Tips for booking a cruise trip in Halong

Types of Cruises Available for Booking in Halong

Currently, booking a cruise tour in Halong is categorized into various luxury segments, depending on customer preferences. You can choose from 5-star cruises, 4-star cruises, or 3-star cruises in Halong. Additionally, depending on your itinerary, there are day cruises, as well as cruises lasting 2 days and 1 night, 3 days and 2 nights, or 4 days and 3 nights. You can select the type of cruise that best fits your needs and budget.

For day cruises, the most popular option is a 4-hour tour of the bay. You can choose a departure time from the dock at 8:00 AM and return at 12:00 PM, or depart at 12:00 PM and return at 4:00 PM. With this 4-hour cruise, you can opt for a private boat (just for your group) or a shared cruise (with other groups, typically ranging from 20 to 40 guests, depending on the size of the boat). If you prefer a more personalized experience, consider booking a Halong cruise for 6 to 8 hours. This extended option allows you to experience overnight stays on the boat, visit more islands and caves, and enjoy activities such as visiting fishing villages, kayaking, or watching the sunset on the deck with the evening breeze.

Details of Halong Cruise Tours

Currently, cruise tours are categorized by the number of days or hours tourists spend enjoying the scenery on the boat. There are three main types of cruise tours available in Halong:

1. Day Cruise Tour (4 Hours on the Boat)

The most popular option is a 4-hour tour of the bay. The ideal times for this day tour are from 8:00 AM to 12:00 PM, or from 12:00 PM to 4:00 PM. On this trip, you can choose a shared boat with other guests, typically ranging from 20 to 40 people. Alternatively, you can opt for a private boat for a more exclusive experience with friends and family.

2. 2 Days/1 Night Cruise Tour

The 2-day, 1-night cruise tour of Halong Bay is popular not only among Western tourists but also among many other travelers. Although 2 days and 1 night might seem brief, it is sufficient to visit major attractions and enjoy a relaxing break from a busy schedule.

3. 3 Days/2Nights Cruise Tour

If you have more time to spare, you can opt for a 3-day, 2-night cruise tour to enjoy an extended period of exploration and relaxation. This trip will give you the chance to visit serene islands, admire the deep blue sea, and enjoy clean, quiet beaches with gentle waves and calm waters. The harmony between humans and nature, along with the peaceful environment, will help you relax and recharge.

Best Time to Go on a Cruise and Current Prices

The best time to book a cruise tour in Halong Bay is from April to July. During this period, Halong experiences dry summer weather, which is ideal for sightseeing and outdoor activities on the bay.

The price of a cruise tour in Halong Bay depends on factors such as the duration, star rating of the cruise, and itinerary length. For example, the lowest price for a one-night tour starts at under 1,000,000 VND ($40). A 2-day, 1-night luxury 5-star cruise in Halong Bay typically costs around 2,500,000 VND ($100), while a 4-star cruise is priced from 1,900,000 VND ($76).

Additionally, most tours include the following: accommodation on the cruise, main meals, a guide, entrance fees, and scheduled activities. Depending on the itinerary, popular departure points include: Tuan Chau Pier - Halong, Sun Group Pier - Bai Chay, and Got Ferry Pier - Hai Phong.

Choosing the Right Cruise

Each type of cruise ship offers different room designs and amenities. Selecting the right cruise will ensure a comfortable experience and maximize your vacation enjoyment. Currently, cruise ships generally fall into two main categories:

- Wooden Cruises: These typically have fewer than 16 cabins, each around 15 m² with an en-suite bathroom and toilet.

- Steel Cruises: These feature 16 or more cabins, offering more spacious rooms and modern amenities.

Steel cruise ships tend to be more luxurious and come at a higher price compared to wooden ones. Based on these basic differences, you can choose the cruise type that best meets your needs.

Explore the Unique Aspects of Booking a Cruise Tour in Halong Bay

Halong Bay is divided into three bays: Halong Bay, Bai Tu Long Bay, and Lan Ha Bay.

Overall, these three bays have a similar structure, formed by limestone mountains, with cave systems and pristine white sand beaches. However, Halong Bay (home to Ti Top Island and Sung Sot Cave) is the most popular with numerous cruise ships and tourist attractions, making it more crowded compared to the other two bays.

In contrast, Bai Tu Long Bay (located in the east) and Lan Ha Bay (in the south) retain their pristine and tranquil beauty due to less tourism development. If you want to visit the beautiful Cat Ba Island, you might choose a Lan Ha Bay tour. For a quieter, more untouched environment, Bai Tu Long Bay is a suitable option.

Additionally, when booking a cruise tour in Halong, the cost typically includes activities such as exploring caves, experiencing life in fishing villages, visiting pearl farms, swimming, kayaking (self-paddling), bamboo boat rides (paddled by locals), night squid fishing, visiting Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island, and other programs depending on the tour provider.

Amenities on Cruises When Booking a Tour in Halong Bay

Depending on the type of cruise, the interior amenities may vary. However, most cruises offer basic amenities such as:

- Luxurious Cabin System: The cabins are similar to hotel rooms and are equipped with essential amenities including a flat-screen TV, air conditioning, private bathroom, mini bar, and more.

- Restaurant on the Halong Cruise: Designed impressively and conveniently to cater to dining needs, the restaurant offers a choice of pre-set menus or buffet, depending on the tour and services provided. The menu typically features a wide range of options from Asian to European cuisine, catering to both Western and Vietnamese tastes.

- Sundeck Area: This is one of the most popular spots on the cruise. Here, you can enjoy breathtaking views of the bay, including sunrise and sunset. The sundeck is also an ideal place to relax, read a book, enjoy the breeze, sunbathe, or participate in morning activities such as yoga.

- Traditional Vietnamese Massage and Spa Services: These services offer guests a relaxing experience while enjoying the scenic beauty, blending comfort and nature harmoniously.

- Bar on the Cruise: Most premium Halong Bay cruises feature an outdoor bar on the top deck, serving high-quality foreign wines, cocktails, and light snacks for a relaxed evening experience.

Suggestions for Cruise Experiences in Halong

Here are some tour options you might consider for an exciting cruise experience in Halong:

- One-Day Cruise: All-inclusive package
- 2 Days 1 Night on Scarlet Pearl Cruise
- 3 Days 2 Nights on Scarlet Pearl Cruise

Overall, cruises in Halong Bay are a popular choice for travelers seeking a unique and relaxing experience. Often referred to as floating hotels on the bay, these cruises offer comprehensive amenities to meet the needs of tourists and promise to make your trip memorable. We hope the information provided helps you enjoy a wonderful journey.