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Da Lat
Hoi An
Da Nang
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Vung Tau
Thai Nguyen
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Ha Long Bay sprawls across Vietnam’s northern Gulf of Tonkin, a maze of 1,969 limestone islands rising from jade-green waters. Mist clings to the karsts most mornings. Traditional junk boats with red sails glide past floating villages.
Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site since 1994, this natural wonder in Quang Ninh Province pulls in over 6 million visitors yearly. Its name—meaning “descending dragon”—nods to a legend of mythical beasts shaping the bay to protect Vietnam. For travelers, HaLong Bay cruises offer the best way to experience it: up close, on the water, with the salty air in their lungs.
This guide spotlights seven standout HaLong Bay cruises. They range from lavish five-star boats to budget-friendly day trips. Each one promises a unique angle—whether it’s kayaking through sea caves, dining on fresh squid, or watching sunrise from a sundeck. These picks suit different travelers: couples craving romance, families after fun, or solo adventurers on a shoestring. Read our guide for the Best things to do in Halong Bay (included tours)
Quick Highlights for Skimmers:
- Why Visit: UNESCO-listed Ha Long Bay features 1,969 karsts, caves like Sung Sot, and villages like Cua Van.
- Indochina Sails (luxury)
- Bhaya Classic (culture)
- Paradise Grand (elegance)
- V’Spirit (budget adventure)
- Pelican (eco-focus)
- La Regina Royal (romance)
- Peony Cruises (middle-range day trips).
- What’s Included: Kayaking at Luon Cave, tai chi on Titop Island, seafood feasts, cave tours.
- Best For: Honeymooners, families, backpackers, eco-travelers—options for all.
- Tips: Visit October-December for clear skies; bring cash (VND) for tips, swimsuits for kayaking.
- Next Step: Scroll down, pick a cruise, and book a Vietnam adventure today.
HaLong Bay cruises reveal a side of Vietnam no land trip can match. Let’s explore the seven best ways to sail through this iconic bay.
Why Choose a HaLong Bay Cruise?
Ha Long Bay covers 1,553 square kilometers, a vast playground of limestone peaks and hidden lagoons. From shore, it’s a distant postcard. On a cruise, it’s alive. Boats weave through channels near Dau Go Island or anchor by Ba Ham Lake, spots unreachable by foot. Travelers hear waves slap against the hull. They smell fish grilling in floating villages like Vung Vieng.
Cruises vary in flavor. Luxury boats like Paradise offer hot tubs and wine lists. Budget options like Swan stick to the basics—wooden decks, simple cabins—but still deliver the bay’s raw beauty. Most include kayaking; paddle into Luon Cave, where limestone arches frame the sky. Others add squid fishing at night—hooks drop into inky water, lanterns glowing.
The bay’s scale demands a boat. Over 1,600 islands dot the water, many unnamed. A cruise might pass Trong Mai Islet, two rocks shaped like kissing chickens, or Dinh Huong, a lone urn-like stone on Vietnam’s 200,000 VND note. It’s a Vietnam cruise adventure that blends nature and culture. Check this guide for more on Ha Long’s wild landscapes.
[ai_travel_button text=”Plan your own trip & find tours here”]7 Epic HaLong Bay Cruises for Every Traveler
1. Indochina Sails
Indochina Sails sets the gold standard for luxury Vietnam cruises. Since its debut in 1993, this fleet of three wooden junk boats—Indochina Sails, Valentine, and Premium Valentine—has earned a loyal following. Each vessel carries 14-24 cabins, sized 14-20 square meters.
Teak floors gleam under soft lighting. Private balconies frame karst views. Bathrooms impress with rain showers; Deluxe Suites add deep soaking tubs. Beds—king or twin—come with crisp white linens and plush pillows. One guest on TripAdvisor gushed, “It’s like sleeping in a five-star hotel that floats.”
The two-day, one-night itinerary starts at Tuan Chau Marina, 10 kilometers from Ha Long City. Check-in opens at 11:30 AM; the boat departs at 12:30 PM sharp. Day one sails past Bo Hon Island, where limestone cliffs tower 100 meters high.
The first stop is Sung Sot Cave, or “Surprise Cave,” on Bo Hon’s northern flank. A steep 50-step climb leads to its entrance, 25 meters above sea level. Inside, three chambers unfold—stalactites drip like chandeliers, some shaped like elephants or Buddhas. Guides point out a heart-shaped rock near the exit; it’s a photo must.
Kayaking follows nearby. Paddle through Luon Cave’s 60-meter tunnel to a lagoon ringed by cliffs. Monkeys rustle in the trees above—bring binoculars. Back onboard, lunch hits the table at 2 PM: steamed prawns, crab with tamarind sauce, and mango sticky rice.
The afternoon drifts past Ga Choi Islet—those “kissing chickens”—before anchoring near Titop Island. Dinner at 7 PM ups the ante—grilled snapper, beef in red wine sauce, and creme caramel. Reviewers raved, “The food alone was worth the price.” After, sip wine ($8 a glass) on the sundeck as stars prick the sky.
Day two starts early. Tai chi at 6:30 AM on deck faces Titop’s 220-meter peak—perfect as the sun crests the horizon. Breakfast rolls out at 7:30 AM: pho, omelets, and fresh papaya. The boat cruises back, docking by 10:30 AM.
Prices start at $180 per person (twin-share), peaking at $250 for suites. Couples adore the romance—small boats, big views. Staff speak solid English; tips run 50,000-100,000 VND ($2-4) per day.
For a lavish HaLong Bay cruise, Indochina Sails shines. Book early—peak season (October-December) sells out months ahead. Check availability now for a taste of luxury on the water.
2. Bhaya Classic
Bhaya Classic bridges Vietnamese heritage and modern comfort. Launched in 2007, its seven-boat fleet splits into Bhaya Classic (15-20 cabins) and Bhaya Legend (3-7 cabins).
Renovated in 2023, the boats sport dark wood paneling, red silk lanterns, and open decks. Cabins average 12 square meters—compact but smartly laid out. Big windows catch the bay’s glow. AC hums quietly; bathrooms deliver hot showers. Guests noted, “Cozy, not cramped—perfect for two nights.”
The two-day, one-night trip departs Tuan Chau at 12:30 PM. Check-in starts at 11:45 AM; bring passports. Day one heads to Titop Island, named for Soviet cosmonaut Gherman Titov, who visited in 1962. A 400-step climb—steep but doable—leads to a viewpoint.
Karsts stretch endlessly below; travelers called it “a postcard in 360 degrees.” Back onboard, lunch at 2 PM offers pork pho, spring rolls, and grilled squid—fresh, not frozen, per reviews.
Afternoon cruising passes Trong Mai Islet before anchoring near Vung Vieng Village. Guests board bamboo boats ($2 per person) rowed by locals in conical hats. The village’s 50 homes float on pontoons; kids paddle to school. At 6 PM, a cooking demo teaches cha muc—squid patties.
Dinner follows: cha muc, chicken curry, and banana cake. Nighttime brings squid fishing off the stern. Drop a line with a green bulb—catches average two per guest.
Day two kicks off with tai chi at 6:45 AM. The deck faces east; the bay’s calm mirrors each stretch. Breakfast at 7:30 AM piles on bacon, croissants, and dragon fruit. The return hits Tuan Chau by 10:45 AM.
Prices range $200-$300 per person—mid-tier but packed with value. Families love the mix—kids fish, adults unwind. English-speaking guides keep it smooth.
It’s a cultural cruise Vietnam travelers cherish. For more on local life, see this . Bhaya Classic blends tradition with ease—book it for a taste of both.
3. Paradise Grand Cruise
Paradise Grand Cruise turns HaLong Bay cruises into art. Launched in 2008, its four steel-hulled boats—Paradise Grand Cruise I-IV—carry 31 cabins each. Rooms span 20 square meters, with king beds, marble bathrooms, and private balconies.
Floor-to-ceiling windows frame the karsts. The sundeck boasts a hot tub—rare for the bay—and cushioned loungers.
The two-night, three-day trip departs Tuan Chau at 12 PM. Check-in opens at 11 AM; staff offer iced tea. Day one sails to Cua Van Floating Village, 20 kilometers southeast. Around 300 homes float here—wooden, painted red or blue.
Locals row bamboo boats; a 20-minute ride costs 50,000 VND ($2). Kids wave; fish farms bob nearby. Lunch at 1:30 PM brings steamed fish with lemongrass, pork ribs, and coconut pudding.
Day two explores Lan Ha Bay, south of Ha Long. Less crowded, its 400 islands feel wilder. Kayak to Van Boi Beach—a 200-meter sandy strip with warm, shallow water. Swim or paddle; jellyfish are rare but check with guides.
Back onboard, the spa beckons—60-minute massages cost $30, booked at reception. Dinner at 7 PM goes upscale: lobster tail ($15 extra), beef tenderloin, and passionfruit mousse. Happy hour (5-7 PM) offers $6 cocktails; the mojitos get high marks.
Day three starts with yoga at 6:30 AM on the sundeck. Breakfast at 7:30 AM piles on eggs benedict, pastries, and guava juice. The boat docks by 10 AM. Prices start at $300 per person, hitting $350 for suites. Honeymooners rave about the vibe—quiet, polished, romantic. Staff fluency in English and French impresses.
For luxury Vietnam cruises, Paradise Luxury leads. It’s pricey but flawless—perfect for travelers who want the best of HaLong Bay cruises.
4. V’Spirit Cruises
V’Spirit Cruises keeps it raw and real. Launched in 2012, its three wooden boats—V’Spirit Classic, V’Spirit Premier, and Smart—range 7-12 cabins. Rooms (12-15 square meters) have fans, and wooden shutters. Bathrooms are shared on Classic; Premier adds private ones with hot showers.
The one-night trip leaves Tuan Chau at 12:30 PM. Check-in starts at 11:30 AM; staff hand out water. Day one heads to Dark and Bright Cave near Cat Ba. Kayaks (two per boat) paddle through a 100-meter tunnel—low ceilings, dripping walls. The lagoon beyond glows green; cliffs soar 50 meters. Lunch at 2 PM serves pork cha lua, rice, and stir-fried morning glory—simple, filling.
Afternoon cruising hits Ba Trai Dao Beach, a crescent off Lan Ha Bay. Swim for 45 minutes; the water’s 26°C in fall. Back onboard, squid fishing starts at 8 PM. Lanterns light the water; one traveler caught three squid in 20 minutes—staff cook them on request.
Dinner at 7 PM offers chicken noodle soup and pineapple slices. Day two brings tai chi at 6:30 AM near Cong Do Island, then breakfast—bread, jam, and coffee. Dock by 10:30 AM.
Prices start at $150 per person—cheapest overnight option around. Adventurers and budget travelers love it. English guides are young, chatty. For budget Ha Long cruises, V’Spirit packs a punch—book it for a Vietnam cruise adventure that won’t break the bank.
5. Pelican Cruises
Pelican Cruises, launched in 2012, goes green without preaching. Its three boats—Pelican Classic, Luxury, and Premium—carry 17 cabins each. Rooms (18 square meters) feature AC, hardwood floors, and sea-view windows. Solar panels power lights; plastic bottles get swapped for reusable ones. The sundeck stretches wide—loungers face the karsts.
The two-day trip departs Tuan Chau at noon. Check-in opens at 11 AM; staff offer lime juice. Day one sails to Cat Ba Island, 20 kilometers south. Dock at Gia Luan Port, then bike through the national park ($5 rental, 2 hours).
Trails wind past gibbon calls and limestone cliffs—helmets included. Alternatively, swim at Tra Bau Beach—500 meters of sand, no crowds. Kayaking follows at Ba Ham Lake, three lagoons linked by caves. Paddle 30 minutes; bats flutter overhead.
Lunch at 1:30 PM brings grilled squid, veggie spring rolls, and jackfruit salad—light, fresh, per reviews. Day two hits Sung Sot Cave at 8 AM—100 steps up, three chambers inside.
A beach cleanup follows near Soi Sim Island; Pelican provides gloves and bags. Breakfast at 7 AM offers pancakes, yogurt, and mango. Dock by 10:30 AM. Prices start at $150 per person—mid-range with eco cred.
Nature buffs and eco-travelers rate it tops. Guides speak English and Spanish. For eco-friendly Vietnam cruises, Pelican delivers.
Top Cruise Tours in Ha Long Bay
6. La Regina Royal
La Regina Royal, launched in 2019, oozes colonial charm. Its single 20-cabin boat (18-25 square meters) boasts teak decks, brass railings, and cream curtains. Balconies come standard—chairs included. Suites add bathtubs and 30-square-meter layouts. One couple wrote, “Elegant but cozy—felt like royalty.”
The two-night trip leaves Tuan Chau at 12:30 PM. Check-in starts at 11:30 AM; welcome drinks are lemongrass tea. Day one explores Lan Ha Bay, 15 kilometers south. Kayak to Tra Bau Beach—clear water, soft sand. Swim for an hour; lifeguards watch.
Afternoon cruising passes Ba Trai Dao Islet—three peaks like peaches. Happy hour (5-7 PM) offers $5 mojitos; sunset glows orange. Dinner at 7 PM serves crab soup, grilled shrimp, and caramel flan— guests called it “a flavor bomb.”
Day two visits Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba. Rent bikes ($3, 1 hour) to pedal past rice paddies and wooden homes—oxen graze nearby. Kayak again or relax onboard; the library has English books. Breakfast at 7:30 AM piles on eggs, croissants, and papaya. Dock by 10 AM. Prices start at $200 per person—premium but intimate.
Romantics and small groups love the quiet luxury. Staff fluency in English shines. For romantic Vietnam cruises, La Regina Royal is a gem among HaLong Bay cruises—book it for a regal escape.
7. Peony Cruises
Peony Cruises blooms as a standout for travelers seeking value without skimping on experience. Launched in 2018 by Paradise Group, this fleet of two steel-hulled boats—Peony 1 and Peony 2—features 20 cabins each, ranging 18-22 square meters. Rooms are snug but smart: wooden floors, big windows with bay views, and AC that hums reliably.
Bathrooms offer hot showers; higher-tier cabins add bathtubs. The sundeck sprawls with loungers and a bar—perfect for sunset gazing.
The one-day trip departs Tuan Chau Marina at 8 AM, returning by 4 PM. Check-in opens at 7:30 AM; staff greet with iced tea. The boat cuts through Ha Long Bay’s heart, first stopping at Sung Sot Cave. A 100-step climb reveals its three chambers—stalactites gleam like chandeliers, some resembling dragons or monks.
Guides highlight a phallic rock near the exit; it’s a quirky photo op. Back onboard, lunch hits at noon: rice, grilled chicken with lemongrass, and stir-fried water spinach—humble but hearty, per Trip.com feedback.
Next, kayaking at Luon Cave. Paddle through a 50-meter arch—limestone drips overhead, ducks bob nearby. The lagoon beyond feels secret; cliffs rise 30 meters. Afternoon cruising swings by Trong Mai Islet—those “kissing chickens”—and a floating market near Hang Ca.
Locals hawk fish (100,000 VND/$4 per kilo) and pearl strings ($10) from wooden boats. The boat loops back, docking by 4 PM. For overnight seekers, the two-day, one-night option adds a night anchored near Cong Do Island. Squid fishing kicks off at 8 PM—lanterns light the water, staff grill catches on request. Breakfast is pho and coffee at 7 AM, with a return by 11 AM.
Prices start at $200 for the day trip, $250 for overnight (twin-share)—a steal for HaLong Bay cruises. Day-trippers love the pace; one said, “Eight hours flew by—saw it all.” The overnight version draws budget adventurers for its fishing perk. Cabins lack balconies in base tiers, but upper suites (add $20) deliver them. English-speaking guides keep it lively—think basic phrases and big smiles. Extra costs? Beers ($2) and tips ($2-3/day).
Peony Cruises nails affordability with flair. It’s not luxe—think wooden charm over marble polish—but the bay’s beauty fills the gaps. For short-haul or budget Ha Long cruises, it’s a winner. Book via Agoda or Trip.com—deals dip lower in May-September.
How to Choose the Right Ha Long Bay Cruise for You
Choosing a cruise hinges on three things: cash, time, and vibe. Luxury picks like Paradise run $250+ for two nights; budget options like Swan hit $50 for a day.
Day trips suit tight schedules—8 hours, done. Two-night cruises (V’Spirit, La Regina) dive deeper, hitting Lan Ha Bay or Cat Ba. Love caves? Pick V’Spirit. Want pampering? Go Paradise.
Weather matters. October to December brings blue skies, 20-25°C highs—peak season, so book early. January-February dips to 8°C lows; drizzle blurs the karsts. May-September risks storms.
Pack light: swimsuit, flip-flops, sunscreen, a 500,000 VND ($20) wad for tips or beers. Most boats lack ATMs.
HaLong Bay cruises fit any traveler. Match the trip to the plan. For timing tips, see this guide for best time to visit Halong Bay.
Beyond the Cruise
The cruise is step one. Cat Ba Island, 45 minutes by ferry from Tuan Chau ($3), offers jungle treks—Hospital Cave hides a wartime bunker ($2 entry).
Hanoi, 170 kilometers west, buzzes with Hoan Kiem Lake and pho stalls. A private car takes 3 hours ($60); buses cost $8.
Ninh Binh, 2 hours south, mirrors Ha Long with karsts over rice fields. Rowboats glide through Tam Coc ($7); Trang An’s caves stun. It’s a perfect add-on to explore Vietnam by cruise and beyond.
Conclusion
HaLong Bay cruises unlock Vietnam’s wild heart. Indochina Sails pampers with teak and crab feasts. Swan Cruises zips through on a budget. Bhaya blends culture with comfort; Pelican keeps it green. Each of these seven Ha Long Bay cruises—from La Regina’s romance to V’Spirit’s grit—offers a fresh take on the bay’s 1,969 islands.
The limestone giants and emerald waters stay with travelers long after. It’s a bucket-list spot for a reason. Pick a cruise, book it, and sail into Vietnam’s magic today!
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This is so true about the mist! We went in February and it was super atmospheric, but definitely bring layers. Also, don’t skip the kayaking, it was genuinely the highlight of our trip – gliding silently through those karsts was magical. Makes me want to go back! Which of these cruises had the best kayaking routes in your opinion?
โอยยย ฮาลองเบย์สวยมากกกก อยากไปมานานแล้วค่ะ! สงสัยนิดนึง พวกเรือแบบประหยัด (V’Spirit) เค้ายังพาไปครบทุกที่ไฮไลท์เหมือนพวกเรือแพงๆ มั้ยคะ เช่น ถ้ำสวยๆ หรือกิจกรรมพายคายัคอะไรพวกนี้? กลัวว่าถ้าเลือกแบบถูกจะพลาดอะไรไปน่ะค่ะ
Peony Cruises for middle-range day trips… interesting. I went on a 2-day/1-night cruise a few years ago and that overnight stay, especially for sunrise, made ALL the difference. Are the day trips truly enough to soak in the magic, or do you feel rushed?