Top Halong Bay Cruises

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.

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. 

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.

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!

All three bays are part of the UNESCO-listed Halong Bay area and feature the same dramatic limestone karst landscapes. However, they each offer a different experience:

Halong Bay:

• The most famous and developed, with many luxury cruises - so you get the most 5-star cruise options here! 
• Most popular attractions: Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island.
• Downside: Very busy, especially with large tour groups.

Lan Ha Bay:

• Located south of Halong Bay, but still within the UNESCO zone.
• Fewer boats and more secluded beaches.
• Best for adventure lovers (rock climbing, cycling on Cat Ba island, bioluminescent kayaking).

Bai Tu Long Bay:

• Located east of Halong Bay, also within the UNESCO zone.
• The quietest and least touristy bay, ideal for nature lovers.
• Fewer luxury cruise options, but great for a peaceful retreat.

TLDR:

If you prefer luxury and famous sights, choose Halong Bay.

If you want fewer crowds and adventure, go for Lan Ha Bay.

If you’re looking for seclusion and nature, Bai Tu Long Bay is best.

Halong Bay can feel touristy, but we wouldn’t call it a tourist trap. The usual routes do get crowded because many boats follow the same itinerary. But the scenery here is beautiful, and there are ways to avoid the worst of the crowds, so it’s still worth visiting.

The key is picking the right cruise. Go for smaller cruises so it feels less like a mass-market cruise, and choose cruises that explore Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay, which usually have fewer boats but the same beautiful karst scenery.

It’s also good to set expectations. Halong Bay isn’t a hidden gem, and it’s not the most heartfelt travel experience. But there are still lovely moments - like sampans quietly paddling up to boats to sell fruit or snacks - and when you’re sailing among those 500m year-old karsts, it can feel pretty magical.

Included

✔ Accommodation

✔ Meals (usually full board)

✔ Activities (kayaking, cave visits, Tai Chi, squid fishing)

✔ Transfers from Hanoi (sometimes optional)

Excluded

✘ Alcohol and drinks

✘ Tips for the crew

✘ Optional activities (massages, premium excursions)

Yes, English-speaking guides are available on most Halong Bay cruises. They're normally what cruise guests rave about as being the highlight of their trip! These knowledgeable guides provide valuable information about the attractions, cultural significance, and history of Halong Bay.

Most cruises follow this schedule:

• Day 1: Depart from Hanoi, check in, lunch on board, cave visits, kayaking, sunset drinks.
• Day 2: Tai Chi in the morning, more island stops or floating village visits, return to port.

(For 3D2N): Additional day for more secluded spots like Bai Tu Long or Lan Ha Bay.

Most Halong Bay cruises offer very similar itineraries, with differences based on which bay you’re visiting (for eg cycling on Cat Ba Island is only available for the cruises that take the Lan Ha Bay route). These are some activities you can expect on most of the cruises 

• Kayaking
• Swimming (Lan Ha Bay & Bai Tu Long Bay are best)
• Hiking (Ti Top Island - only for the Halong Bay route) 
• Cave exploration (Sung Sot, Thien Canh Son)
• Squid fishing at night
• Tai Chi & cooking classes on deck
• Cycling on Cat Ba Island (only for the Lan Ha Bay route) 
• Floating village visit
• Pearl Farm visit

Yes, but Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay have cleaner waters and fewer crowds, making them the best spots for swimming.

Cabins vary from basic to luxury:

• Budget (3-star): Compact, with shared or private bathrooms.
• Mid-range (4-star): Comfortable cabins with ensuite bathrooms.
• Luxury (5-star): Private balconies, large windows, and jacuzzis.

Yes, but mainly on mid-range and luxury cruises. Many of the cruises will offer balconies on the higher-end rooms, but not all rooms. So look out in the description!

Yes, most cruises offer full-board meals. Drinks are usually charged separately.

Yes, but WiFi is slow and patchy. Air conditioning is standard.

Yes, but drinks are usually not included in the cruise price.

Yes, but inform your cruise in advance. Do be mindful that a vegetarian diet is still not very common in Vietnam, so alternatives may not be as delicious as the regular options. You can expect vegetarian spring rolls, braised tofu dishes and vegetable broth noodles and other soups.  

Yes! Luxury cruises offer honeymoon suites, private dinners, and romantic setups like flower on your bed. If you need a romantic set up, just let your cruise know in advance!

Yes, many companies offer private charters.

Prices include all food, activities and accommodation for the duration of the cruise.

Day cruise: US$50-$100 per person 

2D1N cruise

• 2D1N budget (3-star): US $120-$180 per person (based on a 2-person room) 
• 2D1N mid-range (4-star): US$180-$250 per person (based on a 2-person room) 
• 2D1N luxury (5-star): US$250-$600+ per room (based on a 2-person room) 

3D2N cruise 

• 3D2N mid range (4-star): US$250-300 per person (based on a 2-person room) 
• 3D2N luxury (5-star): US$400 - 800 per person (based on a 2-person room) 

Tipping is not mandatory but is greatly appreciated as part of the hospitality culture in Vietnam. A general guideline is $5-$10 per day per guest for the cruise staff. If you’re happy with the service, a small tip goes a long way in supporting the crew.

For sampan boat rowers who take you to caves or floating villages, it's customary to tip around 50,000 VND per person (~US $2), as they are more reliant on tips for their livelihood. However, tipping is always at your discretion!

Yes, all reputable cruises follow safety regulations. More and more of the boats on Halong Bay are newly built and conform to modern safety requirements.  They will have life jackets onboard for all customers as well as inflatable or dinghy boats. 

Halong Bay used to have a huge waste problem, but since 2019, single-use plastics have been banned in the area. Thanks to conservation efforts, most parts of the bay now have much cleaner waters. However, during stormy seasons or after typhoons, some debris may wash into the bay. Choosing an eco-conscious cruise helps support clean-up initiatives!

Halong Bay cruises have eliminated single-use plastics and most do take steps to keep the bay clean, but other sustainable actions are not widespread for e.g. very few currently use green fuels. That said, some cruises are more sustainable than others. 

Look for cruises that:

✔ Avoid plastic waste – Use refillable bottles and biodegradable packaging.

✔ Use sustainable energy – Hybrid engines, solar power, or waste treatment systems.

✔ Limit overcrowding – Small-group cruises with fewer boats at each stop.

✔ Respect local communities – Support authentic cultural experiences without exploiting local traditions.

✔Participate in trash pick up - some cruises involve their whole team to pick up trash from the bay. Some even have their customers help.

Yes, all the cruises offer shuttle or private transfers from Hanoi’s Old Quarter (some are included in the price and others will be an add-on price). 

Halong Bay is around 150 km (93 miles) from Hanoi. All the cruises will provide transport from your hotel in Hanoi Old Quarter. However note that budget cruises often take the slower route which isn’t great if you’re only doing a 1 day Halong Cruise since the travel eats into a lot of your cruise time! If you want to get to Halong Bay quickly, make sure your cruise offers the expressway route.

There are two main routes to get from Hanoi-Halong:

1.Expressway route (Fastest – 2 to 2.5 hours)

• Uses the Hanoi-Hai Phong Expressway, a modern highway, with a rest stop along the way. 
• Takes only 2-2.5 hours from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
• Most mid-range and luxury cruises use this route.

2.Slower route (Cheaper – 3.5 to 4 hours)

• Uses the old highway with a rest stop along the way.
• Takes 3.5-4 hours from Hanoi.
• Many budget cruises use this route and may include a stop at tourist-trap souvenir shops to encourage spending.

If your cruise is cancelled due to bad weather, you’ll receive a full refund or have the option to reschedule. Cancellations are rare but are more likely during typhoon season (July–August). On average, severe weather causes cancellations only once to three times a year, typically lasting two to three days at a time.

Yes! Some cruises offer eco-tours where guests can kayak and collect floating waste. If your cruise doesn’t include this, you can still help by bringing back any trash you see. Every little bit helps in keeping the bay clean!

They do all look pretty same-y after a while! All the itineraries look similar, and the images look pretty computer generated. That said, there are differences between them and if you want a slightly less touristy experience, you can get it. 

Here are the key factors to consider:

1.Size of the boat:

• Smaller boats (20-30 pax): Offer a more intimate and peaceful experience.
• Larger boats (50-60 pax): More social but can feel crowded.

2.Route taken:

• Halong Bay: The most famous route, but also the busiest. Ideal if you want a luxury experience or must-see attractions like Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island.
• Lan Ha Bay: A quieter alternative south of Halong Bay, with stunning scenery, fewer boats, and more adventure activities (e.g., rock climbing, bioluminescent kayaking).
• Bai Tu Long Bay: The most peaceful option, further east of Halong Bay, with fewer tourists and untouched nature. Best for a tranquil retreat.

3.Trip duration:

• Day cruise (4-6 hours): Best for those short on time, but can feel rushed.
• 2D1N (overnight cruise): Most popular, packed with activities. But not much time to enjoy.
• 3D2N (2-night cruise): The best choice if you want more time to explore and relax, as you’ll reach the quieter, less touristy areas. We’d recommend this! 

4.Budget & comfort level:

• Budget (3-star cruises): Basic but clean rooms, fewer amenities, may take a slower route with stops at tourist shops.
• Mid-range (4-star cruises): Larger cabins, private balconies, better food, and a more comfortable experience.
• Luxury (5-star cruises): High-end services, gourmet dining, jacuzzis, and even butlers. Some luxury cruises offer exclusive routes or private piers to avoid crowds.

Think of Halong cruises as floating hotels. The stars do roughly correlate to what you would expect for a similarly starred hotel.

Budget Cruises (3-star)

• Simple but clean cabins, usually no private balcony.
• Basic meals, fewer activity options.
• The shuttlebus may take the slower route from Hanoi with a stop at tourist-trap shops.

Mid-Range Cruises (4-star)

• More spacious rooms, often with private balconies.
• Better food, more comfortable common areas.
• Includes a mix of classic sightseeing and some off-the-beaten-path activities.

Luxury Cruises (5-star)

• High-end accommodations, often with floor-to-ceiling windows, jacuzzis, and spa services.
• Fine dining, premium service, and exclusive activities.
• May include private piers, smaller group excursions, and customized itineraries.

Yes, Halong Bay cruises are suitable for all ages - from infants to elderly parents!

Many cruise operators offer family-friendly activities and amenities, ensuring an enjoyable experience for all age groups. Kids can engage in kayaking, swimming, and exploring caves. Some cruises will even have kids playrooms!

Elderly parents can do tai chi, cooking or indulge in the on-board spa, and you can generally be as chill or active as you wish.

For the best selection, you should definitely book at least 1-2 months in advance, especially during peak season (Nov & Dec, Mar & Apr), when they book out fast.