Find Best Halong Bay Cruise Step By Step

If you are planning to visit Northern Vietnam, deciding on the best Halong Bay cruise tour can be complicated due to the many options available.

This guide will help the right choices step by step based on your time frame, budget, group size and personal considerations to ensure you have a memorable trip.

Step 1: Choose Halong Bay Cruise Based on Duration

To begin your search for the best Halong Bay cruise, you must first decide on the duration of your trip.

When your time is limited but still want to travel, a day cruise might be a good option.

However, a day cruise can feel rushed, and you’ll miss the opportunity to wake up in the heart of one of the world’s most breathtaking natural wonders—surrounded by thousands of towering limestone islands rising majestically from the emerald waters.

If you have a more relaxed schedule, a 2-day or 3-day cruise—or even better, a customized 4-day itinerary—will offer the best Halong Bay cruise experience.

We explain in details how long should you stay in halong bay in a detailed article if you still can’t decide which duration is suitable for you.

Step 2: Set your budget

Finding the best Halong Bay cruise also involves setting a budget. Halong Bay cruises cater to a wide range of budgets, from budget-friendly to ultra-luxury.

Determine how much you’re willing to spend, including additional expenses like transportation, drinks, and activities.

This will help you narrow down your options and find a cruise that offers the best value for your money.

Budget cruises

Price range: $95 – $130 per person

Examples: JadeSails Day Cruise, Sea Octopus Day Cruise, etc.

Features: Budget cruises in Halong Bay provide an affordable experience, including meals, kayaking, and key sightseeing, though they lack luxury amenities.

Popular with younger travelers for their lively, social atmosphere with karaoke and group activities, these cruises can be noisier. However, the ambiance varies; research is crucial for those seeking a quieter experience.

Check reviews or ask the cruise company directly about the atmosphere before booking.

Mid-range cruises

Price range: $140 – $200 per person

Examples: Capella Cruise, Orchid Classic Cruise, etc.

Features: Mid-range cruises strike a balance between cost and comfort.

They provide better amenities, more spacious cabins, and additional activities such as cooking classes, Tai Chi sessions, and guided tours.

These cruises often have a more relaxed atmosphere and cater to travelers looking for a more comfortable and engaging experience without breaking the bank.

Luxury cruises

Price range: $200 – $400 per person

Examples: Bhaya Cruise, Orchid Premium Cruise, etc.

Features: High-end cruises provide a luxurious experience with top-notch amenities, gourmet dining, and exclusive excursions, particularly suitable for seniors who value a tranquil and quiet space.

These cruises boast spacious cabins, often with private balconies and panoramic views, and offer impeccable service with professional staff attending to your every need.

If you’re traveling with children or seniors, a luxury cruise is an ideal choice, ensuring a comfortable experience for everyone..

Private and high-end charters

Price range: $500+ per day

Examples: Bhaya Cruise

Features: For those seeking an intimate and bespoke Halong Bay adventure, particularly seniors or honeymooning couples desiring deeper exploration, private and high-end charters provide the perfect solution.

These options offer fully customizable itineraries, allowing you to discover the bay at your own leisurely pace.

Prices are reflective of the personalized luxury and degree of customization.

Choosing the best Halong Bay Cruise based on budget

Step 3: Choose between different destinations Halong Bay vs. Lan Ha Bay vs. Bai Tu Long Bay

The differences between Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay are evident in their landscapes, accessibility, and overall atmosphere.

Halong Bay, renowned for its iconic limestone pillars and well-established attractions such as Surprise Cave, Titop Island.. attracts large crowds and offers numerous boat tours and luxury cruises.

In contrast, Lan Ha Bay, located just to the south of Halong Bay, boasts a more serene environment with fewer tourists and a combination of lush greenery and pristine beaches offers a quieter, more scenic alternative

Meanwhile, Bai Tu Long Bay, situated further to the northeast, remains the least developed of the three, offering a peaceful and untouched landscape with secluded beaches and tranquil waters.

It is perfect for those looking to explore a more remote and untouched natural environment.

Step 4: Choosing the best Halong Bay Cruise based on group type

Consider your travel style and preferences, such as whether you’re traveling solo or with family, looking for adventure or relaxation, and any specific needs like dietary restrictions or accessibility requirements.

For Families with Kids

When selecting the ideal Halong Bay cruise for families with children, prioritize vessels offering spacious cabins exceeding 28m², double beds, and connecting rooms.

Kid-friendly activities, flexible dining options, and robust safety measures are essential.

We suggest you should try Bhaya Classic Cruise if your family is first visiting Halong Bay, this provides engaging activities such as kayaking, swimming, and visits to floating villages, which can keep kids entertained.

For Couples

Couples seeking a romantic getaway should look for cruises that offer privacy, luxurious amenities, gorgeous view, jacuzzi, quiet and romantic dinner.

Bhaya Legend Private Charter and Paradise Elegance Cruise are excellent choices, featuring elegant cabins with private balconies, gourmet dining, and intimate excursions.

For Groups

For groups of friends or colleagues, opt for cruises that offer a mix of relaxation and adventure.

Dragon Legend Cruise and Au Co Cruise are popular choices, providing spacious cabins and offering different food choices and activities for different types of members.

Halong Bay Cruise By Group Type

Step 5: Find cruises for your special dietary & accessibility needs

When choosing a Halong Bay cruise, it is essential to consider any dietary needs and accessibility.

Many luxury cruises cater to special dietary requirements such as vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free, or allergy-specific meals.

People who have special diets such as vegan, or halal suggest luxury private cruises that will stay strict with your request.

Accessibility varies between cruises, with some offering wheelchair-friendly amenities and cabins.

Check with the cruise operator for the availability of ramps, lifts and accessible toilets to ensure a comfortable experience.

Step 6: Choose Cruise size and onboard facilities

Choosing the right size of cruise ship can have a significant impact on your Halong Bay experience.

Whether it is a small, medium or large cruise ship, you need to estimate the number of people and your needs for your Halong Bay trip, and you ought to know what facilities are necessary to have on a basic cruise ship.

Choosing between small, medium, and large cruises

Cruise size	Number of Cabins	Ideal For	Atmosphere	Onboard Facilities	Additional Information
Small	10-20 cabins	Couples and small groups	Intimate and personalized	Comfortable cabins, dining areas, entertainment options, spacious sundecks, bars, lounges	Offers a more personalized service, with staff often catering to individual needs
Medium	20-40 cabins	Families and larger groups	Balance of intimacy and social opportunities	Comfortable cabins, dining areas, entertainment options, spacious sundecks, bars, lounges, swimming pools, spas, gyms, kids’ play areas	Combines the benefits of small cruises with more social interactions and activities
Large	40+ cabins	Those seeking a lively and social atmosphere	Lively and social	Comfortable cabins, dining areas, entertainment options, spacious sundecks, bars, lounges, swimming pools, spas, gyms, kids’ play areas, large common areas	Offers a wide range of amenities and activities, ideal for socializing and meeting new people

Must-have onboard facilities

When selecting a cruise, consider essential onboard facilities that are convenient and look for the best Halong Bay cruises that offer spacious sundecks, bars, and lounges for relaxation.

Comfortable cabins: Ensures a good night’s sleep and relaxation.
Facilities: Balcony in the cabin, view from bathroom…
Dining areas: Provides a variety of dining options, including buffets and à la carte menus.
Entertainment options: Includes activities like live music, movies, and cultural performances.
Spacious sundecks, bars, and lounges: Offers areas for relaxation and socializing.
Additional amenities: Swimming pools, spas, gyms, and kids’ play areas enhance the overall experience.
Safety features: Life jackets and first aid facilities for peace of mind.

Step 7: Other criteria

You can choose between stainless steel or wooden junk boat style
If you’re concerned about your carbon footprint, you may consider choosing Halong Bay cruises that adopt sustainable practices.

Step 8: Check itineraries and book your cruise

Review the cruise itineraries to ensure they include the attractions and activities you want to experience.

Contact cruise operators to confirm details, ask any remaining questions, and finalize your booking.

Booking tips & avoiding scams

To visit Halong Bay easily and safely, we suggest you should follow these steps to have a best Halong Bay cruise in Vietnam:

When booking a best Halong Bay cruise, it is essential to do your research to avoid scams and ensure a smooth experience. Let’s start by checking reviews and ratings on reputable travel sites like TripAdvisor and Booking.com.
Book directly through the cruise operator’s official website or a trusted tour company to avoid scams and third-party websites. You need to make sure you receive a confirmation email with details of your cruise, including the itinerary, inclusions, transportation information from hanoi to halong bay and contact information.
Be wary of deals that seem too good to be true, as they may be scams or offer a poor quality experience. Verify accepted payment methods and avoid paying in full up front if possible. Always keep a copy of your booking confirmation and receipt for reference.
Finally, make sure you understand the cancellation and refund policies in case there are any changes due to weather in halong bay to your travel plans.