Australia
Singapore
Europe
United Kingdom
United States
Canada
Indian
SpainTop 5+ Halong Bay Small Boat Cruises in 2025 Loved by American Travelers
- 9.4Excellent - 53 reviewsMy family just be back from perfect trip to Halong. The most impression is Halong…Anna Cristina -
![Lithuania]()
LithuaniaHalong BayBarBoutique ShopCafe & LoungeWhy book?- Small exquisite cruise
- Only 06 luxury cabins for tranquil experience
- Cozy lounge with small reading corner
- Tien Ong Cave, Titop Island, Cua Van, Sung Sot
- Couples, Luxury travelers
6 cabins - Wooden Boat - Launched in 2009View cruise5% offUSD$332/pax - 9.5Excellent - 20 reviewsI had a fantastic time on the trip with my wife. I'd want to express my gratitude…Mr.John -
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United KingdomLan Ha Bay - Cat Ba Island- Summer Mega Deal! »
BarPoolSpa & MassageWhy book?- Luxury small boat with 5 suites sizing from 45m2 to 96m2
- Traditional junk boat, ensuring the best privacy and fewer crowds
- Itinerary to the most stunning sites in Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island
- Viet Hai Village, Ao Ech Area, Trung Trang Cave
- Honeymoon couples, Luxury travellers, Small groups
5 cabins - Metal - Launched in 2019View cruise49% offUSD$287/pax - 9.5Excellent - 56 reviewsEverything was perfect, very good quality service, very wonderfull tour !!!! I hope…Mr. Fabien Viaud -
![France]()
FranceHalong BayBarButler ServiceFitness CenterWhy book?- One of the most luxurious small junk boats in Halong Bay
- First-class facilities: fitness room, sauna & couple's jacuzzi available
- 8 high-end cabins and private butler services for extreme comfort
- A la carte menu for dinner with unlimited orders for drinks
- Titop Island, Luon Cave, Cua Van Village, Sung Sot Cave
- High-end traveler, Couples, Charter
8 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2012View cruise34% offUSD$248/pax - 9.4Excellent - 33 reviewsWe made a reservation for the smaller Prince Junk, which had four cabins, and it…Ms.Rebecca Leahy -
![Australia]()
AustraliaBai Tu Long Bay2 Nights without Day BoatWhy book?- A private cruise with 04 cabins explores the hidden charm of Bai Tu Long Bay
- Well-trained and expert crew to give attentive services
- Traditional junk with teak and oak paneling and furniture, all constructed by skilled craftsmen
- Thien Canh Son Cave, Hon Co Island, Vung Vieng Villlage, Yen Duc Village
- Senior, Family with Kids, Couples, Luxury travellers
4 cabins - Wooden Boat - Launched in 2008View cruise12% offUSD$210/pax - 9.6Excellent - 21 reviewsWe booked a 3D2N private cruise for my husband and first kid's birthday to Lan Ha…Desmond Gordon Blythe -
![New Zealand]()
New ZealandHalong BayBarWhy book?- A private cruise suitable for family or small groups of travelers
- Luxury cabins with lavish wood paneling
- Enjoy various colorful cocktails made by a skillful bartender
- Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Pearl Farm, Cua Van Village
- Family with Kids, Couples, Charter
4 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2022View cruise$710/pax - 9.4Excellent - 59 reviewsWe had a marvelous time on our cruise; the boat was amazing, the crew was fabulous,…Ms.Alexandra Corcoran -
![Australia]()
AustraliaHalong Bay - Bai Tu Long BayBarCooking ClassFree Wi-fiWhy book?- Exclusive and customized charter cruises
- Only one cabin for an intimate and private experience
- Have different itineraries and activities to choose from
- Thien Canh Son, Vung Vieng Village, Titop Island, Sung Sot Cave
- Seniors, Family with Kids, Couples, Luxury travellers
1 cabin - Wooden Boat - Launched in 2009View cruise31% offUSD$412/pax - 9.5Excellent - 42 reviewsThis was the most amazing part of our three weeks in North Vietnam. The junk was…Ms.Jan McDonald -
![United States]()
United StatesHalong - Bai Tu Long BayWhy book?- Only one en-suite cabin onboard
- Privacy & romantic for a honeymoon on the bay
- Well-trained private staff onboard
- The only private cruise has a 4-day itinerary exploring Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay
- Hon Co Island, Thien Canh Son Cave, Vung Vieng Fishing Village
- Honeymoon couples, Private charter, Luxury travellers
1 cabin - Wooden Boat - Launched in 2007View cruise15% offUSD$329/pax - 9.3Excellent - 32 reviewsA fantastic Valentine Premium, a little boat with a lovely table, sun deck chairs…Mr.Danny Kwok -
![Hong Kong]()
Hong KongHalong BayBarCooking ClassFree Wi-fiWhy book?- Private luxury cruise with two cabins for privacy guarantee
- High-class amenities and interiors
- Visit well-known landmarks in Halong Bay
- Titop Island, Luon Cave, Cua Van Village, Pearl Farm, Sung Sot Cave
- Couples, Families
2 cabins - Wooden Boat - Launched in 2010View cruise$699/pax - 9.3Excellent - 4 reviewsThe ship was cozy, and the room was comfortable with stunning panoramic views. We…Chloé Moreau -
![France]()
FranceHalong Bay - Bai Tu Long BayWhy book?- High-quality 5-cabin junk boat, designed for the best exclusive experiences
- Extended voyages to one of the pristine and secluded areas in Bai Tu Long Bay
- Hearty services, including a Gala dinner party on the sundeck, herbal foot bath, etc
- Vung Vieng Village, Thien Canh Son Cave
- Families, Small Groups, Honeymooners
5 cabins - Wooden - Launched in 2011View cruise29% offUSD$135/pax
FAQs
Yes, you can charter a small boat for a private experience. It’s recommended to contact the cruise operator at least 1 - 2 months in advance to ensure availability.
Here are some cruises you can choose from:
- Prince Private Cruise (4 cabins): Best for small groups and off-the-beaten-path explorers.
- L'amour Private Junk (1 cabin): Best for couples and leisure travelers (4-day itinerary available).
- Amazing Sails Explorer (6 cabins): Best for day trip and overnight cruise seekers.
- Melody Private Cruise (4 cabins): Best for families with kids.
For private trips on a small boat in Halong Bay, please contact us to customize your travel plan and choose the best cruise option.
The Halong Bay small boat cruise price is relatively high because of the limited number of cabins and personalized services. The rates for 2 days 1 night vary from US $135 to US $332 per person, while the 3 days 2 nights tours cost from US $219 to US $408 per person.
Small boats prioritize a close-to-nature, tranquil experience. While lacking extensive recreational amenities, they still cover essentials like accommodation (has aircon, ensuite bathroom), meals, activities, and relaxation spaces, thus offering professional and exclusive services. They also tend to travel to less-touristy areas like Bai Tu Long Bay.
On the more luxurious boats (e.g., Orchid Premium or Heritage Line Violet), cabins may be bigger (30 m²+), with features like airy balconies and bathtubs. They even provide spa services, lounges, jacuzzis, etc.
Yes. Small boats can cruise in calm, sheltered waters in Halong Bay, and trips only depart when conditions are safe. The boats are built with a wide, steady hull to minimize rocking, and the bay’s limestone islands naturally shield it from big waves.
In case of storms or strong winds, the local authority will postpone or cancel departures to ensure your safety. You just need to keep in touch with your cruise operator for up-to-date information.
The list below is the best small boats for American tourists, based on reviews and services:
- Prince Cruise (from $210/pax): Only 04 cabins, explore the hidden charm of Bai Tu Long Bay.
- Paradise Peak Cruise (from 248/pax): 1st-class facilities like fitness room, sauna & couple's jacuzzi.
- Orchid Premium Cruise (from $287/pax): Luxury small boat with 5 opulent suites.
- Heritage Line Violet (from $332/pax): Small, exquisite cruise with cozy lounge.
Otherwise, you can choose the most suitable cruise by referring to BestPrice Travel's list of the 10 best Halong Bay small boat cruises above.
For small boats in Halong Bay, here’s the typical number of cabins and guest capacity:
- Small private junk: Only 1 cabin for 2 guests, ideal for couples.
- Standard small boat: 4 cabins (8 - 10 guests), suitable for friend groups & families.
- Higher-end boutique boats: 5 - 8 cabins (12 - 18 guests), suitable for large families & groups.
Questions & Answers (4)
My son and I are looking for a 3-Day two-night cruise on a small boat beginning November 25. We would like separate cabins And lots of activities! What do you have to recommend?
Depend on your budget but we have few option small boat like Orchid Premium (5 cabins), Violet (6 cabins), Garden Bay Legend (cabins).
We are looking to book the cruise on dragon pearl on 6 Oct. do you have a twin room free? How much is transport from Hanoi return? Thanks celia
Yes we have twin room available, cost for round trip bus 40 USD/person.
I'm finding a cruise with few cabins for my family with 6 adults and 4 kids. We need 1-2 family cabins. Is there any cruise match? We'll be in Vietnam this December.
There are many cruise offer family cabins now like Peony, Mon Chery, Glory, when do you want to travel?
We have 2 adults and 3 kids (9y, 6y, and 2y), and want to book Prince Cruise this November, is it cold at that time and is there any surcharge for my kids?
Sorry Prince havent start working in Nov yet, you can consider option with Legend Halong or Valentine Premium that available for you. We count the charter rate so there is no charge for child, if you book sharing boat, 6 & 9 year old one will be charge 75% adults rate.
