options, there are many other excellent cruises across different budgets and group types, and our team is available to advise and tailor recommendations to your specific needs.
| CRUISE CATEGORY | WINNER (Click for more details) | WHY IT MADE THE LIST | INFORMATION |
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| Best New Cruise | Calista Cruise | Launched in early 2025, Calista Cruise stands out with lavishly designed interior and top-notch facilities such as jacuzzi pool, massage and spa, kids room, etc. The reasonable price coupled with friendly staff are what make Calista a true rising star among the many cruises in Halong Bay. |
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| Best for Food lovers | Ambassador Cruise | Food lovers will never want to miss Ambassador Cruise, a luxury cruise ship renowned for its rich and sumptuous culinary experience. With well-selected menus and all premium ingredients, the foodie haven of Ambassador Cruise serves Asian quintessence and international flavors, from locally sourced seafood to nutritious vegan meals. An unforgettable gastronomy voyage awaits at Ambassador Cruise. |
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| Best Small Cruise | Nostalgia Cruise | With only 10 elegant cabins, Nostalgia offers an opulent but intimate atmosphere for a maximum of 20 guests. Enjoy the luxurious amenities, great personal care by an enthusiastic team, and a nice balance of private relaxation and socialization. Nostalgia Cruise must be the ideal retreat for couples and small families. |
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| Best Family Cruise | Capella Cruise | Capella has maintained its consistent quality over the years, even better than the pre-Covid period. Its family cabins are the hottest sell, offering stay for family members of up to 5. |
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| Best Luxury Cruise | Grand Pioneers Cruise |
After much wait, Grand Pioneers Cruise finally comes to life with 55 state of the art cabin in a surreal cruise setting: mini golf miniature, wine cellar, large pool, etc. that hardly any other cruises can match. There is much anticipation for this line to continue to flourish in 2026 with a new exclusive itinerary to unfold. Update: Grand Pioneers cruise now offer daily departure for 3 day 2 night trip |
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| Best mid-range cruise | Genesis Regal Cruise | From only 145USD you will get a cabin with private balcony and bathtub, delivering a wonderful trip to Lan Ha Bay. The vegetarian meal option is absolutely a bonus for those requesting one, overriding that of even luxury class cruise. |
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| Best for Boutique | Orchid Classic Cruise | The first cruise to deliver trip in Lan Ha Bay, Orchid Classic features 14 well appointed cabin, all with beds facing floor to ceiling glass window. The cabin is all spacious with 36sqm in size at a minimum. Orchid Classic continues to be a fast selling cruise for couples and families alike. |
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| Best for Itinerary | Paradise Elegance Cruise | Paradise Elegance is today one of the very few to operate trips to famous sights such as Surprise Cave and Titov Island. The cruise is operated by the famed Paradise Group, promising a trip to remember. |
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| Best for Charter | Bhaya Cruises | Bhaya Cruise maintains a fleet of small sized vessel, ranging from 1-5 cabin boat, thus making it the best suite for a charter cruise trip. If you wish to experience traditional wooden junk, you cannot miss Bhaya Cruise. |
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| Best Romantic Cruise | Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan | Named after Halong's first boat builder, Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan is all you can ask for: an arts museum, an aesthetic stay, a wonderful journey. For your honeymoon or anniversary, make sure to place a request for the captain suite or regal suite where you and your loved ones can indulge in private dinner either in-room or in the cruise wine-cellar. |
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| Best for Value | Peony Cruise | Peony is a total YES when it comes to value travel. Reasonable price coupled with excellent quality makes it a constant sold-out cruise options. |
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| Best Budget Cruise | Swan Cruise | Swan is a fine option if you wish to discover Bai Tu Long Bay on a budget - the cruise offers complimentary shuttle bus service for early bird holidaymakers so do not miss that if you are planning your trip. |
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| Best Day Cruise | Ambassador Day Cruise | Ambassador Day Cruise stands out as the top choice for travelers seeking a premium day cruise experience without an overnight stay. With refined service, spacious design, excellent food and a well-paced itinerary it is the best selling day cruise in 2025. |
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Booked 1 night 2 days on Halong bay. The location was charming. We went kayaking and visited a cave on …
- Exclusive departure port - only 2.5 hours from Hanoi
- Unique routing
- Extremely spacious cabin (36-72sqm)
- Luxury decoration
- All cabins have balcony and bathtub
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Ba Trai Dao Islets, Lan Ha Bay, Trung Trang Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Squid Fishing , Kayaking, Cooking Class, Climbing, Spa, Cycling
Such a highlight in our Vietnam trip. The staff made it even more enjoyable. Thumbs up!
- Best mid-range cruise in Lan Ha Bay
- Short transfer time on limousine bus
- Great rooms with balcony
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Cat Ba Island, Tra Bau Area, Trung Trang Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Cycling
Best way to celebrate the anniversary. The staff went above and beyond for our special day. Thank you very much! …
- Spacious cabins with private balcony
- Swimming pool on sundeck
- Exclusive Arts Gallery
- Free Kayaking
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave
- Cruise length: Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Tai Chi, Cycling
Food was just average. Nothing special in the buffet. Set menu was a bit better. No wifi connected. Check-in procedure …
- Elegant Indochine-style
- Luxury decoration
- Spacious cabins all with private balcony
- Family suites and connecting suites available
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave, Tra Bau Area
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Climbing, Squid Fishing , Cycling
One of the best experiences in Vietnam. The location was goregous. We enjoyed kayaking very much. Staff onboard was nice …
- Ultra-luxury cabins with high-end amenities
- State-of-the-art facilities for entertainment and relaxation
- Professional spa service
- Swimming pool and jacuzzi pool
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Climbing, Swimming, Fishing Village
Spend 2 nights on Capella and all we received surpassed our expectation!
- Aesthetic Indochina architecture
- Elegant retro wooden interior
- Great itinerary with many activities
- Largest entry-level suites
- All cabins with private balcony and ocean-view bathtub
- Professional and attentive crew
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Dark and Bright Cave, Frog Pond Area
- Cruise length: Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class
Staff was the highlight of the trip. Everyone was friendly and helpful. Dinner was the best. Other meals were okay.
- Spacious cabins with private balcony & bathtub
- 4-season infinity swimming pool
- Unique excursions to deeply explore Halong Bay
- Children’s playground available on board
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Squid Fishing , Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Climbing, Fishing Village
We felt like royalty on Ambassador Cruise. The staff warmly welcomed us at the port, helped us with luggage, served …
- Outdoor Jacuzzi available
- Road journey just 2.5 hours from Hanoi via expressway
- Elevator available
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Tung Gau Area
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Climbing, Squid Fishing , Fishing Village, Cooking Class
The customer service was outstanding from start to finish. Activities were well-planned, and the schedule worked perfectly for both families …
- Expansive sundeck
- Spa and wellness center
- Piano lounge with live music
- All cabins have balcony
- Just 2.5 hours road travel from Hanoi
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Halong Bay, Ti Top Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Climbing, Squid Fishing
My wife and I were on our honeymoon trip. Orchid Trendy was our best choice. The staff were accommodating and …
- Only 2.5 hours transfer from Hanoi
- Free kayaking
- Unique cruise routing
- Luxury cabins all with balcony and bathtub
- Newest cruise in Halong Bay
- Cruise length: 2 days, 3 days
- Destinations: Lan Ha Bay, Ba Trai Dao Islets, Trung Trang Cave
- Cruise length: Tai Chi, Swimming, Spa, Kayaking, Cooking Class, Climbing, Squid Fishing , Cycling
Top Cruise lines in Halong bay
Questions & Answers (1666)
Hi, I would like to know where is the pickup area in Hanoi?
Dear Mr. Muhajiz, The standard pickup area in Hanoi is generally the Old Quarter area. If your hotel is located there, we will arrange the pickup from your hotel lobby. Best regards, Helen
Hello from Florida. Looking at your Peony 2D 1N overnight cruise. Is your "exclusive suite" guaranteed to be upper deck, 2nd floor or higher? also does cruise go to main Ha Long Bay rather than Bai Tu Long Bay? our first time, and I want my girlfriend to be overjoyed!
Dear Jeffrey Stewart,
Thank you for your interest in our Peony Cruise.
To clarify the routes, there are three main areas: Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. Ha Long Bay is the most popular and crowded, Bai Tu Long Bay is the quietest, and Lan Ha Bay offers a balance between the two. The Peony Cruise specifically sails the Lan Ha Bay route and is the perfect choice for your first time. Regarding the Exclusive Suite, these cabins are located on the 2nd floor.
Best regards,
Helen
Hi, If I stay at a hotel in Ha Noi Old Quarter and I want to book a 3 days 2 night cruise Ha Long Bay on April 19th-21st, How do I get to Ha long bay? Do I need to go to your tour office in Old Quarter and be transported or is there a shuttle bus that pick us up at the Hotel? and we have a few big luggages that we don't need to take with us on the cruise, should we leave them at the hotel or you have a place for us to store them and pickup after the tour? thank you.
Dear Mr Sai, For the cruise on April 19th-21st, we offer shuttle bus pick up directly from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. No need to go to our office. Regarding your luggage, you can usually leave them at your Hanoi hotel. Most hotels are happy to store luggage for guests checking out and returning later. Best regards, Helen
Hello I'm looking at the Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan for the two nights in September, and just have a question regarding transfers. Can we get the Shuttle from our Hotel (Oriental Jade Hotel) and then after the cruise to the airport? kind regards Corry
Dear Corry-Lynn, I would like to send you the options for transfer Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi airport as follows:
- Shuttle bus Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi & connecting car to the airport: US$ 80 for 2 persons => You will reach the airport at around 3:00 - 3:30 pm
- Shuttle bus Hanoi - Halong & private car Halong - Hanoi airport: US$ 130 for 2 persons => You will reach the airport at around 2:00 - 2:30 pm
Best regards,
Annie (Ms.)
Hi there, I would like to book a halong bay cruise in august for 3 persons. 1 is a child of 7 years. I have a question for booking the transfers. We would like the pick-up location on arrival day in Tam Coc, is this possible? Departure/ back we would like to go to Hanoi (old quarter). If it's possible, could you say how much this is in total for a round-trip transfer service (pick-up in Tam Coc, and back to Hanoi). And how I need to fill in the booking form for this. Thank you, with regards, Wenfei
Dear Wenfei Huang, We do offer a shuttle bus service for the route of Tam Coc to Halong Bay and returning to Hanoi. The cost for this round-trip transfer is $35 per person. To book this, please mention your transfer requirements in the special request box on our booking page. Best regards, Helen
FAQs
How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay? Does the cruise shuttle bus pick up at the airport?
It takes you around 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay by car. The cruise shuttle bus picks up and drops off in Hanoi Old Quarter area (Hoan Kiem) only. If you arrive at the airport, you should book a private car to go directly from there to the port or spend one night in Hanoi first and book the cruise for the next day.
If I want to stay for another night in Halong, does the shuttle drop me off at the hotel in Halong?
The cruise shuttle bus only drops off in Hanoi Old Quarter. You should book a taxi from the port to your hotel in Halong for more convenience.
Are meals and transportation included in the tour?
Transportation is not included in the cruise price. You can book it separately later after booking the cruise. As for meals, all meals mentioned in the program are included. There are normally 1 breakfast, 2 lunches, 1 dinner for 2 day/1 night programs; and 2 breakfasts, 3 lunches, and 2 dinners for 3 day/2 night programs.
What cruises are best for honeymooners?
Cruises with nice cabins and interiors are usually preferred by honeymoon couples. You can refer to some cruises such as Orchid Trendy, Mon Chery, Orchid Classic, Indochine, Heritage Binh Chuan, Heritage Line Ylang, Ginger, etc. Some small junks ideal for those couples who want the utmost privacy is L’Amour Junk, Bhaya Premium, and L’Azalee Premium.
What private cruise is suitable for 10 adults and 4 children?
Orchid Premium cruise could be ideal for your group. The cruise has only 5 ultra-luxury cabins of which there are 2 couples of connecting cabins. All cabins have a private balcony and a private bathroom with an ocean-view bathtub. There are also a jacuzzi pool and spa for relaxation onboard.
What cruises visit Cat Ba Island?
Some cruises visit Cat Ba Island in1-night programs while some add Cat Ba to the 2-night programs only. You can refer to some cruises namely Orchid Classic, Orchid Trendy, Mon Cheri, Peony, Indochine, Stella of the Seas, Heritage Binh Chuan, Capella, etc. Please contact our travel consultants to have a detailed itinerary.
I want to celebrate my anniversary on the cruise. Can I request a bouquet, cake, and a special dinner on the cruise?
Yes. Most cruises can prepare for your anniversary. Some cruises offer complimentary room decoration for your special anniversary. However, a bouquet, cake, and special dinner will be charged based on your need.
Is it easy to get seasick on cruises?
No. Halong Bay is very calm and the boat cruises slowly on the bay. Thus, it is not easy to get seasick on cruise trips
Do all cruises have cabins with balconies? Are cabins on the upper decks worth it?
Not all cruises have cabins with balconies. Luxury cruises (5*) often have all cabins with balconies. Some Deluxe cruises (4*) and Superior cruises (3*) have both cabins with balconies and those with windows only.
Although there might not be a big size difference between cabins on the lower and upper deck, those on the upper deck offer a nicer view from a higher position. Especially, higher-class cabins at a higher rate are always situated on the upper levels with extra benefits and facilities.
Do I have to pay for any expenses onboard or all are included?
The tour price includes cabins, meals, drinking water (not other beverages), sightseeing and entrance fee, tour guide, and activities in the program. Personal expenses such as spa, massage, beverages, kayaking (some cruises), tips,...are not included in the price. You should bring some cash or cards to pay at the end of the tour.
Are cruises canceled if there are heavy rains?
No. Cruises run as normal if there are heavy rains. Just in case of tropical monsoons or storms, the trip will be canceled if there is an official announcement from Halong bay’s management board.
Are overnight or day cruises better?
An overnight cruise is always recommended since you will have more time to relax and enjoy the beauty of the bay from day to night. overnight cruises also offer more activities on board and offboard such as cooking class, sunset party, squid fishing, taichi, visiting a fishing village, etc. However, if you just have limited time and want to take a glimpse of Halong bay in an economical way, day cruises could definitely be a choice.
What will be if our trip gets canceled due to storms? Can we get a full refund?
Please note that the decision to cancel a cruise trip is made entirely by Halong Port Authority and often based on wind level. According to our cancellation policy due to bad weather, if the tour is canceled in advance with prior notice, a full refund will be made. On the other hand, if the tour is canceled midway through, you will be charged for services already use (such as shortened cruise trip, or breakfast, or shuttle bus, whichever applies in specific cases).
Can I change the cruise after I have booked one?
According to our booking policy, if you cancel the trip more than 30 days prior to check-in, there is no charge. You can change the cruise after you have booked one if more than 30 days prior to check-in. Otherwise, there will be a surcharge for change since we have to cancel one cruise and book another one. Nonetheless we always try our best to accommodate your change with minimal fee whenever possible so please reach out to us as soon as you can.
If I don't want to join the excursion, can I stay on board?
All activities onboard and off-board are optional. You can skip the excursion and spend the whole time relaxing on the boat.
What experiences do Halong bay cruises offer?
For outdoor activities, you can visit a cave, swim on the beach, kayak, climb up the mountain and watch the overview of Halong bay from above. For onboard activities, you can watch the bay view from the top deck, watch the sunrise and sunset from the private balcony cabin, join a cooking class, fish squid, practice Taichi, relax in a pool onboard, etc.
Are there cabins on Halong day cruises?
At the moment only Ambassador Day Cruise has cabin available. All other day cruises do not have sleep compartment.
Is there any cruise going for 3 or 4 nights in Halong bay?
Yes. There are only a few ships cruising for 3 - 4 nights in Halong Bay with different schedules such as Capella, Stellar of the Seas, Elite of the Seas, Heritage Binh Chuan, Dragon Pearl, Dragon Legend, etc. For most cruises, you can also book 3-4 continuous nights if you want to stay for longer, however, the schedule will be repeated.
What is better, 1 night or 2 nights?
Each program has both advantages and disadvantages. 1-night program is a bit short but more affordable and covers the most outstanding activities in Halong bay, the 2-night program offers a more relaxing schedule and visits farther parts of the bay but is more expensive. Besides, it also depends on available time and personal preference.
What is the best 1 night cruise in Halong Bay?
It's hard to say which one is best, as it depends on your personal taste. However as of 2025, Peony Cruise are Capella Cruise consistently rank the highest in our satisfaction survey.
