Cruise in Halong Bay: Your Bucket List Guide

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Prepare to be awe-struck by the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay (or Ha Long Bay). This is a must-see bucket list destination that is sure to mesmerize you with its stunning landscapes and adventurous allure. 

Picture this: thousands of limestone karsts jutting majestically out of emerald waters, shrouded in an air of mystery by the early morning mist. Halong Bay is not just a destination—it’s an experience, a love affair with nature that awakens the adventurer in you. 

So buckle up, fellow wanderlust souls, as we take a deep dive into the enchanting world of Halong Bay, a destination that is so much more than a dot on the map. 

It’s an adventure of a lifetime waiting to happen…and what better way to immerse yourself in this unique paradise than cruising through it! 

Bucket List Review of Cruising Halong Bay

Category	Luxury Outdoor Adventure
Who Needs to Add This To Their Bucket List?	Nature lovers looking for a unique adventure
Best Time to Go	September to November
Traveling Difficulty	Moderate to Difficult
Physical Difficulty	Moderate to Difficult
Popularity Rating	6/10
Group/Tour Required	Yes
Budget	Depends on the cruise
Wheelchair Accessible	Depends on the cruise
Best Overall Cruise	All-Inclusive OVERNIGHT Halong Cruises

If you need more information about the categories of this table, please check out the Bucket List Reviews guide.

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How to Choose a Cruise in Halong Bay

When choosing a cruise in Halong Bay, there are several factors to consider that will heavily influence your experience. 

What Ambiance Do you want?

First, determine what kind of ambiance you’re seeking. Are you after the luxury, and relaxation of a high-end yacht or the adventurous spirit of a traditional junk boat? Establishing a budget and how much you want to “rough it” should be your first determination!

Choose Your Itinerary

Then, consider the itinerary. There are so many incredible bucket list activities to do in Halong Bay and each cruise company varies on where they go. Ensure it includes the spots you have earmarked on your bucket list. 

Look at Reviews

Next, check reviews for the cruise company’s service, food quality, and safety standards. 

Not all cruises are not all created equal. And you want to make sure that your trip to Halong Bay is a special one and not one that gets told as your “horrific travel story” that you tell at parties. 

Remember that your cruise will be a significant part of your Halong Bay experience – it’s not merely a mode of transport, but your home on the water during your adventure. In fact, cruising around Halong Bay was the best part of my trip! 

Sure, the excursions are fun, but nothing quite compares to just sailing around this magnificent UNESCO World Heritage site! 

Tips for Booking a Cruise to Halong Bay

Book your cruise as early as possible to avoid disappointment. Many of the best cruises tend to fill up quickly, especially during peak season in the Autumn (more on that later). 

For budget-minded travelers, consider booking through an online travel agency or tour company (such as Viator) – this can potentially reduce costs and give you accurate reviews without compromising on quality or service. 

Looking for the best deals on Halong Bay cruises? Look at booking during the summer, as long as you don’t mind getting a little wet. 

Best Halong Bay Cruise

Believe me when I tell you that you could literally throw a pebble and land on a cruising company in Halong Bay. Although these are my opinions, there really are some great options wherever you look. I would, however, pay attention to reviews. 

Best Cruise Overall

If we are talking about the best Halong Bay Cruise for the price that you pay, I would check out the two-day cruise provided by Halong Bay Cruise Hunters. 

This has over 2,500 five-star reviews on Trip Advisor and is a best seller on Viator. Keep in mind that it is pretty short, so I would not recommend it if you really want to immerse yourself in Halong Bay. Even so, there isn’t much that beats that price tag!

Best Overnight Halong Bay Cruise

Mon Cheri Cruises is an excellent choice if you’re searching for an overnight adventure in Halong Bay. They offer a unique blend of elegance and adventure in their cruises, making for an unforgettable experience. 

Plus, their ships are smaller in size and it is always nice to excape the crowds.

What I like about Mon Cheri is that the offer 2 or 3 day trip options. Whether you’re looking for a quick overnight trip or an extended three-night journey, Mon Cheri has you covered. 

Their array of options allows you to tailor your Halong Bay experience to fit your schedule and bucket list dreams.

Best Halong Bay Day Cruise

For those of you who don’t want say overnight, indulging in a day trip with Cozy Bay is a fantastic way to experience the enchanting beauty of Halong Bay. 

Cozy Bay‘s day cruises are perfect for those who are short on time but still want to capture the essence of this UNESCO World Heritage site. 

Their well-designed itinerary ensures you don’t miss out on any of the iconic sights. From the towering limestone islets to the serene floating fishing villages, every sight is a sensory feast.

The cruise staff takes care of everything, from providing delicious Vietnamese meals to ensuring your safety during the kayak or bamboo boat rides. If you are looking for a condensed yet comprehensive Halong Bay experience, a day trip with Cozy Bay is undoubtedly a bucket list essential.

Best Luxury Cruise Halong Bay

Indulge in the epitome of luxury with Paradise Elegance, the shining jewel of Halong Bay’s cruising scene. This prestigious cruise liner offers an unparalleled bucket list experience that marries opulence with adventure. 

As you sail through the ethereal beauty of Halong Bay, you’re treated to first-rate amenities and five-star service that turn your journey into a surreal escapade. 

Each suite aboard Paradise Elegance exudes elegance, with tastefully adorned interiors, private balconies, and panoramic windows that offer captivating views of the emerald waters and towering limestone cliffs. Some rooms even come with a butler service!

The culinary journey is as enchanting as the scenic beauty, with fine dining experiences curated by celebrated chefs. 

The Paradise Elegance cruise, with its blend of luxury and scenic charm, truly redefines the essence of a Halong Bay cruise. This is not just a trip, it’s a voyage into a world of refined elegance set amidst one of the most breathtaking landscapes on the planet.

Cheapest Halong Bay Cruise

To state the obvious, the longer you cruise, the more expensive it is going to be. 

Here are some cheaper options to inspire you!

Halong Bay Cruise Price 

Cruise prices for Halong Bay can vary dramatically. A lot depends on the type of cruise you choose – from luxury liners that redefine lavishness, to more budget-friendly options like the offerings from Halong Bay Cruise Hunters.

A one-day cruise will be cheapest and can accomdate those with a tight schedule. While it delivers a condensed yet comprehensive Halong Bay experience, it also ensures your pockets are not entirely emptied. From my research, the average price tends to be from $40-60.

Luxurious options like Paradise Elegance or Stellar of the Seas, on the other hand, provide a high-end, unforgettable cruising experience that comes with a matching price. Luxurious cruises will put you out about $300-1,200 but will offer more luxurious staterooms and anemities.

If you’re looking for a balance between cost and experience, opting for an overnight stay with Mon Cheri or Swan Cruises could be a great pick. They offer a unique blend of elegance and adventure, finely tuned to keep you engrossed throughout your journey.

Always remember, inclusions play a significant role in determining the cruise prices.

Most Halong Bay cruises include on-board meals, and some even cover activities like kayaking or visits to the caves. 

I would also recommend reading the fine print of what the price actually covered. I observed that for some companies, the price is per person per night. For others, it is for the entire duration of the stay and has inclusions. 

Make sure you read what’s included in your package to avoid any surprises later!

Halong Bay Cruise: How Many Days?

Day Cruises

Being brutally honest, you might feel rushed if you choose to cram all of Halong Bay’s beauty into one day. 

However, some adventurers might not have a choice. Going for one day is better than not going at all! 

The good news is that most of the day trips from Hanoi to Halong Bay are 6-12 hours. It might be a long day, but this might still give you a good chance to take in the majestic sights of Halong Bay. 

Plus, you can’t beat the price tags! 

2 Day, 1 Night Cruises

This appears to be the magical number of days to experience Halong Bay. Meaning that most cruises will opperate within this time frame of 2 days and 1 night. 

For a traveler like me, who really likes to take it as much as I can in a location, this still feels a bit rushed to me. 

Fortunatly, a traveler who is looking for a quick bucket list check off, this will be perfect. And it appears to be a perfect amount of time to see the iconic highlights and then move on to more Vietnam adventures! 

3+ Day Cruises

I would recommend a 3+ day cruise to two types of people. 

You Like Slow Travel

You love to live, breath, and experience locations! If you have taken a glance at any of the itineraires for the shorter cruise options, you may notice that it is jam packed!

And it needs to be that way in order to see everything! Some people like to experience their bucket lists at slower paces-and that is perfectly okay!

You want to Relax

For travelers who might want some extra time to admire the scenery, be less rushed at the Halong Bay highlights, or participate in some lesser known excursions, I would recommend opting for the longer option.

Shorter cruises take you to all of the popular spots, but there is not much room in the middle. Plus, taking a longer cruise might give you time to relax on those pristine Halong Bay beaches or on the cruise ship itself. 

Keep in mind that longer cruises are going to be more expensive, but it might be worth it if you have made a special trip to Vietnam or just want to take your time. 

Best Times of Year and Weather Conditions for Cruising in Halong Bay

When planning your bucket-list adventure to Halong Bay, one of the key considerations should be the time of year. Each season in this stunning corner of the world offers a unique cruise experience.

In general, Halong Bay experiences a tropical climate, with two distinct seasons: hot and moist summer, and dry and cold winter. 

Spring (March to May)

Spring is a great time to cruise Halong Bay. The temperatures are mild and comfortable, typically varying from 18 – 30°C (64 – 86°F), perfect for enjoying the outdoor activities that the cruise offers.

This is also the time when the landscape is in full bloom, enhancing the beauty of the already picturesque bay.

The only downside can be a little misty weather that could obscure your views. But don’t worry, it’s unpredictable and doesn’t last all day! This is the best time for any outdoor activities.

Summer (June to August)

Summer brings higher temperatures, often rising above 30°C (86°F), and frequent rain showers.

This is also the time when Halong Bay is prone to tropical storms, often leading to cruise cancellations. But if you’re a fan of warm weather and don’t mind a bit of rain, this can be an exciting time to visit.

The rainy season often results in fewer tourists, so you can enjoy the attractions without the crowds. This is also when you can find the best deals and engage in the most water-based activities!

Autumn (September to November)

Autumn is often considered the best time to cruise Halong Bay.

The weather is beautiful, with clear skies, gentle winds and moderate temperature, ranging from 25 – 30°C (77 – 86°F).

There might be occasional drizzles and clouds, but they rarely affect the cruising schedules. This is also a great time for photography enthusiasts, as the clear weather provides excellent lighting conditions.

Keep in mind that because of the beautiful weather, it is more crowded, more expensive, and tends to sell out early. 

Winter (December to February)

Winter can be chilly and dry, with temperatures falling between 15 – 20°C (59 – 68°F).

This season offers a distinctly tranquil ambience, with the misty weather adding a mystical touch to the scenic vistas. You may still get some light rain, but it is nothing compared to the summer months.

Although it may not be as popular as Autumn, it is still high tourist season due to the decreased humidy and cooler temperatures. Therefore, I would make sure to book early to avoid disappointment. 

Remember, no matter when you choose to visit, Halong Bay’s charm never fails to captivate its visitors. If you’re flexible with your travel dates, I’d recommend choosing a time which aligns best with your weather preferences and crowd comfort level.

Personally, I would go to Halong Bay from September to November or from March to May.

Insider Advice for Making the Most of Your Trip to Halong Bay

Coming from someone who has cruised and admired its beauty, here are my tips for making your bucket list trip to Halong Bay the best it can be!

1. Eat as much Vietnamese food as you can.

You can eat your own food when you get back home. This Vietnamese food is truly out of this world and I couldn’t eat enough! This is the perfect time to branch out of your culinary comfort zone and try some new Vietnamese dishes! 

2. Talk to the locals. 

I found that it was an absolute blast finding some locals who were willing to chat with me and tell me about their lives. I met the nicest people at the floating market as well as the staff on the tours and cruises themselves. 

3. Bring a camera with multiple lenses if you have one. 

For my photography enthusiasts, Halong Bay is a goldmine. Whether it is the iconic rocks jetting up from the turquoise water or the pristine beaches, you won’t be lacking in subject matter. 

If I had to do it again, I would have brought a better camera and would have brought various lenses.

With a wide angle lens, it is possible to fit all of the majestic rock formations into one shot. 

While wide landscape shots are more common, I also think that a telephoto or a standard lens coupled with a tripod would have also been enjoyable to experiment with throughout my trip. 

To put it bluntly, Halong Bay is gorgeous and my biggest mistake was underestimating that fact. 

Although the technology has significantly progressed, there is only so much you can do with a phone. 

4. Pick up every single piece of trash you see. 

The yoga hippie in me was absolutely turning a nice shade of red on my trip…and it wasn’t from the sunburn. It absolutely broke my heart to see plastic trash bags and other forms of trash just floating about in this awe-inspiring and unique destination. 

If you are there, witness this, and have a spare moment, it would make this mermaid hippie very happy if you picked up the trash. 

It is our duty as travelers and adventurers to keep these sites cleaner than we found them so that others and future generations to come can also check them off of their bucket lists!

Okay, back to the fun! 

Is a cruise to Halong Bay Worth it and should it be added to your bucket list? 

Absolutely, a cruise to Halong Bay is not just worth it, but it’s an undeniably essential addition to your bucket list! This UNESCO World Heritage site is a breathtakingly beautiful fusion of sea, sky, and towering limestone islands. 

What stood out to me about this bucket list adventure was that it is unique. There is no other place quite like it. With that being said, it well deserves a place on your bucket list!

With that being said, a cruise through Halong Bay is the perfect way to check it off and make sure you don’t miss anything. 

Whether you’re a seasoned traveler or planning your first big adventure, Halong Bay promises an immersive cultural experience, captivating landscapes, and adventurous activities. 

Each moment spent here, from watching the sunrise over the bay from the deck of a traditional junk boat to kayaking around the emerald waters, is a memory in the making. The real question isn’t whether Halong Bay is worth visiting, but rather how soon can you get there!