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All Top Halong Bay Cruises

One Day Halong Bay Trips
Perfect day trips for those who don't have a lot of time

4.9 (15)
|
12 hrs
|Up to 80 guests
Everything perfect. good food, clean cruise.
5.0 (3)
|
12 hrs
|Up to 15 guests
Nice and diverse buffet lunch
4.8 (105)
|
13 hrs
|Up to 99 guests
Amazing tours Thnh was a great guide
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2D1N Halong Bay Cruises
Overnight trips to fully take in Halong Bay and enjoy staying in a beautiful cabin

4.8 (105)
|
2D1N
|Up to 14 guests
Not too touristy and a good mix of activities
4.5 (13)
|
2D1N
|Up to 46 guests
No shortage of good food and you will Not go hungry!
4.7 (51)
|
2D1N
|Up to 8 guests
Nice to be kept in small groupes of 20people
5.0 (68)
|
2D1N
|Up to 42 guests
Tiger was an amazing guide for my 2 days 1 night
4.7 (61)
|
2D1N
|Up to 64 guests
Excellent communication and attentive staff highly recommended
4.8 (105)
|
2D1N
|Up to 13 guests
only 5 cabins so it was a small and intimate experience
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What other guests say
4.8
|
635 reviews
We booked the trip from Hanoi, and sunlight cruise and our guide Jack were great! The pickup from Hanoi was communicated clearly through WhatsApp and transit was easy right up to our departure from Ben Beo harbour. The room and bed were comfortable, with AC and a fan and the shower was great for refreshing after the activities. The meals were tasty with many dish options and the spring roll making was great fun. The staff were attentive and cocktails tasty to enjoy on the sun deck with sunset. The highlight was Jack - full of passion, funny and always offering insights into Vietnamese life. We enjoyed the Cat Ba cycling tour, kayak exploring and jumping into the sea from the boat. It was a great group size, compared to some of the large boats options. We had between 14-16 people depending who joined on longer cruises for activities. It meant we could get to know the group better, meet some great fellow travellers and have more conversations with Jack. We definitely recommend this tour for what felt like a less busy and touristy route to explore the island and bay! There was karaoke in the evening which would’ve been fun, but depends on the groups vibe if more chilled or up for it!
Ella
Very organised and efficient. Spectacular scenery
Sue
Great trip with efficient and knowledgeable guides. Ninh Binh was great, even though it’s crammed with tourists and you feel you’re being processed through a machine. The experience is so amazing it more than compensates for this. The Halong Bay cruise was also amazing, but this is what takes the rating from five to four stars. The boat was great, the experience totally amazing, but we were disappointed the sailing was only back and forth same route the same day giving a reduced possibility to experience the bay. We were picked up onshore by a shuttle boat, boarded the ship in a bay near Cat Ba island, sailed one quarter around it to the kayaking, sailed back the same route to the same place we were boarding, and stayed there for the night. Other cruise providers did not do that, but stayed the night a different place.
Torstein

Top Halong Bay Cruises FAQs

Is Halong Bay a tourist trap?

Halong Bay can feel touristy and crowded, especially with many boats following the same route. However, it is still one of the most beautiful places in Vietnam and on most travellers’ bucket lists. So come expecting crowds, and try not to let them get you down because it is still a gorgeous natural wonder!

The key to avoiding a tourist-trap experience is choosing the right cruise and route—opt for smaller boats, fewer crowds, and alternative routes like Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay.



How to avoid the crowds at Halong Bay?

Halong Bay will always have crowds, but there’s a big difference between a packed tourist trap that ruins the experience and a lively atmosphere that’s still enjoyable.

To avoid the worst of the crowds while still making the most of the bay, here are some tips:

  1. Choose Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay instead of Halong Bay. They offer the same landscapes with fewer tourists.
  2. Pick a small cruise (20-30 pax) instead of a large one (50-60 pax).
  3. Go during the off-peak season (March-May or September-October).
  4. Book a longer itinerary (3D2N) to visit the quieter, less-touristed areas.


What is the best time to visit Halong Bay?

The best time to visit Halong Bay is from March to May, when the weather is pleasant, off-peak, and ideal for activities like kayaking and swimming. 

November to February is peak season, offering cool weather and misty views. But it is super crowded then! Book your cruise early. 

Avoid June to August, as these are the rainiest months. Most of Halong cruises have a lot of outdoor activities so it won’t be very much fun to visit when it rains. 

Can I visit Halong Bay during Tet holidays?

The majority of one day and overnight cruises continue to operate during Tet Holidays however they do increase their rates as staff that work during those days are required to be paid extra. There may be some cruises that may close for two or three days during the Tet holidays. 

However note that if you’re in Hanoi over Tet, your food choices will be very much reduced as many shops and restaurants will be closed for the week of Tet.

How many days should I spend on a Halong Bay cruise?

We recommend the 3D2N cruise, as many guests find 1-2 days too rushed. Since Halong Bay is best enjoyed at a slow pace—soaking in the scenery and relaxing on the boat rather than rushing through activities—3D2N gives you the time to truly experience it.

  • Day trip – A quick option if you're short on time, but it only gives you around 5 hours on the water, meaning limited sights and little time to relax.
  • 2D1N cruise – The most popular choice, though the itinerary is often packed with activities. You effectively only get less than 24 hours on the boat because you need to check out in the morning on the 2nd day. 
  • 3D2N cruise – The best option for a more relaxed experience, with time to explore quieter bays and fully enjoy the cruise amenities.

If you have the time, 3D2N is the way to go!


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