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27/07/2024

Top 10 Best Recommended Cruises Halong Bay in Jul, 2024

Over 80 discerningly hand-picked cruises based on the review score & quality of service. Let’s choose the best and grab the hottest deals of up to 40% OFF!

  • Top 10 2024
  • Luxury Cruises
  • Budget Cruises
  • Day Cruises
  • Lan Ha Bay Cruises
  • Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises
STAR RATING
NUMBER OF CABINS
TRAVEL STYLES
Price per pax
CRUISE PROPERTIES
DEPARTURE FROM

Top Halong Bay Tour Recommendations

 

Overview of Halong Bay Cruises

Among the world’s most beautiful bays recognized by UNESCO and top famous travel magazines, Halong Bay is best explored on a cruise tour for its pristine nature and cultural richness.

About 2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay, the cruise will take you on a seascape through the majestic towering limestones and turquoise waters.

Choose Your Best Cruise

With a collection of the best cruises selected by BestPrice Travel, you will have different choices depending on 3 main factors: travel budget, itinerary, and cruise destinations.

Cruise Budget

Travel budget would be the first and foremost concern for most passengers. You can start from the lowest cost (3-star standard) and estimate the price range per day for one pax.

Halong Bay Cruise Itinerary

The most common cruise itineraries in Halong Bay

Cruise Price Highlight facilities
3 stars US $112 - $140 13 - 18m2 cabin, window view
4 stars US $141 - $164 18 - 25m2 cabin, private balcony, bathtub
5 stars US $165 - $199 28 - 35m2 cabin, private balcony, jacuzzi, pool
Most luxurious From US $200 45 - 150m2 cabin, private terrace, jacuzzi tub, private butler

NOTE:

  • The price (per pax/night) is estimated at the lowest cost and does not include taxes & fees.
  • The most expensive option is a private charter cruise priced from US $218 to US $702/ pax/ night.

 

Cruise Route

There are 3 main routes to separate parts: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay to diversify the cruise experience. More than 80% of cruises launch Halong and Lan Ha Bay routes, while only 10% set sails to Bai Tu Long Bay.

Halong Bay Cruise Route

Highlight attractions of Halong Bay

Classic Halong Bay route

  • Route 2: Titop Island, Soi Sim, Sung Sot Cave, Luon Cave, Trinh Nu-Trong Cave, Me Cung Cave, Pearl Farm
  • Route 3: Cua Van Floating Village, Tien Ong Cave, Ba Ham Lake

Bai Tu Long Bay route

  • Route 4: Cong Dam, Cong Do, Cap La Island, Vung Vieng Village, Thien Canh Son

Lan Ha Bay route

  • Route 5: Dark & Bright Cave, Ba Trai Dao Beach, Trung Trang Cave, Viet Hai Village

NOTE: You can only choose one of these destinations; however, some 3-day-2-night cruises combine an excursion to Halong and Lan Ha Bay (e.g.: Hermes Cruise, Hera Grand Luxury Cruise, Paradise Elegance, Essence Grand).

The 10 Best Cruises in 2024

Based on the customer review and our inspection, we have chosen the 10 best Halong Bay cruises in 2024 at different budgets to fit all travel styles.

Cruise Price Best for
Orchid Classic 5* US $183 Best traditional boat
Mon Cheri 5* US $164 Best-selling cruise
Scarlet Pearl 5* US $165 Best modern yacht
Peony Cruise 4.5* US $153 Best 4-star in Lan Ha
Grand Pioneers 5* US $209 Best brand new yacht
Hermes Cruise 5* US $175 Best trending cruise
Ambassador 5* US $180 Best 5-star service
Sena Cruise 4* US $144 Best mid-range cruise
Capella Cruise 5* US $218 Best onboard activities
Heritage Cruise 5* US $186 Best luxury boutique cruise

NOTE: All price quotes reference 1 person sharing a double or twin cabin. The exact price is based on availability and season.

 

1. Orchid Classic - Best luxury traditional cruise

Orchid Classic, also called Orchid Cruise, is a 5-star junk boat well-equipped with wooden facilities and outstanding services in Halong and Lan Ha Bay.

Highlight services & facilities

  • Spacious cabins (from 36m2) all offer private balcony and bathtub
  • A fancy outdoor jacuzzi on the sundeck with a panoramic view
  • The only cruise that includes “local wine tasting” in its program

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

Why book?

  • Excellent travel experience rated by more than 4,300 tourists on TripAdvisor (over 4,700 reviews)
  • Enthusiastic and professional staff recommended by most tourists

Orchid Classic Cruise Jacuzzi

Recharge your body with jacuzzi therapy

 

2. Mon Cheri - The bestselling cruise 2023

Having been the best-selling cruise on BestPrice Travel for years, Mon Cheri is always the top pick for any tourist who seeks a remarkable 5-star experience in Halong Bay.

Highlight service and facilities

  • Most cabin standards offer bathtubs and private balconies
  • Luxurious amenities like massage chair and jacuzzi tub in Suite Terrace
  • 4-season sundeck jacuzzi pool & mini golf on the sun deck

Price from: US $164 /person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • BestPrice Travel’s best-selling cruise in 2023/ 24
  • The most reasonable 5-star Halong cruise, only from US $164 per pax
  • Serve delightful authentic Halal Foods

Mon Cheri Cruise Mini Golf

Mon Cheri provides passengers with the best entertainment

 

3. Scarlet Pearl - Best modern luxury yacht

Scarlet Pearl is always a shining star among the best luxury cruises on Halong Bay. This 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

  • Extremely large restaurant (300m2) and 2 bars inside & outside
  • Sundeck jacuzzi and sky bar available for relaxation
  • One of the largest President Suites in the bay (150m2)

Price from: US $165 /person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • The most state-of-the-art luxury ship in average size (23 cabins)
  • The only cruise providing Catamaran on 3d2n itinerary
  • Available catamaran service for sunset parties and special events (proposals, ceremonies, etc.)

Scarlet Pearl Cruise Catamaran

Discover secluded parts of Lan Ha Bay on catamaran

 

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

For years, Peony Cruise has been one of the best choices for mid-range cruises in Lan Ha Bay. As one of the very first boats sailing to Lan Ha Bay, Peony provides passengers with a great chance to experience all the best of the bay.

Highlight services & facilities

  • Private balconies and bathtubs in all types of cabin
  • Kid-friendly jacuzzi pool with large space and stunning bay view

Price from: US $153 /person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • The first 4-star cruise travels to Lan Ha Bay with over 20 years of experience
  • The best budget choice to enjoy high-end quality
  • A sustainable way to support the Blue Dragon Children’s Foundation

Peony Cruise Pool

Kid-friendly pool for safe children playground

 

5. Grand Pioneers - Best brand new yacht

Known as the largest and most luxurious cruise in Halong Bay, Grand Pioneers should be top of mind for affluent travelers, especially families with kids.

Highlight services & facilities

  • Lavish entertainment: swimming pool, 3D golf, poker, kid club, game room, wine cellar, steam/ sauna, fitness room, etc.
  • Stylish Oceania Suite (95m2) offering a 180-degree window view
  • Top-notch Owner’s Suite (150m2 stateroom & 200m2 terrace) with private lounge and pool

Price from: US $209 /person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • The grandest ship (55 cabins) offers a wide range of suites at different budget
  • Favorable choice for all types of tourists seeking a 6-star cruise in Halong Bay
  • One of the very few Halong cruises has a kid’s corner and endless leisure activities for children

Grand Pioneers 3D Golf

The one and only 3D golf course in the bay

 

6. Hermes - Best trending cruise in Halong Bay

As the new 5-star cruise, Hermes Cruise brings a new wind 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 onboard
  • An open kitchen at the boat’s stern
  • Large balconies for all cabins - can set up private dinners

Price from: US $175 /person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • Tourists have 1.5 hours more to experience the bay than traveling with other cruises
  • A special gift set for guests after the cruise includes ceramic cups in seagrass bags

Hermes Cruise Cuisine

Sumptuous culinary experiences

 

7. Ambassador - Best 5-star service

Known for professional hospitality and luxury facilities for years, Ambassador Cruise brings a first-class experience, from crew services to food and beverage.

Highlight services & facilities

  • Unique glass bridge, grand swimming pool to admire breathtaking views
  • 06 spa rooms for the fullest relaxation and wellness services
  • Live jazz music performance at the piano bar every night

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

Why book?

  • Authentic Indian dishes made by masterful Indian chefs
  • Interesting 3D2N cruise route to uncover Ha Long Bay-Cat Ba Archipelago

Ambassador Cruise Pool

Splendid jacuzzi view on the sundeck

 

8. Sena - Best mid-range cruise

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

Highlight services & facilities

  • Spacious cabins (25m2) compared to other 4-star boats in Halong
  • Small library provides an uncluttered reading corner
  • Unique open-air Moonlight restaurant

Price from: US $144 /person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • The best cruise for anyone looking for 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

Sena Cruise Restaurant

State-of-the-art restaurant overwatching pretty bay views

 

9. Capella - Best onboard activities cruise

Different from most cruise ships in Lan Ha and Halong Bay, Capella impresses tourists with its special modern and colonial design, as well as a variety of entertaining facilities.

Highlight services & facilities

  • Panoramic-view jacuzzi pool and interesting waterslide
  • Exciting cigar & poker club, mini golf, and karaoke
  • Bathtubs with glorious ocean views available for all cabins

Price from: US $218/person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • The only Halong Bay cruise that has poker club on board
  • Customized service for the best-value experience, such as private dinner, speed boat
  • Safe pool for children (only 1m depth and a safeguard’s always available)

Capella Cruise Waterslide

Endless fun with waterslide on Capella

 

10. Heritage Binh Chuan - Best luxurious boutique cruise

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

Highlight services & facilities

  • The biggest swimming pool in Halong Bay (32m2)
  • A wine cellar with a wide selection of the finest overseas items
  • Vovinam lesson for morning exercise, unlike other boats offering Tai Chi

Price from: US $196/person for 1-night cruise

Why book?

  • Captivating storytelling about Vietnamese history and culture through an exclusive gallery
  • A delightful fancy "Royal Dinner" with a Vietnamese traditional musical background
  • Great chances to fully discover Lan Ha and Cat Ba Island on 4D3N itinerary

Heritage Binh Chuan Dinner

Enjoy a royal-themed dinner

Before You Go

Hope you are a wise cruiser and travel like a local with these pro tips in Halong Bay. Don’t skip because you might not find these notes anywhere else.

  • Some cruises (e.g.: Paradise Cruises) might charge for offboard activities like kayaking or bamboo boating.
  • Hanoi - Halong transportation, beverages, wine cellar, and spa service are usually excluded from the cruise price.
  • Some 3-day-2-night cruises only set sail on specific days. For instance, Paradise Cruises operates 3-day itineraries on Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Sundays only.
  • The “connecting suite” combines two different staterooms that connect with an adjoining door.
  • US $3 - 5 is the average range of tipping for each crew or service.
  • Bringing 2-pin plug adapters is a must. Also, remember that the electricity power in Vietnam is at 220V / 50Hz.
  • After 17:00 is the best flight time after the cruise. Since the cruise disembarkation time is around 11:30 - 12:00 noon, you will need 2.5 - 3 hours to transfer to Hanoi airport.

All in all, it is important to find a reputable travel agent to book a cruise without scams. With more than 13 years of experience and being consecutively awarded "Travelers' Choice" by TripAdvisor, BestPrice Travel is the most popular name among thousands of travel agencies providing cruise booking services.

To book a cruise, please choose your perfect choice on our list and book online. Or send a request to us, and then our travel consultant will help you book via email.

FAQs

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 the best travel experience, the best time to go to Halong Bay is March - April and October - November, when the weather is cool (20 - 28°C) and dry (less rainfall).

Also, you can choose other months to visit:

  • May - September: Perfect time to get summer deals and flash sales up to 40% OFF
  • January - April: Enjoyable time to take part in Halong festivals and welcome Tet Holiday onboard

To better plan, please check out Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for Perfect Weather & Great Deals

On average, the prices of cruise trips range between US $125 - $300/person for 1 night, US $250 - $550/person for 2 nights, and US $65 - $120/person for a day trip.

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

Please see the price table for 2024 below for your reference:

Trip Type

Low season

High season

Day trip

US$ 65 - 95 US$ 75 - 120

2 days 1 night

US$ 120 - 200 US$ 130 - 300

3 days 2 nights

US$ 220 - 400 US$ 240 - 500

Shuttle bus round trip

US$ 30 - 40 US$ 30 - 40

* The price is per person in USD

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

How long you stay in Halong Bay really depends on your budget and available time.

  • 1 night: On a budget from US $125/pax, you can visit 1 - 2 attractions and join tai chi, cooking class, kayaking, or boat rowing onboard.
  • 2 nights: With US $225/pax or more, you can add on 1 - 2 hidden places to visit 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).

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 further information, let’s check 6 Best Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay

Here are the top places to visit on most of the cruises, varying from islets, caves, and beaches, to fishing villages.

  • Titop Island: A famous viewpoint with a panoramic bay view and stunning beach
  • Sung Sot Cave: An amazing cave to admire gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites
  • Ba Trai Dao Beach: A beautifully pristine beach to enjoy swimming and sunbathing
  • Dark & Bright Cave: Top favorite destination to do kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
  • Thien Canh Son Cave: One of the largest limestone caves in Bai Tu Long
  • Vung Vieng Floating Village: A tranquil village known for its serene beauty and pearl farming

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 Aiport: 50 minutes by car

From Hanoi: 2.5 hours by limousine/ car

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.

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!

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!
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Customer Reviews

Overall Rating

Based on 5753 customer's reviews

9.4
Excellent
Traveler rating
  • 5040
  • 683
  • 22
  • 5
  • 3
9.6
Excellent - Ella-Louise
Canada Canada
Grand Pioneers (Essence Grand) Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 26/07/2024
Worthwhile Experience

The ship is very big and beautiful, the bedrooms are spacious, we went with our family and had a very interesting experience, squid fishing, watching movies, and kayaking was very fun.

The staff was enthusiastic (Ms. Ha was very attentive) we caught a lot of squid last night. A great experience on this ship.

9.4
Excellent - Alicia H
Chile Chile
Indochina Sails 2 Days 1 Night | 26/07/2024
A great option to spend the night in Halong Bay

Visit Halong Bay on Indochina Sails, where we spent one night, which I recommend.
It's a privilege to enjoy the views of the bay, a true wonder of nature, from the balcony of the cabin or the upper terrace of the boat. All the staff was very attentive and friendly and the food offered, both the buffet and the dinner, was very tasty and very well-cooked.

9.3
Excellent - Mr.Srikanth
India India
Phoenix Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 25/07/2024

Ms. Haley, my tour advisor was the best and the trip was amazing. The trip was affordable and good. One of the best trips of my life Haley was very good!

1
2
9.5
Excellent - Adam T
United States United States
Iris Cruise Full Day | 25/07/2024
Exciting experience with Iris Cruise

Satisfied with the tour, but not "really" because I felt it was a bit short because it was only 1 day. The manager was very polite and Tour Guide Cuong was very enthusiastic and cheerful. My 5 stars are for these staff. I would also like to say a good word for everyone's service. When I return to the US I will have one more tour to introduce to my acquaintances.

9.5
Excellent - Purbi Ag
India India
Capella Cruise 2 Days 1 Night | 25/07/2024
Perfect Romantic Getaway

The cruise was great and gorgeous.
The cabin class was the icing on the cake.
The birthday celebration was a surprise.
Lucky in fishing and cooking.
Amazing waterslide and kayaking.
The poker and karaoke rooms were excellent, as did the food.
In short, it is ideal for couples looking for a stress-relieving… More

Pretty View
Kayaking
Food
Drink
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Questions & Answers (348)

Ask a Question
29/05/2024

Hello, we (3 pax) plan to go to Ha long Bay, staying at Hanoi arrive on September 9 and left on September 10, 10:05 PM from Noi Bai. If time permits, can you help arrange day trip to HalongBay and if possible to old quarter and local food?

Reply
1
30/05/2024
@Daniel:

Hi! With your itinerary, we suggest you should do the day cruise on 10th Sept then get directly to the airport from the cruise port. All of our day cruises are available for your travel date. Here are the best options with total price for 3 people:

About an Old Quarter tour with local food, we have 2 best selling options for the night of 9th Sept if you have enough time (with total price for 3 people):

1 Reply
16/05/2024

Hello, I’m trying to book a cruise and would like to take the shuttle bus from Halong to ninh binh. Is this a local bus or a limousine bus? And can we get dropped off at our hotel in trang an? Thank you

Reply
1
16/05/2024
@Morgan:

Hi! The shuttle bus is only from $20/person from Halong to Ninh Binh and it's Fuso Limousine Bus. We can drop you off at your hotel in Trang An.

1 Reply
08/04/2024

Hi, I would like to inquire about Halong Bay cruise for 15/04/2024. Which cruise was available for that date? We have 8 people. We want to used around USD 400 per room.

Reply
1
09/04/2024
@Sophia:

Hi! For your request, pls consider our best options below:

1 Reply
28/03/2024

Hello, we would like to take a 2 day 1 night cruise in HaLong Bay that includes a visit to Ti Top Island. We're a family of 3, including 12 yo. Are there any cruises that could accommodate all of us in the same room? Which cruises could you recommend that include a cooking class, squid fishing, Tai Chi etc.? Thank you!

Reply
1
30/03/2024
@Nancy:

Hi! For your request, you can consider below options:

Usually, most of cruises have cooking class, Tai Chi, and squid fishing. Pls note that the squid season is summer so if you want to enjoy that, you should book the cruise on the right time.

1 Reply
21/03/2024

Hi! I will be doing a cruise in Halong Bay starting April 10. I want to do the Pradise Elegance Cruise 3 days 2 nights and it seems like I can make the reservation for april 10, but it is also written that it only leaves on tuesdays or thursdays so is April 10 reallly available for departure?

Reply
1
22/03/2024
@Max:

Hi, the 3 days program only run for Tue, Thus so you can take 9 or 11 Apr.

1 Reply

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