How to Choose the Best Halong Bay Cruise for Your Trip

This post contains affiliate links. If you click and make a purchase, I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you.

If you’re looking for the best Halong Bay cruise and feeling overwhelmed by the options, you’re in the right place.

Booking a cruise is the best way to see Halong Bay. They take you into the heart of the bay where you can see the limestone karsts up close and explore the islands and caves.

However, choosing a cruise can be very confusing. There are a lot of different options, and the online listings are not always clear. It’s surprisingly difficult to figure out which cruise is actually worth booking.

This is the guide I wish I had when I was planning my trip to Halong Bay. It gives you a detailed breakdown of your options and clear recommendations to help you book with confidence.

How to Choose the Best Halong Bay Cruise for Your Trip

In order to choose the best cruise for your trip to Halong Bay, there are three decisions you need to make:

1. Location: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Bai Tu Long Bay
2. Duration: Day Cruise, 1-Night, or 2-Nights
3. Budget: Luxury Cruise Ship or Traditional Junk Boat

Once you decide on these three things, booking the right cruise is much easier.

📍Location: Ha Long Bay, Lan Ha Bay, or Bai Tu Long Bay?

When people talk about “Halong Bay”, they’re usually referring to the whole region but there are actually three specific bays in this area.

• Halong Bay is the central bay and the most famous.
• Lan Ha Bay is located to the south, near Cat Ba Island.
• Bai Tu Long Bay is a quieter area northeast of Halong Bay.

All three areas have similar scenery with limestone karsts rising out of the turquoise water, hidden caves, and floating fishing villages.

The main differences are crowd levels, pricing, and specific stops.

Halong Bay

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and the most famous part of the region.

This is where you’ll find well-known stops like Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave), Ti Top Island, and Luon Cave.

As a first-time visitor, this is the route I chose since I wanted to see the main sights. It was also easier to book as there are more cruise operators to choose from.

The scenery absolutely lived up to my expectations. The towering limestone islands rising straight out of the water were unlike anything I’d seen before.

The cruise I chose was calm and well-organised, but the popular caves and viewpoints we visited were very crowded which did impact the experience.

Halong Bay is a good choice for a first visit but if you don’t mind skipping the main stops, the other bays are just as beautiful with similar activities and fewer crowds.

Pros:

• Famous caves and iconic viewpoints
• Largest range of cruises
• More budget options

Cons:

• Very crowded at major stops
• Popular year-round

Best for: Travellers who want to see the most iconic and recognisable sights.

Best Halong Bay Cruise: Athena Royal Cruise (I booked the Elegant Suite with Private Balcony)

Lan Ha Bay

Lan Ha Bay is just south of Halong Bay, near Cat Ba Island. The landscape is very similar, but there are fewer cruise ships operating in this area so it’s less crowded.

Cruises in Lan Ha Bay focus on immersing in nature and there is more of an emphasis on eco-tourism.

The main activities include kayaking through the Dark and Light Cave, swimming at the secluded Ba Trai Dao Beach (Three Peaches Beach), and visiting Cat Ba Island.

If I returned to the region, Lan Ha Bay would be my top choice as it offers the same stunning scenery with a more relaxed feel.

However, cruises in Lan Ha Bay tend to be slightly more expensive and the only real budget option is a day trip from Cat Ba Island.

💡 Tip: Check the departure point before booking as some Lan Ha Bay cruises depart from Cat Ba Island rather than Halong City.

Pros:

• Fewer crowds than Halong Bay
• Strong focus on kayaking and nature
• Emphasis on sustainability

Cons:

• Slightly more expensive, less budget options
• Departure logistics vary

Best for: Travellers who want similar scenery with fewer crowds and an emphasis on immersion in nature.

Best Lan Ha Bay Cruise: La Regina Legend Cruise

Bai Tu Long Bay

Bai Tu Long Bay lies to the northeast of Halong Bay and offers a quieter and more serene atmosphere.

While it’s much less popular than Halong Bay or Lan Ha Bay, it’s still a developed tourist area, so you will see other boats there.

Like the other areas, Bai Tu Long Bay features limestone karsts, caves, kayaking routes, and floating fishing villages just without the crowds.

If I visited again, I would definitely consider visiting Bai Tu Long Bay for a more peaceful experience.

Since only a limited number of companies are licensed to operate in Bai Tu Long Bay, these cruises are typically more expensive and there are no budget options.

Bai Tu Long Bay is also further from the main cruise ports, so it’s better suited to overnight cruises rather than day trips.

Pros:

• Quietest of the three bays
• Fewer cruise ships and crowds

Cons:

• Usually more expensive, no budget options
• Fewer cruise options
• Not ideal for day trips

Best for: Travellers who prioritise serenity and are willing to pay slightly more.

Best Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise: Signature Royal Cruise

💡 Tip: Some cruise operators have multiple ships that sail in different bays. For example, Athena Royal Cruise sails in Halong Bay, while Signature Royal Cruise is owned by the Athena Group but operates in Bai Tu Long Bay.

When booking a cruise, it’s important to check both the ship name and the itinerary to make sure you’re visiting the bay you prefer.

---

⌛ Duration: Day Trip, 1-Night, or 2-Nights?

There are three standard cruise lengths in Halong Bay: day cruise, 1-night/2-days, or 2-nights/3-days.

The right choice depends on how much time you have and how immersive you want the experience to be.

Day Cruise

Halong Bay day cruises usually last about 6 hours and most offer roundtrip transportation from Hanoi for an extra cost, making the tour 12 hours in total.

Most Halong Bay day trips include the same main stops as overnight cruises, but you’ll have less time at each stop. You’ll also miss sunset and sunrise on the water and onboard activities like cooking classes.

Lan Ha Bay day cruises typically depart from Cat Ba Island and focus more on kayaking, swimming, and sometimes visiting floating fishing villages.

Day trips are cheaper than overnight cruises, but if you’re travelling from Hanoi, half your day is spent in transit which makes the day feel long and rushed.

A great option is to stay on Cat Ba Island and do a day trip to Lan Ha Bay from there. It’s more relaxed but still budget friendly.

Pros:

• Time-efficient
• Lower cost

Cons:

• Miss sunset and sunrise
• Less immersive experience
• Often feels rushed

Best for: Travellers with very limited time or those already staying on Cat Ba Island.

Best Day Cruises: Halong Bay Day Cruise and Lan Ha Bay Day Trip

1-Night Cruise

I did an overnight cruise in Halong Bay which is the most popular option.

Even though we were only on the water for about 24 hours, we felt like we got the full cruise experience.

On the first day, we visited Sung Sot Cave (Surprising Cave) and Ti Top Island, then returned to the ship for sunset drinks, a cooking class, and a multi-course dinner.

The next morning included sunrise views, a Tai Chi class, kayaking at Luon Cave, and a leisurely brunch.

All meals were included, and everything was organised for us. It was relaxing and immersive without taking up too much time in our itinerary.

I’m very glad we chose an overnight cruise instead of a day trip. The relaxed evening and sunrise made it worth the extra cost.

Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay 1-night cruises follow a similar structure, just with stops in those areas.

Pros:

• Includes sunset and sunrise
• Feels immersive without a huge time commitment
• Wide range of cruise options
• Good value for money

Cons:

• Only includes the main stops
• Limited time for onboard activities

Best for: First-time visitors who want the full experience without committing to multiple nights.

2-Night Cruise

Two-night cruises generally have the same first and final days as the one-night option but with an extra full day for exploring quieter areas.

You’ll usually get more kayaking time, fewer boats around you, and more downtime to enjoy the ship. The pace is slower and more immersive.

While I really enjoyed the 1-night cruise, I do wish we had made time for the 2-night option. There were onboard activities like squid fishing that I skipped because I felt short on time.

An extra night would have allowed us to relax more and explore less crowded areas like Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave) and Tung Sau Pearl Farm.

If you have the time and budget, I think a 2-night cruise is worth it, especially in Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay which have more secluded spots. This is what I would choose next time.

Most cruise operators offer 1-night or 2-night itineraries.

Pros:

• More immersive
• Includes quieter areas
• More time for onboard activities

Cons:

• Higher cost
• Larger time commitment

Best for: Travellers who want a slower, more peaceful experience with less crowded stops.

---

💰 Budget: Luxury Cruise Ship or Junk Boat?

In Halong Bay, cruises generally fall into two main categories: modern luxury cruise ships and traditional wooden junk boats.

Within these categories there are different price tiers depending on the level of service and amenities provided.

Luxury Cruise Ships

Luxury cruise ships are modern steel-hulled vessels. They range from ultra-luxury 6-star ships to moderately priced 4-star ships.

Prices also depend on the cabin you choose. On any ship, top-deck cabins are usually more expensive as they’re larger and have better views.

Ultra-Luxury (6-Star)

The most luxurious cruises you can book in Halong Bay are on 6-star cruise ships.

These ships usually have larger suite-style cabins, very high staff-to-guest ratio, and sometimes exclusive routes or private access to certain locations.

The suites often have floor-to-ceiling windows, large private balconies, and upscale bathrooms.

Onboard amenities may include spacious sundecks with swimming pools and jacuzzies, spa services, gymnasiums, and fine dining restaurants.

Prices for a 1-night cruise typically range from US$400 – $800 per person.

Best for: Travellers who want a high-end experience and are comfortable paying a premium.

Luxury (5-Star)

5-star cruises are the most popular “luxury” category and typically cost US$200 – $400 per person for a 1-night cruise.

When I went to Halong Bay, I chose a 5-star cruise (Athena Royal Cruise).

The room was fairly small but felt luxurious, with an excellent view and a private balcony. The ship had a sundeck with a jacuzzi and bar area. Massages were available for an extra cost.

The cruise included a buffet breakfast and lunches as well as a multi-course dinner and a cooking class. The food was delicious and the service was fantastic.

Overall, I thought it was excellent value and I would highly recommend booking a 5-star cruise.

Best for: Travellers who want a cruise that feels luxurious without ultra-premium pricing.

Mid-Range (4-Star)

4-star cruise ships are the cheapest option in the modern cruise ship category. They generally cost US$150 – $250 per person for a 1-night cruise.

These ships are modern and comfortable, with ensuite cabins and similar itineraries to 5-star cruises. The main differences are in the amenities provided and the quality of food and service.

Cabins are often smaller and simpler, and onboard facilities may be more limited, with smaller sundecks and sometimes or jacuzzi services.

4-star cruises offer a good balance between comfort and cost, especially if you don’t feel strongly about balconies or high-end dining.

Best for: Travellers who want a comfortable overnight experience at a slightly lower price point.

💡 Tip: Many mid-range cruise operators advertise photos of luxury suites which can be misleading so read recent reviews carefully before booking.

Traditional Junk Boats

You’ll often hear the term “junk boat” when researching Halong Bay cruises.

This doesn’t necessarily mean budget. The term actually refers to the traditional style of the boat, which is inspired by historic wooden sailing vessels that once operated in the bay.

Luxury Junk Boats

Luxury junk boats typically cost around US$200 – $400 per person for a 1-night cruise, similar to modern 5-star ships.

They usually offer similar amenities with boutique-style cabins, high-quality dining, and spacious sun decks.

Compared to modern cruise ships, the main difference is the traditional design rather than the level of comfort.

Best for: Travellers who like the look and atmosphere of traditional boats but still want a comfortable cruise experience.

Budget Junk Boats

Budget junk boats are much cheaper, usually around US$100 – $150 per person for a 1-night cruise.

These are simpler boats with smaller cabins, basic facilities, and fewer onboard amenities.

Some are well maintained and offer good value, but others can feel quite dated, so reading recent reviews is important.

Budget junk boats typically operate in central Halong Bay only.

Best for: Budget-conscious travellers who want a basic traditional-style cruise in Halong Bay.

My Recommendations: The Best Cruises in Halong Bay

🚢 Best Halong Bay Cruises (Quick Comparison)

Cruise	Bay	Style	Best For
Athena Royal Cruise	Halong Bay	5★ Luxury	First-time visitors who want to see the iconic sights
La Regina Legend Cruise	Lan Ha Bay	5★ Luxury	Travellers who prefer immersion in nature and water activities
Signature Royal Cruise	Bai Tu Long Bay	5★ Luxury	Those who prefer a quieter, off-the-beaten-path experience
The Au Co Cruise (By Bhaya)	Multiple	6★ Ultra-Luxury	Travellers who want to experience more than one bay in the same trip

🍹 Best Halong Bay Cruise

For my trip, I did a 1-night cruise in Halong Bay with Athena Royal Cruises, which is a 5-star luxury cruise ship.

I really enjoyed this cruise and thought it was excellent value considering the quality of the ship, service, and activities included.

I booked the Elegant Suite with a private balcony which is on the top deck. The room was fairly small but beautiful with a large window looking out onto the water. The private balcony and direct access to the sundeck made it feel very luxurious.

Our cruise included:

• Ensuite cabin with private balcony
• Buffet lunches and breakfast
• A multi-course dinner
• An onboard Vietnamese cooking class
• Sunset happy hour on the sundeck (drinks were extra but very reasonably priced)
• Sunrise tai chi
• Squid fishing
• All entrance fees
• Visits to Sung Sot Cave and Ti Top Island
• Kayaking at Luon Cave

Transfers from Hanoi were available as an optional add-on. Massages were also offered onboard for an extra cost.

As a first-time visitor, I thought this cruise was a perfect introduction to the area. The scenery was incredible and everything felt well organised from start to finish.

If you have the time and budget, I think two nights would be ideal. This gives you more time to relax and allows you to visit less crowded spots such as Me Cung Cave (Maze Cave) and Tung Sau Pearl Farm.

🍹 Click Here to Book Athena Royal Cruise in Halong Bay

🏝️ Best Lan Ha Bay Cruise

Lan Ha Bay has the same stunning scenery as Halong but with fewer crowds and a more relaxed atmosphere focused on immersing in nature.

For this area, I recommend La Regina Legend Cruise, which offers a similar experience to Athena Royal. It’s a 5-star cruise ship with modern cabins, a sundeck, spa, and jacuzzies.

This cruise includes kayaking through the Dark and Light Cave and a visit to Trung Trang Cave on Cat Ba Island.

The 2-night option also includes swimming at Ba Trai Dao Beach (Three Peaches Beach) and cycling through the jungle to Viet Hai Fishing Village.

This cruise is my top pick for my next visit to Vietnam.

🏝️ Click Here to Book La Regina Legend Cruise in Lan Ha Bay

🌄 Best Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise

Bai Tu Long Bay lies to the northeast of Halong Bay. It’s a much quieter area, with fewer cruise ships and a more peaceful atmosphere.

For Bai Tu Long Bay, I recommend Signature Royal Cruise. It’s operated by the same company that runs Athena Royal, so the style and service level are very similar.

The 1-night cruise includes a visit to Thien Canh Son Cave and Cong Do Island where you can swim or kayak. The 2-night option also includes Vung Vieng Fishing Village.

Overall, the scenery is almost identical to Halong Bay but with less crowds so it’s perfect for travellers who want a more serene experience.

🌄 Click Here to Book Signature Royal Cruise in Bai Tu Long Bay

💎 Best Ultra-Luxury Cruise (Halong Bay + Lan Ha Bay)

The Au Co Cruise (by Bhaya Cruises) is the only operator with permission to sail in all three bays in the Halong region.

The 2-night itinerary visits both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. This means you get to experience the iconic sights of Halong Bay as well as the quieter stops in Lan Ha Bay on the same trip.

They also offer a 3-night itinerary which includes Bai Tu Long Bay.

The ship itself is an ultra-luxury 6-star cruise ship, with spacious cabins, large private balconies, fine dining, spa facilities, and large sundecks.

It’s significantly more expensive than most 5-star cruises, but it’s worth it for the exclusive route.

This is the cruise I would choose if I were planning a special trip like a honeymoon.

💎 Click Here to Book The Au Co Cruise (Halong Bay AND Lan Ha Bay)

💡 Booking Tip: Many tours on platforms like Viator don’t guarantee the exact cruise ship and may assign you to different boats depending on availability.

I recommend booking through Booking.com instead so you know exactly which ship you’re getting. Booking.com also offers flexible cancellation and price matching.

---

Best Time to Visit Halong Bay

The best time to visit Halong Bay is in spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November) when the weather is generally mild and comfortable for cruising.

April and October usually offer the most pleasant conditions with warm temperatures, calmer seas, and clearer skies. March and November are also excellent months to visit and can be slightly less crowded.

Winter (December to February) is the coldest time of year and is often overcast or foggy. It’s generally too cold to swim but cruises still operate and the mist can add to the atmosphere. This period also includes Christmas and New Year, which is a very busy travel time.

Summer (June to August) is the hottest and most humid season. It’s also when tropical storms are most likely, which can occasionally cause cruise cancellations. Summer weekends can also be busy with domestic tourists.

---

How to Get to Halong Bay

There is no airport in Halong Bay, so if you’re travelling from overseas, you’ll need to fly to Hanoi or Haiphong first.

Most travellers arrive via Hanoi, which has the largest international airport in northern Vietnam. From Hanoi, the journey to Halong Bay takes around 2.5 to 3 hours by private car or 3 to 3.5 hours by shared shuttle bus.

A shared shuttle bus is generally the best option since it’s affordable and comfortable. Private cars are slightly faster and offer more flexibility but are also more expensive.

It’s best to book transportation online in advance, as prices and availability can fluctuate.

🚌 Book Your Hanoi to Halong Shuttle Here

For a full breakdown of transport options from different parts of Vietnam, including prices and travel times, see my detailed guide.

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

---

Frequently Asked Questions

Final Thoughts

Choosing the best Halong Bay cruise ultimately comes down to three key decisions: location, duration, and budget.

I chose a 1-night luxury cruise in central Halong Bay with a private balcony cabin, and it turned out to be one of the highlights of my trip to Vietnam. The scenery was incredible and I really enjoyed the cruise.

Halong Bay is a great choice for first-time visitors who want to see the most iconic sights, while Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are excellent alternatives if you prefer a quieter atmosphere with fewer cruise ships.

If you’re visiting the region for the first time and want a simple recommendation, the cruise I took is an excellent choice. If you have more time, the 2-night option or a cruise in one of the quieter bays would make the experience even more immersive.