Top Halong Bay Cruises

We thought a lot about whether Halong Bay belongs on Seek Sophie, and how to make it different from the usual cookie-cutter cruises.

We don’t just list any Halong boats. We check them in person and vet them for safety and good itineraries. And because we’re allergic to tourist traps, we look for cruises that do something different - whether that’s ocean clean-ups, free massages or routes that go to quieter areas with fewer boats. So if you're doing Halong, these are the best ways to do it!

Halong Bay cruises all offer very similar itineraries, so it's super hard to compare! And honestly, the activities can feel crowded and underwhelming. The best part of being at Halong Bay is simply relaxing onboard and enjoying the views, so choose the nicest boat your budget allows.

Skip day trips (basically overcrowded tourist hell), and avoid 2D1N if possible as you’ll spend less than 24 hours onboard. We’d go for 3D2N, or even 4D3N, and definitely go for the nicest cruise you can.

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.

Some tips:

• Choose Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay instead of Halong Bay. It's the same landscapes with fewer tourists.
• Go on weekdays: On weekdays in non-peak season, boats can be half empty.
• Go during the off-peak season: March-June or September-October.
• Book a longer itinerary: 3D2N and 4D3N are much nicer than 2D1N trips

• Best: March-May is ideal with fewer crowds + cool weather (some fog).
• Crowded but nice: Oct-Dec is best for photos, but super crowded.
• Avoid: Skip summer's heat & rain (Jun-Aug) + local holidays (30 Apr, 1 May).

We’d recommend 3-4 days on a Halong cruise if you can.

You can do Halong Bay as a day trip, but the 3–4 hour drive from Hanoi (each way!) means you’ll only have about 4 hours on the water, and most day trips are super touristy so we don't recommend it.

2D1N cruises are better but this gives you less than 24 hours on the cruise, and most travellers feel it's too rushed. We would highly recommend 3D2N or 4D3N as this gives you proper time to enjoy Halong Bay.