What’s the difference between Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay?

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.

How do I choose the best Halong Bay cruise?

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.

What is the difference between budget, mid-range, and luxury cruises?

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.

Are there family-friendly cruises available?

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.

How far in advance should I book a Halong Bay cruise?

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.

What It's Really Like To Spend 2 Days on a Luxury Halong Bay Cruise

Spoiler: it's worth it!

by Jia Lin

Last updated: 11 Feb 2026 - 3 min read

Halong Bay is on everyone's Vietnam bucket-list, and we think the best way to experience it is on a luxury cruise. But is it really worth it? We went on a 2D1N Seek Sophie luxury Halong Bay Cruise (we chose one of the fancier options out there), and here’s what two days on board actually feels like. Spoiler: totally worth it!

What the 2D1N Itinerary Looks Like

Day 1: You’ll be picked up from your hotel in Hanoi’s Old Quarter in the morning, check into the cruise at 1 PM, and enjoy lunch on board. Spend the afternoon kayaking around the bay or swimming in the pool, then settle in for dinner and other activities like a cooking demo, live music, or squid fishing.
Day 2: Early risers can catch the sunrise and do morning Tai Chi exercise, followed by a breakfast buffet. Explore the caves by a local rowboat before checking out by 9:30 AM and returning to Hanoi’s Old Quarter around 2 PM.

Pro Tip: A 2D1N cruise sounds long, but in reality, you'll only get one full day in the Bay! And after doing a 2D1N Halong Bay Cruise for ourselves, we highly recommend doing a longer 3D2N Halong Bay Cruise instead because it gives you more time to slow down, relax on the cruise, and soak in Halong Bay without feeling rushed.

Spacious Cabins & Bathrooms

A luxury Halong Bay cruise is basically a five-star hotel on the water. The cabins are huge, with private ocean-view balconies and spacious ensuite bathrooms with bathtubs. We loved soaking in the tub while watching the limestone cliffs drift by!

Fine Dining Meals

If you're a foodie, you’re in for a treat! Meals on a luxury Halong Bay cruise feel like proper fine dining. We enjoyed a three-course lunch and an eight-course dinner that was absolutely delicious - think beef, lobster, and oysters. On some luxury cruises, menus are even curated by Michelin-starred chefs from Hanoi!

Activities & Luxury Amenities

The activities on most Halong Bay cruises are pretty standard - kayaking around the bay, rowing through caves, visiting fishing villages and sometimes a short hike. But what really sets luxury cruises apart are the amenities: spacious decks, a spa, well-equipped gym, mini golf area, wine cellar, and our favourite part - the huge, gorgeous pool.

We’ve noticed that wellness is becoming a bigger focus on luxury Halong Bay cruises. Some cruises even make it a highlight, like this luxury cruise that offers free wellness treatments including a herbal foot ritual and walking meditation in a cave.

Top-Notch Service

You can expect service on a luxury Halong Bay cruise to be top-notch. We even had a personalised butler assigned to our group who remembered all our names and checked in on us regularly. We felt genuinely taken care of, and we’d rate it six stars if we could.

To take it one level up, some luxury cruises (like this one we went on) have their own dedicated harbour. Instead of going through the busy Tuan Chau terminal that everyone goes to, we were taken to a private lounge and boarded from an exclusive dock. Even the speedboat transfer to the main cruise felt premium - it was brand new and super stable.

Seek Sophie Halong Bay Cruise

If you're planning a trip to Halong Bay, check out all our Top Halong Bay Cruises and our Ultimate Guide!

About the author

Jia Lin

I love being out in nature - hiking, observing wildlife, and petting alllll the street dogs and cats ❤️

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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:

Choose Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay instead of Halong Bay. They offer the same landscapes with fewer tourists.
Pick a small cruise (20-30 pax) instead of a large one (50-60 pax).
Go during the off-peak season (March-May or September-October).
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!