Halong Bay Cruises

Things you should know

Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and a popular tourist destination located in northeastern Vietnam. It is known for its stunning natural beauty, featuring thousands of limestone karsts and islets that rise dramatically from the emerald waters of the Gulf of Tonkin. The bay is dotted with caves, grottoes, and floating fishing villages, creating a picturesque and otherworldly seascape. Halong Bay is a popular destination for cruises, allowing visitors to explore its scenic beauty, enjoy various water activities, and experience the unique culture of the local communities in the surrounding area.

Explore Halong Bay cruise through various options:

- Overnight Cruise (2 days/1 night; 3 days/2 nights):
Typically starts between 12:00 pm and 13:00 pm from various ports.
Concludes around 11:00 - 11:30 on the last day.
Guests return to their Hanoi hotels by 15:30 - 16:00.

- Day Cruises:
Morning: 9:00 am - 2:00 pm.
Afternoon: around 12:30 pm - 17:00 pm, with drop-off in Hanoi approximately at 20:00.
Currently, there are approximately 100 Overnight boats, ranging from small traditional wooden junks to large modern iron boats. All ships offer a variety of Deluxe, Superior, and Suite cabins. Additionally, there are small private junks with 1 or 2 cabins, ideal for honeymoons or private cruises. To secure an available cabin, it is advisable to book in advance with Autour Asia.
For transportation, you can easily catch a car or book a private car from Hanoi, Ninh Binh, or Hai Phong to Halong, with a travel time of approximately 2-3 hours.
When preparing for your trip, make sure to pack a swimsuit for activities like swimming and kayaking.

There are many types of boats moored at different docks, licensed to cruise different itineraries as follows:

Halong Bay Classic Cruises (From Tuan Chau)
Lan Ha Bay Cruises (From Tuan Chau)
Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises (From Hon Gai)
Halong Bay Cruises (From Bai Chay)
Bai Tu Long Bay Cruises (From Bai Chay)
Lan Ha Bay Cruises (From Cat Ba)
Luxury Cruises Halong
Private Cruises Halong
Day Cruises Halong

FAQs about Halong Bay Cruises

1. Why choose Halong Bay?
Halong Bay is undoubtedly a must-visit destination, renowned as a world-famous natural heritage site and the premier cruising spot in Vietnam. What makes it worth your while?
Deeper exploration: Cruise through the stunning archipelago of the Gulf of Tonkin for an immersive experience.
Perfect seascape: Spend 2-3 days on a ship, basking in the fresh air and tranquility of the bay.
Exciting activities: Enjoy both onboard (mini golf, poker, pool, spa, karaoke) and offboard activities (kayaking, boat rowing, cave visits, catamaran, etc.).

2. When is the ideal time to visit Halong Bay?
For the best experience, plan your visit to Halong Bay in March-April and October-November, with cool (20-28°C) and dry weather. Other options include:
May-September: Ideal for summer deals with flash sales up to 40% OFF.
January-April: Enjoy Halong festivals and celebrate Tet Holiday onboard.
For precise planning, refer to the Best Time to Visit Halong Bay for Perfect Weather & Great Deals.

What is the cost of a Halong cruise in 2024?
In 2023, the average prices for cruises are approximately:
1 night: $145 - $300/person
2 nights: $290 - $550/person
Day trip: $95 - $130/person
Note: Transfer from Hanoi to Halong is not usually included; extra fees apply if you opt for pick-up from Hanoi.
Prices are per person in USD.
Low season: May - Sep, High season: Jan - Apr & Oct - Dec.

3. One Night or 2 Nights on the Cruise?
The duration of your stay in Halong Bay depends on your budget and time constraints.
1 Night: With a budget starting from $125/person, you can explore 1-2 attractions and participate in activities like tai chi, cooking classes, kayaking, or boat rowing.
2 Nights: Opting for $225/person or more allows you to visit 1-2 additional hidden gems, providing more time for sightseeing and relaxation.
If you're still undecided, feel free to reach out to us at info@autourasia.com or +84971337708 (WhatsApp).

4. Hanoi to Halong Bay Travel Time ?
By limousine bus or car: Approximately 2.5 - 3 hours (including breaks) from Hanoi Old Quarter to Halong Bay.
From Hanoi airport: About 3 hours of driving to Halong Bay.
Train: Slowest option, taking 7 hours.
Seaplane: Fastest option, with a travel time of 45 minutes.
For more details, refer to the 6 Best Ways to Travel from Hanoi to Halong Bay.
Ninh Binh to Halong : 4 hours by bus or private car.

5. Must-See Places on a Halong Bay Cruise Tour ?
Explore the top attractions on most cruises, ranging from islets, caves, and beaches to fishing villages.
Titop Island: Famous viewpoint with a panoramic bay view and a stunning beach.
Sung Sot Cave: Amazing cave showcasing gorgeous stalactites and stalagmites.
Ba Trai Dao Beach: Beautifully pristine beach for swimming and sunbathing.
Dark & Bright Cave: Top destination for kayaking in Lan Ha Bay.
Thien Canh Son Cave: One of the largest limestone caves in Bai Tu Long.
Vung Vieng Floating Village: Tranquil village known for serene beauty and pearl farming.

6. Where Do Halong Cruises Depart From?
Most cruises depart from two main ports: Tuan Chau Port and Halong International Port (Bai Chay Sungroup Port) around 12:00 - 12:30 pm. Additionally, some cruises may start from Vinashin Port (Hon Gai), Cai Lan, and other ports in Cat Ba Island (Ben Beo Port).

7. Halong Cruise Start/End Times ?
Overnight Cruise (2 days/1 night; 3 days/2 nights): Typically starts between 12:00 pm and 13:00 pm from various ports, concluding around 11:00 - 11:30 on the last day. Guests return to their Hanoi hotels by 15:30 - 16:00.

Day Cruises:
Morning: 9:00 am - 14:00 pm.
Afternoon: around 12:30 pm - 17:00 pm, with drop-off in Hanoi approximately at 20:00.
Note: For same-day flights, opt for a domestic flight after 17:00 or an international flight after 18:00.

8. Swimming in Halong Bay ?
Yes, swimming is allowed in specific areas:
Halong Bay: Swim at Titop Island, a stop for most Halong overnight cruises on the first day.
Lan Ha Bay: Free swimming around the overnight anchor point in Ao Ech and Tra Bau Area.
Bai Tu Long Bay: Swimming is restricted in this area for safety reasons. Wear a life jacket if needed and avoid swimming alone.

9. Cancellation Policy Due to Bad Weather ?
The Management Board has the authority to cancel cruises based on weather predictions for safety. Cancellation policies:
If informed before leaving Hanoi (services not used): 100% refund.
If informed during the trip (some services used): Only the fee for those services will be charged, and the remaining amount refunded.
If the trip is shortened from 3 days/2 nights to 2 days/1 night: Charged as a 2 days/1 night trip, plus fees for used services, with the remaining amount refunded.

10. Important notes:
Cancellation is announced by the Management Board with short notice.
May to July is considered stormy weather; more cancellations may occur.
Contact Us consultants for urgent assistance.

It is recommended to look into the following:

Mekong cruises
Mekong Cruises in Vietnam
Vietnam Cambodia Cruises
Mekong Cruises in Laos
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Myanmar Cruises
Irrawaddy River cruises
Chindwin River cruises