Halong Bay Cruise Review: Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?

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If you’re wondering whether Halong Bay is worth visiting and looking for a detailed Halong Bay cruise review, you’re in the right place.

When I was planning my trip to Vietnam, I wasn’t sure if Halong Bay would actually be worth it. I’d heard incredible things about the scenery, but I’d also heard that it’s crowded, touristy, and a bit overrated.

I decided to go anyway and see for myself. The bigger question was whether I should book an overnight cruise or just do a day trip.

After doing a lot of research, I chose an overnight cruise and I’m really glad I did. Halong Bay was just as beautiful as people say, and spending the night on the water made it even more memorable.

In this post, I’ll share my full Halong Bay cruise review, including a detailed itinerary and my honest thoughts on the stops, food, ship facilities, and cabins.

Just so you know, every photo in this post was taken by me during my trip, so you can see exactly what the experience looks like if you book this cruise.

Short on time? Here’s the exact Halong Bay cruise I did:
🛳️ Athena Royal Cruise Halong Bay

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Is Halong Bay Worth it?

Is Halong Bay Worth Visiting?

Yes, Halong Bay is definitely worth visiting.

Halong Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic destinations and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. It’s known for its unique landscape with nearly 2,000 limestone islands and karsts rising out of the emerald water.

You can explore caves, kayak through limestone tunnels, visit floating fishing villages, and relax on beautiful beaches. The scenery really is stunning, especially when you’re out on the water surrounded by the karst islets.

That said, Halong Bay is also one of the busiest tourist destinations in Vietnam. We visited in early January, and the crowds were noticeable at popular stops, which did impact the experience at times.

Overall, I still think Halong Bay is worth it, but your experience will depend heavily on when you visit and which cruise you choose.

Should You Book a Cruise in Halong Bay?

Yes, you should absolutely book a cruise in Halong Bay.

While you can see the limestone karsts in the distance from the coast, you need to get out onto the water to properly experience Halong Bay.

A cruise takes you deep into the bay and allows you to visit places you simply cannot reach from land, including the islands and floating fishing villages.

It also gives you access to activities like kayaking though caves to hidden lagoons, which are a huge part of the experience.

Is an Overnight Cruise in Halong Bay Worth It?

Yes, booking an overnight cruise in Halong Bay is absolutely worth it, and I would recommend it over a day trip.

We considered just doing a day cruise but I’m really glad we chose to stay overnight instead. Day cruises usually visit the same main stops, but you don’t get the full experience.

On an overnight cruise, you get more time to relax and try onboard activities like cooking classes. You’ll also get to experience sunset and sunrise on the water which makes visiting Halong Bay so much more worthwhile.

Some of my favourite moments in Halong Bay were drinking cocktails on the sundeck and waking up to see the sun rising over the limestone islands.

Staying overnight also made the trip feel easy and relaxing. Everything was organised for us, including meals and activities, so we didn’t have to plan anything. The cruise felt luxurious but was very affordable compared to many other destinations.

We only spent one night on the cruise, and it was enough for a really memorable experience. If you have more time, a two-night cruise would be even better as you get to visit quieter parts of the bay beyond the main sights.

🌄 Click Here to Book Your Overnight Halong Bay Cruise

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Halong Bay Cruise Review: My Overnight Cruise Experience

For my trip to Halong Bay, I chose a 1-night cruise with Athena Royal Cruises and I really enjoyed it.

The cruise felt luxurious without being overpriced. We had a private ensuite cabin with a balcony and all meals, entrance fees, and activities were included. I thought it was excellent value for money.

Over the two days, we visited the main sights including Sung Sot Cave, Ti Top Island, and Luon Cave, while also having time to relax on the ship, enjoy the food, and take in the scenery.

Note: The Athena Group has four ships. Athena Royal Cruise operates in Halong Bay, as does Athena Luxury Cruise which is slightly older while the Signature Cruises sail in Bai Tu Long Bay.

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🛳️ Facilities & Cabins

Ship Layout & Facilities

The Athena Royal Cruise is a 3-deck, 5-star ship with just 22 cabins, so it felt relatively small without being crowded.

The ship has a large sundeck with an outdoor bar, seating, and a jacuzzi. Inside, there’s a dining room, a bar, and a small spa where you can book massages or use the sauna.

There are several different cabin categories. The cheapest are the Executive Suites on the lower deck and the most luxurious option is the Athena Royal Suite of the top deck.

All cabins have private balconies, air conditioning, wifi, and ensuite bathrooms.

Our Cabin

We stayed in the Athena Halong Suite on the top deck and paid US$370 in total (US$185 per person).

The room was fairly small but beautiful with polished wooden furniture and a large window looking out onto the water.

We also had a private balcony with direct access to the sundeck which made it feel very luxurious.

It felt more like a boutique hotel room than a typical cruise cabin.

That said, if I booked again, I would probably upgrade to one of the Premium Suites which have more windows and larger balconies, especially since the price is similar.

🌅 Click Here to Check Prices and Availability of Each Suite

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🏝️ Halong Bay Cruise Itinerary

Check-in & Boarding

We arrived at Halong International Cruise Port for check-in at about 11:30am.

The cruise offered shuttle bus transfer from Hanoi for US$25 per person (round trip) but we chose to stay in Halong City the night before. I would recommend doing this since it’s about a three-hour drive from Hanoi, and staying nearby made the morning much more relaxed.

Once everyone had checked-in, we boarded a small tender boat that took us to the main ship. We were then shown to our room while our luggage was delivered for us.

The whole check-in process was very organised and only took about 45 minutes in total.

Lunch was served shortly after departure as the ship began cruising into the bay. The food was really good and there was a mix of Western and Vietnamese dishes.

From the moment we stepped onboard, everything felt luxurious. The interior of the ship was finished in polished wood, similar to the cabins, and the dining room looked more like a fine-dining restaurant than a cruise dining hall.

Stop 1: Sung Sot Cave

Our first stop was Sung Sot Cave, also known as “Surprising Cave.”

To get there, we boarded the tender boat again, which took us to Bo Hon Island. Since we there in winter, it was quite cold and cloudy but the view from the boat was still beautiful. As we moved through the bay, we passed close to the limestone karsts towering above us.

The entrance to the cave is reached via a narrow staircase carved into the hillside. It was very crowded, and we had to move slowly in single file, but I enjoyed the views across the bay.

When we first entered the cave, I was a bit underwhelmed. It was really crowded and there wasn’t anything particularly “surprising” about it.

However, it turned out that the cave has three chambers and the third chamber was actually really impressive. It was so much larger than any cave I’d seen before. The crowd finally thinned out here, and we were able to enjoy walking through the cave.

Stop 2: Ti Top Island

The next stop was Ti Top Island, which has both a beach and a viewpoint.

It was too cold to swim, so we decided to walk up to the lookout instead.

The path is quite steep with a lot of stairs, and it was extremely crowded, especially at the top. I actually preferred the lower viewpoint and a few small stops along the trail, where it felt slightly less busy and easier to take photos.

The view was beautiful, with limestone karsts scattered across the bay, but it was hard to fully enjoy it with so many people around.

I wish visited a quieter viewpoint somewhere else in the bay since the crowds definitely took away from the experience.

Evening Activities

After returning to the ship, we had some time to relax before the cooking class.

This ended up being one of my favourite parts of the cruise. The cooking class was set up on the sundeck in front of the bar, and it was very casual and relaxed. We made Vietnamese rice paper rolls while sitting outside with drinks and music playing in the background.

There was a 2-for-1 happy hour, so we ordered a couple of cocktails and just enjoyed the atmosphere. With the happy hour deal, they ended up being about US$6 each.

Even though we didn’t get a proper sunset because of the weather, it was still a really fun and relaxing evening.

5-Course Dinner

Dinner was a five-course set menu served in the dining room.

The food was really good, and I liked that they served Vietnamese dishes rather than generic Western food for tourists.

After dinner, there was the option to try squid fishing or book a massage, but we were too tired by that point. If we had stayed for a second night, we probably would have tried both.

Note: The cooking class and squid fishing were included in the cruise price, while spa services such as massages were extra (a 60-minute massage was US$50).

Sunrise on Halong Bay

The next morning, there was a Tai Chi class on the sundeck.

I woke up early but decided to skip the class so I could walk around the deck and enjoy the sunrise instead. We could see the sunrise over the water from bed, but the window was a bit foggy, and the view was much better outside.

The sunrise was beautiful. The light was soft and we were close to several small islands, so we could see the sun rise from behind the limestone karsts and reflect across the bay.

The Tai Chi class was included in the cruise price, and I probably would have joined if we’d booked a two-night cruise. Since we only had one morning, I wanted to take photos and just enjoy the view.

After the class finished, we had a buffet breakfast while the ship cruised towards the next stop.

Stop 3: Luon Cave

Our final activity was visiting Luon Cave, where you can choose between kayaking or taking a bamboo boat steered by a local guide.

The cave itself is like a low tunnel through the rock which leads to a completely enclosed lagoon surrounded by steep limestone cliffs. It felt very unique, almost like being inside a hidden pocket of the bay.

We chose the bamboo boat because it was cold and we didn’t feel like getting wet. I was glad I didn’t have to steer as we went through the cave but once we reached the open lagoon I wished we had chosen the kayaks instead.

The bamboo boat felt crowded and the guides spent too long at the edge of the lagoon throwing fruit to the monkeys on the island which isn’t very ethical.

The kayaks would have allowed us to move around freely and take in the scenery properly.

Note: Kayaks were included in the cruise price, while the bamboo boat cost about US$2 per person.

Check-out & Departure

After returning to the ship, we had plenty of time to relax while the ship cruised back to the port. There was a buffet lunch, and we spent some time just sitting and watching the islands pass by.

By the time we finished lunch, the ship was getting close to shore, and the sun was finally starting to come out. We had some time to relax on the top deck in the sunshine while the staff unloaded our bags.

The air was still a bit chilly, but the sun was warm and the water turned a bright, sparkling blue. It was a lovely way to end the trip.

After the cruise, we took a taxi back to Hanoi, which took about three hours.

Some passengers used the cruise shuttle bus, but we decided to arrange our own transport because the shuttle only stops at Hanoi Opera House, which was too far from our hotel.

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✨ Recommendation: Should You Book This Cruise?

Yes, I would absolutely recommend Athena Royal Cruise. I had a great experience, and it felt luxurious while still being affordable.

If you’re looking for a Halong Bay cruise with comfortable cabins, great food, and a well-organised itinerary, this is a fantastic option.

The cruise visits the main highlights of the bay while still leaving plenty of time to relax and enjoy the scenery.

Athena Royal Cruise is a 5-star cruise ship, featuring a large sundeck with an outdoor bar and jacuzzi. The ship felt upscale without being overly expensive, and I thought it offered excellent value for money considering how much is included.

Our cruise included:

• Buffet breakfast and lunches
• 5-course dinner
• All entrance fees
• Vietnamese cooking class
• Sunset happy hour
• Squid fishing
• Sunrise Tai Chi class
• Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island
• Kayaking at Luon Cave

Optional extras such as transport from Hanoi, cocktails, and spa services are available for an additional cost but the prices are very reasonable.

If you have more time, the two-night option also includes quieter locations such as Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave) and Tung Sau Pearl Farm.

All cabins have ensuites, private balconies, and air conditioning but I recommend booking the Premium Double Suite if you want a spacious room with large windows.

💡 Tip: It’s worth checking availability in advance as this cruise can book out during peak season.

🍹 Check Availability and Current Prices for Athena Royal Cruise Here

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Tips for Visiting Halong Bay

1. Book a Good Overnight Cruise

Your choice of cruise can make or break your Halong Bay experience, so it’s worth choosing carefully.

I strongly recommend booking an overnight cruise instead of a day trip. It’s far more relaxed and gives you time to enjoy the scenery rather than rushing between stops. If you have the time and budget, a 2-night cruise is even better, as it usually includes quieter areas of the bay.

I also recommend choosing a high-quality cruise, ideally a reputable 5-star option like Athena Royal Cruise, which is the one I took. It felt luxurious without being overly expensive.

It’s also helpful to know that there are three bays in the Halong region. Halong Bay is the most popular and best for first-time visitors, but it can be crowded. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer similar scenery with fewer boats.

➡️ Read more: How to Choose the Best Halong Bay Cruise for Your Trip

⚠️ Important: I recommend booking your cruise through Booking.com. Listings on tour aggregators are often general cruise listings, so the cruise ship and cabin are not guaranteed.

2. Stay in Halong City Before the Cruise

Most cruises offer transfers from Hanoi, but I highly recommend staying in Halong City the night before your cruise.

It makes the morning feel much less rushed and you don’t have to worry about unexpected delays.

We stayed at Halong Essence Hotel, which was comfortable and close to the beach, but a bit far from the cruise port.

If I visited again, I would stay at Wyndham Garden Legend Halong which is really close to Halong International Cruise Port. Some of the rooms have ocean views and you can get a buffet breakfast all for less than US$100.

If you’re planning to visit Lan Ha Bay, you should stay on Cat Ba Island instead. There’s actually a lot to do there, so it’s worth staying a few days.

➡️ Check prices and availability of hotels in Halong Bay here

3. Book Transport to Halong Bay in Advance

There’s no airport in Halong Bay, so most travellers arrive via Hanoi, which has the main international airport in northern Vietnam.

From Hanoi, it takes about 3 hours to get to Halong Bay.

The easiest option is to book a shared shuttle bus, which is affordable, comfortable, and widely available. Private cars are slightly faster and more flexible, but also more expensive.

Whichever option you choose, it’s best to book your transport in advance, especially during peak travel periods.

If you want a full breakdown of routes, prices, and travel times from across Vietnam, see my detailed transportation guide.

➡️ Read More: How to Get to Halong Bay: A Complete Transportation Guide

4. Visit Halong Bay at the Right Time of Year

The time of year you visit Halong Bay can have a big impact on your experience.

Winter (December to February) is typically cold and cloudy. We visited in January since we were in Vietnam for a wedding but wasn’t the best time for Halong Bay.

It was still beautiful, but we didn’t get much sun, and it was too cold to get in the water. It was also quite busy since the Christmas and New Year period is popular with international visitors.

Summer (June to August) is hot, humid, and rainy. Cruises sometimes get cancelled due to tropical storms and weekends tend to be busy with domestic tourists.

The best time to visit is during spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November), when the weather is milder and more comfortable.

April and October usually have the best weather, but they are peak months for tourism. March and November also have good weather and are slightly less crowded.

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Final Thoughts

After my trip, I can confidently say that Halong Bay is worth visiting, even with the crowds.

The scenery really is as beautiful as people say, and seeing the limestone karsts up close is something you can’t fully appreciate until you’re out on the water.

My Halong Bay cruise review is overwhelmingly positive, and the overnight experience was one of the highlights of my time in Vietnam.

If you’re planning your trip, I highly recommend booking at least a 1-night cruise. It’s the best way to experience the bay properly, and it turns a simple visit into something much more memorable.