Top 10 Cruises in Halong Bay for Every Budget

If you’re short on time and want to see the best of Vietnam UNESCO’s Halong Bay in a day, this 1 day trip from Hanoi is perfect for you.

This is by far the most booked one-day trip on Seek Sophie — it's a really nice cruise with a mini pool on the sun deck, yummy Vietnamese lunch buffet, and of course, allows you to see the highlights of Halong Bay: Ti Top Island where you'll hike to the top for panoramic views of the bay, Sung Sot cave, and a wooden bamboo boat ride.

Read more: Here's a full breakdown of the activities you can expect on a typical Halong Bay Cruise!

If you're short on time and want to treat yourself, this gorgeous modern catamaran is THE way to explore Halong Bay. This day cruise comes with a luxury sundeck with fun water slides for you to slide down to the bay and glam deck nets for sunbathing.

You'll also get to explore the slightly less crowded part of the bay, so you can take IG worthy shots with fewer crowds. It’s the absolute luxe way of experiencing Halong Bay!

Unlike bigger boats that can take between 60-100 people on board, this cosy cruise only seats 15 people, offering a more intimate and peaceful experience. Note that this cruise is more rustic and basic, so if you don't mind swopping a fancy experience for a smaller group, this is the one!

You'll see the highlights of Halong Bay in one day, including visits to Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave and you'll get to kayak. And the best part is that it includes round trip transfer from Hanoi, so you'll have everything sorted!

If you’re looking for a less-touristy Halong Bay experience, this unique cruise itinerary takes you on a off-the-beaten-path route through Lan Ha Bay.

You'll also get to explore Cat Ba Island by bicycle venturing into the heart of Viet Hai village where you can catch a glimpse of how locals live.

Guests love this cruise for its intimate feel — with only 14 people onboard, it’s much smaller than the larger boats. That means a more personal, authentic Halong Bay experience.

Tip: Cat Ba is known as the less-touristy alternative to Halong Bay. Many skip Halong Bay altogether and head straight to Cat Ba, where you can still enjoy a Lan Ha Bay cruise. Read our full guide to Cat Ba for more!

This intimate cruise, with only 22 luxury cabins each offering panoramic ocean views with private balconies, allowing you to marvel at jaw-dropping rock formations of Halong Bay. Perfect for families, this cruise features a floating pool and flexible extra bed options, ensuring everyone has a comfortable stay. They even have a jacuzzi on deck!

This cruise also takes the less-touristy route to Lan Ha Bay, so you know you'll experience the serenity and untouched beauty of this UNESCO world heritage site away from the crowds.

Guests have also raved about the range of food options — even vegetarians/non-meat eaters have lots of yummy choices on this cruise!

Prepare to be pampered aboard this 5-Star Cruise, one of the newest (launched in 2023) and most luxe cruises in Halong Bay. It's an experience tailored for those who appreciate the finer things in life, from exquisite dining and top-notch service (like a personalised butler who remembers your name) to unique amenities like a mini-golf course and a wine and cigar cellar.

Unlike most Halong Cruises, you won't need to go through the busy terminal at Tuan Chau harbour. Instead, you'll be whisked away to a private lounge and board your boat from an exclusive dock. Even the speedboat to reach the main vessel is top-notch — sleek, new, and super stable.

If you're looking for a romantic getaway in Halong Bay, this is the cruise to pick!

This is our most popular 3D2N overnight cruise, and it’s easy to see why. You’ll sail through the serene, less-touristy Lan Ha Bay, kayak through secret lagoons, and venture into hidden caves, all while indulging in 5-star luxury.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there — this unique cruise itinerary brings you to cycle through the untouched beauty of Cat Ba Island, discovering its hidden gems along the way.

Each spacious cabin has a private balcony with ocean views, perfect for sunrise coffee or sunset cocktails. And the best part? A pool on deck, so you can soak in the views — literally!

Beyond the usual Halong Bay highlights, this 3D2N cruise experience offers something truly special — a rare stop at Cat Ba Island, where you'll trek through Cat Ba National Park to Ngu Lam Peak. From the top, take in breathtaking panoramic views of the island, Lan Ha Bay, and Halong Bay.

As you visit the fishing villages and pearl farms, you'll also get the opportunity to interact with local fishermen and learn about their way of life.

And when it's time to unwind, each spacious cabin comes with a private balcony or terrace, so you can soak in the natural wonders of Ha Long Bay any time of day.

This beautifully crafted classic cruise ship combines nostalgic Indochinese charm with rustic sophistication, perfectly capturing the essence of Halong Bay.

And yes, you read it right — you can even play mini golf onboard! Guests consistently rave about the delicious Asian-European fusion cuisine, generous portion sizes, and the exceptional service provided by the crew.

This is for those who don't have much time and want to see all the highlights of North Vietnam! This trip takes you to not one, but two UNESCO sites — Ninh Binh and Halong Bay — over the course of three days.

Your adventure begins with a hotel pick-up in Hanoi, followed by a journey through the best of Ninh Binh. Explore Hoa Lu, Vietnam’s ancient capital, hike up to Mua Cave for stunning views, and cruise down the peaceful Tam Coc River. Then, unwind with an overnight 5-star cruise on Halong Bay, where you’ll discover hidden caves, villages, and the gorgeous karst landscapes.