By Evelyn Nguyen, Sep 12, 2024
With Halong Bay's tourism booming, the number of cruises has surged to over 300, presenting travelers with an overwhelming choice. From budget-friendly options to lavish luxury liners, there's a cruise to match every preference and budget. At Incredible Asia Journeys, we’ll show a list of the top 11 Best Cruises in Halong Bay & Lan Ha Bay, each highly rated by travelers for an unforgettable Halong Bay Cruise Tour experience. Scroll down to look closely at what makes each cruise stand out.
Halong Bay is a vast complex that includes Halong, Lan Ha, and Bai Tu Long Bay, but the best cruises for exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site are found in Halong and Lan Ha Bay. While there are some best Halong Bay day cruises, we recommend opting for a Halong Bay overnight cruise to fully experience the beauty of the bay. Let’s start by exploring the top Halong Bay cruises!
So, are you curious about what will you do on the Halong Bay Cruise? Let’s check out some activities on a Halong Bay Cruise for 3 days 2 nights.
DAY 1: Hanoi - Halong - Tuan Chau Harbor
8:00 – 8:30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi and transfer to Halong Bay.
12:00: Arrive at Tuan Chau Marina, check in, and board the cruise.
13:00: Enjoy a delicious lunch onboard while cruising through the magnificent limestone karsts of Halong Bay.
15:00: Visit Surprise Cave, one of the largest and most beautiful caves in Halong Bay.
17:00: Return to the cruise for swimming or relaxing. Enjoy Happy Hour and watch the sunset.
19:00: Dinner is served, followed by evening activities like squid fishing or karaoke.
Overnight onboard.
Surprise Cave
DAY 2: Halong Bay Intensive Exploration
06:30: Start the day with a Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
07:30: Enjoy a light breakfast.
08:30: Continue cruising through more secluded areas of Halong Bay.
09:30: Visit the Pearl Farm Village to learn about pearl cultivation and the life of local fishermen.
12:00: Lunch is served onboard as you continue your cruise.
14:00: Explore Luon Cave by kayak, gliding through the limestone arches and into the hidden lagoon.
16:00: Return to the boat for leisure time, and enjoy the sunset with Happy Hour.
19:00: Dinner is served followed by free time for stargazing or onboard entertainment.
Overnight onboard.
DAY 3: Halong Bay – Hanoi
06:30: Morning Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
07:30: Light breakfast served as the cruise continues.
08:30: Visit Ba Hang Fishing Village to meet locals and experience traditional fishing culture.
09:30: Return to the boat for brunch while cruising back to the harbor.
12:00: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer back to Hanoi.
16:00: Arrival in Hanoi.
Note: The 2-day itinerary both Halong Bay is a shortened version of the 3-day cruise, focusing on Day 1 and Day 3.
Grand Pioneers Cruise
The Grand Pioneers Cruise, which used to be called Essence Grand Cruise, is one of the best luxury cruises in Halong Bay with 6-star. It has more than 50 rooms and suites spread out over five decks with 8 kinds of rooms including Ocean Suite, The Essence Suite, The Oceania Suite, Ocean Balcony Suite, Ocean Suite - Triple, Veranda Suite, Executive Suite, and The Owner's Suite.
As one of the most outstanding floating in Halong Bay water, the ship has a large area with modern designs, and comes with awesome amenities and exceptional service such as spa, fitness room, voyage cigar & wine lounge,... It's the perfect choice for anyone wanting a super luxurious and unforgettable Halong Bay cruise trip ranging from 6.600.000 VND up to 95.000.000 VND depending on your suites and itineraries.
>> Guest Reviews & Ratings: Earning top marks 5 stars on TripAdvisor with 211 reviews by Sep 2024, Grand Pioneers Cruise in Halong Bay is reviewed for its luxurious accommodations, outstanding service, and breathtaking bay views. Guests often highlight the cruise’s excellent value, meticulously organized excursions, and the ship’s elegant design.
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Catherine Cruise
Another 6-star Halong Bay cruise that can be compared to the Grand Pioneers Cruise is the Catherine Cruise. The Catherine Cruise is a luxurious vessel that can be considered one of the best Halong Bay cruises. This spacious cruise can accommodate up to 117 guests with a total of 39 well-appointed rooms. The cruise has modern facilities like a private swimming pool, spa area, Himalaya salt rock sauna, and mini golf course. The cabins range from Premier Suite, Royal Suite, and Grand Suite To Villa President, with prices from 7.800.000 VND to 29.550.000 VND.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: Catherine Cruise receives consistently high ratings on TripAdvisor 5 stars out of about 350 reviews by 2024, praised for its excellent service, spacious rooms, and well-organized activities. Guests frequently highlight the cruise’s luxurious feel and the attentive staff, making it a top-rated choice for exploring Halong Bay.
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Hermes Cruise
The next best Halong Bay cruise luxury on this list calls the name of Hermes Cruise. The cruise boasts 18 spacious and elegantly designed cabins divided into 9 types, each with private balconies, thus, guests can enjoy stunning panoramic views of the bay. Especially, the cruise is the best Halong Bay cruise for families with has 3 kinds of rooms for family groups such as Family Junior Suite Connecting, Family Senior Suite Connecting, and Family Senior Suite Room between 6.000.000 - 15.400.000 VND.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: Hermes Cruise consistently receives excellent reviews on TripAdvisor with 906 reviews by Sep 2024 for its luxurious accommodations which features modern design but still own some Vietnamese culture and impeccable services, making it rank #6 of 300 Outdoor Activities in Halong Bay.
Indochine Premium Cruise
If you are searching for the best Halong Bay cruise 2 nights, check out Indochine Premium Cruise. This cruise, launched in 2023, is a luxurious 5-star Halong Bay steel cruise owning a 5-deck Indochine design. With a total of 37 elegantly designed cabins, including the spacious President Suite, Executive Suites, and well-appointed Junior Suites, the cruise ensures comfort and privacy for all guests.
Onboard facilities include a restaurant, lounge, pool, two expansive sundecks, a gym, spa & massage services, a kid's club, a golf practice area, and an exclusive & cigar cellar with prices from 7.500.000 - 20.000.000 VND.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: Although there is a small number with 79 reviews on Tripadvisor by Sep 2024, Indochine Premium Cruise receives high ratings often praised for its luxurious cabins, attractive Indochine design, attentive staff, and well-organized itinerary.
If you want to stay at a quieter but equally beautiful landscape like Halong Bay, you can choose to explore on the Lan Ha Bay cruise. And there are many Lan Ha Cruises that you can opt for, and here are our top choice Lan Ha Bay cruises.
How about What to do in Lan Ha Bay Cruise? Keep scrolling to see the detailed example itinerary of the Lan Ha Bay Cruise in 3 days!
Lan Ha Bay
DAY 1: Hanoi – Lan Ha Bay – Cat Ba Archipelago
8:00 – 8:30: Pick up from your hotel in Hanoi for a transfer to Tuan Chau Marina.
12:30: Arrive at Heritage Cruises Lounge, then board the cruise.
13:15: Enjoy a welcome drink, cruise briefing, and lunch as you start exploring Lan Ha Bay with its unique, less-visited landscape.
15:30: Visit Ba Trai Dao (Three Peach Beach) or Tra Bau Area for swimming and kayaking in the pristine waters.
17:00: Return to the cruise for leisure, followed by sunset views during Happy Hour.
19:00: Dinner at restaurant, with a choice of local Vietnamese cuisine. Evening entertainment options include squid fishing or karaoke.
Overnight onboard.
DAY 2: Lan Ha Bay – Viet Hai Village
06:15: Morning Tai Chi on the sundeck.
07:45: Full breakfast is served.
08:30: Take a day trip to Viet Hai Village on Cat Ba Island, where you can cycle or take an electric car through a lush rainforest and visit a traditional house in the village.
12:00: Enjoy lunch at Viet Hai Village or onboard the day boat.
14:00: Visit Tien Duc Cave or continue exploring hidden beaches for more kayaking and swimming in Lan Ha Bay.
17:30: Return to the main cruise to relax, followed by a sunset cocktail and a Vietnamese cooking class.
19:30: Dinner at the main restaurant and evening leisure onboard.
Overnight onboard.
Biking in Viet Hai Village
DAY 3: Lan Ha Bay – Dark and Bright Cave – Hanoi
06:15: Tai Chi session on the sundeck.
07:15: Light breakfast served.
07:30: Head off in a bamboo boat to explore the Dark and Bright Cave, where you can see magnificent stalactites and enjoy the tranquility of nature.
09:30: Return to the cruise for checkout and enjoy brunch as the boat cruises back to the harbor.
12:00: Disembark at Tuan Chau Marina and transfer back to Hanoi.
16:00: Arrival in Hanoi.
Tips: The 2-day itinerary Lan Ha Bay cruise is a shortened version of the 3-day cruise, focusing on Day 1 and Day 3. If you’re looking for a quick idea of what the 2-day itinerary has, just picture these two days. For more exact detailed itineraries or if you’re ready to book your trip, feel free to visit our website or contact Incredible Asia Journeys for the most up-to-date offers and expert advice!
Orchid Classic Cruise
The Orchid Classic Cruise possesses a timeless inspiration, boasting classic Indochine architecture and elegant all-wooden interiors, all centered around the beauty of the Orchid flower. The vessel offers 14 spacious suites with a private balcony and luxurious bathroom. Guests can unwind in the outdoor jacuzzi on the sundeck, enhancing their experience of the bays' mysterious beauty from 486 - 1,483 USD.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: Gaining a large number of reviews in Tripadvisors up to 5320 reviews shows the interest of visitors to Orchid Classic Cruise. Guests appreciate the personalized service, the delicious cuisine, and the serene atmosphere of Lan Ha Bay. The cruise is frequently highlighted for its attention to detail and memorable excursions.
Nostalgia Cruises
Nostalgia Cruises will take you on a unique journey through time on the emerald waters of Lan Ha Bay, where the grandeur of the Nguyen Dynasty is beautifully recreated. This best cruise Halong Bay stands out for its historical architecture, reflecting the opulence of Vietnam’s royal past. The cruise features a selection of elegantly designed 10 suites, including the Princess Suite, Queen Suite, and King Suite from 304 - 880 USD. Onboard, you'll find a restaurant serving traditional Vietnamese cuisine, a lounge area, a sundeck for panoramic views, and luxurious facilities that include a spa.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: With 799 reviews on Tripadvisor reaching 5 stars, guests praise the opportunity to immerse themselves in Vietnam’s royal heritage while enjoying the stunning natural beauty of Lan Ha Bay and the chance to wear traditional Vietnamese costumes on the cruise.
Mon Cheri Cruise
Mon Cheri 1 & 2 with 2 different designs with 2 decks for Mon Cheri 1 and 3 decks for Mon Cheri 2 extend the choices for tourists who love modern designs. Mon Chéri Cruise features 2 ships with a total of 42 modern and stylishly designed cabins, providing a luxurious and comfortable experience for guests from 4,700,000 - 14,200,000 VND. The Mon Cheri cruise has a range of premium amenities, including a golf course, gym, spa, kid club, and notably, the first and only four-season jacuzzi with a waterfall in the bay, ensuring a unique and relaxing experience while exploring the stunning landscapes of Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: Through 2,071 reviews on TripAdvisor, Mon Cheri Cruise receives high praise for the luxurious suites with spacious rooms, the authentic cuisine, and the thorough service of friendly crew team.
V'Spirit Cruise
As its name, V'Spirit Cruise gives tourists a sense of Vietnamese spirits with luxurious accommodations with 10 Junior Suites, 6 Senior Suites, and 2 Executive Suites, all featuring private balconies from 125 - 310 USD. These cabins are spread across the first 2 decks of the cruise, ensuring a scenic and best cruise Lan Ha Bay. The wall-length windows in every room provide breathtaking panoramic views of the bay, allowing guests to soak in the natural beauty from the comfort of their beds.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: When rating the V'Spirit Cruise, among the large number of 3,655 reviews on TripAdvisor, guests mention the most about the food and cooking class on the cruise. Also, the wooden design of the cruise gives guests a sense of cozy Vietnamese spirits.
Scarlet Pearl Cruise
Scarlet Pearl Cruise promises one of the best cruises Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay with its 23 luxury cabins, including the Silver Pearl, Golden Pearl, Onyx Pearl, and the exclusive Scarlet Pearl Cabin (President Cabin) prices ranging from 6,100,000 VND. This cruise stands out with its stylish design and top-notch amenities, such as a spacious sundeck, a gourmet restaurant, and a relaxing spa. Unique to Scarlet Pearl is its Catamaran Luxury Sailboat, used on the second day of the 3-day, 2-night itinerary for an extraordinary exploration of the bay.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: On TripAdvisor, from 288 reviews, guests highly praise the smart and luxurious design, friendly staff, and delicious menu on the cruise.
Stellar of The Sea
One of the top Halong Bay cruises that cannot be missed is Stellar of The Sea. This 5-deck steel vessel features 34 elegantly appointed cabins all have private balconies, including Junior Rooms, Senior Suites, Executive Suites, and President Suites, each with private balconies offering stunning views of Halong Bay. The cruise ship is designed with comfort in mind, offering high-end amenities such as a large spa, a swimming pool, a fitness center, and a stylish restaurant serving both international and Vietnamese cuisine.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: Stellar of The Seas is highly rated on TripAdvisor for its luxurious accommodations, excellent service, and well-planned excursions. It stands at no.9 of 669 Boat Tours & Water Sports in Hanoi with 1,961 reviews.
Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan
Inspired by the legacy of the legendary maritime tycoon Bach Thai Buoi, the Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan is a tribute to Vietnam's rich maritime heritage, celebrating its 100-year legacy since the launch of Bach Thai Buoi’s vessel in Haiphong. This best cruise ship Halong Bay offers an authentic and refined experience for 40 to 60 guests on the breathtaking waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. You can book this cruise with prices from about 7,595,000 - 31,898,000 VND.
>> Guest Reviews & Rating: The Heritage Cruise Binh Chuan is highly praised on platforms like TripAdvisor for its elegant design and exceptional service. Recommended by 98% of travelers, guests admire the blend of traditional charm with modern luxury, and the quality of the culinary offerings highlights Vietnam's rich heritage.
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If you're looking for amazing Halong Bay best cruises, these top 11 luxury cruises brought to you by Incredible Asia Journeys can offer something special for everyone, whether you want boutique vibes or a family-friendly getaway. To find the best Halong Bay option that fits your preferences and budget, contact us for exact prices and exclusive offers. Contact us to help you book the perfect cruise at the best available price!
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