Hạ Long Bay Cruise Guide: Tips, Routes, and Advice
Hạ Long Bay is one of Vietnam’s most iconic travel destinations, known for its emerald waters and towering limestone karsts that rise dramatically from the sea. Located in the Gulf of Tonkin, this UNESCO World Heritage Site spans more than 1,500 square kilometers and is home to nearly 2,000 islands. The most popular way to explore the area is by boat – and we consider this a must-do experience!
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How long should you cruise for?
How much does a Hạ Long Bay cruise cost?
When should you book a cruise?
Where is Hạ Long Bay
Hạ Long Bay sits on the northeastern coast of Vietnam, in Quảng Ninh Province, where the mountains meet the Gulf of Tonkin. It’s about 170 kilometers (105 miles) east of Hanoi, making it a popular overnight or weekend trip from the capital.
Getting to Hạ Long Bay
The bay is accessible by public bus or private transfer, with travel times averaging 2.5 to 3.5 hours from Hanoi.
Many cruises offer round-trip transportation from Hanoi, but you can also book private or group transfers through travel agents. We used VietSale Tours for this.
When to visit
Spring
March to May
Spring is one of the best times to visit Hạ Long Bay. Temperatures range from 17°C to 25°C (63°F to 77°F), with occasional light rain. The weather is generally mild, with fewer crowds. We loved walking around the quiet decks with a jacket on.
Summer
June
Expect high humidity and temperatures between 25°C and 33°C (77°F to 91°F) throughout June. We recommend avoiding traveling here between July and August because of there is a risk of typhoons and heavy rains.
Fall
September to November
This is the most popular time to visit Hạ Long Bay. Temperatures cool to between 20°C and 28°C (68°F to 82°F), with minimal rain. You can expect clear skies, calm waters, and crowds.
Winter
December to February
Winters tend to be cool and dry, with temperatures averaging 14°C to 20°C (57°F to 68°F). While it can feel colder on the water, this is the quietest time of year.
How long should you cruise for?
Day tour
Day cruises are a quick way to see part of the bay, with stops at popular spots like Hòn Ti Tốp( Ti Top Island) or Hang Sửng Sốt (Surprising Cave). These tours focus more on activities off the boat, meaning much of your time will be spent docked and exploring nearby attractions rather than cruising the length of the bay.
One-night cruise
This is the length of cruise we opted for. It was enough time to take in the beauty of the bay, with one excursion off the boat each day. Onboard, we watched the sunset from the top deck during happy hour, tried squid fishing after dark, and joined a sunrise tai chi lesson.
While we loved the ever-changing scenery, but we didn’t have much downtime to enjoy the boat’s amenities like the pool, spa, or game room.
Two-night cruise (or longer)
A multi-night cruise is ideal if you want to see more of the bay at a slower pace and have more time to relax onboard. These cruises typically include additional excursions, like biking on Cat Ba Island or visiting floating villages and pearl farms.
How much does a Hạ Long Bay cruise cost?
Cruise prices vary widely depending on the length and quality of the trip. Day trips typically range from $40 to $100, while overnight cruises start around $175. Keep in mind that some cruises charge by the room, and others charge per person.
Higher prices generally mean better food, newer boats, and more onboard amenities. Expect surcharges if you're traveling over major holidays.
While we chose to go with a pricier boat (after a mouse incident on a backpacking trip, Meghann didn’t want any uninvited guests on board), we opted to go with a cheaper room on a lower floor. Although the guests in upper-deck rooms were assigned window seats at meals, we didn’t feel like we missed out on the views at all.
When should you book a cruise?
We booked our cruise months in advance, although you can wait to book until a few weeks, or even days in advance, if you have flexible dates and aren't too particular. If you’re traveling over popular dates or holidays, booking farther out is recommended.
How to choose a cruise
With dozens of cruise companies operating in Hạ Long Bay, choosing which cruise is best for your needs is overwhelming. Ask a travel agent online (we used VietSale Tours) or in person in Hanoi for boat recommendations. Then, read reviews for each recommendation on TripAdvisor and Google to get a better sense of each option before booking.
Our experience with the Grand Pioneer Cruise
We cruised with Grand Pioneers. They have two of the largest luxury yachts in Vietnam and offer one-to-two-night cruises of Lan Hay Bay. It was our first cruise experience, and it far exceeded our expectations.
Route
We chose Grand Pioneer’s one-night Classic Journey cruise. We cruised through Lan Hay Bay which has fewer boats and similar views to Hạ Long Bay, with cleaner waters.
Source: Grand Pionners
Excursions
Hang Sửng Sốt
On our first day, we stopped at Hang Sửng Sốt, also known as Surprise Cave. The visit included a leisurely walk up a series of stairs and a guided tour through the cave’s massive chambers. You enter and exit at different points, so once you disembark the boat, you're committed to the full walk.
The view from the top of the cave
The weather was cool during our visit, but there were coconut stands at both the top of the stairs and near the cave’s exit. These would be the perfect refreshment on a hotter day.
Hang Luồn
The second day included an excursion through Hang Luồn, with the choice to kayak or ride in a rowboat. We chose to kayak and loved paddling through the low cave entrance that opened into a sheltered cove. At one point, we noticed a small crowd gathering on the other side of the cove – there were monkeys near the shore!
Onboard activities
We were surprised by just how many amenities were available on board. Spa treatments and karaoke rooms could be reserved for an additional fee, but everything else was included in the cruise.
The ship featured a kid's game room, toddler play room, pool table, virtual golf, a poker table, cigar lounge, and saltwater pool.
Poker
Cigar lounge
Toddler play room
In the evenings, crew members set up squid fishing and, in the morning, tai chi classes were held on the top deck.
Meals
We loved the food on this cruise! Breakfast and lunch were buffet-style, with plenty of Vietnamese and Western options, fresh fruit, salads, and seafood.
Dinner was an unexpected highlight – a beautifully plated five-course meal. Every dish was delicious, but the baked lobster and striploin were the highlights.
Dietary accommodations
Meghann has celiac disease and needs to eat gluten free. Our server understood the restrictions and always made special accommodations. We’d highly recommend this cruise for anyone with special dietary needs.
Staff
Every staff member was friendly, helpful, and upbeat. Most, if not all, spoke English, so it was very easy to communicate and ask questions.
Cost
We spent $475 USD for the one-night cruise in March 2025. Each room has a private balcony, private bathroom, and spacious room. All meals and excursions were included.
What to pack
What to pack for a Hạ Long Bay cruise depends on the time of year, but we’ve got you covered. Check out our Vietnam packing list includes everything you need for each season.
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