The Halong Bay cost in 2026 depends on your trip length, cruise category, transportation and what is included in the package. A day trip can start from around $30 per person, while a 2 days 1 night cruise generally starts from about $110 and can cost several hundred dollars for premium cabins.
For a realistic budget, travelers should consider not only the cruise or tour price but also transportation from Hanoi, sightseeing fees, drinks, tips and optional services.
The easiest way to estimate your budget is to choose between a day trip and an overnight cruise. A day tour is suitable if you have limited time, while a 2D1N cruise gives you more time for sightseeing and activities.
| Trip type | Typical price per person | Suitable for |
|---|---|---|
| Day tour | From $35 to $120+ | Short visits and budget travelers |
| 2D1N budget cruise | From $110 to $130 | First-time visitors on a budget |
| 2D1N mid-range cruise | About $130 to $180 | Travelers seeking comfort and value |
| 2D1N luxury cruise | About $190 to $350+ | Travelers wanting premium cabins and services |
| 3D2N cruise | About $239 to $400+ | Travelers who want a slower, longer itinerary |
Prices vary by cruise, cabin category, travel date and availability. Current Beka Travel listings show day tours from about $30, 2D1N cruises from around $110 and selected 3D2N cruises from about $239.
A full-day Halong Bay cruise usually costs less than an overnight cruise. Current Beka Travel listings show day cruises from around $30, while prices across operators run from about $35 to $120 or more per person, depending on the boat and services included.
A typical day tour may include:
Some packages also include transportation from Hanoi, while others charge for the transfer separately. Always check the inclusions before comparing prices.
A 2D1N cruise is one of the most common choices for first-time visitors. Prices vary considerably depending on the cabin, cruise standard and itinerary.
A budget cruise can start at around $110 to $130 per person, while mid-range cruises commonly cost around $130 to $180. Luxury options can reach $190 to $350 or more per person.
An overnight package generally provides a private cabin, meals and scheduled activities. Depending on the cruise, the package may also include kayaking, cave visits, swimming, cooking demonstrations and other onboard activities.
A 3D2N cruise is designed for travelers who want more time on the bay. Prices generally start around $239 on selected routes and increase according to the cruise category and cabin.
The extra night gives you more time for activities and less time spent moving between Hanoi and the port. Some longer itineraries also combine Halong Bay with Lan Ha Bay or Cat Ba Island.
When comparing the Halong Bay tour price, look beyond the headline rate. Two cruises with similar advertised prices may have different inclusions.
Overnight cruise packages commonly include:
Day tours usually include the boat trip, lunch and selected sightseeing activities. Some Beka Travel day tours also include the government sightseeing ticket in the advertised price.
Depending on the operator, you may need to pay separately for:
For this reason, the cheapest advertised cruise is not necessarily the lowest final trip cost.
Government sightseeing fees are an important part of the total Ha Long Bay cost. The rates below are published by the Ha Long Bay Management Board, the state body that sets and collects them.
For the current schedule, the main bay routes cost between 150,000 and 600,000 VND per person, depending on the route. For example, VHL1 and VHL2 are currently 250,000 VND, while VHL7 covering multiple routes is 600,000 VND. The coastal route VHL8 is cheaper at 70,000 VND.
For overnight cruises, the fee is calculated differently. A one-night VHL2 itinerary currently costs 550,000 VND per person, while a two-night VHL2 itinerary costs 750,000 VND. These rates should be checked again when booking.
Some cruise fares already include these fees, so avoid adding them twice when calculating your budget.
Transportation can make a noticeable difference to your final Halong Bay trip cost, especially if you travel from Hanoi. Shared limousines, private cars and buses all run this route at different prices, and our guide on Hanoi to Halong Bay covers the options and the current fares in full.
Some cruise packages include round-trip transportation from Hanoi, while others offer it as an optional add-on. Check which applies before comparing two cruise prices.
Other expenses to allow for include drinks, tips and optional services. For two people taking an overnight cruise, these additional costs can add a meaningful amount to the final budget.
You do not need a luxury cruise to enjoy Halong Bay. Several choices can reduce your total budget.
Choose a day tour: This avoids the cost of an overnight cabin and is suitable for travelers with limited time.
Travel from Cat Ba: Travelers staying on Cat Ba can find a Lan Ha Bay day tour at lower prices, with selected Beka Travel options starting from around $30.
Compare the full package: Check whether transfers, sightseeing fees, meals and activities are included before comparing two cruise prices.
Choose the right cabin: Standard cabins are usually cheaper than suites with larger spaces, private balconies or premium facilities.
Travel outside peak periods: Cruise prices can change according to season, holidays, cabin availability and departure date.
The answer depends on how much time you have and what type of experience you want.
A day tour keeps the budget lower and works well for travelers who are visiting Hanoi and have only one extra day. A 2D1N cruise costs more but combines accommodation, meals, sightseeing and activities in one trip.
For travelers with more time, a 3D2N itinerary provides a slower pace and more time for exploring Halong Bay and the surrounding areas.
When comparing prices, focus on the total cost of Halong Bay cruise, not only the advertised cabin rate. A slightly higher fare may already include transfers, sightseeing fees and activities that another package charges separately.
A Halong Bay trip can start from around $30 per person for a day tour. Overnight cruises generally start at around $110 per person, while luxury cruises can cost several hundred dollars.
A 2D1N cruise can range from about $110 to $350+ per person, depending on the cruise category, cabin and travel date. Premium and ultra-luxury cruises can cost considerably more.
There is no single average price because day tours and overnight cruises use very different pricing models. For a 2D1N trip, many comfortable mid-range options fall around $130 to $200 per person.
Most overnight cruises include a cabin, meals and scheduled sightseeing activities. Depending on the cruise, kayaking, cave visits, swimming and sightseeing fees may also be included.
Sometimes. Some cruise packages include round-trip Hanoi transfers, while others charge separately. Always check the inclusions before comparing two advertised prices.
For two people, a day trip generally comes to around $70 to $240 depending on the boat, while a 2D1N cruise runs from about $220 on a budget cruise to $700 or more on a luxury cruise. Transfers, drinks and tips are additional in both cases.
2D1N costs less and is suitable for most first-time visitors. A 3D2N cruise costs more but provides additional time for sightseeing and a slower travel experience.
Ha Long
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