Find your best Halong Bay cruise

Overview of Halong Bay Cruises

As a Natural World Heritage, Halong Bay owns a unique beauty that could not be found anywhere in the world. A cruise is a great choice to explore the Bay as cruising is the only way that you can admire all the glory conveniently.

Halong Bay cruise - A must do experience in Vietnam

Just about a 2-hour shuttle bus from Hanoi to Halong Bay, a cruise will bring you on an unimaginable trip through the majestic karst of small and big mountains in interesting shapes, visit stunning natural caves, kayaking, and swim in the offshore crystal clear seawater, observe the local daily life floating in the Bay, etc.

Halong Bay Cruising Itinerary

Not all cruises in Halong Bay do the same route. You can easily find and choose the Halong Bay itinerary with different cruise duration, areas, and departure ports based on your preference.

• Depending on cruise length: Day trip, 2 days 1 night, 3 days 2 nights, 4 days 3 nights, or a customized itinerary
• Depending on destination: Halong Bay Central, Bai Tu Long Bay, Cat Ba Island, or Lan Ha Bay
• Depending on cruise port: Halong International cruise port, Tuan Chau Harbor, or Vinashin Harbour

Day cruise

As the travel time is limited (from 4 – 8 hours), a Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi can only show the bay's general view; however, these shortened itineraries are suitable for those who do not have much time to explore the Bay.

The typical itineraries for a day trip allow travelers to visit some famous caves and islands, such as Thien Cung Cave, Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, and Cock Fighting Islet.

Overnight cruise

Halong Bay cruise overnight is the most chosen one. You can decide between a 2-day-1-night or 3-day-2-night itinerary.

• 2 days 1 night: are most popular because the itinerary isn’t short and too long to fit almost all tourists. Compared with the day trip, the 2d1n owns diverse options for the itinerary, which allows you to travel deeply inside Halong.
• 3 days 2 nights: are the perfect option for those who dive deep into the glory of the Bay. With the itinerary, you will have the chance to visit Halong Bay and visit 3 stunning Bays: Lan Ha Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Cat Ba island.

Besides that, join an overnight cruise, and you have more time to enjoy kayaking in Halong Bay, and more exciting activities such as swimming, night bars on the sundeck, squid fishing, etc.

Top 10 Best Cruises Halong Bay 2023

You can choose a cruise based on your demands and your budget. Hundreds of cruises provide varied service standards for both day trips and overnight cruises at different prices ranging from budget to luxury.

Here're the price and the reason to choose them of the 10 best cruises in Halong Bay 2023.

1. Hermes - Best new cruise in Halong Bay

As the newest luxury cruise traveling on Halong Bay, Hermes cruise brings a new wind with many surprises for tourists. For anyone who is a food lover, this boat will give you a special culinary experience with fresh foods and fine dining.

Highlight services & facilities:

• A la carte dinner with traditional music on the sundeck
• An open kitchen at the boat’s stern
• Large balconies for all cabins - can set up private dinners

Price from: US $178/person for 1-night

Why book?

• The only boat cruising Halong Bay itinerary has two outside Jacuzzi Pools
• Tourists have 1.5 hours more for experiencing the bay than traveling with others
• A special gift set for guests after the cruise includes ceramics cups in seagrass bags

2. Scarlet Pearl - Best modern luxury ship

Scarlet Pearl is always a shining star among the best cruise on Halong Bay. This splendid cruise is one of the most modern yachts here with a trendy design and an ecologically energy-saving system - plus point for anyone who cares about sustainable tourism. 

Highlight services & facilities:

• Has 1 extremely large restaurant (300m2) and 2 bars (inside & outside) 
• The only boat that has Pearl Museum to tell more about pearl and Halong Bay’s history
• Outdoor jacuzzi available for relaxation while enjoying the stunning panoramic view of the bay

Price from: US $173/person for 1-night

Why book?

• The most modern luxury ship in Halong Bay
• The only cruise providing luxury Catamaran for the 3rd day’s itinerary, available for hire to operate special events (proposal or private ceremonies)

3. Mon Cheri - Best seller cruise 2023

Having been the best-selling cruise of BestPrice Travel for years, Mon Cheri is always the top pick for any tourist who seeks a remarkable experience on Halong Bay. Although it is not so impressive from the outside, this 5-star cruise boat has claimed its position by providing high-end services at the cheapest price.

Highlight service and facilities:

• Has a private jacuzzi for most cabin standards
• Biggest panoramic-view sundeck Jacuzzi pool (15m2)
• Mini-golf on the sun deck

Price from: US $170/person for 1-night

Why book?

• BestPrice Travel’s best-selling cruise in 2022
• The most reasonable price 5-star cruise on Halong Bay: only from USD 170/pax
• Serve delightful authentic Halal Foods

4. Paradise Elegance - Best service for 5-star ship

There is no doubt that Paradise Elegance is one of the best luxury cruises in Halong Bay with the most perfect services. Traveling on this boat, you will be experienced the outstanding international 5-star standard for both services and facilities on board.

Highlight services & facilities:

• 15m2 Jacuzzi on sundeck - the biggest in the bay
• Live music performances in the cruise lounge
• Canapes sunset party
• The only boat traveling in Halong Bay has the butler service

Price from: US $177/person for 1-night

Why book?

• Apply international standards for a 5-star cruise from services to facilities
• 2-star Michelin dining menu for the best culinary experience

5. Peony - Best choice for cruise in Lan Ha Bay

For years, Peony cruise has been one of the best choices for cruises in Lan Ha Bay. As one of the very 1st boats sailing to Lan Ha Bay, Peony knows this area inside out. Cruising with Peony, you will have a chance to see and experience all the best of Halong Bay.

Highlight services & facilities:

• Private balconies and sitting areas for all cabins
• A new Jacuzzi Pool on the sundeck with a stunning view of the bay

Price from: US $149/person for 1-night

Why book?

• The first 4-star cruise travels to Lan Ha Bay with many years of experience
• A way to support the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation

6. Sena - Best mid-range cruise

Sena boat is one of the best mid-range cruises in the Bay with a unique design and perfect services. Although it is rated at 4-star standard, you still can have a luxury travel experience while cruising with Sena.

Highlight services & facilities:

• Large restaurant on the sun deck and spacious cabins compared to other 4-star boats in Halong
• Owns a small library on board
• Offers “Vietnamese tea tasting” instead of a cooking class

Price from: US $146/person for 1-night

Why book?

• The best cruise for anyone finding a luxury trip at a mid-range price
• A no-plastic boat - the perfect choice for an environmentally friendly cruise
• The only cruise boat still includes visiting the floating village in its itinerary

7. Orchid Classic - Best luxury traditional boat

Orchid Classic is now also called Orchid Cruise to distinguish it from its siblings which are Orchid Trendy and Orchid Premium. In fact, it is hard to find a 5-star boat that is still in good condition with modern facilities and provides outstanding services in Halong Bay like the Orchid.

Therefore, this lovely boat is always most recommended for anyone who wants to travel to Halong Bay on a traditional-style boat.

Highlight services & facilities:

• Spacious family cabins with a max capacity of 6 people
• A Fancy outdoor Jacuzzi on the sundeck with a panoramic view
• The only boat includes “local wine tasting” in the cruise’s activities

Price from: US $183/person for 1-night

Why book?

• Excellent travel experience rated by more than 1,400 tourists on TripAdvisor (over 1,600 reviews)
• Enthusiastic and professional staff recommended by most the tourists
• Spacious private balconies available for all cabins

8. Swan - Best itinerary of budget cruise

Swan cruise scores in tourists’ hearts with its outstanding service & interesting itinerary among many of cheap cruise in the Bay. There is no cruise in the bay, even the 5-star ones, that can receive more praise for its service, especially the staff, than Swan. If you are finding a trip exploring Halong Bay at a cheap price with the best service, this boat is always the top choice!

Highlight services & facilities:

• Large windows to Halong Bay available for all cabins
• Meals with both Vietnamese and International dishes
• Large sundeck with panoramic views

Price from: US $137/person for 1-night

Why book?

• Provide the best service 3-star cruise at extremely cheap prices
• Best-reviewed cruise on TripAdvisor - 5,000+ excellent reviews

9. Heritage Binh Chuan - Best luxurious boutique cruise

Inspired by Vietnamese history and culture, Heritage Binh Chuan is the most gorgeous luxury boutique boat sailing through Halong to Lan Ha Bay. 

Highlight services & facilities:

• Owns the biggest swimming pool in Halong Bay (32m2)
• Has both outdoor and indoor restaurants and also a sundeck bar
• A wine cellar with a wide selection of the finest wines
• Vovinam lesson for morning exercise

Price from: US $180/person for 1-night

Why book?

• Awarded TripAdvisor’s “Best of the best” in 2022
• A boat telling stories about Vietnamese history and culture through an exclusive gallery exhibiting precious antiques and masterpieces
• Offers “royal dinner” - enjoy delightful fancy dinner in Vietnamese traditional costumes

10. Capella - Best onboard activities cruise

Capella is one of the biggest ships from Halong to Lan Ha Bay. Different from most cruise boats here, Capella impresses tourists with its special modern & colonial design which created the luxurious and elegant beauty of the boat. In addition, it is hard to find another 5-star cruise with so many interesting onboard activities like Capella.

Highlight services & facilities:

• Panoramic-view jacuzzi and pool
• Interesting waterslide
• Exciting Cigar and Poker club
• Bathtubs with glorious ocean views available for all cabins

Price from: US $187/person for 1-night

Why book?

• The only Halong cruise owns a Poker Club on board
• Safe pool for children (only 1m dept and a safeguard’s always available)

How to book a Halong Bay cruise?

As avoiding scams is quite hard, it is important that tourists need to find a reputable travel agent to book a cruise confidently. BestPrice Travel is the most popular name among thousands of travel agencies providing cruise booking services.

With more than 12 years of experience and 10 years being awarded “Traveller Choice” of TripAdvisor, tourists definitely should mark BestPrice Travel as the top priority agent to book cruise trips with no hesitation.

To book a cruise, please choose your perfect cruise in our list and book & pay online. Or you can send a request to us, then our travel consultant will help you customize your request includes pre & post crusie via email.