Best Halong Cruises for Every Travel Style in 2026
Halong Bay is set for a big year with many new cruises from luxury to budget. Explore the best picks now.
Best Cruises 2026
Luxury Cruises
Mid-range Cruises
Budget Cruises
Day Cruises
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Latest Customers' Reviews
Amazing cruise
The price from BestHalongcruises was the most competitive and they delivered exactly what was advertised.
United States
I can completely recommend…
We booked a 3-day Halong Bay cruise. Rosie Nhung organised both for us, including transfers, and nothing was too much hassle. Her communication on WhatsApp was…
United Kingdom
Honestly, everything was…
The service, the facilities, and the food were all excellent!
It was my first time on a cruise, and I really enjoyed it. Thank you!
United States
Unbelievable
I booked our Grand Pioneers cruise through Ms Anna, and from our very first communication she made the entire experience effortless. Her attention to detail, genuine…
Australia
Thank you so much
I will have no hesitation recommending Cycad to anyone who asks. I may be back in Vietnam again in April or May next year with other friends - I hope we'll be able…
United States
Hello Anna,
I am not sure if you have had the chance to read my hastily written review on TripAdvisor. I just wanted you to know that both my friend, "Good" Sisouthon Khamphavang,…
ThailandFrequently Asked Questions
Yes, absolutely. Halong Bay is one of the New 7 Wonders of Nature in the world with one-of-a-kind geology and landscape that can hardly be found anywhere else.
Cruising in this place will help you relax in natural settings. You can immerse yourself in the gorgeous scenery of imposing limestone mountains, emerald seas, majestic caves, and stunning beaches. Whether you opt for a 2-day or 3-day cruise, the experience offers relaxation, adventure, and breathtaking views, making it a highlight of any Vietnam itinerary.
Moreover, guests can enjoy top-notch service on a cruise (pool, spa, gym,..) and join amusing activities: kayaking, cave visits, swimming, and more.
This page shows the Top 10 Halong Best Cruises in 2025/26, with amazing reviews & top-tier services:
- High-end 5-star cruises: Catherine Cruise, Grand Pioneers.
- Standard 5-star cruises: Mon Cheri, Hermes Cruise, Velar of the Sea.
- 4-star cruises: Peony Cruise, Signature Royal, Dragon Pearl, Sena Cruise.
- 3-star cruise: Garden Bay Legend Cruise.
Below is a comparison table between 3 destinations, you can check the differences and choose the most suitable bay depending on your interests:
|
Halong Bay |
Lan Ha Bay |
Bai Tu Long Bay |
|
Size: 1,553 km2 |
400 km2 |
158km2 |
|
Attractions: Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, Pearl Farm,... |
Dark & Bright Cave, Tra Bau, Ba Trai Dao, Viet Hai Village,... |
Thien Canh Son Cave, Cong Dam Area, Vung Vieng Village,... |
|
Unique points: Have the most islands, caves & renowned attractions |
Have the most luxurious & high-quality cruises |
The most unspoiled and least-visited area |
|
Suitable for: 1st-time travelers, day cruises |
High-class, trendy & relaxing traveling |
Tranquil and close-to-nature cruise |
Yes, it's recommended to book your Halong Bay cruise online 2 - 3 months in advance, especially for high-demand cruises. Booking early ensures availability, better prices, and access to promotional packages. Reputable websites like Besthalongcruises.com offer verified listings, secure reservations, and a clear cancellation policy.
Based on the customer review and our inspection, we have handpicked & customized many suitable cruises at different budgets to fit all travel styles on our website. If you need advice from a travel assistant, let’s chat with us via (+84) 906 293 823 (WhatsApp, Viber) or sales@besthalongcruises.com (email).
Overall, the price for a Halong Bay cruise for 1 person is from US$ 58 for a day trip, US$ 105 for 1 night, US$ 201 for 2 nights, and US$ 358 for 3 nights.
The cruise prices vary based on the service and itinerary. On average:
|
Cruise length |
From Price/pax |
|
1 day |
US$ 58 - 130 |
|
2 days 1 night |
US$ 105 - 343 |
|
3 days 2 nights |
US$ 201 - 625 |
|
4 days 3 nights |
US$ 358 & above |
NOTE: The price is for reference only and does not include the transfer fees.
Each cruise has different policies. But overall, they can share these common points:
Price includes:
- Onboard accommodation
- Welcome drink
- All meals during the cruise
- Entrance, sightseeing fees, and activities in the itinerary
- Cabin on board, water bottles in the room
- Tai Chi, cooking class
- Insurance, taxes, and service charges
Price excludes:
- Transfer car round trip Hanoi - Halong - Hanoi
- Airfares and hotel accommodation
- Visa arrangements
- Spa services and massage
- Drinks at the bar
- Tips and other personal expenses
- Other services not mentioned
Halong Bay is suitable for traveling all year round. It has a Tropical monsoon climate with an average temperature of 14 - 34°C.
The best time to visit Halong Bay is October - November, as the weather is mild and cool (19°C - 33°C) with less rainfall. The second ideal time is from March - May.
Travel during Summer will guarantee more deals and flash sales, but with a high risk of storms & downpours, especially in August & September.
For more information, you can check this guide: Halong Bay Weather: Climate, Seasons, and Average Temperature
You shall book a 3-day 2-night cruise to have more time to explore the bay further and relax better. As Halong Bay is vast with so many attractions, spending 3 days is a great way to visit both famous and lesser-known areas.
If your budget and traveling time are insufficient, a 2-day or 1-day trip is fine. You are still able to visit renowned attractions like Sung Sot Cave, Titop Island, Luon Cave, etc.
Most cruises don’t include the transfer service from Hanoi. You can book those with the cruise company or with Best Halong Cruises (+84) 906 293 823.
The price depends on which kind of transportation you choose, from US$ 40/pax (round trip). The most popular is the Limousine D-car 9 seats with free water, phone chargers, USB ports, leather seats, etc.
After booking, a driver will pick you up in Hanoi Old Quarter around 8:00 - 8:30 on your departure day and travel to Halong International Port/Tuan Chau Marina. You can find more options at Halong Bay Transportation: Getting to and Around.
Yes, many Halong Bay cruises are ideal for families. Here are some options for you:
- Kids club, Elevator: Catherine Cruise, Grand Pioneers
- Connecting cabin: Peony Cruise, Mon Cheri, Paradise Grand
- 2 kinds of Family Suite: Orchid Classic, Orchid Trendy
- Fun activities for kids: Capella, Ambassador Signature (water slide), Scarlet Pearl (catamaran tour)
Be sure to check age-specific policies when booking.
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Hello, I got your contact details and would like to get a final quote for a Halong Bay day cruise tour. Here are our travel details: - Date of Tour: October 3rd(Sat), 2026 - A day trip - Number of Guests: 2 Adults (Over 55 years old / Wedding anniversary trip) - Pickup & Drop-off Location: D'Capitale C2, Hanoi (We want to use a SHARED luxury limousine. Please confirm if pickup/drop-off directly at D'Capitale C2 is available and let me know the extra cost.) - Guide: Onboard English-speaking guide [Crucial Requests for Parents] 1. Seating on the Limousine: Since my parents easily get motion sickness, please assign their seats in the front rows (right behind the driver) where the ride is smoothest and has the least bouncing. 2. Seating on the Cruise: Please arrange their lunch table on the 1st floor (lower deck) and near the center of the boat, where the movement and swaying of the ship are minimized. 3. Language: They cannot speak English well. Please ask the onboard guide to guide them kindly and pay extra attention to them during the itinerary. 4. Anniversary: It is their Wedding Anniversary. Please arrange a nice window seat (in the low-sway zone) and a small anniversary cake if possible. Please recommend the best newly-built 5-star luxury day cruises available on this date and send me the comprehensive total quote for 2 adults . Thank you.
22 Sep, 2026
Reply
1
@Rhee, Harng:
23 Sep, 2026
1
Reply
Hello, we plan to travel to Halong Bay next September. Is the storm season in the bay over by that time?
28 Aug, 2026
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1
Hello Ms. Elena
Overall, September is not in the storm season in Halong Bay, so it is safe for cruise travel. However, there are still chances of heavy rain at the beginning of the month, though it would not affect the cruise directly.
28 Aug, 2026
1
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Is it cold in Halong Bay in late January - early February? I wonder if I can swim during that time.
18 Dec, 2025
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1
Yes, you can, especially on sunny days around midday though it may be a bit cold. If swimming is important to you, look for 5-star cruises with heated or four-season pools, they’re perfect for winter months.
18 Dec, 2025
1
Reply
Hello, I wonder if the cruises in Halong Bay operate on New Year's Eve?
21 Nov, 2025
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1
Most cruises in Halong Bay are still operating during New Year's. However, there is often a surcharge needed (depending on the cruise). If you want special moments with your loved one, booking an overnight cruise is a great idea.
21 Nov, 2025
1
Reply
I'm thinking of booking a Halong Bay cruise in the end of of October. Since I’ve heard this might be the peak season, is it too late to book a cruise? How do the prices compare to other months?
30 Sep, 2025
Reply
1
@Lamia Vent:
Hello, Ms. Lamia. October is indeed one of the most popular times to visit Halong Bay. While some of the best cruises can fill up quickly, you should still be able to find availability if you book now. Prices in October are generally higher than in the summer months, but they’re still reasonable compared to the Christmas and New Year peak. We recommend contacting us to secure your cabin in advance so you can have the best rates.
03 Oct, 2025
1
Reply
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