One of the most popular tourist attractions in Halong Bay, Vietnam, is a cruise through the surrounding emerald seas. There is an endless amount of options available for all manner of traveler. These cruises range from one-day to multiple-day options and allow the intrepid traveler to experience the full spectrum of Halong Bay delights in a short period of time.
Because there are so many cruise options available, however, it can seem daunting to choose the best one to fit your own personal needs.
Whether you are swinging through Halong Bay for a quick weekend or this part of Vietnam is your primary vacation spot, you will want to take some time to choose a cruise that fits all of your requirements. Here are the optimal steps to choosing the best Halong Bay cruise for you.
HOW LONG WILL YOU BE STAYING?
The first step to choosing any Halong Bay cruise is to decide how long you are planning to stay in the area and therefore how long you want your cruise to be. One-day cruises will give you a glimpse into the local life of Halong.
You will normally cruise around the bay, see a limestone cave or two, and possibly have a little time for swimming or kayaking. A two or three-day cruise will give you a much closer look into all that Halong Bay has to offer. You will be able to taste more of the food and engage in more activities such as nighttime squid fishing or early morning tai chi.
If you have plans to stay in the area for a weekend or longer than a multiple day cruises is best. If you already have plans to stay in a hotel or can’t manage more than a day trip from Hanoi, a one-day tour is perfect.
YOUR BUDGET
Finances always take their toll on any great adventure. When choosing a cruise through Halong Bay, you can easily narrow down your choices by deciding on a specific budget. Cruises range from less than $100 to well over hundreds more. Once you have decided how long you want your cruise to be, you can pick a specific price range.
There are many amazing cruises available for between $100-$150, which will let you see the beautiful sights and sounds of the bay and include some great food and activities. Most ships are decked out in opulent looking fabrics no matter what the cost.
It is usually best not to go for the absolute cheapest option out there. You get what you pay for. Spending just a little bit more will usually result in a slightly more efficient and comfortable cruise.
WHERE YOU WANT TO VISIT?
Halong Bay is a small corner of Vietnam, tucked into Southeast Asia. You can easily see many of the hot spots within a day or two of touring around. However, different cruises cater to different spots. There are dozens of limestone caves to explore and several floating villages to observe.
Not only that, but certain cruises are known to venture “off the beaten path”, cruising past Halong Bay proper and focusing more on areas surrounding Bai Tu Long Bay. It is a good idea to sit down and consider which spots are most appealing to you.
Would you prefer to see the Dau Go Cave, Sung Sot Cave, or Thien Cung Cave? Does Cua Van or Vong Vieng floating village sound most appealing? The length of your tour may have some impact on your choices but it is always best to choose an itinerary that will stop at the spots that seem most exciting to you.
CRUISE REPUTATION & SAFETY
Another great way to narrow down your search is by researching a cruise’s reputation and safety standards. Any reputable cruise line will have to adhere to specific safety protocol. However, there are so many cruise lines advertised online, you don’t want to choose one without making absolutely sure that it is a secure and well-known company.
For example, modern cruise lines do not utilize wooden boats. This is a big red flag to pay attention to when sifting through options. Going cheap does not mean that you are choosing a bad cruise line, but you want to make sure to pay attention to ratings and customer reviews. It is usually best not to deal with a company that has little or no information to report.
Hai Au Aviation works with L’Azalée and Emeraude to name a few. Other well-known companies include Signature, Indochina Sails, and Orchid cruise to name a few. There are so many great options, just make sure you do your homework before booking.
WHO ARE YOU TRAVELING WITH?
The people you choose to travel with will always impact how you want to travel. Perhaps you are flying solo across the globe, looking for intimate romance with a partner, or carting a caravan of kids around.
Halong Bay advertises cruises for each of these scenarios. Certain lines make it clear that families are their top priority, boasting rooms that will accommodate larger groups. Other companies concentrate on creating a romantic atmosphere for newlyweds and lovebirds.
There are even options for party cruises or boats that have single rooms for backpackers or independent voyagers. You want to make sure that the cruise cannot only accommodate the size of your party but also fulfills the requirements of each of its members.
SIZE OF THE BOAT
It’s usually said that size doesn’t matter, but in the case of Halong Bay cruises it often can. If you are a solo traveler or backpacker looking to see the sights with little to no fanfare, a petite little vessel might be just right for you.
However, the larger the group the harder it will be to enjoy a potentially cramped environment. Most Halong Bay cruise ships are not massive. There are so many boats roaming through the bay, it would be impossible to have a Titanic-esque ship floating through the surf.
But some boats are more spacious than others. Not only in terms of room space, but also in the dining rooms and on the decks. Travelers who want to spread their wings and enjoy the views from a tranquil spot on board will want to steer clear from boats that cram too many people into one tiny boat.
FOOD OPTIONS
Most Halong Bay Cruises have a variety of food options available onboard. You will often find traditional Vietnamese dishes included in the menu as well as other international or fusion options. Many cruise lines even offer a Vietnamese cooking class or display as part of their activity itinerary during the excursion.
Adventurous travelers usually look forward to tasting the local flavors or dishes of whichever country they are exploring. However, today’s society also demands food requirements. If you have a food allergy, intolerance or restriction, it is best to find a cruise line that will comply with your needs.
The most popular dishes include seafood of varying sorts. If you are allergic to seafood or shellfish, make sure there are other options available. Families with children will want to make sure there are kid choices for children who might not have developed adventurous taste buds just yet. Most companies will happily accommodate vegetarians upon request.
ACTIVITIES & EXCURSIONS
No one books a cruise through Halong Bay just to stay on board and enjoy the scenery. While that is certainly a stunning part of the journey, the more exciting part is stepping off the ship and submerging yourself into the picturesque landscape.
There are numerous limestone caves, beaches and fishing villages to explore. Most cruises will include excursions into these gorgeous areas of Halong Bay, by small boat or kayak. You can swim in the surf for an afternoon, maybe even snorkel or scuba dive.
There are activities not only off the boat but also on. Activities range from music to cooking classes, movies to squid fishing or tai chi. Don’t waste your time in Halong Bay merely sitting in the comforts of a luxurious room with a view. Be sure to investigate and take part in the brilliant experiences included in your trip.
TRANSPORTATION TO CRUISE & BACK
Hanoi, Vietnam is the closest major city to Halong Bay. Many tourists combine their tour of Halong Bay with some time spent in the capital city. Because of this, cruise lines generally include options for transport to and from the major city so that you can easily get to the airport and back regardless of the length of your trip.
One of the primary methods of transport is a shuttle or private car. The drive takes approximately four hours and is included in the price of the cruise package.
Some tours even combine with Hai Au Aviation and include a seaplane flight one or both ways, cutting the travel time in less than half and providing an opportunity to see Halong Bay from above.
While you can absolutely try to get to Halong Bay by independent car, train or bus, it will take much longer and be far more complicated. The best thing is to choose a cruise that has transportation included and work within your budget and time frame.
HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP
Once you have finally narrowed down your search and chosen a Halong Bay cruise line, it is time to book your tour. The quickest and easiest way is to book online. This usually gets you the best price in a secure way.
Most cruise companies should have their own website so you can be sure that there are no tricks or traps involved in your purchase. However, many deals are available through other travel or discount sites.
Once again, make sure to research and read the fine print. Any reputable agent like Kayak or Expedia will provide and safe and secure service though other sites such as Halong Bay Tours and Trip Advisor work as well. Just be sure to check for reviews and added fees.
Once you have completed all of this steps, you will ideally be ready for a wonderful cruise through Halong Bay, Vietnam. The planning process for any trip can seem overwhelming and confusing, but a bit of research and organisation will always guarantee amazing results. In the end, you will walk away from Halong Bay with memories to last a lifetime.
Take the time to filter through the mountains of information and prioritize your personal travel needs. Halong Bay is a top tourist and Unesco World Heritage sight so you will find infinite options available with Hai Au Aviation.
The activities that are available on your cruise will vary with the company. Try to find a cruise with an appropriate length and the activities that you want to experience the most.
You explore some of the limestone caves, get acquainted with a local fishing village, and lounge for hours in the sun. While there are several tours to choose from, all with unique attributes and tantalizing itineraries, here is a list of some of 
They offer multiple activities such as a Vietnamese spring roll cooking class and an opportunity to kayak through Pearl Farm. You’ll also have plenty of time to swim through the sea and stare at the sunset. You’ll be able to mix excitement and tranquility as you end your day wandering the deck under the heavens above. After cruising through Human Head islet, Trong Mai and Dinh Huong islet, you will leave this tour with excitement ringing in your ears.
Walking arm-in-arm on a twilit deck while the sun slowly sets in the background is the perfect scenario for the romantic at heart. This tour is known for taking you a little off the beaten track. You will arrive in Hai Phong City and cruise through the seductive sights of Lan Ha Bay.
This cruise embraces some of the highlights of Halong Bay while also cruising further out toward Bai Tu Long. You will be able to roam amongst the stalagmites and stalactites so unique to the limestone caves as well as visit the traditional floating fishing village of Vung Vieng. Take a solitary moment in one of the karsts or mingle with the natives on shore.
Very few travelers are able to wander the globe without considering finances. For the frugal-minded, Lavender Cruise is known for giving wonderful tours at very good value. They are some of the most affordable cruise lines for two or three-day tours. You will enjoy all of the typical Halong Bay sights while cruising on a traditional junk but without worry about excessive prices.
Nothing will make you feel more like an explorer of the deep seas than cruising around on a traditional junk boat. Dragon Pearl Junks offers beautiful historic looking boats that will put you right into the shoes of a wily pirate or savvy spelunker.
If indulgence is what you’re after, the first choice on our list is the only one that doesn’t include a cruise option. Instead, it offers a 1-night stay in a glamourous hotel with a 1-way transfer by spectacular seaplane. 
Halong Bay, Vietnam holds the keys to all manner of merry and mischievous myths. No matter what kind of traveler you are, the stories and memories brought home after a 2-day trip in the bay will last a lifetime. From a bird’s eye view on a stunning seaplane to a romantic walk at twilight to a kayaking excursion through the local floating villages, the anecdotes and flashbacks will come in full force. The memories you want to bring back home from a truly magical vacation are always lined with the most stunning detail.
The first Halong Bay day cruise on our list is organized by Pelican Halong Cruises. While there are many options for day cruises in Halong Bay, this one stands out due to its affordability and summarized Halong Bay experience.
Annam Junk offers a similar itinerary to the others we’ve listed so far, but with the added bonus of just a touch of sophistication. While still open to families and friends alike, this is a good tour for adult couples who are looking for something simple and straightforward in a small sized boat.
Traveling around Halong Bay with your friends means being on the lookout for tours and experiences that will easily accommodate. Alova Day Cruise offers medium sized boats with cozy interiors, perfect for small groups of tourists.
While there are many good deals lining the seas of Halong Bay, Halong Phoenix Cruiser is considered one of the best values. Whether it’s a one, two or three-day tour, Phoenix Cruiser keeps the expenses at bay while you sail around Halong.
Paradise Cruise has a reputation for decadence and fine dining. Their boats are large and luxurious with a sprawling deck offering wonderful views of the bay around. Paradise also provides a choice of either a half-day or a full-day tour, once again considering the options of travelers with limited time.
There are many different options for solo travelers in Halong Bay. Depending on your time frame and budget, you may want to try out a day cruise that will hit the highlights without leaving you broke.
Another amazing way of exploring the bay is to take advantage of the many kayaking excursions available. You can either rent a kayak on your own or book a tour, both offering enchanting experiences in the bay.
Junk boats are an ancient Asian-style boat, originally created by the Chinese for extensive seafaring. Nowadays, the name generally refers to a specific, very historic looking ship most recognizable by its distinctive triangular sails.
No true adventure is complete without a step into the local life and culture of the scene. The fishing villages of Halong Bay are a haven of Vietnamese quotidian. Specializing in fishing and aquaculture, these floating cities are filled with friends and family native to Halong Bay.
Geographical anomalies are one of the most sought after and most recommended activities in Halong Bay. The limestone caves, caverns and grottos carving their way through the bay are what make up its most tantalizing topography.
Like a castle standing guard over its kingdom, Bai Tho Mountain (Poem Mountain) fortifies its surroundings with stunning beauty as well as one of the best views of Halong Bay below. The mountain is accessible by land or by sea and certainly demands a high level of activity.
While there is an infinite amount of sea level and above activities to take advantage of in Halong Bay, there is a whole world of deep sea adventures waiting in the briny blue below.
From kayaks to junk boats to good old-fashioned cruise ships, there is a never ending amount of nautical ways to explore Halong Bay: a parachute-pulled canoe is by far one of the most interesting and unusual ways of doing so.
After a week of relaxing with family at Tet, March is often when Vietnamese people like to go out and attend festivals.
Northern Vietnam’s tropical summer heat is a great time for getaways, especially to the beach or the cooler temperatures found in the mountains.
There is a higher possibility of typhoons in September than in other times of the year, with 2-3 tropical storms on average in the month.
October is the beginning of high season for international tourists, so you may find that the added demand for flights, hotels, and other tourist services result in higher prices. That said, autumn is a great time for couples travel.
Visit Halong Bay in winter and you’ll likely by joined by international tourists who are taking advantage of winter holidays including Christmas and New Year’s, rather than domestic Vietnamese tourists who are months away from celebrating Vietnamese New Year.
In contrast to domestic travel, inbound tourism to Halong Bay spikes during the winter months, particularly in December and January.
In contrast to the budget tour, many travelers may choose to indulge in a higher end experience during their time in Halong Bay. If you have the time and money to really sink your teeth into a luxuriant Halong Bay experience, Emeraude Classic Cruises is right for you.
One of the most spectacular ways of touring around Halong Bay is by seaplane. Hai Au Aviation has a plethora of options from quick flights over the bay to day tours to 2-day excursions, each combining a breathtaking seaplane flight with cruise, hotel or more.
Many travelers go on holiday for rest and relaxation but not all. Sometimes the wanderlust driving many people forward is a desire for excitement and adventure. Rather than calmly being ferried from one landmark to the next, a true explorer would rather rush into the scenery and use their own adrenaline for fuel.
If you are still in search of adventure but cycling is not your forte, consider an Active Travel 4-day trekking tour. This tour combines one day of full on trekking, one day taking a kayak, and one day relaxing on a cruise. It is an excellent balance of stimulation and sightseeing, culminating in some of the more traditional aspects of a tour.
Haven’t set a date yet? Let’s go through this monthly breakdown to help you to decide when you should visit based on your preferred weather and activities.
Temperatures in the more mountainous areas are starting warm up making it perfect for hiking. In addition, as the waters in the bay are also starting to warm, this can be a good time to start planning a dip for those that don’t mind the waters a little on the cooler side.
This is a perfect time for all of the different activities that you can do in Halong Bay. You’ll definitely want to bring along your swimming gear to enjoy the warming waters and drier days.
This time of year you’ll definitely want to pack some shorts and tank tops or short sleeve shirts. Swimsuit will certainly come in handy when you need to take a dip to cool off after a fun adventure or two.
Many say that this is the most perfect month for going to Halong Bay for a junk cruise for one day or more. That being said, if you plan to visit during this time, you should probably book in advance if you’d prefer.
The winter months are approaching in this region meaning that this cool down makes it perfect for exploring. You can enjoy many of the land activities that get you moving, such as hiking, but you may want to skip the water activities depending on how you like your water temperatures.
Since 2007, Bhaya Cruise Halong Bay became one of the largest Halong Bay cruise operators. With Bhaya cruise, tourists can try some of the local activities like tai chi in the morning or squid fishing at night while riding on a traditional junk ship.
Lives up to its name, the Oasis Bay Party Cruise is suitable for young adults with energetic hearts. From one to three-night options, this tour embraces fun and adventure, nightlife and socializing. This cruise line offers an amazing Halong Bay tour with a wide range of activities on board for young travelers.
This cruise will take you by luxury bus to the bay, where you will step onto a traditional junk and head toward Halong and Bai Tu Long Bays. You will get to experience all of the usual Halong activities such as swimming and sunbathing with the added bonus of seeing some of the sights a little further out toward the Cap La and Cong Do areas.
As a 3-star cruise line, Oriental Sails offer deluxe cabins of Vietnamese traditional style with modern facilities. From the inside, travelers can have the amazing view of Halong Bay through the windows. Meanwhile, the top deck allows different exciting activities to join. Take a closer look at this Halong Bay Cruise: http://www.orientalsails.com/cruises/oriental-sails.
Travelers in search of more luxurious surroundings to accompany them around Halong Bay will be entranced by the richness and decor of Paradise Peak Cruise Halong Bay. From start to finish, guests will be treated like VIPs. As you discover Vietnamese and international cuisine in the luxury restaurant on board and indulge in the spacious cabins. Request a balcony suite and envelope yourself in the magical views from your very own luxury room. From cooking classes to squid fishing to the glories of the seascape, this tour will not disappoint.
While many solo travelers and romantic couples fly to Halong Bay, so do families. Wishing to experience and new or native landscape? Orchid Cruise Halong Bay is a wonderful balance of comfort, efficiency, and economic value for the whole family.
Signature cruise offers reasonable rates for two or three-night trips, depending on your availability. Cabins are paved with hardwood floors with creamy white fabric decor. Each room has a private jacuzzi, perfect for couples to enjoy their days and nights together.
As the ship starts heading to Bai Tu Long Bay, tourists will be served a special lunch on board. Then, have the chance to explore Vung Vieng fishing village, Thien Canh Son Cave, and islets. Last but not least, travelers can add the highlight of this trip by asking the staff to prepare a private beach BBQ just for you and your loved one.
Fortunately, the weather was so fine that day, the sun was shining which gave us a stunning view of Halong Bay from above.
During 45 mins of the flight, you can use cell phones with GPRS to post status, picture or even live on Facebook or Instagram to check-in (Don’t forget to tag Hai Au Aviation).
While other cruises prefer: light brown and white with classic style, I believe L’Azalee is chic, elegant and suitable for those who are young-at-heart.
Helpful staff made us feel really comfortable with professional service and delicious food. We decided to wander around rather than stay in the cabin. And guess what? We found L’Azalée’s upper sun deck was amazing, giving us a chance to get up close to the beautiful rock formation, you can have a cup of tea/coffee (for free), chit chat with friends while cruising through the calming area.
It’s time for kayaking!
Most of us newcomers embarked on a one-hour kayak adventure to explore the calming sea surrounds Pearl Farm. We paddled around, enjoyed the craggy karsts up close in near solitude and the fresh air in Halong Bay.
After that, dinner was served.
We decided to review hundreds of pictures that we took during the day on top deck, had a small talk and enjoyed the peaceful nightlife of Halong Bay.
After breakfast, we made our way to Ti Top Island – another tourist attraction of Halong where we enjoyed the overview of Halong from the top of Titov mountain.
Then, we came back to the boat and started packing our bags and getting ready before returning to Halong City.
All too soon it was time for the L’Azalée Deluxe to return us back to Halong City for our transfer to Hanoi.
About 4 pm, we arrived at the Old Quarter, ended tour.
I’ve just checked, they are having SUMMER PROMOTION PACKAGE, only US$ 350 including seaplane flight and a 2-day-1-night cruise.
With the world constantly changing and global warming taking effect, many travelers are trying to go more green. In fact, the United Nations declared 2021 the International Year of Sustainable Tourism. For some, this might mean traveling more locally so as to reduce their carbon footprint.
Solo travel is another top trend this year, especially for women. While many people prefer to have adventures with friends and family, it is becoming more common to see the world through nothing but your own senses.
Every year there are lists of top destinations to put on your radar. 2019 offers a wealth of locations to consider in your search for the perfect travel spot. Havana, Cuba is one of the main cities being talked about this year.
Ba Vang Pagoda is a Buddhist Temple first constructed in the 13th century. Its first major renovation took place in 1706 by the Buddhist Monk Tue Bich and today’s manifestation is the result of the most recent renovation in 2011.
Dragon Park is part of a large amusement complex called SunWorld in Halong Bay. It has many thrilling attractions that are perfect for the intrepid adventurer. Some notable diversions include the Queen Car Cable and Sunwheel.
After you have spent time thrill-seeking through Dragon Park, stay around long enough to enjoy a magnificent sunset. The Sunwheel is an enormous Ferris wheel that offers spectacular views of the surrounding terrain.
Finding bars and cafés is a great way to mingle with the locals. You can question the servers and bartenders or even strike up a conversation with a Halong Bay inhabitant. You can find the Rooftop Café & Bar on the tenth floor of the Halong Telecommunication Building.
Cruises are one of the most touristy things you can do in Halong Bay. They come highly recommended and offer a wonderful glimpse into the hot spots around the bay. However, when you choose the right cruise you also get a taste of the true local culture.
Most people head to Halong Bay to enjoy the sights, scenery, and emerald green sea. It’s a blissful environment to engage in water sports like swimming or kayaking or simply bathe in the sun rays shining down from above.
Another great overnight example is the seaplane flight combined with Emeraude Cruise. With this package, you once again have the choice of transfer or scenic tour with Hai Au Aviation’s seaplane service. However, there is a few difference to consider when choosing which itinerary will best suit your needs.
On day two you will also have the option to wake up bright and early for a tai chi session and a nice sunshiny continental breakfast on the deck. You will then have the opportunity to either visit the Pearl Farm or suit up for some adventurous kayaking. After a lovely brunch on board, you will cruise back to Halong Bay and make your way back to Hanoi.
Another historic and architecturally stunning city is Hoi An. It’s notable Old Town is famous for its cultural ambiance. Wander the winding streets and you will find charming lanterns, flowers, and dainty decoration. You can visit the old merchant houses and get a real sense of the ancient culture still so prominent in this beautiful little haven. The Japanese covered bridge is one of Hoi An’s most delightful discoveries. Outside the city, you can find rice paddies and floating villages to see even more of local life.
