The emerald waters, towering limestone karsts—Ha Long Bay resembles a great tapestry, and of course, it is a UNESCO heritage site. A HaLong Bay cruise will give the best way to experience this place. However, today with a myriad of options, selecting the right one might be a tough task. Hence, this guide by Lily’s Travel reveals information on the best cruise in HaLong Bay Vietnam, for your dream vacation.
Top 7+ Best Halong Bay Cruises
Choosing the right Halong Bay cruise can only depend on your preferences and budget. The following are some of the most popular options that might inspire your journey with details to assist in your choice:
Orchid Classic Cruise
Orchid Classic Cruise offers an outstanding balance between affordability and luxury. Relax in expansive cabins with private balconies, go to this peaceful refuge, and enjoy the panoramic view of Halong Bay. Indulge in delicious Vietnamese food, perfectly cooked and exquisitely laid out. Take interesting cooking classes to learn the secrets behind Vietnamese cuisine.
Refresh with rejuvenating massages or soak in the warm Jacuzzi set against the tranquil ambiance of this spa. Join Tai Chi on the sun deck with vistas if time allows and the day is unhurried. When the day eases into evening, enjoy a cool drink at the bar and retell stories of today’s exploits.
Price: $183/pax
Scarlet Pearl Cruise
Experience the epitome of luxury sailing aboard the Scarlet Pearl Cruise for an unforgettable cruise Halong Bay amidst breathtaking scenes on board a technologically advanced cruise. International reputed spa treatments will rejuvenate your senses and rebalance your equipoise. Screen a movie within the coziness of our mini-cinema while you relish gourmet delicacies prepared from the freshest and finest regional ingredients.
Refresh in the Jacuzzi with panoramic views of the limestone karsts. For those seeking quiet moments of contemplation and isolation, our library provides space to get lost in a good book. Each cabin has a private balcony to invite you to just relax in the serenity of the bay in complete privacy. Get ready to be enchanted by Scarlet Pearl Cruise – where luxury meets adventure.
Price: $165/pax
Read more: Ba Vang Pagoda: A Spiritual Gem
Mon Cheri Cruise
Mon Cheri Cruise offers a great retreat for families or couples looking to relax and rejuvenate. Onboard comfort and leisure facilities fully satisfy all of your needs. It’s the rejuvenating facilities of the Spa, a well-equipped gym, refreshing swim in the pool, or an invigorating soak in the Jacuzzi – all this awaits you here to replenish lost energies after a round of exhilarating adventures through the day. Add a game or two of mini-golf to challenge the family for a taste of friendly competition.
Every cabin has a private balcony whose existence exudes serenity, perfect for taking in breathtaking views of Halong Bay. Mon Cheri Cruise Halong Bay delivers much more than one might expect; it is an experience promising unforgettable memories to its guests.
Price: $164/pax
Grand Pioneers
Feel like royalty aboard a Grand Pioneer. Sophistication and adventure blend aboard this floating palace for a truly unique experience. Lavish is a world where every single detail is put in place just to pamper your comfort and delight.
From the cutting-edge gym to the relaxing wellness area, everything is literally at your fingertips. Refresh with a swim in the pool or contest with friends over a round of 3D golf. If the fast pace all catches up with you at times, sequester yourself in the library, but for endless amusement, visit the games room.
There is also a kids’ club provided for the children, and so eventful days can be expected for the young ones. One can enjoy a cinematic experience in the mini-cinema or taste handcrafted cocktails at their stylish bar. There is also the cigar and poker club, which will provide just the right refined retreat one would want to find exclusiveness.
From corporate retreats to private parties, their conference and meeting facilities provide the perfect setting. The Grand Pioneers is more than a cruise Halong Bay; it’s a destination itself.
Price: $209/pax
Capella Cruise
Capella Cruise is the epitome of classic synthesis between luxury and adventure. On board, surround yourself with opulence and compile all the facilities at your beck and call to pamper and entertain you. Unwind with a soothing massage in the spa or remain active in the fitness center. Refresh in the cool pool or the invigorating Jacuzzi, or maybe challenge your friends to a round of mini-golf. Then just drop by one of the poker clubs to add some excitement to your night or step into the karaoke room.
Price: $218/pax
Swan Cruise
Swan Cruise proposes a visit to the restaurant with food served both in Vietnamese and international styles, fresh and local ingredients, a bar with refreshing drinks, and complimentary Wi-Fi to stay connected. Experience Vietnamese culture through interactive cooking classes and learn the secrets behind the traditional dishes.
Take part in a Tai Chi session on the sundeck amidst Halong Bay’s beauty for some great relaxing moments. You can either challenge your friends and family to a friendly game with traditional wooden games or simply relax and soak in the breathtaking scenery. Swan Cruise strikes a perfect balance between comfort and cultural enrichment for memory building.
Price: $135/pax
Read more: Halong Flower Park: The super awesome architecture in Halong City
Indochine Premium Cruise
Indochine Premium Cruise balances traditional concepts with luxury of the contemporary age. Embark on this beautiful vessel to feel a voyage through time; the mystique of bygone years harmoniously meets comfort at its best. Stay on board a traditional junk painfully restored to its former beauty while affording every modern amenity possible.
Rejuvenate at the spa, or simply relax in the Jacuzzi with a drink while taking in the breathtaking views around. For those who are more energetic, play a round of mini-golf or enjoy an exercise session at the fitness center. Later in the day, be sure not to miss out on the great local food that will be served with our own specially selected wines from our private cellar.
In the evening, retire to your own balcony, an oasis of calm surveying the sparkling waters. Unwind in the intimate cafe and lounge or around a nightcap at the chic bar. Indochine Premium Cruise delivers a journey that you will remember forever, in which every moment is a feel of gracious living.
Price: $183/pax
Elite of the Seas Cruise
Experience the best in modern luxury aboard Elite of the Seas Cruise. Sophistication merges into adventure handsomely on this stunning vessel. Taste refined elegance tailored to every whim.
Indulge head-first in their lavish spa, detoxify your body, refresh your mind in steam, or sweat out the kinks in the sauna. If you want to stay fit, then a beautiful gym will help you in continuing your exercise regime, and right after, you can cool off with a refreshing dip in the infinity pool. For a little friendly competition, invite other travelers to a round of mini-golf. Come sundown, fine dining awaits, with wine thoughtfully selected from our comprehensive cellar.
Wind down at the end of the day either in the café and lounge or with a classic cocktail at the refined bar. Each cabin features a private balcony extending into a peaceful nook where one can sit and muse over the breathtaking vistas of Halong Bay. The Elite of the Seas Cruise is a style of living rather than just a cruise.
Price: $343/pax
La Regina Legend Cruise
This floating palace offers you an exquisite escape where opulence and elegance meet. Let yourself fall into the finely beautiful tastes, meant to coddle your senses, fulfilling even more than you might have expected.
Relax in the luxurious spa or work out in the well-equipped gym. Whirl in a Jacuzzi or refresh in a revitalizing swim. Enjoy delicious food, fine wines, and stylish surroundings of the bar and cafe lounge.
Entertain your inner entertainer with karaoke or perhaps a bit of friendly competition by relaxing with some of the old-school wooden games when the sun begins to dip. Each cabin features a private balcony, enabling the acquisition of serenity when admiring Halong Bay’s stunning beauty. More than just a cruise, La Regina Legend Cruise is an epitome of a refined way of life.
Price: $155/pax
Rosy Cruise
Cruise aboard Rosy Cruise, a nostalgic cruise for many years, with intimate and traditional journeys to the heart of magnificent Halong Bay while experiencing an unforgettable sailing experience which leaves strong impressions. Endow yourself with timeless elegance and revel in Vietnamese beauty while indulging in every contemporary comfort.
Relax in your Jacuzzi, enveloped by the serenity of the bay. For complete relaxation, indulge yourself in one of our rejuvenating spa treatments. As the day wears on, sample the authentic Vietnam in our scrumptious Vietnamese cuisine, best enjoyed from your own private balcony while taking in the stunning views.
If you feel a bit competitive, challenge your friends to a classic wooden game played on your behalf, which makes for excellent bonding time. When evening starts falling, enjoy a cool drink at the bar for the ultimate ending to your day of exploration. The Rosy Cruise invites you to step back in time and experience the true essence of Vietnam.
Price: $139/pax
Remember: This is a list to get you started. There are many other great cruises available to suit all tastes and budgets.
Some Notes When Choosing a Cruise in HaLong Bay
With such a wide variety of Halong Bay cruise choices, getting a perfect choice can be a little tricky. Below are the key factors to assist you to ensure your cruise will indeed meet your tastes and expectations:
Cruise Duration
- Day Cruises: It is such a great option for those business people not possessing enough time. They indeed provide a glimpse of the beauty of the bay. Ideally, the shortest recommended trip is a one day Halong Bay trip from Hanoi.
- Overnight Cruises are ideal for viewing the bay when it is relatively quiet, offering peaceful views of the beautiful sunsets and sunrises. These activities are for visitors to take place at a slower pace, thus enhancing their experience in nature.
- 2-day, 1-night Cruises: This has been a first choice for most visitors. It offers just the appropriate mixture of time to explore and relax. At this length, visitors will have enough time to witness all the iconic features, take advantage of available facilities on board, and spend time experiencing the ambiance of the bay.
Cruise Type
- Luxury Cruises: Live in luxury with the finest amenities, high-end personalized service, and fine dining. Ideal for pampering.
- Boutique Cruises: An intimate setting where everything circles around personalized attention and authentic cultural experiences. It is ideal for people who like a smaller and more intimate atmosphere.
- Traditional Junks: Experience the rich Vietnamese culture with an overnight stay on a traditional sailing vessel. The perfect adventure for the authentic culture seeker.
Cruise Itinerary
- Core Halong Bay: Known for its limestone formations, overcrowded fishing villages, and all-too-popular tourist spots, this trip is perfect for first-time visitors to experience the classic at Halong Bay.
- Lan Ha Bay: Endless lagoons, quiet, and private beaches make it purr-fect for unpeopled travelers in search of an easy day trip to get off the beaten track.
- Bai Tu Long Bay: Visit a virgin place featuring dramatic landscapes and a truly remote atmosphere. Wish to appeal to more adventurous travelers, hungry for isolation, and longing to see untapped nature.
Amenities and Activities
- Cabin Size and Comfort: Choose a cabin that suits your demands, it would be a cozy single cabin or a roomy family suite. Think about what is essential for you in a bed size, bathroom facilities, and cabin location.
- Onboard Facilities: Inspect various facilities that can make your cruise experience memorable – swimming pools, spas, gyms, restaurants, bars, and lounges.
- Activities: Pick one offering activities of interest to you, be it kayaking, swimming, hiking, cooking classes, fishing, or even a dose of cultural performances.
Budget
- Luxury Cruises: This is a high-end version that offers a lot of lavishing in terms of onboard facilities and quality service.
- Budget-Friendly Options: These cruises provide fewer amenities. Nevertheless, this provides a budget option for cruises in Halong Bay.
- Value for Money: You shouldn’t go by the price of the cruise, but by the inclusions one has to offer. Check out the inclusions and pricing on different cruises for good value for money. You have to consider what is most important to you with regard to facilities and activities.
Reviews and Recommendations
- Read Reviews: To help you judge, you can read some more reviews from other travelers about their cruise experience. Hide no importance from either a positive review or a negative one.
- Seek Recommendations: Ask friends, family members, or travel agents for referrals based on their personal experiences.
By carefully considering these factors, you can select a Halong Bay cruise that perfectly matches your travel style and preferences.
FAQs
What is the best time of the year to take a Halong Bay cruise?
Ha Long Bay would be at its best in fine weather, which is from April to May or September to November. During this period, the sky is clear, and the water is super calm. However, one can’t deny that the beauty of the Bay stays the same throughout the year as different seasons offer different experiences.
How many days should I spend on a Halong Bay cruise?
How long should a cruise to experience Halong Bay ideally be for a visitor depends on their spare time and also their sought-after form of experience. Day cruises will give a taste of the magic; overnight and longer cruises get you deeper inside.
What activities can I do on a Halong Bay cruise?
The cruises organize a myriad of activities in HaLong Bay to satisfy all tastes. A little something for everyone: kayak, swim, hike, or take cooking classes, along with off-the-beaten-path cave exploration. Not counting that most cruises also offer spa treatments, gyms, and entertainment.
Is it safe to swim in HaLong Bay?
Swimming is generally safe and within authorized areas, although one needs to take extra precautions according to the instructions given by your cruise staff concerning water conditions.
Do I need a visa to visit Vietnam?
Visa requirements vary depending upon your nationality. Check for the latest visa information before your visit.
What is the average cost of a Halong Bay cruise?
The prices for a HaLong Bay cruise always vary based on cruise type, number of days, inclusions, and season. Ranging from budget to luxury, there are options available.
What should I pack for a Halong Bay cruise?
The must-haves are comfortable clothes and swimwear, sunscreen, hat, some insect repellents, and a camera to capture stunning scenery. One is also advised to bring a light jacket during colder evenings.
Does the price of the cruise include food?
Most of HaLong Bay cruises already include meals in the package. However, again, check on the specifics of your cruise.
Are there any age restrictions for Halong Bay cruises?
Most cruises are open to all ages, but some may have requirements or special arrangements for children. Check with your cruise operator for details.
How will you book your cruise to HaLong Bay?
You may book your HaLong Bay cruise through an online travel agency, on websites belonging to cruise operators, or through a local travel agent. Comparing prices with consideration to inclusions allows one to get the best value for their money.
Experience an unforgettable journey to one of Vietnam’s iconic natural wonders on the cruise Halong Bay. The perfect cruise, best suited to your traveling style and preference, can be chosen based on due consideration of the following criteria: cruise duration, type, itinerary, facilities, budget, and reviews. Be it adventure or relaxation, a mix of both, or whatever your desire may be, a best cruise in Halong Bay Vietnam is sure to create great memories. Bring those daydreams into reality by designing your dream vacation now, and be prepared to be left breathless with the scenery at hand at this UNESCO Heritage Site.
