Halong Bay

A Halong Bay cruise is the easiest way to experience the limestone islands, caves, lagoons and beaches that make northern Vietnam famous. With options ranging from a one day trip to a 2 days 1 night cruise, a Halong Bay tour can fit both short Hanoi trips and slower holidays.

Beka Travel currently offers a range of cruises across different cabin sizes, comfort levels and routes. Use the comparison tables below to choose the right duration, cruise style and budget before booking.

Halong Bay cruises

Halong Bay cruise prices depend on the itinerary, cabin standard, sailing route and travel date. A day cruise is usually the cheapest option, while overnight packages offer more time for sightseeing and relaxation on the water.

Planning a trip to Halong Bay Vietnam? Explore our complete travel guide for essential tips and practical information.

How much for a Halong Bay cruise?

At Beka Travel, each cruise is listed with the services included in the fare. Overnight packages generally include a private cabin, meals, sightseeing tickets and activities such as kayaking, cave visits or swimming. Day cruises usually include the boat journey, lunch and selected excursions, while transfers from Hanoi may be available as an additional service depending on the itinerary.

Cabin location can also affect the total cost, as rooms with private balconies, larger floor areas, bathtubs or panoramic views are normally priced above standard cabins. Traveling on weekdays or outside major holidays may provide better availability and lower rates. Before confirming a booking, check whether the price covers transfers from Hanoi, entrance fees, drinks, tips and optional activities for your exact departure date and cabin category.

Explore Halong Bay cruise options

Halong Bay day cruise from Hanoi

A Halong Bay 1 day cruise suits travelers on a tight schedule. Most day programs allow several hours on the water, with time for sightseeing, a cave or island visit, kayaking and lunch before the boat returns to shore.

A Halong Bay day trip from Hanoi is a long travel day, because the road journey is made twice on top of the time on the boat. Beka's day tour from Hanoi starts at $34, while the day tour connecting Halong Bay and Lan Ha starts at $60. A day tour suits travelers who want the classic landscape without paying for a cabin, while an overnight cruise suits those who care more about sunrise and sunset than about the lowest price.

Halong Bay overnight cruise 2 days 1 night

A Halong Bay overnight cruise is the most popular choice for first-time visitors. A Halong Bay 1 night cruise leaves enough time for caves, an island stop, kayaking or swimming, and still covers sunset and sunrise on the water.

The Halong Bay cruise 2 days 1 night format also reduces the rushed feeling of a day trip. On most tours, travelers leave Hanoi in the morning, board around midday, spend the afternoon exploring the bay and return to port late the following morning.

Halong Bay cruise 3 days 2 nights

A 3 day Halong Bay cruise gives travelers something a one night trip cannot: a second morning on the water, while the bay is still quiet and the day boats have not yet arrived. A Halong Bay cruise 3 days 2 nights reaches areas the shorter routes skip, allows more time for kayaking and swimming, and leaves whole afternoons free to enjoy the boat itself.

At Beka Travel, the 3D2N options cover the wider Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay area, including a longer Lan Ha route from $239 per person that sails into quieter water and stops at Cat Ba National Park. That is below several of the 2D1N cruises in the same selection, for one more night on board. Compare the 3D2N departures and book early, because cabins on the smaller boats sell out first.

Halong Bay 1 or 2 nights: Which one should you book?

For most first-time visitors, choosing between Halong Bay 1 or 2 nights comes down to priorities. One night covers the classic experience. Two nights suits travelers who prefer slower sailing, more activities and less time checking in and out.

Best Halong Bay cruises to book

Beka Travel's current selection covers larger luxury ships, small boutique boats and more affordable 5 star options. The right cruise is therefore not simply the most expensive one. It depends on cabin size, passenger capacity, route and how much time the traveler wants to spend onboard.

Halong Bay luxury cruise and 5 star ships

A Halong Bay luxury cruise is designed around comfort as much as sightseeing. Higher priced ships usually have larger cabins, private balconies, bathtubs, wide sundecks, restaurants and spa facilities.

Catherine offers unusually large cabins, from 40 m² to 200 m², while Capella combines private balconies, ocean view bathtubs and a wide range of onboard facilities. Travelers searching for a 5 star cruise Halong Bay experience should compare passenger capacity as well as star rating, because a small boutique boat and a large luxury ship can carry the same star rating and still offer very different trips.

Mid range and 4 star Halong Bay cruises

A 4 star cruise Halong Bay option balances price and comfort. These cruises usually offer private cabins with their own bathrooms, meals, a sundeck and standard sightseeing activities without the higher price of the newest ships.

Amanda offers larger cabin options and connecting rooms that can work well for families, while Genesis Regal and Doris sail the quieter Lan Ha Bay route.

Junk boat cruise Halong Bay

A traditional junk boat cruise Halong Bay is the classic image many travelers have of Vietnam's limestone bays. These boats use the visual style of traditional Vietnamese sailing junks, although today's tourist junks normally run on engines and provide modern cabins and safety equipment.

When comparing a junk boat Halong Bay experience, the question is whether the boat is a traditional wooden one or a modern ship that uses the word junk for its design. Wooden boats carry fewer people, while modern steel ships provide more space and larger facilities. In the current selection, V'Spirit is the wooden junk, with private bathrooms and sea view windows. It sails 2D1N or 3D2N on the Lan Ha Bay route rather than the central Halong Bay route.

Halong Bay day cruise boats

A Halong Bay day cruise works best for travelers staying in Hanoi who want to return the same evening. It is usually focused on the most accessible attractions and has less flexibility than an overnight tour.

Beka also offers a Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay day tour from $60, which covers both sides of the limestone landscape in one long day. A Halong Bay luxury day cruise offers better food and more onboard comfort, but the daytime schedule stays the same.

Halong Bay yacht cruise and boat rental

A Halong Bay yacht cruise or private boat is mainly suited to travelers who want privacy and flexible timing, or who are marking a special occasion. Private arrangements can work particularly well for families, couples and small groups that do not want to follow a large shared group schedule.

A Halong Bay boat rental should be booked through a licensed operator and confirmed according to the current port, route and passenger regulations. Private cruising costs more per person than a shared cruise, but the gap narrows as the group grows.

Halong Bay cruise routes and where they go

The most important point when comparing cruises is the route. Two ships can have a similar price and cabin but provide a completely different experience because they sail through different parts of the bay. For a detailed sightseeing breakdown, see things to do in Halong Bay.

Official Route 2 is the busiest sightseeing route in the bay and takes in Soi Sim, Ti Top, Sung Sot, Me Cung, Bo Nau, Luon and Trinh Nu, so travelers who want a quieter day can compare a Lan Ha Bay cruise, where kayaking and swimming take the place of queues at the most famous caves.

Popular Halong Bay tour itineraries

A typical Halong Bay day cruise schedule

For a typical day trip, your morning starts with hotel pickup in Hanoi between 08:00 and 08:45, followed by a 2.5 to 3 hour transfer to Halong Bay. After arriving at the port between 10:30 and 11:30, you complete check-in, board the cruise and enjoy lunch as the boat begins sailing through the bay.

In the afternoon, you may visit attractions such as Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island or Luon Cave by bamboo boat or kayak, depending on the itinerary. After sightseeing and scenic sailing among the limestone islands, you leave the boat around 17:30 to 18:00 and return to Hanoi, usually arriving between 20:30 and 21:00, depending on traffic.

The exact schedule varies by cruise and route, with options including a Halong Bay 4 hour cruise, Halong Bay 6 hour cruise or longer day trips. Most itineraries feature a cave, island or kayaking stop; see our Halong Bay caves guide to compare available experiences.

A typical Halong Bay overnight cruise schedule

An overnight cruise leaves more time to enjoy the scenery, join the activities and relax on board without rushing between stops. There are two main overnight routes. The first stays inside Halong Bay and usually visits Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, Luon Cave and other well known limestone formations and beaches, combining cave visits, kayaking, swimming and scenic sailing.

The second route runs from Halong Bay to Lan Ha Bay, leaving Tuan Chau International Marina and passing limestone islands before reaching the quieter water south of Halong Bay and east of Cat Ba Island. On this Halong Bay 1 night cruise itinerary, highlights can include Tra Bau Area, Frog Pond Area, Cua Van floating village and calm lagoons for kayaking.

Activities on a Halong Bay cruise

All the cruises in the current selection offer a similar set of activities, including kayaking or bamboo boating, swimming, cave visits, cooking demonstrations, Tai Chi, squid fishing and sunset viewing. What changes from one boat to the next is the balance between the activity schedule and free time on board, and on the higher end ships the emphasis moves toward onboard facilities and relaxation.

A Halong Bay night cruise adds a second half to the day, with a sunset party, dinner, live entertainment or simply time on the sundeck. For many first-time visitors the main benefit of a Halong Bay evening cruise is seeing the limestone landscape after most day boats have returned to port.

Transfers from Hanoi

Most cruises begin with a road transfer rather than a sailing from the capital. The drive from the Old Quarter to the port takes about 2.5 hours, although traffic can change that. Travelers can take a shared shuttle or a limousine, while a private car is more convenient for families and small groups. For routes, timings and prices, see Hanoi to Halong Bay.

If you prefer a quieter and less crowded experience, explore our Lan Ha Bay cruise options and discover the bay’s peaceful lagoons, hidden beaches and local villages.

How to book a Halong Bay cruise

The easiest way to book a Halong Bay cruise is to compare the route first, then the ship. A large cabin cannot make up for a route that misses the sights a traveler came for.

When deciding where to book a Halong Bay cruise, check the final price, cabin category, departure port, transfer options, included activities, cancellation conditions and holiday surcharges.

How far ahead to book a Halong Bay cruise

Should you book a Halong Bay cruise in advance? For normal weekdays outside major holidays, several days may be enough when cabins remain available. For weekends, Christmas, New Year, Tet and other peak dates, booking several weeks ahead is safer.

The top cabin categories on smaller ships sell out earlier than standard cabins.

What to check before choosing a Halong Bay cruise

When deciding which Halong Bay cruise to choose, compare these points in order: route, duration, cabin, passenger capacity, included activities and total price.

A cruise costing $20 to $30 more can end up cheaper overall when the fare covers a larger cabin, the transfer, sightseeing fees and kayaking that another operator charges for separately.

Best time of year for a Halong Bay cruise

The most comfortable period for a Halong Bay cruise is generally from October to April, when northern Vietnam is cooler and conditions are often better for sightseeing. March and April can offer a good balance of comfortable temperatures and clearer views.

May to September is warmer and more humid, and summer also brings a higher risk of rain and tropical storms. Cruise schedules can change because of sea weather, so always check the forecast before departure.

Cruises sail all year, but conditions change a lot between seasons. The Halong Bay weather by month guide gives temperature, sea temperature and rainy days for each month.

Frequently asked questions about Halong Bay cruises

Is a Halong Bay cruise worth it?

Yes. A cruise is the most practical way to experience the limestone landscape, caves, islands and water activities without changing hotels between destinations.

How much does a Halong Bay cruise cost per person?

Current Beka prices start at $34 for a day tour from Hanoi, while 2D1N cruises run from $123 to $401 per person. Your final price depends on the ship, cabin, date and package.

Should you book a Halong Bay cruise in advance?

Yes, especially for weekends, holidays and popular cabin categories. Booking early gives you more choice of ship, cabin and departure date.

Where do Halong Bay cruises leave from?

Many cruises depart from Tuan Chau International Marina, while some itineraries use other authorized passenger ports. Always follow the departure point shown on your booking confirmation.

What time do Halong Bay cruises finish?

Most 2D1N cruises return to port around late morning on Day 2. Day trips from Hanoi usually return to the city around 20:30 to 21:00, depending on traffic and the tour.

Is kayaking included in the cruise price?

Yes on most cruises, but not on all of them. Many Beka cruises include kayaking or bamboo boat activities, while some packages list it as an optional extra. Check the Included section of the specific cruise before booking.

Is 1 night or 2 nights better in Halong Bay?

One night is enough for most first-time visitors. Two nights is better for travelers who prefer a slower tour, more time for kayaking and swimming, or a quieter route.

Are Halong Bay cruises running today?

Yes on most days, but weather and port decisions can suspend sailings at short notice. Availability for an exact travel date is confirmed with Beka Travel before departure.