Find your best Halong Bay cruise 2025

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.

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

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.

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

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.

Based on travel style

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

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.

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.

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. 

>> 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.

• 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.