Enjoying your leisure time on a beautiful Halong Bay Cruise is one of the highlight activities for a Vietnam vacation. This is an ideal destination to admire the gorgeous landscapes whilst refreshing yourself in the middle of the bay.
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Halong Bay, located in the Gulf of Tonkin in northeast Vietnam, is a natural wonder of the world recognized by UNESCO. It is approximately a 3-hour drive from Hanoi capital. Covering an area of 434 square kilometers, the bay boasts nearly 2000 large and small karst mountains, some of which rise hundreds of meters above the water. Visitors can explore numerous caves and grottos spread throughout the bay, adding to the area's stunning natural beauty.
With a great archaeological and geological significance that is rich in cultural and historical connections, Halong Bay is also an international gateway to the sea. As a result, it has become a popular destination for both domestic and foreign tourists. The bay management board has created unique and attractive routes for these two parts, making them even more appealing to visitors.
Karst mountains in Halong Bay - The gorgeous landscapes for cruising
Natural features
The bay is characterized by the presence of nearly 2000 karst islands, both large and small, named by the locals based on their imaginative perception of the shape of these islands. The average height of these islands varies from 50 to 100 meters and their tops are composed of steep cliffs, which are inaccessible to humans, thus preserving their natural and wild features. The rocky islands emerge from the turquoise blue waters of the bay, creating stunning natural scenery.
Apart from the karst islands, Halong Bay also has a captivating allure of caves and grottoes located within those rocky islands. There are many undiscovered caves in the area, but to preserve the natural beauty of Halong Bay, only a select few caves are open to tourists. These include the Sung Sot cave, Thien Cung cave, Dau Go cave, Trinh Nu cave, and Thien Canh Son cave.
In addition, there are many large and small sandy beaches on the bay forming beautiful tourist spots such as Titov and Soi Sim beaches.
With such geographical location, natural features and beauties as above, more and more tourists visit Halong Bay.
Visitors have various options to choose from when planning a trip to Halong Bay. If tourists have limited time but still want to explore the beauty of the bay and its caves, they can opt for a Halong Bay Cruise day trip. This is the most efficient and cost-effective alternative to enjoy a tour of the bay.
The itinerary usually departs from Hanoi at noon, and visitors will board the boat to explore the bay while having lunch and continuing the journey until the afternoon. Tourists will return to Hanoi in the evening. The day cruise trip has options for 4, 6, and 8 hours, with the 4-hour cruise being the most popular. The 8-hour itinerary is recommended only for guests who have already stayed in Halong City. The cruise day trip program allows for both private and group tours. If you prefer privacy or are traveling with friends and family, it's best to choose a private day boat (charter).
>> See more: A Complete Guide to Halong Bay Day Trip from Hanoi
Most tourists choose the 2-day 1-night overnight cruise on Halong Bay because it optimizes the time and experience for visitors.
Depart from Hanoi in the morning and arrive in Ha Long at noon, you will visit the bay, have lunch on board, and continue cruising until dinner, overnight stay on the boat with scheduled activities. On the next day, after breakfast, you will continue your journey until check-out and return to Hanoi by bus or shuttle bus.
Many tourists prefer the overnight cruise on Ha Long Bay as it offers the best use of their time and experience. The journey begins from Hanoi in the morning and reaches Ha Long Bay by noon. During this time, you will have the opportunity to explore the beautiful Bay and enjoy lunch on board. After that, you will continue cruising on the bay until dinner time. Later, you can spend the night on board and engage in scheduled activities. The next day, after breakfast, the journey will continue until check-out time, and then you will return to Hanoi by bus or shuttle bus.
Overnight cruises in Halong Bay
The program includes a 3-day, 2-night stay with the second day spent entirely in Halong Bay. The first day's program is the same as the 2-day cruise.
You'll take a transfer day cruise to explore the bay more extensively, which may include kayaking, swimming at the beach, visiting the floating village, or walking or biking in Viet Hai village. The specific activities offered may vary depending on the cruise you choose.
The Bay Management Board issues Halong Bay tickets as follows:
A cabin in an overnight Halong Bay Cruise
Visiting and staying overnight in Ha Long bay (01-night route means 24 hours from departure time, 2-night route means 48 hours from the departure time)
2 Day 1 night cruise Entrance fee: 550 000 VND/ turn/ person
3 Day 2 night cruise: Entrance fee: 750 000 VND/ turn/ person
2 Day 1 night cruise: Entrance fee: 500 000 VND/ turn/ person
3 Day 2 night cruise: Entrance fee: 650 000 VND/ turn/ person
2 Day 1 night cruise: Entrance fee: 500 000 VND/ turn/ person
3 Day 2 night cruise: Entrance fee: 650 000 VND/ turn/ person
Bai Tu Long Bay Cruise map
4.1.1: Bai Tu Long Cruise 2 Days 1 Night
Day 1: Hanoi to Bai Tu Long Bay
You will be transferred from your hotel in Hanoi to Halong Bay. The transfer can be arranged as a private car or a shuttle bus provided by the cruise, depending on your preference.
Upon arrival at Hon Gai Pier at noon, you will check in to the cruise and enjoy a delicious lunch. After lunch, you can participate in various activities offered by the cruise, such as kayaking, visiting the Vung Vieng floating village, pearl farm, or even a cooking class while enjoying the stunning landscapes.
In the evening, you will enjoy dinner on the boat and then have free time to relax or join in the fun squid fishing activity. You will spend the night on the boat, surrounded by the breathtaking scenery of Halong Bay.
Vung Vieng fiing village in a route of Halong bay cruise
Day 2: Transfer back to Hanoi from Bai Tu Long Bay
In the morning, wake up early to catch the sunrise and participate in the Tai Chi lesson on the sundeck. After breakfast, take a trip to explore the Thien Canh Son cave and witness the breathtaking stalagmites and stalactites inside it. Enjoy a delightful lunch onboard the cruise before heading back to Hanoi by private car or the cruise's shuttle bus.
4.1.2. Bai Tu Long Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights
The 3-day 2-night program for the Bai Tu Long cruise is similar to the 2-day program for the first and last days. On the second day, tourists will transfer to a day boat to explore the bay for the entire day.
After enjoying Tai Chi and breakfast on the mother boat, tourists will have the opportunity to discover Bai Tu Long Bay on the day boat. They can explore the Cap La area, go fishing, and enjoy kayaking and swimming.
Lunch will be served on the boat, and tourists can continue cruising and participating in activities in the bay. In the late afternoon, they will return to the mother boat for dinner and an overnight stay on the cruise.
Enjoy a visit on a rowing bamboo boat in Halong Bay
4.2.1. Halong Bay Cruise 2 Days 1 Night
Halong Bay Cruise map
Day 1: Hanoi – transfer to Halong Bay
Arrange for a pick-up from your hotel in Hanoi and arrive in Halong Bay by noon. Upon boarding the boat, enjoy a delicious lunch while cruising around the bay, admiring the stunning karst islands and rock formations, such as Burner Island, Fighting Cock Islet, and Stone Dog Islet.
Later, head towards Titov Island for swimming or hiking to the top for a panoramic view of the bay. If you love cooking, there is an interesting cooking class on the boat that you can join in for some fun and experience.
After dinner is served in the evening on the boat, you can take part in squid fishing or simply relax on the cruise. Spend the night on Halong Bay.
A cooking class in a Halong Bay
Day 2: Halong Bay – transfer back to Hanoi
Wake up early to catch the beautiful sunrise and enjoy a Tai Chi exercise before heading for a delicious breakfast on the cruise. Later, explore the Surprising Cave, which is one of the biggest caves in Halong Bay, and features stunning stalactites and stalagmites. After returning to the cruise, it will be time to check out. Relax on the cruise until it's time for a sumptuous lunch, before disembarking and driving back to Hanoi.
Enjoying Tai Chi activity - Halong Bay Cruise
4.2.2. Halong Bay Cruise 3 Days 2 Nights
The Halong Bay Cruise 3-day, 2-night program is similar to the 2-day program, except for an additional day in the middle. On this day, tourists will be transferred to a day boat to further explore the bay and participate in more activities.
The morning of the day starts with Tai Chi, followed by breakfast served in the restaurant with a view of the bay's landscape. After breakfast, tourists will board a day cruise to spend the entire day exploring the amazing bay. They can explore Luon Cave and enjoy kayaking or rowing in a bamboo boat. The next stop is Cua Van fishing village, where tourists can discover the local life and landscapes of the bay. You can also enjoy kayaking around the area before having an excellent lunch there.
In the afternoon, cruising to the Ho Dong Tien area. Keep cruising and discovering the beauties on the bay. Then back to the main boat, enjoy the sunset party, cooking class and then sumptuous dinner.
Relax and overnight on the Halong Bay cruise.
Cua Van Fishing village - Halong Bay cruise
Kayaking activity - Halong Bay Cruise
4.2.3. Timing for Halong Bay cruise
Most overnight cruises in Halong Bay typically depart from the pier at around 11:30 AM. It is important for tourists to arrive on time to avoid any inconvenience. If they are late, they may have to pay extra for a tender to transfer them to the cruise, which would have already left the pier.
It takes approximately 3 to 3.5 hours to travel from Hanoi to Halong pier. If tourists choose to travel on their own, they should be mindful of the time to ensure they reach the pier on time.
You will finish the journey on the bay at around 11:00 of the next day for 1 night program, or the following day for the 2 night program.
Tourists visiting Ha Long Bay have various options to choose from when it comes to ships. You can opt for a day trip program or a 2-3 day program. Those who choose the day trip program can select a group tour that is reasonably priced. The cost varies from 30 USD to 120 USD, depending on the quality of the cruise company.
Alternatively, tourists can avail the private tour service for a day trip to Halong Bay. This service includes a transport vehicle, tour guide and boat. The price for this service depends on the number of people in the group. Larger groups can get a lower price per person. Therefore, a private Halong Bay day trip is recommended for tourists traveling with a group of family or friends.
For a 2-3 day Halong Bay overnight cruise, tourists have many options to choose from, ranging from 3-star to 5-star cruises.
The cost for a 2-day trip starts from 130 USD per person for a 3-star cruise, 150 USD for a 4-star cruise and 170 USD for a 5-star cruise. The cost for a 3-day trip starts from 250 USD per person for a 3-star cruise, 280 USD for a 4-star cruise and 300 USD for a 5-star cruise option.
>> Read more: Check Halong Bay Cruises at real-time price
It can be challenging to determine the best cruise to take in Halong Bay since there are several options available, ranging from 3 to 5-star ratings and varying prices. Each cruise aims to offer the most suitable and exceptional service to customers. Therefore, IZITOUR has compiled a list, in no particular order, of the best Halong Bay Cruises for your reference.
There are several cruise options available with varying cabin sizes and rates per person. Here are the details:
A cabin on a 3-star cruise in Halong Bay
A cabin on a 4-star cruise in Halong Bay
A luxury Halong Bay Cruise with a beautiful ocean-view cabin
When tourists book an overnight cruise in Ha Long Bay, they are essentially booking a package tour that follows the cruise's program. It's important to know what this package tour includes and excludes. Therefore, we have listed them below for visitors to have a better understanding of their trip:
Most tours to Halong Bay start and end in Hanoi, which is the capital of Vietnam and is located 170km away from Ha Long. The journey from Hanoi to Ha Long takes about 3 hours.
For the convenience of tourists, cruise companies offer a shuttle bus service at a relatively low cost of around 15 USD for a round trip. Many cruise companies use high-quality shuttle buses (D Car) to serve customers, especially the 4 and 5-star cruises. However, the price is also correspondingly higher.
Alternatively, tourists can use a private car booked from a travel agency or even from the cruise companies themselves, which is suitable for a group of families with kids or a group of friends. This option helps them save costs and offers maximum convenience.
For tourists who are already staying in Halong Bay, you can easily reach the pier. Please ensure you arrive at the pier before the departure time of their cruise and also know exactly which pier their cruise will welcome them.
>> Read more: Car rental from Hanoi to Halong Bay
The overnight cruises on Halong Bay offer electricity 24/7 at 220 volts/50Hz, with Type A, C, and F 2-pin plugs available for your devices. If you bring a 110V device or 3-pin plugs, you will need to bring additional adapters since there are no grounding holes in the electrical outlets in Vietnam.
Most Halong Bay cruises provide free wifi internet connection. However, as they use 3G wifi transmitters, the quality may not always be good, and you may experience lags or disconnections, depending on the cruise's position on the bay.
If you need a reliable internet connection during your Halong Bay cruise trip, it is recommended to use your own 3G/4G/5G SIM for better quality.
Type of plug and electric socket in Halong Bay cruise
There are options of 1-night and 2-night cruises for you to choose from. The first option will offer you enough experience about Halong Bay that would optimize the time and budget for your trip.
Meanwhile, the second option will offer you more experience with activities in the bay. If you have time, the second option will be perfect.
>> Read more:
As mentioned in the articles, there will be Halong Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay routes. Also, there is another route in Lan Ha Bay, but it belongs to another province and a different port location.
Halong Bay route will be more popular, with more tourists. However, it will include the most beautiful cave, Sung Sot Cave of the bay.
Bai Tu Long Bay is beautiful, more authentic, less touristic, and more wild. Both of them are so amazing and have their own attractions.
Irresistible beauty of Thien Canh Son cave in the Bai Tu Long route
If you're planning a vacation to Halong Bay, you'll find it difficult to choose from the hundreds of overnight cruises available. However, if you have a budget in mind and we provide you with a list of cruise prices, you'll find it easier to make a decision. It's important to note that a good price doesn't necessarily mean cheap - it simply means that you're getting reasonable pricing for quality services.
The price is based on per person, per night for a double-sharing cabin. If you travel alone, a single supplement will be applied.
Besides, there are some super luxurious 5-star cruises in Halong Bay, and the price starts from about 300 USD per person per night.
>> Read more: 10 Best Halong Bay Luxury Cruises
The trip will be perfect if you bring the right luggage and belongings. Depending on the form of travel, visitors will bring the necessary items. Halong Bay cruise trip is a form of short vacation and relaxation, so visitors should bring the following items.
Remember bringing your passport for check-in at Halong Bay Cruise
Halong Bay is located in the Gulf of Tonkin to the north of Vietnam and belongs to the tropical monsoon region. A year will have four distinct spring, summer, autumn and winter. Each season will have its beauty of Halong, so what is the best time for a Halong Bay cruise trip?
Spring season in Halong Bay is from February to April. During this time, the weather is pleasant and the temperature ranges from 18 to 23 degrees. While there may be a little drizzle in early February, March and April are usually sunny. This makes it an ideal time to plan a Halong Bay cruise trip.
Summer seasonin Halong Bay lasts from May to August. This season is typically humid and hot, with a high temperature of over 35 degrees. August is also the month of hurricanes, and sometimes there may be a storm, which may lead to the suspension of overnight cruises in Halong Bay. However, this is still an exciting season as it is possible to participate in sea activities fully. Additionally, during this season, many cruises and travel companies offer discount promotions.
Autumn season in Halong Bay is from September to October. Although it is a short season, it is the most beautiful time of the year. The weather is not hot, not cold, and sunny, with a high and clear sky. This makes it the best time to enjoy a cruise on Halong Bay and take in the beautiful scenery. It is also the peak tourist season in Halong Bay.
Winter season in Halong Bay lasts from November to January. This is the coldest time of the year, with temperatures dropping to 10 – 15 degrees. It is also dry and sometimes misty. Swimming is impossible during this period. However, this season is also the festival season, with some important occasions such as Christmas, New Year and Lunar New Year.
Beautiful Halong Bay cruise on a foggy day
We hope that with the above information, you can arrange a Halong Bay cruise trip on your own and choose the most suitable time to travel.
Read more about Halong Bay and Cat Ba Archipelago:
>> The 10 Best Things To Do in Cat Ba Island
>> Cat Ba National Park - Travel Guide
>> How to get from Sapa to Halong Bay
>> Top-rated Halong Bay Private Cruise - Small Charter Boat
>> Yen Tu Pagoda - the cradle of the Truc Lam sect of Zen Buddhism in Vietnam
