How To Choose A Halong Bay Cruise (And Avoid The Crowds)

There are hundreds of boats in Halong Bay, from simple wooden junks to large luxury ships, and they can look almost identical online. Yet the experience on board varies enormously: one cruise spends the afternoon queuing at a crowded cave, another anchors alone in a quiet lagoon. Knowing how to choose a Halong Bay cruise is the key to enjoying one of Vietnam’s most beautiful places.

This guide explains the different types of boats and routes, what to look for when comparing cruises, the questions to ask before you book and the warning signs to watch out for.

Step 1: Choose your bay and route

The most important decision is not the boat but where it goes. Halong Bay itself is the busiest area, with the famous caves and viewpoints. Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long Bay offer the same scenery with far fewer boats. Read our comparison of Halong Bay, Lan Ha Bay and Bai Tu Long to decide which suits you.

When comparing cruises, always look at the detailed route: where the boat goes in the afternoon, where it anchors for the night and which activities are included. Two boats in the same bay can follow very different routes.

Step 2: Day cruise, one night or two?

• Day cruise: four to five hours on the water, with a long drive from Hanoi either side. Good if you have very little time.
• One night: the most popular choice. You see the bay at sunset and sunrise, when it is at its most beautiful and peaceful.
• Two nights: more time to kayak, swim, visit Cat Ba Island or explore remote areas, and a whole day on the water without rushing.

Step 3: Choose the right size of boat

Boat size	Cabins	Feel	Best for
Small	4 to 8	Personal, flexible, quiet	Couples, families, private groups
Medium	10 to 20	Sociable, more facilities	Most travellers
Large	20+	Hotel-like, many facilities	Those who want spa, pool and big restaurants

Smaller boats feel more personal and can sometimes reach quieter corners, while larger ships offer more space and facilities. For a private group or family, chartering a whole small boat is a wonderful option.

Step 4: Check what is included

• Meals: how many, and whether drinks are extra (they usually are).
• Activities: kayaking, swimming, cave visits, village visits, cooking demonstrations, tai chi.
• Entrance fees and bay permits.
• Transfers from Hanoi: shared shuttle bus or private car.
• Kayaks: whether they are included or cost extra.

Step 5: Ask the right questions

• Where exactly does the boat go, and where does it anchor overnight?
• How many cabins and guests are on board?
• How long is the time on the water, from boarding to disembarking?
• What happens if the cruise is cancelled because of weather?
• Are there life jackets in every cabin and on the kayaks?
• Are vegetarian or special diets possible?

Warning signs

• Prices that are much lower than similar boats: something is usually missing, such as kayaking, meals or quality.
• Vague itineraries that only say Halong Bay without naming places.
• Very short time on the water for a one-night cruise.
• Pressure to pay in full immediately through unofficial channels.

Weather and cancellations

Cruises in Halong Bay are controlled by the local authorities, who can stop all boats from sailing when storms are expected, most often between June and October. When this happens, reputable companies offer a new date or a refund. Keep a day of flexibility in your plans if you travel in the summer months, and ask your operator about their policy before you book.

Our approach

We choose smaller boats on quieter routes in Lan Ha and Bai Tu Long Bay, with kayaking and village visits included, and combine them with private transfers so you can leave Hanoi at a comfortable time. See our Lan Ha Bay cruise, Bai Tu Long Bay cruise and our four-day Halong, Lan Ha and Cat Ba journey.

What to pack for a cruise

• Swimwear and a light towel for beaches and swimming.
• Sun cream, a hat and sunglasses.
• A light jacket or jumper for evenings on deck, warmer clothes from December to March.
• Comfortable shoes for caves and island walks, and sandals for the boat.
• A dry bag for your phone and camera when kayaking.
• Motion sickness tablets if you are sensitive, although the water is usually calm.

Cruising with children

Halong Bay is a fantastic experience for families. Children love the kayaks, the caves, the floating villages and the excitement of sleeping on a boat. A few things make the trip easier: choose a boat with family cabins or connecting rooms, check that child-size life jackets are available, and pick a route with short transfers and a beach for swimming.

Younger children may find a full day of activities tiring, so a smaller boat with a flexible programme is often the best choice. Many families also prefer to charter a whole small boat, which lets them set their own pace and meal times.

Cruising in winter

From December to February the bay is cool and often misty, and swimming is too cold for most people. It is, however, a peaceful and atmospheric time, with fewer boats and dramatic views of the islands appearing out of the fog. Bring warm clothes for the deck, choose a boat with heated or well-insulated cabins, and focus on caves, villages and kayaking on calm days. Prices can also be lower outside the main seasons.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which Halong Bay cruise is best?

The best cruise depends on your priorities, but for most travellers a small or medium boat on a quieter route in Lan Ha or Bai Tu Long Bay, with kayaking included, offers the best experience.

Is a one-night Halong Bay cruise enough?

Yes, one night lets you enjoy the bay at sunset and sunrise. Choose two nights if you want more time to relax and explore.

Do Halong Bay cruises get cancelled?

Sometimes, when the authorities close the bay because of storms, mostly in summer. Reputable companies then offer a new date or a refund.

Are drinks included on Halong Bay cruises?

Usually not. Meals are included, but drinks are typically paid on board.