Find Your Perfect Halong Bay Cruise

Yes, Halong Bay is definitely worth a try. As one of the world-famous natural heritage sites, Halong Bay features the best destination for cruising in Vietnam. Why is it worth it?

• Deeper exploration: Cruising is the best way to go further into the beautiful archipelago of the Gulf of Tonkin
• Perfect seascape: Stay 2–3 days relaxing on the ship, soaking up the fresh air and tranquility of the bay
• Exciting activities: Retreat by entertaining onboard (mini golf, poker, pool, spa, karaoke) and offboard (kayaking, boat rowing, cave visiting, catamaran, etc.)

The best time for European travellers to visit Halong Bay is during the dry season (October-April), when the weather is most pleasant. Here is a quick guide to help you plan:

• October to January: Cool, dry weather — perfect for cruising, sightseeing, and capturing stunning photos
• February to April: Warmer temperatures — suitable for outdoor adventures like kayaking, hiking, and swimming

You may also like our complete guide on the Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for perfect weather and amazing deals!

The average cruise price ranges from EUR €99 to €275 per person for one night, EUR €189 to €504 per person for two nights, and EUR €60 - €110 per person for a day trip.

Most cruise lines do not include transfers in their packages. If you want to be picked up from Hanoi, you will have to pay an additional transfer fee.

Please refer to the price table for 2025 below:

* The price is per person in EUR

* Low season: May - Sep; High season: Jan - Apr & Oct - Dec

How long you stay in Halong Bay really depends on your budget and available time.

• 1 night: On a budget from US $108/pax, you can visit 1 - 2 attractions and join tai chi, cooking class, kayaking, or boat rowing onboard.
• 2 nights: With US $206/pax or more, you can add on 1 - 2 hidden places to visit on the second day and enjoy more time sightseeing and relaxing. 

Still wondering about your plan? Please keep in touch with us via sales@bestpricetravel.com or +84 904 699 428 (WhatsApp).

It takes around 2.5 - 3 hours (including break time) to transfer from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong Bay by limousine bus or car.

For those who transfer from Hanoi airport, it takes about 3 hours of driving to Halong Bay.

The slowest way is by train (7 hours), while the fastest way is by seaplane (45 minutes).

For those planning a Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi, these travel options will help you maximize your time enjoying the beautiful scenery. For further information, let’s check out 6 Best Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

There are 2 main ports where most cruises start from: Tuan Chau Port and Halong International Port, at around 12:00 - 12:30 pm. Additionally, some cruises may depart from Vinashin Port (Hon Gai), Cai Lan, and other ports around Halong City and Hai Phong (50 km).

The overnight cruise usually returns to the port at 11:00 - 11:30 on the last day of the itinerary. You will get to your hotel in Hanoi by 15:30 - 16:00 in the afternoon. 

For the day cruise trip, the disembarkation time is around 16:00 - 17:00 and the drop-off time in Hanoi is approximately 20:00.

Note: If you want to book a flight on the same day, choose a domestic flight after 17:00 and an international flight after 18:00.

Yes, you are allowed to swim in some areas of the bay, specifically:

• Halong Bay: You can only swim in Titop Island, where most Halong overnight cruises pass by on the first day of the itinerary.
• Lan Ha Bay: You are freely swum by the overnight anchor point around Ao Ech and Tra Bau Area.
• Bai Tu Long Bay: Unlucky, swimming is restricted in this area for safety reasons.

Note: Please wear a life jacket if needed and don’t go swimming alone!

A well-rounded mix of natural beauty, cultural experiences, and laid-back luxury is designed for a holiday that balances adventure and relaxation.

• Breathtaking limestones: Cruise through a surreal seascape of limestone cliffs, emerald waters, and hidden caves
• Outdoor adventures: Paddle into hidden lagoons, take a dip in calm waters, and hike to Titov for panoramic views
• Authentic Vietnamese cuisine: Enjoy a culinary journey onboard with local dishes, fine dining, or cooking classes
• Cultural touchpoints: Visit floating villages, meet local fishermen, and see pearl farms in action
• Relaxation & comfort: Spacious cabins with private balconies, afternoon tea, spa treatments, mini golf, movies, fitness, cigars/poker, etc.
• Evening entertainment: Unwind with cocktail hour at sunset, squid fishing, bar and lounge, live music, etc.

All cruises in Halong Bay must have permission from the Management Board to stay overnight in the Bay. Based on the weather predictions (high winds, monsoon, thunderstorm, cyclone, storm...), the Management Board has the authority to cancel all cruises on a certain day to guarantee the safety of tourists.

In those cases, the following policies will be applied for the cruise: 

• If the cancellation is informed before you leave Hanoi (you have not used any service yet): 100% refund
• If the cancellation is informed during the trip (you have already used some services: transfer, lunch, day trip, hotel,...): Only the fee of these services will be charged and we will refund the whole remaining amount
• If the trip is cut down from 3 days/2 nights to 2 days/1 night, we will charge as 2 days/1 night trip, plus other services you have already used, and refund the remaining amount

Important notes:  

• The cancellation is announced ONLY by the Management Board and often on short notice of time. Therefore your understanding of these situations is highly appreciated.
• The period from May to July is considered stormy weather in Halong Bay with many unpredictable weather conditions. Hence more cruises will be canceled on short notice during this season.
• In all cases, please contact our consultants directly for any urgent help. We are here to support you with all of our best!