Find your best Halong Bay cruises & tours 2025

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 ideal time to visit Halong Bay is from October to March, which perfectly aligns with India’s festive season and family holiday breaks. The weather is cool, dry, and pleasant, creating the perfect setting for cruising, sightseeing, and soaking in the bay’s natural beauty.

Don’t miss our complete guide to the Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for great weather, fewer crowds, and unforgettable moments!

The average Halong Bay cruise prices per person are as follows:

• Day Cruise: INR ₹5,629 – ₹10,392
• 2-Day-1-Night Cruise: INR ₹9,353 – ₹25,980
• 3-Day-2-Night Cruise: INR ₹17,839 – ₹47,631

Note: Most cruise packages do not include round-trip transfers from Hanoi. If you require pickup and drop-off, an additional transfer fee (~ INR ₹4,000) will apply.

Please refer to the price table below for detailed rates and options.

* 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!

Halong Bay is a dream destination for Indian travelers looking for a mix of nature, culture, and relaxation—all at excellent value. Whether you are planning a honeymoon, family trip, or festive holiday escape, here are the top activities to enjoy on your cruise:

• Enjoy Indian meals: Many cruises, like Ambassador, Scarlet Pearl, and Indochine Cruise, offer Indian vegetarian, Jain, or even custom menus (pre-order recommended)
• Cooking class: Learn to make Vietnamese spring rolls (veg options included)
• Spa & couple treatments: Luxury massages, often with Ayurveda-inspired options
• Photoshoots in Indian attire: Stunning saree or sherwani pics during golden hour from the sundeck or private balcony
• Kayaking & Boat rowing: Family-friendly adventures through hidden caves, floating villages, and peaceful lagoons up close
• Visit floating villages & Pearl Farms: Get a glimpse of Vietnam's coastal culture with visits to local fishing communities or pearl farms
• Hike to stunning viewpoints: For those who love a little activity, climb up to the top of Titov Island or other islets for incredible panoramic views
• Bollywood night & Private parties: Music, karaoke, dancing, and Indian snacks—ideal for group charters

Tip: Let the cruise know in advance if you'd like Indian food, Bollywood music, or a private celebration!

Yes, many Halong Bay cruises can accommodate Halal or Indian meals upon request. Here is what you need to know:

Indian Meals

• Available on some 5-star cruises like Grand Pioneers, Ambassador, Scarlet Pearl, and Indochine Cruise
• Often require a pre-booking notice
• Common dishes include vegetable curry, dal, rice, chapati, and fruits

Halal Meals

• Offered on select cruises like Mon Cheri Cruise and Catherine Cruise
• Food is typically sourced from Halal-certified suppliers
• Must be requested during booking

Note: Clearly state your dietary needs when booking. Bring some snacks if you have strict preferences. Always confirm meal options with the cruise operator in advance.

Most cruises do not allow outside food, especially cooked meals, due to hygiene and kitchen policies. However, dry snacks (like namkeen, biscuits, or instant noodles) are usually acceptable.

If you have dietary restrictions, inform the cruise in advance—many can prepare Indian vegetarian or Jain-friendly meals on request.

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!