Halong Bay Cruise Overnight
100+ overnight cruise itineraries in Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay.
Halong bay: 266 Cruise itineraries
2852
Peony Cruise 2 Days
- Best mid-range cruise in Lan Ha Bay
- Short transfer time on limousine bus
- Great rooms with balcony
Peony Cruise
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Kayaking
- Transfer from Hanoi to Halong and back (transfer time approximately 2.5 hours)
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- Tax, tips and other Personal Expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Balcony Cabin |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$290 USD $290 USD | Book now |
| Premium Balcony Cabin |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$350 USD $350 USD | Book now |
| Exclusive Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$450 USD $450 USD | Book now |
| Family Deluxe (3 pax) |
Max adults: 3
|
$545 USD $545 USD | Book now |
| Family Deluxe (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
Max children: 2 (up to 12 years of age) |
$620 USD $620 USD | Book now |
2852
Peony Cruise 3 Days
- Best mid-range cruise in Lan Ha Bay
- Short transfer time on limousine bus
- Great rooms with balcony
Peony Cruise
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Kayaking
- Transfer from Hanoi to Halong and back (transfer time approximately 2.5 hours)
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- Tax, tips and other Personal Expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Deluxe Balcony Cabin |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$540 USD $540 USD | Book now |
| Premium Balcony Cabin |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$620 USD $620 USD | Book now |
| Exclusive Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$825 USD $825 USD | Book now |
| Family Deluxe (3 pax) |
Max adults: 3
|
$995 USD $995 USD | Book now |
| Family Deluxe (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
Max children: 2 (up to 12 years of age) |
$1100 USD $1100 USD | Book now |
223
JadeSails Cruise 1 Day
- Contemporary luxury design
- Pool bar and large sundeck
- Visit untouched parts of Lan Ha Bay
JadeSails Cruise
- Shuttle bus Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi.
- 7.5 hours cruise
- All entrance fees for sightseeing indicated
- Vietnamese fusion lunch
- Sunset party and 2 bottles of mineral water on limousine
- Kayaking or local rowing boat, life jacket and waterproof bag
- English speaking guide
- Taxes
- Holiday surcharge
- Sightseeing fees
- Other beverages, tips and personal expenses
- All other services not mentioned clearly in the program
Most favorite
4693
Orchid Classic Cruise 3 Days
- Exclusive departure port - only 2.5 hours from Hanoi
- Unique routing
- Extremely spacious cabin (36-72sqm)
Orchid Classic Cruise
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Transfer from Hanoi to Cruise Pier and back - can be booked online
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suite Balcony (2 pax) |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$660 USD $660 USD | Book now |
| Premium suite balcony |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$700 USD $700 USD | Book now |
| Orchid Exclusive Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$900 USD $900 USD | Book now |
| Suite Balcony (3 pax) |
Max adults: 3
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$935 USD $935 USD | Book now |
| Family Suite (3 pax) |
Max adults: 3
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$1185 USD $1185 USD | Book now |
| Family Suite (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
Max children: 2 (up to 12 years of age) |
$1275 USD $1275 USD | Book now |
Most favorite
4693
Orchid Classic Cruise 2 Days
- Exclusive departure port - only 2.5 hours from Hanoi
- Unique routing
- Extremely spacious cabin (36-72sqm)
Orchid Classic Cruise
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Transfer from Hanoi to Cruise Pier and back - can be booked online
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Drinks and other personal expenses
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Suite Balcony (2 pax) |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$360 USD $360 USD | Book now |
| Premium suite balcony |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$400 USD $400 USD | Book now |
| Suite Balcony (3 pax) |
Max adults: 3
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$520 USD $520 USD | Book now |
| Orchid Exclusive Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$530 USD $530 USD | Book now |
| Family Suite (3 pax) |
Max adults: 3
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$675 USD $675 USD | Book now |
| Family Suite (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
Max children: 2 (up to 12 years of age) |
$720 USD $720 USD | Book now |
2542
Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan 3 Days
- Spacious cabins with private balcony
- Swimming pool on sundeck
- Exclusive Arts Gallery
Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Kayaking
- Transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Pier and back (transfer time approximately 2.5 hours)
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- Tax, tips and other Personal Expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas and Vietnam's Holiday
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$690 USD $690 USD | Book now |
| Ocean Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$740 USD $740 USD | Book now |
| Captain Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$960 USD $960 USD | Book now |
| Regal Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$990 USD $990 USD | Book now |
2542
Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan 2 Days
- Spacious cabins with private balcony
- Swimming pool on sundeck
- Exclusive Arts Gallery
Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Kayaking
- Transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Pier and back (transfer time approximately 2.5 hours)
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- Tax, tips and other Personal Expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas and Vietnam's Holiday
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Delta Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$360 USD $360 USD | Book now |
| Ocean Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$390 USD $390 USD | Book now |
| Captain Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$480 USD $480 USD | Book now |
| Regal Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$520 USD $520 USD | Book now |
Our recommendations
2018
Capella Cruise 3 Days
- Aesthetic Indochina architecture
- Elegant retro wooden interior
- Great itinerary with many activities
Capella Cruise
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Kayaking
- Transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Pier and back (transfer time approximately 3 hours)
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- Tax, tips and other Personal Expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$790 USD $790 USD | Book now |
| Harmony Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$850 USD $850 USD | Book now |
| Sky Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$940 USD $940 USD | Book now |
| Sky Terrace Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$1140 USD $1140 USD | Book now |
| Sky Family Suite (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
|
$1600 USD $1600 USD | Book now |
| La Suite De Capella |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$1750 USD $1750 USD | Book now |
| Harmony Family Suite (5 pax) |
Max adults: 5
|
$1860 USD $1860 USD | Book now |
Our recommendations
2018
Capella Cruise 2 Days
- Aesthetic Indochina architecture
- Elegant retro wooden interior
- Great itinerary with many activities
Capella Cruise
- Taxes & Service Charges
- Welcome Cocktail
- Cruise Itinerary and Program
- Entrance and Sightseeing Fees
- In-house English-speaking Tour Guide
- Luxury Cabins and Suites with A/C
- Luxury en-suite Bathroom
- Meals on board during cruise program
- Tai Chi Session
- Cooking Class
- Insurance
- Kayaking
- Transfer from Hanoi to Tuan Chau Pier and back (transfer time approximately 3 hours)
- Airfares, and Hotel Accommodation
- Visa to Vietnam
- Beauty Spa Services and Massage
- Beverages and Tobacco
- Tax, tips and other Personal Expenses
- All other services not clearly mentioned above
- Surcharge for New Year, Christmas
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$420 USD $420 USD | Book now |
| Harmony Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$450 USD $450 USD | Book now |
| Sky Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$500 USD $500 USD | Book now |
| Sky Terrace Suite |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$590 USD $590 USD | Book now |
| Sky Family Suite (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
|
$860 USD $860 USD | Book now |
| La Suite De Capella |
Max adults: 2
Max children: 1 (up to 12 years of age) |
$890 USD $890 USD | Book now |
| Harmony Family Suite (5 pax) |
Max adults: 5
|
$955 USD $955 USD | Book now |
906
Lyra Grandeur Cruise 2 Days
- Newest luxury cruise in Lan Ha Bay
- Diverse facilities for relaxing & entertaining
- Large rooms with full amenities
Lyra Grandeur Cruise
- Accommodation at a Lyra Grandeur's suite (all featured with private balcony/terrace and ocean-view bathtub)
- Meals onboard
- Happy Hour – Buy 2, Get 1 Free
- Access to facilities: Oasis Pool & Jacuzzi, Inflatable Waterslide, Mini-golf Course, Cigar & Poker Club
- Activities: Morning Tai Chi Class, Cave-visiting by rowing boats, Squid-fishing, Swimming, and Kayaking
- English-speaking guide onboard
- All entrance fees & sightseeing fees
- Free Wi-Fi is available in public areas onboard, but please keep in mind that connection and phone signals may weaken or be lost as the cruise moves farther from the mainland. We hope for your kind understanding.
- Round trip transfer Hanoi – Tuan Chau – Hanoi
- Drinks & Spa service
- Stand-up paddleboard
- The Sea Melody Mini-Theater
- Personal expenses and tips
| Cabin types | Max |
Price per cabin (1 cabin, double occupancy) | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Oasis Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$528 USD $528 USD | Book now |
| Harmony Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$570 USD $570 USD | Book now |
| Sky Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$624 USD $624 USD | Book now |
| Sky Terrace Suite |
Max adults: 2
|
$878 USD $878 USD | Book now |
| Oasis Family Suite (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
|
$958 USD $958 USD | Book now |
| Harmony Family Suite (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
|
$1035 USD $1035 USD | Book now |
| La Suite de Lyra |
Max adults: 2
|
$1135 USD $1135 USD | Book now |
| Harmony Family Suite (5 pax) |
Max adults: 5
|
$1296 USD $1296 USD | Book now |
| Duplex Family (4 pax) |
Max adults: 4
|
$1372 USD $1372 USD | Book now |
Questions & Answers (74)
Hello. I am looking at the 2 day 1 night Swan Cruise. My question - is there a safe in the room to put valuables and documents? Or is there another place to put them? Thank you.
Dear Paul Dentico, I can confirm that the rooms on the Swan Cruise are equipped with a safe for storing your valuables and documents. Best regards, Tracy
Can we bring our own drinks onboard? As we drink plenty of water per day
Dear Yudan Wang, We provide one bottle of water per person in each cabin, which you can ask the cruise staff to refill as needed. Other beverages are available for purchase onboard. Please note that plastic bottles are not permitted on Halong Bay due to cruising policy. Additionally, if you bring your own drinks onboard, an additional charge will be applied. Best regards, Tracy
Is there any cruise having elevator?
Dear Nitin Palkar, We do have some larger cruises that are equipped with elevators such as Elite of the Seas Cruise, Indochine Premium Cruise, Indochine Cruise, Catherine Cruise, Essence Grand Cruise, Capella Cruise. Best regards, Tracy
Is there any cruide available with scuba diving activities? We are looking at a 2 day/ 1 night iternary in Sep/ Oct 2025
Dear Gaurav Narula, We appreciate your interest in finding a cruise with scuba diving activities. However, our cruises do not offer scuba diving or snorkeling, as they are primarily focused on scenic experiences. We do offer activities such as kayaking, swimming, and Tai Chi sessions on board. If you are interested in learning more about our available cruise tours, please let us know how we can further assist you. Kind regards, Tracy
Is there wifi in the cruise? What will be the cost if I need WiFi?
Dear Sandy, Thank you for your inquiry regarding the WiFi availability on our cruises. I can confirm that WiFi is provided free of charge on board. However, please note that the signal can be unstable at times due to the nature of the remote locations we visit in Ha Long Bay. Best regards, Iris
FAQs
Is kayaking included in the cruise price?
Yes, kayaking is usually included in the cruise price on most Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay overnight cruises. It is typically part of the scheduled itinerary, with equipment and basic instruction provided at no extra cost. A kayaking is most often shared between 2 adults. Children must be accompanied by parents at all time during kayaking period.
Are meals onboard set menu or buffet?
Meals onboard could be set menu, buffet, or a-la-carte depending on each cruise. In general, all cruises strike a balance between these to allow guests the best experience. Expect first lunch to be buffet, followed by a set menu dinner and buffet brunch the next day.
Which cruises are suitable for families with children?
Many Halong Bay overnight cruises are suitable for families with children, offering connecting cabins or extra beds to accommodate for children stay. Larger vessels provide safer layouts, stable sailing, and child-friendly facilities such as swimming pools, wide sundecks, and supervised activities. A few names to consider for family travel includes: Orchid Classic Cruise, Heritage Cruise, Capella Cruise, Lyra Cruise, Peony Cruise.
Note:Families traveling with toddlers or infants and require special support regarding food, life vests, should confirm safety features, child policies, and available support in advance.
Can I bring food and drinks onboard?
Most Halong Bay cruises do not allow guests to bring outside food and drinks onboard, as all meals are carefully prepared and served as part of the cruise experience. Beverages, including soft drinks, beer, wine, and cocktails, are usually available for purchase and charged based on consumption.
Some cruises may allow small personal items such as snacks, baby food, or special dietary products, but this should be confirmed in advance. If you have dietary restrictions, allergies, or specific meal preferences, it is best to inform the cruise operator before departure so arrangements can be made. Bringing outside alcohol is often prohibited or subject to a corkage fee, particularly on deluxe and luxury cruises. Policies can vary by cruise, so checking the rules beforehand helps avoid any inconvenience.
How much per person does a Halong Bay Cruise cost?
The price for a Halong Bay Cruise depends on the cruise duration, cruise type, and travel season. Check the price range per person in the table below:
| Cruise duration | Low season (May - Sep) | High season (Jan - Apr & Oct - Dec) |
| Day Cruise | USD 54 - 80 | USD 65 - 110 |
| 1 night cruise | USD 100 - 375 | USD 110 - 490 |
| 2 night cruise | USD 225 - 570 | USD 250 - 735 |
Note: The price does not include transportation from Hanoi to Halong and vice versa. Some cruises may not include kayaking fee (Approx. USD 10 - 20/kayak applied for 1-2 persons).
We are a family of 5 (2 adults and 3 children). Can we stay in one cabin?
Yes. There are some family cabins that include a king bed with 2 - 3 single beds, suitable for your family. Capella and Lyra cruise is a suggestion for your reference. Or you can consider other cruises with connecting cabin which have 2 bathrooms such as Hermes Cruise, Peony Cruise, Doris Cruise, to name a few.
Is there an elevator on the cruise?
Yes. A small number of larger Halong Bay cruises are equipped with elevators, mainly designed for elderly guests, families with small children, or travelers with limited mobility. At the moment Indochine Cruise, Grand Pioneers Cruise and Ambassador cruise are equipped with elevators.
We are a group of 10 adults, can we stay in all cabins next to each other?
Yes, it is possible for a group of 10 adults to stay in cabins located close to each other, but this depends on the cruise size, cabin layout, and availability at the time of booking. In general we will request for all cabins to be as easily connected as possible
Which cruise visits a fishing village?
Several Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay cruises include a fishing village visit as part of their itinerary, though this experience is becoming limitted. Traditionally, Lan Ha Bay cruises often visit Viet Hai Village or floating villages near Cat Ba Island, offering a gentle introduction to local life. Bai Tu Long Bay cruises are more likely to include visits to less-touristy fishing villages such as Vung Vieng, known for its quieter setting and preserved lifestyle so consider Signature Cruise, Cycad Cruise and Emperor cruise for a trip. Note that cruises that visit Halong Bay do not visit a fishing village.
Do cruise tours include a transfer from Hanoi?
Some of cruises included transfer as part of the price which is noted under the cruise Includions section. As of 2026 the following cruises offer free shuttle bus transfer: Hermes Cruise, Signature Cruise and Athena Cruise.
When is the best time to travel on a Halong cruise?
The best time to travel on a Halong Bay cruise is from October to April, when the weather is generally cooler, drier, and more comfortable for cruising and outdoor activities.
The summer months from May to September are warmer and more humid, with occasional rain, but they also bring fewer crowds and better promotional prices.
July and August will see the worst in terms of weather but rains come and go. In case of cruise trip cancellation due to bad weather you can request for date change or refund.
More About Overnight Cruises
As one of the most iconic destinations both in Vietnam and in Southeast Asia, Halong Bay is best experienced on an overnight cruise, where travelers can fully immerse themselves in the bay’s dramatic limestone scenery, tranquil water, and a range of activities from swimming to kayaking. Choosing the right cruise trip to go with and you will have a memory of a lifetime.
Cruises in Halong bay are diverse in duration, itineraries, facilities & services, and of course prices. From a tiny one-cabin wooden junks gliding quietly between limestone cliffs to a grand, modern vessel with up to 60 cabins offering pools, saunas, spas, wine cellar and full onboard entertainment, Halong Bay cruises cater to every travel style. If this is your first time visiting Halong Bay, make sure to read our guide below to get a glimpse of what options you have.
Cruise Duration - Should I Take a 1 night or 2 night trip?
Although some cruises offer up to 4-night durations, the three most popular voyages are day cruises, 1-night, and 2-night cruises.
- Day cruises are the most economical way to experience Halong Bay, especially if you are short on time and budget. A day trip lasts 4 hours, 6 hours or 8 hours, excluding transfer time from Hanoi, and covers only the main sites (often 1-2 caves are included).
- A 1-night cruise trip are the most popular choice for visitors, thanks to its reasonable price. It includes all the essential activities such as swimming, kayaking, cooking class on board, and you get to visit 2-3 attraction points (caves, beaches, view points). The most rewarding experience of this voyage compared with a day cruise is you falling alseep in and waking up from the myriad of grottos and limestone islets, one that even the best hotel in the world cannot match.
- A 2-night cruise is ideal for those who have a budget and time to spend, and the best one to experience Halong Bay. On the second day of the trip you will often be transferred to a day boat for further excursion, those that are rarely covered in a 1 night trip.
Cruise Itinerary - Where a Halong Bay cruise take me to visit?
Halong Bay is the most widely known name to travelers around the world, yet in reality, this iconic seascape is made up of three distinct water bodies: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. While Halong Bay gained global recognition after being twice listed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage Site, its neighboring bays—Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long—share the same dramatic limestone formations and poetic seascapes, offering equally breathtaking beauty in a quieter, more unspoiled setting.
A cruise can only take you to one or two at most of three bays. If you are after visiting the major attractions such as Surprise Cave, choose a cruise that visits Halong Bay. If you are looking for more relaxation, Lan Ha Bay is a good option as it's more about nice beaches and smaller caves. And if you want to be away from the crowd yet seeing the real magical beauty of the bay, Bai Tu Long Bay is the right answer for you. That is basically Halong Bay in a nutshell.
Halong Bay and its major attractions:
- Attractions: Sung Sot Cave (Surprise Cave), Luon Cave, Tung Sau Pearl Farm, Titop Island and beach, Me Cung Cave, Heaven Palace Grotto, Cua Van Village, Trinh Nu Cave, etc.
- Cruises that take you here: Grand Pioneers Cruise, Paradise Elegance, Ambassador, Catherine Cruise, Hermes Cruise.
Lan Ha Bay and its major attractions:
- Attractions: Dark-Bright Cave, Tra Bau, Ao Ech (Frog Pond), Viet Hai Village, Three Peach Beach
- Cruises that take you here: Peony Cruise, Orchid Classic Cruise, Heritage Binh Chuan, Scarlet Pearl, Mon Cheri, Stellar of the Seas, Capella, La Casta Regal, Doris Cruise, to name a few.
Bai Tu Long Bay and its major attractions:
- Attractions: Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village, Cong Do, Cap La, Cong Dam, Hon Co Island, etc.
- Cruises: Emperor Cruise, Dragon Legend Cruise, Cycad Cruise, Dragon Pearl's Junk, Signature Cruise
On board Cruise Facilities - What to expect
First, expect a difference between a day cruise vessel and overnight cruise vessel - they are designed to serve the trip they carry.
Second, expect a big difference between the overnight cruise vessels themselves. You can find one with rustic old charm standing right next to one with a million dollar luxury design.
Day cruise vessels in Halong Bay are designed mainly for daytime sightseeing, offering shared sundecks and dining areas where guests relax between short excursions. Overnight cruises, by contrast, function more like floating hotels, allowing you to live on the bay rather than simply pass through it.
On an overnight cruise, the cruise will often includes a large sundeck, a common area for dining or receiving guests or entertainment activities and your private cabins where you stay for the night.
What to expect inside your cruise cabin:
- Large windows or a private balcony opening directly onto the seascape
- Comfortable bed and even choice of pillows in more luxury cruise options
- En-suite bathroom, and/or bathtubs
- Air-conditioning
- In-room safe
- Bath towels and toiletries
Within the overnight cruise category itself, experiences vary widely. Some travelers prefer the rustic charm of a traditional wooden junk, simple and atmospheric, reflecting the bay’s maritime heritage. At the other end of the spectrum are ultra-luxury cruises, featuring expansive cabins, saltwater swimming pools, jacuzzis, saunas, spas, gyms, art galleries, and even mini-golf. The higher the level of luxury, the more onboard facilities and personalized services you can expect, transforming an overnight cruise into a truly immersive, resort-style experience on the water.
Trip & Activities - What you get to experiences on a Halong Bay cruise
There is much more than just watching the bay from a cruise. Halong Bay cruises offer plenty of on-board and off-board activities. All the activities are optional, thus you can feel free to enjoy your trip with the utmost relaxation.
What you can do while on board
-
Watch Halong Bay from top deck: All Halong Bay cruises have a spacious sundeck where you can kick back on the sun loungers and witness the stunning scenery of Halong bay. It can be the serenity in the early morning, the splendor of the sunset, or the shimmer when all the ships are lit at night. Every moment on the cruise gives you a special view of Ha Long Bay.
- Join Sunset party: What could be better than watching the sunset, chatting, and sipping some drinks together? Sunset parties usually include Happy Hour - Buy 1 get 1 free promotion for drinks and some complementary finger food on the top deck.
-
Learn how to make a Vietnamese traditional dish during a cooking classic: Get to know about Vietnamese cuisine with local ingredients and interesting recipes. Make the dish on your own and enjoy it, you will definitely enjoy the food much more.
-
Fish squid at night: Simple technique but patience is needed for catching squid like a local. This is one of the interesting experiences you should not miss on a Halong Bay cruise.
-
Experience Taichi: Early birds would love to follow the gentle movements of the crew in the Taichi session in the morning. Refreshing your body and mind with a quick exercise in the middle of the heritage bay should be on your bucket list.
What sea activities you can enjoy:
- Discover caves and grottoes: There are nearly 2,000 islands and islets in Halong Bay and all cruises will take you to see 2-3 of them. Some caves are giant and dry inside while some are small and can only be visited by kayak or sampan boat. Unfortunately you cannot choose freely which one to visit as the Manager Board will decided which caves are open to visitors.
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Kayaking: Kayaking on the vast emerald water is a must. Paddle a kayak around rocky islands and feel the amazing tranquility of the bay, it's so far the most recommended experience.
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Swimming: Halong bay has very calm water which makes it ideal for swimming. Most cruises will include a stop at a beach for you to swim.
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Hiking: If watching the bay from the top deck of the cruise is not enough, you may not want to miss the panoramic view of Halong Bay from the top of the mountain. This activity could be found in the excursion to Titop and Soi Sim islands.
- Visit a fishing village: There used to be thousands of households living and fishing on Halong Bay for a living. Visiting a fishing village is a way to learn about their tough life on the ocean. Travelers can visit Cua Van, Ba Hang, Vung Vieng fishing village, etc. as part of the cruise trip
Price range - How much to pay for a Halong Bay cruise trip
Although the cost for a Halong Bay trip can seem high at first, think of it as an unparalleled experience rather than a casual hotel booking. In general, expect to spend 50-90USD for a day cruise, 160USD/person for 1 night cruise and 280USD/person for 2 night cruise. If you do not mind going extra miles to make it a luxury trip, expect 1800USD/person for 3 day 2 night trip in a president suite.
The price of a Halong Bay cruise commonly differs based on comfort level, onboard facilities, and service quality:
Budget Cruises (3★) From USD 130–150 per person / 1 night
- Expect: Simple, clean wooden or steel vessels with basic amenities, shared sundecks, and standard cabins.
- Ideal for travelers seeking good value and a classic Halong Bay experience.
Deluxe Cruises (4★) From USD 160–190 per person / 1 night
- Expect: More spacious cabins, improved dining, better service standards, and a wider range of activities.
- In general, a balanced choice for comfort without entering the luxury price range.
Luxury Cruises (5★) From USD 190 up to USD 400 per person / 1 night
- Expect: High-end vessels offering private balconies, refined cuisine, personalized service, and resort-style facilities such as spas, swimming pools, and premium excursions.
- Best for: luxury experience seekers
Best Time to Book & Seasonal Notes
Below are a few tips for you planning a trip on a Halong bay cruise without spending an extravagant amount
- Low season (May–September): More promotions, better availability, and good value for money. Especially May, June and September often sees empty bay and free shuttle bus from Hanoi.
- High season (October–April): Higher demand, faster sell-outs, and firmer prices—especially for deluxe and luxury cruises.
- Prices may vary depending on travel dates, cruise standards, and regulations set by the Halong Bay Management Board. If you plan to visit during the high season, booking early is strongly advised to secure your preferred cruise and cabin category.
- A best for value trip can be the lowest cabin category in a luxury cruise trip: the price is not over the sky yet you get to enjoy all the luxurious amenities from water slide to swimming pool and sauna.
- And do not forget to reach out to us: info@halongbaytours where our staff is ready to consult you with the best trip matching your requests. Your happy travel is all that matters.
