BEST HALONG BAY CRUISE TOUR RECOMMENDATION

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation. Taking a Halong Bay Cruise is one of those must-do experiences when visiting Southeast Asia. Halong Bay is a UNESCO World Heritage Site located on the northeastern coast of Vietnam. It is a stunning place with green oceans, towering limestone rock formations, caverns of various shapes and sizes, tropical islands, and millions of years of history that we can only hope to comprehend. It's clear why sailing Ha Long Bay is on every "MUST-DO" Southeast Asia itinerary.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation:

When you first start exploring Ha Long Bay cruises, you'll see that there are hundreds of alternatives to select from. It's easy to spend hours researching every option before making a final selection. However, you do not need to do so if you understand how cruises operate. 

All cruises provide comparable (if not identical) activities. Some blogs may advise you to base your selection on the cruise's activities, but this is unnecessary. Most of the activities are rather corny. Our recommendation is to pick one based on: Bay, Budget, and Bunk.   Decide which bay you want to cruise (more on that below), how much you want to spend, and the sort of bunk or housing you like (balcony room, one king, two beds, family room, etc.).

The Halong Bay World Heritage Site is made up of three surrounding bays: Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay, and Bai Tu Long Bay. This trio of bays is referred to as "Halong Bay" by locals.

To put it simply, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay are extensions of Halong Bay. Halong Bay is the most renowned area of the bay because it is the most accessible from Halong City, not because it is more gorgeous or unique than the others. Because of its handy position, Halong Bay is significantly more crowded than the other bays; so, we recommend choosing Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay over Halong Bay. The only exception would be if you just had one day to explore. If that's the case, you should visit Halong Bay to make the most of your trip. Otherwise, traveling to Lan Ha Bay or Bai Tu Long Bay is more pleasurable and less busy than visiting Halong Bay.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

When is the Best Time to Visit Halong Bay?

The cost of Ha Long Bay overnight cruises varies based on several criteria, including the quality of the cruise ship and the facilities provided. Halong Bay cruises are available year-round, and while there is a "better" season to travel, there is no "bad" time to visit! The bay is pleasurable in any weather conditions because the entire goal of cruising the bay is to take in the breathtaking view of the limestone karsts and unwind in one of the world's most beautiful locales.

March - April and October - November: The best overall season to sail Halong Bay is in the spring or autumn. The weather is mild but not hot, with more sunny days than wet ones.

May - August: If you want to swim, it is the greatest season to cruise Halong Bay. Hot weather is ideal for taking a mid-day plunge. Swimming is virtually required to escape the hot and humid weather (peak summer temperatures can reach around 100 degrees). Summer has a heightened chance of storms and typhoons. As a result, it is extremely conceivable that your cruise may be canceled or postponed due to inclement weather. If you are not particularly flexible with your schedule, I recommend avoiding scheduling during these months.

December - February: The winter months are ideal for enjoying the countryside and taking a leisurely cruise! The temperatures will be pleasant (50s to 70s), and rain is improbable! However, there is normally a lot of cloud and fog throughout the winter, so if you want pure sun-filled blue sky, this may not be the greatest season for you.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

  • How to get to Halong Bay from Noi Bai Airport or Hanoi:

There are two methods to reach Halong Bay. The first option is to use public or private transportation, which often comprises taking a bus to Ha Long City and then a taxi to the port. If you intend to explore Halong Bay beyond your trip, you should select this option.

The second option for getting to Halong Bay is to schedule transportation from Hanoi through your cruise operator. The bus shuttle will pick you up from your Hanoi hotel and drive you directly to your cruise, returning you to Hanoi at the conclusion. It's straightforward and convenient, and the cruise operator handles all the details.

When it comes to how long your Halong Bay cruise should be, you have three alternatives.

  • Day Cruise
  • 2 Day 1 Night Cruise Tour
  • 3 Days 2 Nights Cruise Tour

It's not worth bringing all your belongings aboard a boat for a 1 night stay and then disembarking the next day. You should either book a single day or, if your budget permits, a 3 days, 2 nights stay.

Most guests are startled to learn that you are not actually "cruising" the bay during your Halong Bay cruise. Instead, you'll ride a tiny commuter boat to your cruise ship. Your cruise ship will travel for a short length of time before docking for the evening. Any activities you participate in over many days will be done on a commuter boat that picks you up from your moored cruise ship.

At the end of the day, our trip was destroyed because we were with folks we didn't get along with. We were the youngest on the boat, and despite our best efforts, we were unable to make it work. Regardless of the company, the tour itself was excellent. You enjoyed a five-course supper, dinner, breakfast, and brunch the next day. There was an unlimited supply of food. You sailed past gorgeous vistas and kayaked out on the sea as the sun set. You explored caverns, went to the beach, and got up before sunrise to practice Tai Chi on the deck. 

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

  • Top list of Luxury Cruise Tours in Halong Bay:

For those looking for a full investigation, Ha Long Bay luxury cruises offer a variety of alternatives, each with its own set of services, amenities, and pricing.

1. Capella Cruise:

Drawing influence from Indochinese architecture, this Ha Long Bay luxury cruise has a traditional and exquisite style that stands out against the bay's azure seas. Its 43 staterooms with individual balconies provide a full 360-degree view of Ha Long Bay's breathtaking natural scenery. Onboard, visitors may enjoy fresh air and elegant amenities like as four-season jacuzzis, a premium lounge, two modern restaurants, and a large 1,000-square-meter sundeck. Ticket rates for one night range between 180 USD and 250 USD per person.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

2. Stellar of the Seas Cruise:

This Ha Long Bay luxury cruise has a sophisticated and distinctive design that meets international standards. With 22 large accommodations, contemporary facilities, and first-rate services, it is ideal for visitors looking for a luxurious vacation in the heart of Ha Long Bay. You may enjoy swimming, exquisite cuisine, a large wine cellar, a spa, and lively entertainment. A deluxe one-night cruise in Ha Long Bay costs 80 USD to 100 USD per person.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

3. Ambassador Cruise: 

The highly sought-after 5-star Ambassador is renowned for its largest sundeck and pool in Ha Long Bay, offering an ideal resort-like setting. Guests can indulge in a plethora of amenities, including restaurants, bars, sunbathing, glass-bottomed bridges, squid fishing, cooking classes, and spas. This abundance of services has made Ambassador one of the best options for a 2-night Ha Long Bay luxury cruise. One night here costs around 150 USD per person.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

4. Peony Cruise: 

Peony Cruise, with its contemporary Vietnamese design, is one of the most elegant Ha Long Bay cruise ships. This luxury boat has 5 decks and 31 contemporary suites, each with a private balcony, providing a unique Ha Long Bay private luxury cruise experience. With amenities such as a spa, bar, restaurant, and sunbathing area, it provides for every need in the heart of Ha Long Bay. Ticket costs start around 150 USD to 250 USD per person for one night. Paradise Elegance's excellent service has earned it a spot on the list of recommended alternatives for a three-day, two-night Ha Long Bay luxury cruise.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

5. Le Journey Luxury Cruise: 

Le Journey Luxury Cruise is the pinnacle of opulence on Ha Long Bay's waterways, combining Vietnamese history with Indochine grandeur. With an experienced crew, this ultra-luxurious ship will deliver amazing moments and charming tales in the majestic and astounding scenery of Ha Long Bay. With big balconies, a restaurant, a bar, and sea-view accommodations, one-night tickets start at about $150 USD per person.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

6. Alisa Premier Cruise:

Alisa Premier Cruise, which embraces the essence of classic style, offers a great holiday experience with its exceptional restaurant, bar, and lounge. Immerse yourself in the magnificence of this Ha Long Bay luxury cruise, which is known for its unrivaled comfort. What distinguishes this cruise is its superb personnel and tour guides, who will ensure that every detail of your trip is ideal. Ticket costs for one night per person average approximately $120 USD.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

7. Athena Cruise:

This cruise is a 5-star luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay that captivates passengers with its artistic and sumptuous atmosphere. The dedicated personnel will make your trip unforgettable from the time you come onboard. Sail to popular tourist destinations, immerse yourself in unspoiled nature, and engage in a variety of activities, including kayaking. Tickets for one night on this Ha Long Bay private luxury cruise start at about 120 USD to 150 USD per person and include 21 well-equipped suites ranging in size from 25 to 60 square meters.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

8. Genesis Regal Cruise:

Genesis Luxury Regal Cruise Ha Long Bay stands out for its magnificent décor. Its onboard restaurant serves a variety of delicious Asian and Vietnamese meals. With a patio, the cruise offers the greatest views of Ha Long Bay. The Genesis Regal Ha Long Bay luxury cruise is well-known for its magnificent rooms and a variety of interesting activities. Prices for a one-night stay start about 120 USD per person.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

9. Orchid Classic Cruise:

Orchid Classic is the first and only five-star luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay that offers access to certain untouched areas. Orchid's sleek style, inspired by European ships, elegantly mixes elegance and charm. Its 25 suites with private balconies will provide an unforgettable Ha Long Bay and Lan Ha Bay private luxury cruise experience. Onboard facilities include a large sundeck for eating and sunbathing, a massage area, jacuzzis, and a specialized team that provides great service. Ticket costs for one night start around $190 USD.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

10. Nostalgia Cruise:

Nostalgia Cruise is a popular 5-star luxury cruise across Ha Long Bay. With 16 large cabins with individual balconies overlooking the breathtaking length of Ha Long Bay, it provides a tranquil and refreshing experience. Choosing the Nostalgia Cruise allows you to see various beautiful sights and participate in interesting activities such as swimming, sunbathing, kayaking, sunset watching, squid fishing, and unwinding at a calm bar. For a one-night stay, tickets start about 195 USD each.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

  • Travel Tips for Halong Bay Cruise Tour:

To ensure a successful luxury cruise in Ha Long Bay, here are some helpful tips:

How to get to the port: Ha Long Bay ships often dock at Tuan Chau Port or Ha Long International Cruise Port. Check your cruise's departure place carefully to save time and effort. The drive from Hanoi to these ports normally takes around 2-3 hours by automobile. You may drive alone or take a Hanoi-Ha Long luxury bus, which costs between 250,000 and 350,000 VND each one-way travel.

Packing Tips: Remember to bring personal documents like an ID card and a passport while checking in. Pack a wide-brimmed hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen for outdoor activities, as well as swimsuits and casual clothes for leisurely fun and beautiful attire for unforgettable picture opportunities.

How to select a suitable cruise cabin: If you have young children, consider Ha Long Bay luxury cruise rooms without balconies to safeguard their safety. To avoid noise-induced discomfort, avoid cabins near the engine room. Those who are prone to seasickness should choose lower-level or midship cabins to reduce rocking. Couples may select cabins with balconies for further privacy.

Cruise booking tips: To ensure a fantastic voyage, get tickets early to reserve your favorite cabin before they are totally booked. Carry cash for any extra services not included in your trip package. Before booking a cruise, conduct extensive research and comparisons to determine the best match for you.

The Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation provides an exceptional and unforgettable experience, allowing visitors to immerse themselves in the majestic grandeur of this UNESCO World Heritage Site. Guests on these top-tier cruises may observe breathtaking karst landscapes, visit secret caverns, and enjoy sunrises and sunsets over the peaceful waters from the comfort and luxury of their cabin. Embark on a journey of awe and let Ha Long Bay's allure grab your heart and soul.

Best Halong Bay Cruise Tour Recommendation

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