Ahh, Ha Long Bay. This UNESCO Heritage Site is an iconic north Vietnam treasure for a reason - its glorious limestone karsts dotted along the Gulf of Tonkin in North Vietnam are a sight to behold. Located off the coast of Hai Phong, Halong Bay is a famous must-see when visiting Vietnam. Halong Bay is easily accessible from Hanoi, as its only about a 2-hour drive from the capital city to the Hai Phong port.

There are a variety of cruise and tour options available to tourists who desire to see the beauty of Ha Long Bay for themselves - so you may be wondering how to choose the right Halong Bay cruise for you. If so, look no further than this article, as I will be covering everything from budget day trips and cruises to Halong Bay for backpackers on a shoestring budget, to multi-day luxury Halong Bay cruises for holidaymakers seeking a bit more comfort and class as they cruise through the jutting islands of Halong Bay.

Most Halong Bay cruise packages listed include round trip transportation from Hanoi, delicious Vietnamese (and sometimes also Western) meals, kayaking along the majestic jutting karsts, and cave exploration. Some include some additional activities such as cooking classes, tai chi, fishing, cycling and more.

The following cruises from Hanoi Capital Travel are some of the best options I’ve found and can be easily booked directly through the Hanoi Capital Travel website.

Hanoi Capital Travel Halong Bay Cruise Recommendations

Best Multi-Day Halong Bay Luxury Cruise: Mon Cheri Cruise (5 stars)

*Available for 3 days/2 nights or 2 day/1 night

Price: From $240/pax

Includes:

Luxury roundtrip transfer from Hanoi hotel
Welcome drink with warm and cold towels
Visit to untouched parts of Lan Ha Bay and Cat Ba Island
Swimming and kayaking in Lan Ha Bay
Explore Van Boi Bay
Entrance and sightseeing fees
Luxurious A/C cabin options
English-speaking tour guide
All delicious meals on boat
Tai Chi lesson
Bamboo boat in Dark and Bright Cave
Kayaking in Ba Trai Dao beach
Cooking demonstration
Night squid fishing
Sunset party
Onboard insurance

Best Multi-Day Mid-Range Halong Bay Cruise: Viola Cruise (4 star)

*available for 3 days/2 nights or 2 days/1 night

Price: from $138/pax

Includes:

Fully furnished, A/Ced cabin with ensuite bathroom
Cave exploration by bamboo boats
Kayaking
Tai Chi lesson
Cooking class
Cycling or taking a car through Viet Hai village (*3 day tour)
Vietnamese meals
Roundtrip transportation from Hanoi
Welcome drinks
English-speaking tour guide
Fishing equipment, games
Entrance and sightseeing fees
On board insurance

Best Multi-Day Budget Halong Bay Cruise: Imperial Classic Cruise (2 star)

*available for 3 days/2 nights or 2 days/1 night

Price: from $113/pax

Includes:

A/C cabin with ensuite bathroom
Roundtrip transportation from Hanoi
Cave exploration
Swimming or hiking on Titop Island
Kayaking
Visit to Fairy Lake Cave and Sung Sut Cave *3 day only
Visit fishing farm to learn about raising fish and cultivating pearls *3 day only
All meals on board
Cooking demonstration
Happy Hour
Squid fishing
English-speaking tour guide
Entrance and sightseeing fees
Insurance on board