Halong Bay Cruise

Halong Bay is to Vietnam what the Taj Mahal is to India, or the Grand Canyon to America – undeniably a part of the country’s identity, and a must-see tourist attraction. More so, a Halong Bay cruise is on several Vietnam travellers’ bucket-lists. They give you a chance to see the massive limestone karsts and their secret caves and coves up close. However, most people are under the impression that a Halong Bay cruise is exceedingly expensive and not for everyone. We’re here to bust those myths and tell you all there is to know about the Halong Bay cruise.

Halong Bay is undoubtedly one of the most famous sites in the world.

Understanding Halong Bay

Halong Bay is in North Vietnam, on the Vietnamese coast. While everyone knows this region to be Halong Bay, there are actually three main sites here. The first of these is of course Halong Bay, which is most popular with the most sights to see. The other two are Lan Ha Bay, slightly towards the south and close to Cat Ba island, and Bai Tu Long Bay in the north of the region. Both of these are considered off-beat locations. The Halong Bay cruise is the most popular tourist activity here. Halong Bay is easily reached from Hanoi, so before we get into the cruise, let’s take a glimpse at how to get to Halong Bay.

Lan Ha Bay is one of the off-beat sites at Halong Bay.

How to get to Halong Bay

Getting to Halong Bay from Hanoi is the most preferred way of reaching this UNESCO landscape. Halong Bay is a 3-hour drive away from Hanoi, the capital city of Vietnam. Hanoi also has its own international airport so it’s easy to fly into Vietnam and start your trip with a Halong Bay visit. The road conditions are fantastic so you have no worries there.

Several cruises offer a full package that includes a shared transfer to Halong Bay from Hanoi. This often includes a hotel pickup in a comfortable minibus, with an English-speaking guide. On the way you could stop at a few shops or pearl farms but there is no force or pressure to purchase anything when travelling with the prearranged transport. 

You also have an option of booking private transportation, which takes the same time and could prove more expensive. Nonetheless, we can help you with booking private transport if you’re keen on it. 

Getting to Halong Bay from Hanoi is an effortless process.

Understanding the Cruises

There are a range of cruises at Halong Bay, with different durations and costs. Halong Bay is within proximity of Hanoi, which makes it easy for those looking to get in a day cruise. And there’s the overnight and multi-day cruise for those looking to discover more of the fascinating UNESCO landscape. Read all about the options to get on a Halong Bay cruise and take your pick.

Halong Bay Day Cruise

You have to make an early start from Hanoi in order to reach Halong Bay by the late morning. You will hop aboard the cruise at around noon and eat a pleasant lunch on your way to the islands. The cruise will stop by Vung Vieng, a fascinating floating village, where you can kayak or get on a rowboat. You will also get to see Sung Sot, the Surprise Cave, alongside a number of other islands, each as gorgeous as the last. Your day on the waters ends at around 5 or 6 pm after which you travel back to Hanoi. These cruises mostly come with an English-speaking guide. 

Halong Bay Overnight Cruise

The Halong Bay 2 day 1 night cruise takes you further into the karst landscape, and offers more to see. Different cruise operators offer different routes, and the more off-beat it is, the more expensive it gets. Some routes can go to Halong Bay, some to Bai Tu Long, while others combine a bit of both Halong Bay and Lan Ha Bay. There is also a variety when it comes to size and comfort levels on the cruises. On an average, there are 10 to 20 cabins with double beds. Some cruises also have family cabins, making it easy for those with kids or big families. 

While these cruise ships are smaller and much less luxurious than cruise liners, they have sun decks for you to enjoy the view. The more luxurious cabins have balconies, or even a bathtub with a view. The latter seems to be a very popular choice for those who can afford to shell out the cash. Speaking of cash, the overnight Halong Bay cruise cost starts from USD $250 for a double room for two passengers including all meal and sightseeing costs, but excluding transfer costs. 

The 2 Night 3 Day Cruise

This multi-day cruise at Halong Bay has loads more to see, explore and discover. It combines either two of the three bays, or all three, taking you from one fascinating bay into the other. You get to see the untouched gems of the off-beat Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long Bays. It takes you a reasonable distance away from the shore, and you truly feel removed from everyday life and its nitty gritties.

This naturally proves to be more expensive, with costs starting from USD $500 for a double room for two passengers. This is inclusive of all meal and sightseeing costs, exclusive of transfer costs.

Going on a Halong Bay cruise will treat you to stunning visions like this, and more!

Clearly, with these many options for tourists, Halong Bay is something of a spectacle. It certainly is in high demand and for good reason too. Nothing competes with witnessing Halong Bay and its treasures with your own two eyes. The limestone karsts tower over your head, while its caves and lagoons surprise you with every nautical mile covered. Make sure you get your timing right, as Halong Bay is susceptible to typhoons that temporarily shut all tourism. 

Find yourself yearning to know more about Halong Bay’s sights to see? Read all about our first-hand experience discovering them. Do the cruises seem too mainstream or expensive for you? Not to worry, you can also explore Halong Bay without getting on a cruise ship. We hope you’re still not wondering if Halong Bay is worth it, as we can tell you it certainly is. Hit Plan Your Trip so we can help you organize the perfect itinerary with Halong Bay just as you’d like it.