Top 10 Halong Bay Cruises & Tours: Prices & Reviews 2025

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14/06/2025

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Choose Your Cruise Styles

Luxury Cruises37 cruises

Budget Cruises19 cruises

Day Cruises15 cruises

Lan Ha Bay38 cruises

Bai Tu Long Bay14 cruises

Private Cruises11 cruises

Overnight Cruises78 cruises

Mid-range Cruises24 cruises

Honeymoon Cruises18 cruises

Cat Ba Island27 cruises

Family Cruises17 cruises

Junk Boat31 cruises

Small Boat9 cruises

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Tailor-made your own trip

Top rated Halong Cruise Itinerary by Duration

Day trip 14 tours

2 days 1 night 79 tours

3 days 2 nights 77 tours

4 days 3 nights 7 tours

FAQs

1. Is Halong Bay worth it?

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.)

2. When is the best time to visit Halong Bay for American travelers?

For ideal weather and sightseeing, the best time for American travelers to visit Halong Bay is during the dry season, from October to April. Aligned with the holiday season and spring break in the US, it is a perfect time for cruising and outdoor adventures, with mild temperatures (17–24°C) and less rainfall.

If you prefer fewer crowds while still enjoying great weather, consider visiting in early October or late March-early April.

For more tips and insights, check out our guide on the Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for Perfect Weather & Great Deals.

3. Is there much to do on a Halong Bay cruise?

Absolutely! There’s plenty to keep you inspired, from adventure to relaxation on a Halong Bay cruise.

Kayaking & SUP: Get up close with nature while paddling through hidden caves and floating villages
Hike to viewpoint: Climb to panoramic spots like Titov Island for incredible 360° views
Visit pearl farm: Step into the local community and learn how pearls are cultured in the bay
Enjoy sunset cocktails: Watch the sun melt over the water with a cocktail at Happy Hour
Join onboard activities: Try unique things to do like traditional live music, tea ceremony, heritage shows, cooking class, Tai Chi, squid fishing, etc.
Relax in style: Chill out at luxury suites, spa treatments, rooftop jacuzzis, and a lot of high-class facilities

4. How much does it cost for Halong cruise 2025?

On average, the cruise prices range from US $108 - $300 per person for 1 night, US $206 - $550 per person for 2 nights, and US $65 - $120 per person for a day trip.

Most cruises do not include the transfer in their package. You must pay extra for the transfer if you want to be picked up from Hanoi.

Please see the price table for 2025 below for your reference:

Trip type	Low season	High season
Day trip	US$ 65 - 95	US$ 75 - 120
2 days 1 night	US$ 108 - 248	US$ 130 - 300
3 days 2 nights	US$ 206 - 400	US$ 240 - 550
Shuttle bus round trip	US$ 40 - 50	US$ 40 - 50

* The price is per person in USD

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

5. Should I spend 1 night or 2 nights on the cruise?

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 viasales@bestpricetravel.comor +84 904 699 428 (WhatsApp).

6. How long does it take from Hanoi to Halong Bay?

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 out6 Best Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.

7. Where do Halong cruises start from?

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).

Tuan Chau Port	Halong International Port
Address
Ngoc Chau, Tuan Chau Island	No. 9 Halong Road, Bai Chay Ward
How to get to
From Van Don Airport: 1.2 hours by car From Cat Bi Airport: 45 minutes by car From Hanoi: 2.5 hours by limousine/car	From Van Don Airport: 1 hour by car From Cat Bi Airport: 50 minutes by car From Hanoi: 2.5 hours by limousine/car

8. What time does Halong cruise end?

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.

9. Can I swim in Halong Bay?

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!

10. What is cancellation policy due to bad weather of Halong Bay?

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!

Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Based on 6321 customer's reviews

9.4

Excellent

Traveler rating

Excellent5553
Very good737
Average22
Poor5
Terrible4

9.7

Excellent-Ramsay G

Australia

La Casta Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights | 13/06/2025

Friendly service, incredible crew, fun activities, wonderful cruise

Mr Dong was an excellent host who accommodated me and my partner really well. I didn't feel that any demands couldn't be granted or that there wasn't an alternative. The timetable was well-planned, with plenty of time to unwind before the next event. The food was excellent, and the service was nice. Would suggest it to couples looking to schedule a cruise, since this one was excellent.

9.5

Excellent-Herman N

United States

Serenity Cruise Day Trip | 13/06/2025

Nice day excursion

I had an excellent tour today! Tang Binh, our guide, was really nice, helpful, and well-organized throughout the day. We traveled across the beautiful bay in a comfy boat, ate a great lunch on board, and had plenty of time to kayak and swim in the gorgeous scenery. The mood was casual, and the group… More

9.2

Excellent-Cathy

United States

Garden Bay Legend Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 12/06/2025

Thong on the cruise was fantastic. He was very attentive as well and took such good care of us and everyone. We love the guide's humor and professionalism!
Our driver in Hanoi and to Halong didn’t speak English, but was very professional and took good care of us.

9.7

Excellent-Ms. Kim

Korea, South

Catherine Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights | 12/06/2025

Thank you so much

From the 1 night 2 two-day reservation at Catherine Cruise in Halong Bay to the vehicle from Hanoi to the harbor and back, everything was prepared perfectly. Especially, Jam Nguyen helped me prepare meticulously and kindly after the reservation, and kindly helped me receive the items I left in the car at the hotel. Thank you!

10.0

Excellent-Kenneth P

Philippines

Scarlet Pearl Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 12/06/2025

Totally worth it!

I can't recommend this company, the Scarlet Pearl boat, and especially the President Suite enough. It was an amazing experience from start to finish. Huge thanks to Eric and the crew—they were dedicated, thoughtful, and truly made our trip special.
I had some hesitation about the cost of the President… More

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Halong Bay Cruises & Tours 2025 at A Glance

About Halong Bay cruises

A Halong Bay cruise is the ultimate must-try experience in Vietnam, offering a breathtaking seascape of pristine nature and vibrant culture. Glide through sparkling turquoise waters, marvel at majestic limestone towers, and create unforgettable memories on this once-in-a-lifetime journey!

Amenities & services

Currently, BestPrice Travel offers about 90 cruises and over 150 tours in Halong Bay, including options for transfers from Hanoi and a wide range of choices, from traditional junk boats to large modern ships.

Besides the most basic amenities like restaurants and bars, many 5-star cruise ships provide high-class amenities such as a swimming pool, private jacuzzi tub, spa & sauna, gym, mini golf, poker room, wine cellar, etc.

Ranging from 3 to 5 stars, Halong Bay cruises offer both recreational and wellness facilities.

Booking a Halong cruise, you will receive dedicated services as well as engaging activities such as swimming, kayaking, visiting caves, and floating villages.

These activities are suitable for all travelers, from nature lovers and culture vultures to history enthusiasts and relaxation seekers.

Cruise styles

Depending on different criteria, the cruises can satisfy all demanding travelers, with various types of experience.

Criteria	Types of cruises
Class	Budget (3 stars) Mid-range (4 stars) Luxury (5 stars)
Route	Classic Halong Bay Lan Ha Bay & Cat Ba Island Bai Tu Long Bay
Duration (time onboard)	1 day (6 - 8 hrs) 2 days 1 night (24 hrs) 3 days 2 nights (48 hrs) 4 days 3 nights (72 hrs)
Travel styles	Private charter Honeymoon & wedding Family with kids Single & solo

Whether you are fond of a traditional or modern boat, you can find the best one.

About Halong Bay
Area: 1.553 km2, consisting of 1,969 islands and islets
Location: Vietnam’s Northeastern seacoast, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province
Distance from Hanoi: About 165 kilometers (102.5 miles)
Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1994 and 2000
Recognized as one of the new 7 natural wonders of the world in 2011
Must-see attractions: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Cua Van Village, Ba Trai Dao beach

2025 Cruise itineraries & Top Places to Visit

A Halong Bay tour can last from 9 to 68 hours of cruising, depending on your chosen itinerary, including a 6-hour round-trip transfer from Hanoi. Tours typically start at 9:00 AM from Hanoi on the first day and end around 4:00 PM when you arrive back in Hanoi on the last day.

There are 03 main cruise areas: Classic Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay to diversify the cruise experience. While more than 80% of cruises launch Halong and Lan Ha Bay routes, only 10% set sail to Bai Tu Long Bay.

There are 03 main cruise areas: Classic Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay to diversify the cruise experience

Depending on the length of the trip, passengers can visit from 3 to 7 highlighted attractions. Here are the top sightseeing spots on the most popular boat tour itineraries.

Classic Halong Bay Route

Titop Island has a pretty white sandy beach, making it ideal for swimming and sunbathing. You can also hike to the mountaintop for a panoramic bay view.

Luon Cave stands out with its pristine beauty and rich ecosystem, surrounded by majestic mountains and the sea. You can kayak/ have a rowing boat trip to explore and enjoy the natural beauty.

Cua Van Floating Village is known as a charming traditional fishing village, home to fishermen with unique floating houses. You can get on a bamboo boat and see the lives of local people.

Pearl Farm is a famous spot where high-quality pearls are produced. Let’s learn about the pearl cultivation process and shop for pearl products here.

Visiting caves is a must-try activity in Halong Bay

Lan Ha Bay Route

Dark & Bright Cave is well-known for its unique rock formations and impressive natural landscape. You may enjoy the scenery surrounding the cave and feel nature by kayaking or rowing a boat.

Ba Trai Daofeatures a pristine beach with clean white sand and clear emerald water, suitable for swimming, and relaxing in a peaceful environment.

Viet Hai Village is nestled among imposing mountains and lush greenery, imbued with local culture. You can cycle through the unspoiled trails, and explore the daily lives of the locals here.

Cycle along the pretty trails and feel the pristine nature of Viet Hai Village

Bai Tu Long Bay Route

Thien Canh Son Cave, a place with a mysterious beauty like another world, is given impressive stalactites, stalagmites, and a rich ecosystem by Mother Nature.

Vung Vieng Village is a lovely floating village for visitors to have an insight into the long-lasting traditional ways of living.

Cap La Island is an ideal destination for adventurers to kayak, swim in the sea, and explore the pristine stunning scenery.

Take a bamboo boat ride to discover the hidden gems of Bai Tu Long Bay

How to choose your best cruise?

With a collection of the best Halong Bay cruises selected by BestPrice Travel, you will have different choices depending on 4 main factors: budget, travel style, duration, and cruise destinations.

If you wonder which cruises are the most suitable options for your trip, below is a guide with some categories to help you figure out.

Based on your budget

Travel budget would be the first and foremost concern for most passengers. The cheapest option will be a day cruise. If your budget is enough, you may choose overnight cruises and estimate which star standards are the most suitable.

Standard	Price range	Recommended cruise
3 stars	US $115 - $145	Renea, La Regina Classic
4 stars	US $130 - $160	Peony, Sena, La Casta
5 stars	US $150 - $300	Mon Cheri, Orchid Classic, Grand Pioneers, Hermes

Based on travel style

Your intention of cruising is also important in choosing cruises. Based on your interests, you can consider the following options.

Traveler type	Choosing tip	Recommended cruise
Friends, company trips	Large ships with various onboard facilities & MICE services	Ambassador Cruise, Indochine Premium, Paradise Grand
Couples, newlyweds	Cruises with private dining, honeymoon decorations, etc.	Heritage Binh Chuan, Indochine, Heritage Line Ylang
Families, elders	Cruises with loose schedules, connecting cabins, and onboard entertainments: kid clubs, game room, poker, etc.	Grand Pioneers, Hermes Cruise, Capella Cruise
Private charter	Small boats with exclusive services	Prince Cruise, Melody Cruise, L'amour Junk

Duration

The most preferable Halong Bay cruise time is 2 days or 3 days as they offer a balance between relaxation and exploration. However, you can choose a day cruise for a quick glimpse or a 4-day cruise if you want a full discovery of Halong Bay.

Cruise length	Best for	Recommended cruise
Full day	An intriguing glimpse for rush travelers	Amethyst, La Muse, Jade Sails
2D1N	Most popular itinerary for first-timers	Mon Cheri, Ambassador, Orchid
3D2N	A perfect exploration for leisure travel	Grand Pioneers, Paradise Elegance
4D3N	A deep expedition for adventure seekers	Capella, Heritage Cruise, L’amour

Routes

As mentioned above, there are three main routes to visit Halong Bay. Based on your preference, you can pick the one that suits you best.

Cruise area	Why choose	Recommended cruise
Halong Bay	Most famous spots for first-timers	Hermes, Athena Luxury, Emperor
Lan Ha Bay	Trendy destinations with relaxing activities	Peony, Ambassador Signature, Paradise Grand
Bai Tu Long	Off-the-beaten-track and less touristy	Swan, Signature, Garden Bay Legend

Transportation from Hanoi to Halong Bay

All Halong Bay cruises offer transfer services between Hanoi and Halong Bay.

Departing from the mainland, most cruises embark at either Tuan Chau Cruise Port (Tuan Chau Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province) or Halong International Cruise Port (Bai Chay Ward, Halong City, Quang Ninh Province).

Additionally, some Cat Ba day cruises dock at Lach Huyen or Ben Beo Pier in Cat Ba Town, offering a more time-efficient transfer option.

Depart from Hanoi

For those who book transfer services, the shuttle service/private car will pick you up from the hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter and take you to the cruise terminal in around 2.5 hours.

Transportation		Price
From Hanoi Old Quarter	Shuttle bus (round trip)	US $40/person
From Hanoi Old Quarter	Private car (round trip)	From US $104/person
From Hanoi Airport	Private car (round trip)	From US $114/person

Important note

Pick-up time: 8:00–8:30 for an overnight Halong Bay cruise from Hanoi and 7:15–7:45 for a day cruise
Drop-off time: 14:30–15:00 on the last day of the overnight cruise and 19:30–20:00 for a day cruise

>> See more Hanoi to Halong Bay: 5 Transportation Options You Must Know

Embark at Halong City

With a 15-minute drive from Halong city center, you can easily take a cab (US $4 - $5/way) to get to the waiting lounge at the cruise port. From here, you will embark on the ship directly or transfer by tender/speedboat to the mooring point.

You should pay attention to the exact embarkation/disembark time in the detailed itinerary of each cruise. Please arrive at the cruise port at least 30 minutes in advance to complete the check-in process.

Don't miss

Embarkation time: 12:15–12:30 for the overnight cruise and 9:45–10:00 for the day cruise
Disembarkation time: 10:30–11:00 on the last day of the overnight cruise and 16:00–17:00 for the day cruise

Essential information & Local tips

Best time to visit Halong Bay: November - March is an ideal time to visit Halong Bay when the weather is cool and there is little rain.

Best time for Halong Bay cruise deals: June - August and December - January offer a range of promotions.
Booking tips: You should book your cruise at least 2 - 3 months in advance to get a good price.
Packing essentials: Travel documents (passport, visa, booking confirmation), Clothing (2 - 3 sets, 1 - 2 swimsuits), sneakers, sunscreen, your medicines (if needed), and cash.
Others: Buy a 4G sim card if you want to connect to the Internet and avoid using plastic bags to protect the marine environment.

Questions & Answers (361)

Ask a Question

Hannah17/02/2025

We're staying in Hai Phong in November, where would we need to be to start the cruise? Or is there a transfer option from there? Kind regard

1 Reply

BestPrice17/02/2025

@Hannah:

There is no cruise start from Hai Phong but we can help you arrange transfer with cost 40 USD/way.

1 Like Reply

Novakovic07/12/2024

Hi there, we are family of 5 (2 adults and 3 kids - age 7, 9 and 11 years). We are looking to do 3days cruze with you guys for dates Dec 28th - Dec 30th. Is that correct or you have still space for more ppl? We are gonna be in Hanoi, so we would need transfer as well. Could you send us prices, if you have available dates?

1 Reply

BestPrice07/12/2024

@Novakovic:

Hi Novakovic, if you can do 1 nights i might have option, there is no cabin for 2 nights program at this time

1 Like Reply

Nadine30/11/2024

Hi, We (me and my boyfriend) are looking for a cruise for halong bay. There are so many boats. We would like to visit the following places: -Ti top Island or another hike to a peak -floating fishing village visit by kayak boat -one of the big caves -(Viet hai Village) We would like a 3 days trip. Is there a boat that starts at 5th December which covers most of the places above? Thanks for answering and best wishes Nadine

1 Reply

BestPrice30/11/2024

@Nadine:

Hi! For your preference, please consider 2 below options:

Both 2 above cruises cost from US$ 888/person. Kayaking is included; however, there's no floating village in the itinerary. But please don't worry, it isn't a big deal as all floating villages in Halong Bay at present haven't recovered from the severe storms few months ago yet.

1 Like Reply

Mirza18/11/2024

Hi - hope you are doing well. We are looking to book a cruise with you. I just need to understand if all board means all inclusive for food and drinks? Thanks,

1 Reply

BestPrice18/11/2024

@Mirza:

Most the cruises offer meals but not included drink. You can get order on board.

1 Like Reply

Steven05/10/2024

We want to take a Halong Bay 3 day/2 night cruise starting on 29 December, but must catch a flight to Hawaii at noon on the 31st. Is there any way we can get a speedboat early in the morning on 31st and/or a helicopter from Halong Bay to the airport?

1 Reply

BestPrice05/10/2024

The seaplane from Halong first trip is start from 13:30, there is no earlier flight. If flight at noon, you can check out early morning then private car back to Hanoi Airport (3 hours)

1 Like Reply