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.)

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.

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).

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:

* The price is per person in USD

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

Yes, Halong Bay is very safe to visit. A 2024 BBC report highlighted the bay’s notable safety improvements, with cruises now operating under much tighter control.

All ships must meet strict safety standards, including life jackets, fire alarms, trained crews, and 24/7 monitoring by port authorities. Popular activities like kayaking, swimming, and cave exploration are always guided and supervised, with safety briefings provided before departure.

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.

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

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!

Yes, booking in advance is highly recommended. It gives you better cabin choices, guaranteed transfers, and access to top-rated or luxury cruises—especially during peak season (Oct–Apr).

In contrast, booking on arrival may be cheaper but comes with limited availability, less time to compare options, and a higher risk of scams or unlicensed boats.

For peace of mind and a smoother experience, advance booking is the better choice.

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!